Validation of Differential Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability Scale in Pakistan

Due to the recent clinical work's growing awareness of both autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID), differentiating between the two diagnoses is becoming more difficult, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. The co-occurrence of symptoms and characteristics contributed to the confusion. This tool attempts to address this challenge. From the parents of 20 people, 10 of whom were diagnosed with ASD and 10 of whom were diagnosed with ID, a total of 92 symptoms and traits were elicited, using the phenomenological method. Ten professional psychiatrists and clinical psychologists validated the explored signs diagnostically associated with ASD or ID. The resulting 66 symptoms fit firmly into one of the two categories. Two hundred sixty (260) mothers or teachers of children diagnosed with ASD (n=110) or ID (n=150) were interviewed, using base ratings. The statistical analyses indicated 36 features with high factor loading and statistical significance for ASD and 7 characteristics for ID. The tool named ‘Differential Diagnosis of Autism and Intellectual Disability (DDAID) Scale’ showed respectable sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, and concurrent validity values (78%, 89%, 86%, & 89% respectively). The findings were reviewed for their cultural ramifications, enhancements in differential diagnosis, and their usefulness in creating training programs for certain people.