This type of information is vital for planning intervention as well as diagnosis. A schedule was needed for use with individuals of any age and with any type of autistic spectrum disorder, including the most subtle forms in individuals with high ability. It also had to be usable with adults as well as children. The schedule has 8 parts divided into sections. The first part covers general information which is varied to suit the needs of the user.
Areas covered include identifying data, family history, perinatal history, medical history.
The second part covers early development in the first two years of life. For every item in the developmental sections there are questions about delay in acquiring the skill, atypic behaviour related to the skill, in addition to the level reached. Part 4 collects information on the various kinds of repetitive activities and odd responses to sensory stimuli. These difficulties are particularly common in autistic spectrum disorders but can be seen in other conditions. Part 5 covers emotions and Part 6 deals with questions on behaviour affecting other people, and sleep disturbances.