Childhood psychosis. The problem of differential diagnosis.

In a study of 66 former child psychiatric patients, Form E-1 of Rimland's Diagnostic Check List (DCL) was found to be an effective instrument for differentiating autistic, other psychotic, and nonpsychotic disturbed children. Follow-up study revealed more favorable outcomes in nonpsychotic cases, with significant association between DCL scores and improvement following discharge. Scores indicative of autism on the DCL were also significantly associated with being of the Jewish faith.