An epidemiological study of autistic and psychotic children in the four eastern states of Australia.

Data on general behavioural and etiological characteristics of a sample of 146 autistic and psychotic children from the four eastern states of Australia are presented. Both inter and intra study comparisons are made with reference to a number of factors considered significant in childhood psychosis. The findings accord with those of similar overseas studies on most factors although methodological and diagnostic differences limit the conclusions. A notable finding was that of an excess of "organic" indications in a sub-group of early onset, severly withdrawn "autistic" chhildren suggesting that further neurological and EEG testing of autistic children is desirable.