Autistic spect. misdiagnosed as ...

I recently read very informative book about aspergers in adults (dr. Ruth), and in there was mentioned that a lot of peole get misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. I wonder how is that possible? Any information on it?

No idea if it is common. But I had a hard time making them understand I wasn't psychotic at the beginning. I read my records and found some clues. The doctor thought I didn't show proper affect, I laughed at things she didn't see as funny. And at the wrong times. According to her. At least in the past that used to be a sign of schizophrenia if you didn't show proper affect. Doc thought I was overall weird and that she didn't get any "emotional" contact with me, and that also was seen as a sign of schizophrenia.

These days they should know better.

Sensory processing problems can be mistaken for psychosis. Depersonalization is one good example. Acute hearing (hyperacusis) can also be interpreted as auditory hallucinations, especially if the person cannot describe it very well.

Executive dysfunction is another. It is common in both AS and schizophrenia. Often this is seen as "negative symptoms" in the latter. Laziness, tardiness, forgetfulness and disorganization are some issues commonly seen in ED.

I was given the Psychosis NOS label, based on what I have mentioned here. My insight and lack of delusional thought protected my from a schizophrenia diagnosis.

The last time, I went to see a psychiatrist, she noted, that I had blunted affect or the inability to express feelings (adequately and appropriately) verbally and nonverbally.

Thank you guys, two very informative answers.

How do they test though really ...

test for what?