Autism Spectrum Disorder: Assessment of Comorbid Psychiatric Conditions

Individuals with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at high risk for developing comorbid psychiatric disorders. Rates of comorbidity are often reported to exceed 70%, making comorbid emotional and behavioral disorders in ASD more of the norm than the exception. Researchers have sought to understand this comorbidity through identifying overlapping criteria and understanding common etiological factors.

Most efforts to assess and diagnose mental disorders in youth with ASD involve measures that are widely used and well validated for the general clinical population (i.e., those without ASD). Some ASD-specific psychopathology measures are beginning to emerge, although these measures are still in their infancy, and further evaluation is warranted. This entry outlines considerations for the assessment of comorbid disorders in individuals with ASD and reviews ...