Abstract
Objective. To present a case highlighting a relationship between the presence of autistic symptoms and schizophrenia.
Case. A 12-year-old girl diagnosed with childhood autism developed schizophrenia-spectrum symptoms in the course of further observation. Since the age of 2 she had demonstrated difficulties with interpersonal contacts, communicating (disorders and retardation of speech), and playing. A few years later she developed delusions of influence, „extraverbal" contact with a bus conductor, visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as inappropriate behaviour and affect.
Commentary. The onset of schizophrenia symptoms in a person with the diagnosis of childhood autism fundamentally changes the course of the condition. Many factors determining childhood autism may contribute to the development of schizophrenia at a somewhat later age.