Since there are no medical tests for autism, the diagnosis must be based on observations of the child's behavior. Sometimes, the process of elimination is the only guide. This helps avoid misdiagnosis. The following checklist of 14 behavioral signs and symptoms can assist in determining the presence of autism. Although children who are not autistic may behave in any of these ways, those that are autistic usually exhibit at least half of the following traits.
Autism Occurs either by itself or in association with other disorders which affect brain function.
Persons with some viral infections, some metabolic disturbances, epilepsy, or mental retardation may display autistic behavior.