Autistic spectrum disorders. 1: Presentation and assessment.
As many as six in every 1000 children may be affected by an autistic spectrum disorder. Characterised by a triad of social communication difficulties, these children exhibit impairment in communication and socialisation, and restricted and repetitive interests, movements and activities. This article will discuss the distinction between autism, Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder. Assessment should include a history of the child's development, observation, school report and a profile of the child's strengths and weaknesses. However, it is important that potential differential diagnoses as well as conditions associated with autism are also considered. Differential diagnoses, management and possible causes of autistic spectrum disorders will be discussed in more detail in next month's Clinical Updates.
SGDP Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, London.
Alice
A
Jones
Christine
C
Cork
Uttom
U
Chowdhury
D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis; D003142:Communication; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010808:Physical Examination; D015995:Prevalence; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012919:Social Behavior; D012951:Socialization