Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are serious neurodevelopmental disorders affecting approximately one in 160 Australians.1 In 1943, Kanner used the word ‘autism’ to describe children who were unable to relate to others, had delayed and disordered language, repetitive behaviours and a drive for sameness.2 These three core symptoms have remained central to the diagnosis of a group of disorders referred to as ‘pervasive developmental disorders’ (PDDs) described in both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revised (DSM-IV-TR)3 and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10).4 In 1997,Wing introduced the term ‘autism spectrum disorders’ describing a continuum of conditions from aloof children through to ‘active but odd’ children who share an autistic ‘triad of impairments’.5 The term has since been used to describe symptoms of severity, changes that occur with development and the associated range of intellectual ability.6 In line with emerging international practice, in this article the term ‘autism spectrum disorders’ will refer to autistic disorder, Asperger disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS) (atypical autism).