Differential Diagnosis

Some conditions may have symptoms similar to autism; therefore, professionals must be diligent when determining a diagnosis and its treatment.

Following is a list of related syndromes/disorders that manifest behaviors similar to those of autism and/or are more prevalent in individuals with autism:

Cornelia deLange Sydrome: Cornelia deLange Syndrome Foundation

Tourette’s Syndrome: Tourette’s Syndrome Association

Fragile X Syndrome: The National Fragile X Foundation

Williams Syndrome: The Williams Syndrome Association

Down Syndrome: National Down Syndrome Society

Tuberous Sclerosis: Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance

Landau-Kleffner Syndrome: National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders

Congenital Rubella Syndrome: Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults

Untreated Phenylketonuria (PKU): Children’s PKU Network

Kluver-Bucy Syndrome: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Prader-Willi Syndrome: Prader-Willi Syndrome Association

Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome: Lesch-Nyhan Disease Registry

Rett Syndrome: http://www.rettsyndrome.org/

Although autism is commonly thought of as a mental health disorder, it is a whole-body condition, which can manifest through a number of physical symptoms and characteristics.