What actually are the definitive diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of Autism?

[popgoestheweezel]

I know that the DSM is changing in 2012 and I've looked at that. In the meantime will professionals continue to use the current DSM criteria (has anyone got a link to that please) or will there be a period of changeover beforehand. Or, will it take years for the new criteria to be adopted in practice?
Just wondering...

Have a look at the first few links to the pediatric journal in my Autism ASD links collection

However in the long term ASD will continue to be redefined as research improves the understanding of the complex range of issues involved. And as the research technology and understanding improves so the methods of diagnosis will change, and will be more specific regarding the individual issues that combine to cause these types of issues.