Autismespectrumstoornis en/of anorexia nervosa

The assessment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is complex, especially when there are alternative diagnostic hypotheses. In that case, one should not only have a good understanding of ASD, but should also have sufficient expertise of the alternative diagnoses. To promote knowledge about ASD in the professional field, the Autism Expertise Center has started a series of whitepapers. In order to bring together the relevant expertise, we collaborate with other institutions. The white papers explain, per diagnostic criterion, the difference between ASD and another diagnosis, but also what can be observed when these diagnoses appear together. We hereby aim to provide diagnosticians with more knowledge and tools and thus improve the diagnostic process. In this whitepaper we will specifically discuss ASD and anorexia nervosa: how can you distinguish these diagnoses from each other and when do you diagnose both?