Autism Spectrum Disorder: Assessment of Social Behavior

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition with characteristics that include a variety of difficulties within the domains of social interaction and communication. ASD is a lifelong condition that involves a wide spectrum, or scope, of features—this means that some individuals with ASD exhibit more symptoms than others and/or experience more difficulty or success based on their range of ASD characteristics. This entry looks at the social behavior often exhibited by individuals with ASD and why it is important to assess their social behavior. It then discusses procedures for assessing verbal and nonverbal social behavior in individuals with ASD.

Assessment of social behavior in individuals with ASD is central to the processes of diagnosis, planning, treatment, and support. It involves the consideration of how an ...