Autism spectrum disorders

Autism is both a popular topic in the mass media and a neglected issue especially in adult psychiatry and psychotherapy. The reason for the latter is that in particular high functioning variants of autism spectrum disorders are frequently overlooked in case diagnosticians and therapists are unfamiliar with the phenotype. In fact high functioning autism often represents a kind of basic disorder based of which secondary depression, anxiety or personality disorder arises. But it is also a relevant differential diagnosis for psychotic disorder or obsessive-compulsive-disorder. The correct diagnosis is not only a prerequisite for the development of an adequate self-concept and understanding of the psychodynamics of the frequent problems, misunderstandings and conflicts but also for a differentiated and causally structured therapy planning.