This study aims to investigate the level of knowledge of the accepted criteria for autistic disorder, using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association 1994) criteria and the awareness of the needs of individuals with autism within three groups: health care workers, residential staff and day care staff. All participants were employed in providing a service to individuals with a learning disability, although experience of working with individuals with autism was not a prerequisite. The results were examined in relation to employment group and experience of working with individuals with autism. The health group demonstrated a significantly higher knowledge of the main defining features of autism and the needs of this population, compared to the other groups. A significant relationship between experience of autism and awareness of the features and needs was found.
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