The concept of autism has undergone several changes throughout time. Today two oficial instruments - ICD 10 and DSM IV - are used for its diagnosis together with several other instruments. A previous research has evaluated an autistic boy using the DSM IV, CARS and PEP-R. The present article compares quantitative data produced by this research with a qualitative analysis of PEP-R data. Results indicate agreement concerning the diagnosis of autism and impairments on social interaction, language and imitation. However, a qualitative analysis of PEP-R data indicates abilities not shown by the three instruments. The article concludes with the assertion that qualitative analises may produce a better discrimination of the abilities of autistic children.
autism; assessment instruments; abilities profile
