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Autism spectrum disorders in children with normal intellectual levels: associated impairments and subgroups

Harald Sturm1, Elisabeth Fernell, Christopher Gillberg

  • 1Neuropsychiatric Unit, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. harald.sturm@bup.sll.se

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|July 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

High-functioning pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) in children often co-occur with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and motor difficulties. Neurological assessments are crucial for identifying co-occurring conditions in PDD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Developmental Disorders
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • High-functioning pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) encompass a spectrum of neurodevelopmental conditions.
  • Understanding subgroups within PDDs is essential for targeted interventions.
  • Co-occurring conditions can significantly impact diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify potential subgroups within the spectrum of high-functioning PDDs.
  • To investigate the prevalence of co-occurring conditions in children with PDDs.
  • To explore the overlap between PDDs and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical and psychiatric records of 101 children diagnosed with PDD.
  • Analysis of demographic data, diagnostic subtypes, and co-occurring symptoms.
  • Categorization of symptoms related to attention, motor control, activity regulation, and impulsivity.

Main Results:

  • 91% of children had Asperger syndrome, 9% had PDD-NOS, and 1% had high-functioning autism.
  • High prevalence of co-occurring conditions: 95% attentional problems, 75% motor difficulties, 86% activity regulation issues, 50% impulsivity.
  • Approximately 75% exhibited symptoms consistent with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or deficits in attention, motor control, and perception (DAMP).
  • Multiple complex developmental disorder (MCDD) observed in 8%; 17% had other medical diagnoses.

Conclusions:

  • Significant overlap exists between high-functioning PDDs and ADHD/DAMP in children with normal intelligence.
  • Co-occurrence of attentional, motor, and regulatory problems is common in PDD.
  • Comprehensive neurological and medical assessments are vital for children with PDDs to identify all co-occurring conditions.

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