Childhood autism
A former diagnostic label within the autism diagnoses. According to current accounts, it is grouped with other former diagnoses under 'autism spectrum disorder'.
- Also called
- F84.0 (ICD-10)
“Childhood autism” is a former diagnosis. According to an expert overview, the formerly separate diagnoses “childhood autism”, “Asperger syndrome” and “atypical autism” have now been grouped under the category “autism spectrum disorder”. [1] Earlier findings and decision notices may still carry old labels; that does not change the fact that the differences and the need for support exist. In outpatient care in Germany, diagnoses are still coded separately under ICD-10: for 2012 to 2024 the Federal Government reports diagnoses of “childhood autism (F84.0)”, “atypical autism (F84.1)” and “Asperger syndrome (F84.5)” separately. [2] See also Asperger syndrome, ICD-10-GM and ICD-11 and the article Diagnostic criteria. The label in your findings may differ from the terms here.
Sources and literature
- Höhne E, Kamp-Becker I (Klinik für KJP, Universitätsklinikum Marburg): Diagnostik der Autismus-Spektrum-Störung. Pädiatrie (Rosenfluh) 2024;(4+5):27–32. https://rosenfluh.ch/media/paediatrie/2024/04-05/Diagnostik-der-Autismus-Spektrum-Stoerung.pdf
- Deutscher Bundestag, 21. Wahlperiode, Drucksache 21/4918: Antwort der Bundesregierung auf die Kleine Anfrage der Fraktion der AfD (Drucksache 21/4589) „Ursachenforschung hinsichtlich gestiegener Zahl der Autismus-Diagnosen und Hilfsangebote für Betroffene“, 20.03.2026. https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/21/049/2104918.pdf.
In detail: Diagnostic criteria for autism: DSM-5 and ICD-11 explained
Articles on this term
Knowledge articleAssessment & diagnosis
Diagnostic criteria for autism: DSM-5 and ICD-11 explained
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