To give you some more background on what people are worried about: Childhood schizophrenia is very rare, but autism and schizophrenia share some symptoms. Misdiagnosis is more common than people think. (The speech delay, lack of emotion, and lack of eye contact are very similar up until age 5 or so). When a child reports hearing voices, it is not always schizophrenia, but it is better to be safe and find out now.

The misdiagnosis goes both ways, of course. Some kids with ASD are diagnosed with schizophrenia, because they have unusual ways of describing things, and get obsessed with certain ideas very easily.

At that age, kids have great and powerful imaginations, so doctors look for a long term pattern in each behavior. For example, if a child of 7 years or older regularly hears voices insulting him or her, talking with each other, or commanding the child to do things, then the doctors will look for some cause besides autism. If this is a recent development, on the other hand, the doctors may decide to wait, and to run additional tests.

I am sorry for what you are going through, it must be frustrating.

The good news is that medical science has made substantial progress against schizophrenia in recent years. The treatments are somewhat different though, so you are doing the right thing by figuring out what you are dealing with.

@A MyAutismTeam Member yes that's one thing her doc mentioned because there is some history of it in her extended family. I have also seen some things that mentioned what you did about the misdiagnoses and such. Which is another reason I'm having her checked. She has never really had a big imagination and all of a sudden these "voices" are telling her to do things. Sad and frustrating and a little creepy :(

Thanks for all the support everyone!!

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A MyAutis...

I agree with Low_Budget_Dave, get your daughter screened for possible mental issues, nothing wrong with that. I'm sure once diagnosed, your daughter will get the help she needs.

Yes I have been recording what she is "being told/hearing" the doc recommended her to a mental health prof.

Bless your heart! I saw this was posted awhile back, any progress?