ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors constrain their discussion of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to a selective review of topics of greatest relevance to theory and practice in neuropsychology. They begin with a brief review of the changes in the diagnostic criteria set forth in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition (DSM-5) and their implications for clinical practice. Social communication (SC) has long been recognized as a cardinal area of impairment in ASD. The DSM-5 criteria pertaining to SC require that individuals demonstrate impairment in social-emotional reciprocity that is persistent and apparent across multiple contexts. The authors provide a cursory overview of the epidemiology of ASD in which they survey evidence suggesting an alarming increase in prevalence. They summarize some of the complex and diverse factors thought to increase risk for the diagnosis. The authors then consider the advances in the understanding of the neurobiological basis and neuropsychological correlates of the disorder.
