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Autism spectrum disorders in children with seizures in the first year of life - a population-based study

Evald Saemundsen1, Petur Ludvigsson1, Ingibjorg Hilmarsdottir1

  • 1State Diagnostic and Counseling Center, Division of Autism and Communication Disorders, Kopavogur, IcelandLandspitali University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Reykjavik, IcelandHealth Care Center Efstaleiti, Reykjavik, IcelandDepartment of Preventive Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.

Epilepsia
|June 9, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Children with early-life seizures have a higher prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). This study found that ASDs were more common in females and associated with brain abnormalities in this seizure cohort.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Developmental Neuroscience

Background:

  • Early-life seizures are a known risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) represent a range of neurodevelopmental conditions affecting social interaction and communication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) in children with a history of unprovoked seizures during their first year of life.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 102 children diagnosed with early-life unprovoked seizures was identified.
  • Participants underwent screening for ASDs using questionnaires and diagnostic interviews if developmental concerns were raised.

Main Results:

  • Of 84 participants, 36.9% were investigated for ASD. Six children (7.1%) were diagnosed with ASD, all of whom had intellectual disability.
  • ASD diagnosis was associated with congenital brain abnormalities in 3 children and a higher prevalence in females within this cohort.

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of ASD appears elevated in children with a history of first-year seizures compared to the general population.
  • Children with ASD and early-life seizures may exhibit a higher rate of congenital brain abnormalities and be more frequently female.
Abstract

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