Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 September 1998
This paper presents an analysis of the first 81 cases seen in the recently established assessment service for children with autism and related disorders in Southampton. The children presenting for assessment are described in terms of a number of biographical, educational, behavioural, and medical features and the characteristics of our sample are compared with published findings. The future development of the service is considered in the light of current developments and common features and concerns of the families seen.