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Review
. 2024 Apr;71(2):157-177.
doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.12.004. Epub 2024 Jan 5.

Differential Diagnosis of Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Lindsay Olson  1 , Somer Bishop  1 , Audrey Thurm  2
Affiliations
Review

Differential Diagnosis of Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Lindsay Olson et al. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2024 Apr.

Abstract

This article discusses the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders that may be confused with or co-occur with ASD. Practitioners involved in diagnostic assessment of ASD must be well versed in the features that differentiate ASD from other conditions and be familiar with how co-occurring conditions may manifest in the context of ASD. ASD symptoms present differently across development, underscoring the need for training about typical developmental expectations for youth. Periodic reevaluations throughout development are also important because support needs for individuals with autism change over time.

Keywords: Autism; Autism diagnosis; Differential diagnosis; Neurodevelopmental disorders.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure This article was written as part of Audrey Thurm’s official duties as a Government employee. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), or the United States Government. S. Bishop receives royalties for sales of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2).

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