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 Syndrome: Tourette 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): National PKU Alliance
• 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: International Rett Syndrome Foundation

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.