Final answer:
Hearing loss and autism can have overlapping symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. Both conditions can affect communication and social skills. Thorough assessments are needed to make an accurate diagnosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hearing loss and autism can sometimes be difficult to distinguish due to overlapping symptoms. Children with hearing loss may have difficulty with communication and social skills, which are also characteristic symptoms of autism. For example, both hearing loss and autism can cause problems with maintaining eye contact and understanding social cues. It is important to conduct thorough assessments and evaluations to accurately diagnose hearing loss or autism in children.