The Assessment and Presentation of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Associated Characteristics in Individuals with Severe Intellectual Disability and Genetic Syndromes

This chapter considers the prevalence and nature of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and associated symptomatology in the intellectual disability population, with particular focus on three genetically determined syndromes—Fragile X syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, and Rett syndrome—that have received particular attention with respect to their association with ASD. It then considers the importance of accurate assessment and diagnosis of ASD in individuals with genetically determined syndromes. It describes the methods and tools available for assessing ASD in individuals with intellectual disability, and explores the appropriateness of these assessments for identifying ASD in individuals with genetically determined syndromes associated with intellectual disability.