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The core diagnostic features covering issues in areas of social and communicative interaction alongside the presence of restricted and/or repetitive patterns of behaviour ( 3) described in his small caseload still remain central parts of the diagnosis today. Those changes also offer an insight into what might be further to come for the label of autism.Īlthough there is still debate in some quarters about who first formally defined autism ( 1), most people accept that Kanner ( 2) should be credited as offering the first recognised description of the condition in the peer-reviewed scientific literature. Such changes are to be welcomed, but at the same time bring with them new challenges. Discussions about autism in socio-political terms have also increased, as exemplified by the rise of ideas such as neurodiversity and an increasingly vocal dialogue with those diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Diagnostic changes, increasing moves towards early diagnosis and intervention, and a greater appreciation of autism in girls and women and into adulthood and old age have similarly impacted on autism in the clinic. Shifts in research focus to encompass the massive heterogeneity covered under the label and appreciation that autism rarely exists in a diagnostic vacuum have brought about new questions and challenges. Several key issues have emerged in relation to research, clinical and sociological aspects of autism. Not only have the central diagnostic criteria that define autism evolved but understanding of the label and how autism is viewed in research, clinical and sociological terms has also changed. The concept of autism continues to evolve. ESPA Research, Unit 133i Business Innovation Centre, The Robert Luff Laboratory, Education & Services for People With Autism Research, Sunderland, United Kingdom.