Differential Diagnosis of Autism and Mental Retardation: Issues and possible solutions

ABSTRACT

Co-morbidity of Autism and Mental Retardation [MR] makes it difficult to differentiate the two disorders. The current study was aimed at identifying the key features that separate the two conditions and those which create confusion. To explore the phenomenology, ten parents of children with each disorder were interviewed on 9 major domains [social, communication, stereotypical movements, cognitions, self-care, behavioral problems, interests/routines/ sensory issues, neurotic traits and developmental milestones]. After validation from 10 experts, the final list of 66 features was administered on a sample of 40 children with Autism and MR [20 each]. Mann Whitney U test found that 35 features were significant in differentiating the two disorders, whereas 31 features were not statistically significant. The findings were discussed within diagnostic relevance and suggestions were made to improve the efficiency of diagnosis by utilizing the dubious features appropriately