The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) released in May 2013, revised the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and added a separate diagnosis of social communication disorder (SCD) for children who have disabilities in the area of social communication in the absence of repetitive behaviors. Because SCD is a new diagnosis, health professionals might not have the information necessary to make educated clinical decisions regarding the difference between SCD and ASD, what characteristics are necessary for a diagnosis of SCD, who can diagnose SCD and how assessment and intervention for SCD should compare to that for ASD. In order to ensure appropriate care for children diagnosed with either SCD or ASD, the accuracy and consistency with which clinics are diagnosing individuals is crucial and can be improved by educating health professionals. This poster will provide detailed information about how the addition of SCD to the DSM-V will impact the assessment and intervention for children with SCD and ASD. The rationale for the new diagnosis of SCD in the DSM-V will be explained and the expected prevalence rate of children diagnosed with SCD will be provided. The information presented will include characteristics of children with SCD, best-practice guidelines for diagnosing SCD and evidence-based treatment for children with SCD