Autism Spectrum Disorder – Diagnostic Dilemmas in a Boy with a Doubly Disadvantaged Background

Motnja avtističnega spektra – diferencialno diagnostični pomisleki pri fantu z dvojno obremenjujočim okoljem

Abstract

Purpose: we present a case report on a boy with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to illustrate the differential diagnostic questions that can emerge when working with such subjects.

Case report: ASD is defined with qualitative deficits in social interactions, communications, and interests and activities. In the subject of this report these symptoms are influenced by a doubly disadvantage background. First, the boy belongs to an ethnicity known for its reservedness in communication – not only with strangers but also within their own families. Second, he was further disadvantaged by his specific microfamily environment.

Conclusion: a doubly disadvantaged background appears to have interfered with the subject's development; consideration of this background was crucial for understanding his condition