It's tricky...if the child
does fit the spectrum there are many programs, learning techniques, and social coaching skills that can help them develop to their highest potential. If the child
doesn't fit the spectrum is there harm in using those programs anyway?
About a year ago, I stumbled across an article about
this girl and it presented a whole new view of autism to me. If this girl is representative in
any way of somebody with autism or somebody with symtpoms that fall on the spectrum I see no reason why we shouldn't offer social coaching, learning techniques, and other programs to these children.
Then again, behavioral disorders =/= autism, necessarily, and the same with poor behavior related to a lack of discipline or structure. Autism spectrum symptoms and behavioral disorder symtpoms can sometimes be similar, but there should be marked differences that lean towards one assumed diagnosis or another.
I would also add that socially awkward behavior =/= autism, either. Some people are just socially awkward. Sometimes it's a cultural thing, sometimes it's because of a lack of exposure, sometimes it's because you have crazy ass parents who indoctrinated you with a concept of society that is so far removed from reality that you can't comprehend the world around you.
So background is important. A family history and observations should be done before a diagnosis is made regarding behavioral disorders and autism.