Differentiating communication disorders and autism in children

The diagnosis of autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), particularly in young children has become a top priority in the fields of mental health and education. Core symptoms include rituals and stereotypies, social skills deficits, and problems in communication. Considerable overlap exists in symptoms for autism spectrum disorders and communication disorders. As a result, distinguishing between these two conditions is one of the most difficult aspects of the assessment enterprise. However, being able to differentially diagnose these two disorders has important implications for the treatment and management of these conditions. This paper provides an overview and critical analysis of these disorders, how they are differentiated, and the specific impact correct diagnosis can have on the selection and efficacy of interventions.