A 34-year-old member asked:
What is the difference between autism and a mental handicap?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Johanna Frickeanswered
Pediatrics - Developmental and Behavioral 51 years experience
Different diagnoses: 35-65% of people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - observable deficits in social communication & social reciprocity + stereotypical movements or narrow, restricted areas of interest - also have intellectual disability (ID) , measured cognitive & adaptive abilities < 70 before age 18. Many Neurodevelopmental Disorders with ID do not have ASD in their Neurobehavioral profile.
3.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 8, 2015
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