Sarah Louise Burns and colleagues review the terminology associated with Asperger syndrome and autism, and changes in how the conditions are diagnosed

Autism is a relatively new diagnostic category that has prompted debate among people diagnosed with the condition, their families and carers, and those working in academic and clinical specialisms. This is due in part to the distinction between autism and Asperger syndrome, and the overlap between people who are said to be on the autistic spectrum (AS) and those who have learning disabilities. Because of this overlap, learning disability nurses can have an important role in advocating and improving access to care for people on the AS, and in encouraging training in autism for other healthcare practitioners.