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Hypothyroidism and autism spectrum disorders

I C Gillberg1, C Gillberg, S Kopp

  • 1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Child Neuropsychiatry Centre, Göteborg, Sweden.

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines
|March 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Congenital hypothyroidism in early development may lead to central nervous system damage, potentially causing autism symptoms. Autoimmune factors could also link hypothyroidism and autism in children.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
  • Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production.
  • Early life thyroid hormone levels are critical for normal brain development.

Observation:

  • A case series of five children (3 boys, 2 girls) with autism or autistic-like conditions was studied.
  • Three of these children were diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism.
  • Two children had mothers with a history of hypothyroidism during pregnancy.

Findings:

  • A potential link between early-life hypothyroid hormone deficiency and central nervous system damage is suggested.
  • This damage may manifest as autistic symptoms.
  • Autoimmune factors are proposed as an alternative or contributing mechanism linking hypothyroidism and autism.

Implications:

  • Early screening for hypothyroidism in infants may be crucial for preventing neurodevelopmental issues.
  • Further research into the role of thyroid hormones and autoimmune processes in autism is warranted.
  • Understanding these links could inform novel therapeutic strategies for autism spectrum disorder.

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