Abstract
The aim was to explore the frequency of genetic and other medical conditions, including epilepsy, in a population-based group
of 208 preschool children with early diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and to relate outcome at a 2-year follow-up
to the co-existing medical findings. They had all received early intervention. The Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS-II)
composite score served as the primary outcome measure. In the total group, 38/208 children (18 %) had a significant medical
or genetic condition. Epilepsy was present in 6.3 % at the first assessment and in 8.6 % at follow-up and was associated with
more severe intellectual impairment. A history of regression was reported in 22 %. Children with any medical/genetic condition,
including epilepsy, as well as children with a history of regression had significantly lower VABS-II scores at the 2-year
follow-up. Children with a medical/genetic condition, including epilepsy, had been diagnosed with ASD at an earlier age than
those without such conditions, and early age at diagnosis also correlated negatively with adaptive functioning outcome. The
results underscore the importance of considering medical/genetic aspects in all young children with ASD and the requirement
to individualize and tailor interventions according to their specific needs.
of 208 preschool children with early diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and to relate outcome at a 2-year follow-up
to the co-existing medical findings. They had all received early intervention. The Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS-II)
composite score served as the primary outcome measure. In the total group, 38/208 children (18 %) had a significant medical
or genetic condition. Epilepsy was present in 6.3 % at the first assessment and in 8.6 % at follow-up and was associated with
more severe intellectual impairment. A history of regression was reported in 22 %. Children with any medical/genetic condition,
including epilepsy, as well as children with a history of regression had significantly lower VABS-II scores at the 2-year
follow-up. Children with a medical/genetic condition, including epilepsy, had been diagnosed with ASD at an earlier age than
those without such conditions, and early age at diagnosis also correlated negatively with adaptive functioning outcome. The
results underscore the importance of considering medical/genetic aspects in all young children with ASD and the requirement
to individualize and tailor interventions according to their specific needs.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Contribution
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s00787-012-0312-7
- Authors
- Mats Anders Eriksson, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Joakim Westerlund, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Åsa Hedvall, Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Per Åmark, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Christopher Gillberg, Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Elisabeth Fernell, Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Journal European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Online ISSN 1435-165X
- Print ISSN 1018-8827