AUTISM - ETIOLOGY, DIFFERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS, AND BEHAVIORAL-ASSESSMENT UPDATE

Significant advances in neurophysiological and psychopharmacological research necessitates updating professionals in the etiology, differential diagnosis, and general assessment considerations of autism. A review of the DSM-III-R diagnostic criteria is followed by an extensive description of etiological theories based on recent advances in neurobiological research. The article describes components of making a differential diagnosis of autism from mental retardation, schizophrenia, and developmental language/speech disorders and delineates the psychometric properties of cognitive ability and behavioral rating instruments frequently used with this population. Pharmacological treatment and behavioral intervention issues are reviewed. © 1991 Plenum Publishing Corporation.