When Autistic Behavior Suggests a Disease Other than Classic Autism
Mark D. Simms
This article reviews the essential features of autism spectrum disorder and describes other conditions that may include similar symptoms that may be misdiagnosed as autism spectrum disorder (primary communication disorders, anxiety disorders, attachment disorders, intellectual disability, vision and hearing impairment, and normal variations). An approach to differential diagnosis is discussed with particular attention to evaluation of young children.
Keywords
Autism spectrum disorder, Specific language impairment, Social (pragmatic) communication disorder, Anxiety disorder, Selective mutism.