Comorbidities Affecting Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

A Retrospective Chart Review

Bibliographic Data

ID15718219
AuthorsJessy Burns (University of Manitoba, corresponding author), Ryan Phung (University of Manitoba), Shayna McNeill (University of Manitoba), Ana Hanlon‐Dearman (0000-0001-9607-7595, University of Manitoba), M Florencia Ricci (0000-0003-3111-9840, University of Manitoba)
Year2023
Volume10
Issue8
Pages1414-1414
Publication date2023-08-19
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueChildren (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2227-9067 • E-ISSN: 2227-9067
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/children10081414
PMID37628413
OpenAlexW4386028518
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited42

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction/communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Recent discussions have emerged worldwide regarding the heterogeneity around presentation/etiology and comorbidities. This study aimed to determine the frequency and characteristics of comorbidities among children diagnosed with ASD in Manitoba and to evaluate differences in presentation between those with and without medical comorbidities. We conducted a retrospective chart review of >1900 electronic charts at the only publicly funded referral site for children ≤6 years requiring evaluation for ASD in Manitoba. All children aged 0-6 years diagnosed with ASD at this site between May 2016 and September 2021 were identified. χ 2 and t -tests were used to compare groups. Of the total of 1858 children identified, 1452 (78.1%) were boys, 251 (13.5%) were prematurely born, and 539 (29.0%) had ≥1 medical comorbidity. Global developmental delay (GDD) was diagnosed in 428 (23.0%). The age of referral and diagnosis did not differ between groups. Comorbidities were more common among premature children (16.0% vs. 12.5%, p : 0.005) and children with comorbid GDD (34.9% vs. 18.2%, p p : 0.518); however, girls had a higher incidence of neurological comorbidities, e.g., cerebral palsy, seizures, hypotonia (14.8% vs. 9.64%, p : 0.009), as well as genetic comorbidities (4.92% vs. 2.75%, p : 0.04). The high rates of associated neurological conditions, GDD, and prematurity add heterogeneity to this group leading to potential difficulties with prognosis and service allocation. Primary vs. secondary ASD can be a way of separating individuals based on relevant medical comorbidities

Autism · Autism spectrum disorder · Comorbidity · Etiology · Hypotonia · Incidence (geometry · Medical record · Psychiatry · Referral · Retrospective cohort study · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues · Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders · Medicine · Internal Medicine · Pediatrics

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access