The Role of Diagnostic Instruments in Dual and Differential Diagnosis in Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2020 Apr;29(2):275-299. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2020.01.002. Epub 2020 Feb 17.

Abstract

The heterogeneity inherent in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) makes the identification and diagnosis of ASD complex. We survey a large number of diagnostic tools, including screeners and tools designed for in-depth assessment. We also discuss the challenges presented by overlapping symptomatology between ASD and other disorders and the need to determine whether a diagnosis of ASD or another diagnosis best explains the individual's symptoms. We conclude with a call to action for the next steps necessary for meeting the diagnostic challenges presented here to improve the diagnostic process and to help understand each individual's particular ASD profile.

Keywords: Autism; Co-occurring conditions; Diagnostic instruments; Differential diagnosis; Dual diagnosis; Lifespan.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Anxiety Disorders / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / epidemiology
  • Behavioral Symptoms / diagnosis*
  • Behavioral Symptoms / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Comorbidity
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / diagnosis*
  • Intellectual Disability / epidemiology
  • Neuropsychological Tests*