Edited by Sam Goldstein and Sally Ozonoff

Hardcover 494 pages

This authoritative resource, now thoroughly revised for DSM-5, has set the standard for the comprehensive assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Leading experts demonstrate how to craft a scientifically grounded profile of each child’s strengths and difficulties, make a formal diagnosis, and use assessment data to guide individualized intervention in clinical and school settings. Chapters review state-of-the-art instruments and approaches for evaluating specific areas of impairment in ASD and co-occurring emotional and behavioral disorders. Considerations in working with children of different ages are highlighted. With a primary focus on children, several chapters also address assessment of adolescents and adults.

New to This Edition

• Chapter on key implications of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, plus related updates throughout the volume.
• Chapter on advances in early identification (ages 0–3).
• Chapter with in-depth case examples illustrating the evaluation decision-making process and common diagnostic challenges.
• Chapters on pseudoscience (including strategies for advising parents) and future directions in the field.
• Current assessment data, numerous new and revised measures, and cutting-edge screening approaches.

“This is an exceptionally well-written book regarding assessment of children and youth who may have autism spectrum disorder (ASD)….It was the authors’ intent in this [second] edition to emphasize valid and reliable methods of assessing this complex and often difficult-to-understand condition, and they succeeded in doing so. It is an excellent addition to professional bookshelves. Essential. Graduate students, faculty, and practitioners.”

—Choice Reviews


“This is a monumental, scholarly addition to the field of autism research, evaluation, and assessment—a home-run by any measure. This comprehensive book brings us up-to-date with the most recent research findings, evaluation and assessment tools, and practical application strategies for implementing treatment interventions across a variety of client populations. Timely and informative, it is an excellent resource for those interested in keeping up with the most valid and reliable evaluation and assessment methods for such a complex developmental condition. *****!”

—Doody's Review Service


“This book has something for everyone and does not shy away from tackling the controversial issues facing the autism community....The volume editors wisely devoted a number of chapters to practical suggestions and specific recommendations....An invaluable, accessible volume that has made the lives of professionals committed to working with individuals with ASD a little bit easier.”

—American Journal of Psychiatry (on the first edition)


“The editors...have brought together an outstanding group of contributors to provide comprehensive coverage of this important and timely topic....This text has much to offer the practicing school psychologist....Valuable.”

—NASP Communiqué (on the first edition)


“This book provides a single authoritative resource for assessing ASD and it will be a useful resource for school psychologists, neuropsychologists, and other child health and education professionals. It is an informative and well-researched book, written in a clear and direct style.”

—Journal of Child and Family Studies (on the first edition)


“This comprehensive volume offers professionals in the field a guide to understanding best practices associated with evaluating this complex disorder....The book achieves its goal of building a bridge from science to clinical practice by emphasizing valid and reliable methods for assessing this complex group of disorders. Written in straightforward, user-friendly language, the book is a valuable resource for neuropsychologists and other professionals interested in the assessment of ASD. An added feature is the inclusion of tables, figures, and case studies throughout the volume.”

—Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology (on the first edition)


“Provides both veteran and novice school social workers with important information on autism from which to build their knowledge base as well as useful background information….[It] is written in an easy-to-read style and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field of autism. It takes a complicated set of disorders, provides the latest research in easy-to-understand language, and makes recommendations for how mental health practitioners can make schools more responsive to children with autism. All social work departments in public schools should have this book.”

—School Social Work Journal (on the first edition)


“This remarkable book provides a comprehensive guide to assessment of individuals on the spectrum, across the continuum of development. The extensively updated second edition includes a detailed overview of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and their application. Much more than an inventory of measurement tools (although for the interested reader, the full range of relevant measures are reviewed in exquisite detail), the book explores both the art and science of using psychometric assessment to understand the diversity of abilities and needs of individuals on the spectrum. The contributors also offer rich insights about intervention in clinical and educational settings and address such important contemporary issues as the cognitive potential of minimally verbal individuals and the importance of understanding sex differences. A vital, in-depth reference for anyone involved in assessing ASD and its complex comorbidities.”

—Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, MD, Division Director, Developmental Pediatrics; Professor, Department of Pediatrics; and Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation Chair in Autism, University of Alberta, Canada


“If there is one constant in the field of autism, it is the state of flux. Diagnosis, assessment, and treatment are all areas where professionals in the field must work to keep up to date with the science. This timely second edition is a 'must have' for serious autism researchers as well as all professionals and advanced students involved in diagnosis and assessment. It includes well-chosen chapter topics, in-depth coverage of major issues and techniques, helpful case studies, and even a chapter on the pesky pseudoscience that dogs the field. Discussions of historic and future directions provide a nice context for the current state of the art.”

—Laura Schreibman, PhD, Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Research Professor, Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego


“Goldstein and Ozonoff have assembled an excellent compendium of cutting-edge information on assessment of people with ASD. Each chapter contributes a layer of knowledge applicable to basic and complex assessment issues. I will definitely keep this volume close at hand for my own clinical practice and as an essential training guide.”

—Catherine E. Rice, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Director, Emory Autism Center, Emory University School of Medicine