I want to know what is the difference between autism and mental retardation?

Many differences: Autism is a specific group of disorders with communication difficulties, inability to react to surrounding people; repetitive movements and sounds. Diagnosis is difficult -- on going p.., o.T. And speech therapy , ay help. Mental retardation implies abnormal iq but has many causes ---- need ped neurologist, geneticist for diagnosis and treatment.

Different diagnoses: 35-65% of people with autistic spectrum disorder [observable deficits in social communication & social reciprocity + stereotypical movements or narrow, restricted areas of interest], also have intellectual disability (aka mental retardation), defined as cognitive ability. Significantly below average (iq.