Introduction
Among deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) children, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) comorbidity occurs at least at similar rates than among hearing children. ASD diagnosis can be delayed due to some symptoms overlap. There is a lack of validated screening and assessment tools for this specific population. This complicates early intervention, associated with better outcomes. A case of a 16 years old male dually diagnosed is described.
Objectives
To discuss the D/HH and ASD comorbidity and its differential diagnosis through a clinical case report and literature review.
Methods
Clinical evaluation of the patient and literature research.
Results
Case report: 16 years old, male. During the first trimester of pregnancy he was transmitted rubella. At age one he was diagnosed with bilateral profound hearing loss, but hearing aids were not available. He presented an abnormal communication pattern and restricted behaviours and received autism diagnosis at age six.
Overlapping symptoms between D/HH and ASD lie mainly on communication domain. Differences exist as deafness associates language delays instead of an atypical development. Less commonly, socialization difficulties and repetitive behaviours such as sterotyped movements also appear in D/HH resembling other autism symptoms.
Several non validated tools have been used for autism screening in this population, such as ABC or BISCUIT, showing a good capability for differentiating D/HH alone or with autism.
Conclusions
Core autism symptoms should not be attributed to D/HH. Collaboration between professionals is mandatory. Early identification of dual patients is necessary for better outcomes.

10 - HEARING LOSS AND AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER COMORBIDITY: CHALLENGES FOR AN EARLY DIAGNOSIS. CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW