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Behavioural problems and autism in children with hydrocephalus : a population-based study
Barbro Lindquist1, Göran Carlsson, Eva-Karin Persson
1Dept. of Habilitation, Halmstad County Hospital, Berghem, 0185 Halmstad, Sweden.
Insights
Most children with hydrocephalus experience behavioral issues and many have autism. Learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy significantly increase these risks, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessments.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Hydrocephalus is a complex neurological condition affecting children.
- Associated neurodevelopmental challenges, including behavioral problems and autism, require further investigation.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for early intervention and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of behavioral problems and autism in children with hydrocephalus.
- To examine if learning disabilities, cerebral palsy (CP), epilepsy, myelomeningocele (MMC), or preterm birth are associated risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort of 107 children born with hydrocephalus in western Sweden (1989-1993) was studied.
- Behavioral problems were assessed using Conners' parent and teacher rating scales.
- Autism was evaluated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of behavioral problems was reported, with 67% of children rated by parents and 39% by teachers.
- Learning disabilities significantly increased the risk of behavioral problems.
- Autism was diagnosed in 13% of children, with higher rates in those with learning disabilities (27%) or CP/epilepsy (33%).
Conclusions:
- The majority of children with hydrocephalus exhibit behavioral problems, and a significant proportion have autism.
- Associated conditions like learning disabilities, CP, and epilepsy are linked to increased behavioral and autism risks.
- Comprehensive cognitive and behavioral assessments are vital for minimizing disability and enhancing participation in children with hydrocephalus.
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of behavioural problems and autism in a population-based group of children with hydrocephalus and to see whether learning disabilities, cerebral palsy (CP), epilepsy, myelomeningocele (MMC) or preterm birth increase the risk of these problems.
Method:
In the 107 children with hydrocephalus born in western Sweden in 1989-1993, behaviour was assessed using the Conners' parent rating scales in 66 and the teacher's rating scales in 57. Autism was investigated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale.
Results:
Parents rated 67% of the children and teachers 39% of the children as having behavioural problems (>1.5 SD, or T score >65). Learning disabilities increased the risk significantly and almost all the children with CP and/or epilepsy had behavioural problems. Autism was present in nine children (13%), in 20% of those without MMC and in one of 26 with MMC. Autism was significantly more frequent in children with learning disabilities (27% vs. 7%) and in children with CP and/or epilepsy (33% vs. 6%).
Conclusion:
The majority of children with hydrocephalus have behavioural problems and many have autism. It is therefore important to assess and understand all the aspects of cognition and behaviour in these children in order to minimise disability and enhance participation for the child.
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