Peer-reviewed article
Multidisciplinary approach in children with autism spectrum disorder
Stanciu A, Rad F, Mihailescu I, Mateescu L, Grozavescu R et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined the types and rates of psychiatric and medical conditions that co-occur with autism spectrum disorder in 120 children. Researchers found that epilepsy, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, and respiratory disorders were common alongside autism. The authors conclude that understanding these associated conditions helps different specialists work together more effectively to treat children with autism.
Key points
- Epilepsy was diagnosed in 20.8% of children with autism
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder occurred in 20% of cases
- Severe intellectual disability (IQ<35) was present in 43.3% of those assessed
- Respiratory disorders occurred in 25% of cases
- Motor disturbances and feeding problems were also frequently observed
Limitations
The study is retrospective and does not indicate the countries where this work was conducted, limiting generalisability. The document does not describe the severity of autism symptoms or how comorbidities affect child outcomes or quality of life.
Abstract
Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts and it is marked by repetitive sensory–motor behaviours and restricted interests or activities. Now recognized to occur in up to 1% of the population, the prevalence of ASD has registered a steady increase in the past two decades. Heterogeneity of presentation is a hallmark with comorbid psychiatric and medical morbidities frequently reported. Comorbidities mask and delay the diagnosis and are the cause of inadequate therapies. Objectives In the present paper, we studied a cohort of patients with ASD, investigating the rates and types of psychiatric and medical comorbidities. Methods A retrospective study of psychiatric and medical comorbidities was carried out on a sample of 120 participants that met ASD criteria according to DSM-V. The patients were examined with a detailed medical history, physical examination, as well as some additional functional, imaging, laboratory and genetic investigations. The associated conditions considered were: attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, intellectual disability, gastrointestinal symptoms, ophtalmologic manifestations, infections. Results Of the 120 ASD subjects referred, 25 (20.8%) received the diagnosis of epilepsy. ADHD was established in 24 cases (20%). IQ score was obtained in half of the patients, 43.3% of them presenting a severe intellectual disability (IQ<35). Respiratory disorders occured in 25% of the cases. Ophtalmological findings were observed in 9.1% of the cases. Other frequent comorbidities included motor disturbances and feeding problems. Conclusions A better understanding of comorbidities in ASD patients improves interdisciplinary collaboration, thus facilitating effective treatment programs. Disclosure No significant relationships.