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Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
Published on: March 27, 2012
Atopic features in early childhood autism
Betul Bakkaloglu1, Banu Anlar, F Yasar Anlar
1Department of Child Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Pediatric Neurology, Ankara 06100, Turkey.
Summary
This study found that allergic features are uncommon in young autistic children, despite a higher family history of atopy. This suggests other immunological or environmental factors may be involved in autism.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder with unknown causes.
- The role of environmental and dietary sensitivities in ASD pathogenesis is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of immediate hypersensitivity in young children diagnosed with autism.
- To explore potential links between allergic conditions and early childhood autism.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 30 autistic children (ages 2-4) was assessed for atopic history.
- Serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE) levels and results from skin prick tests (SPT) with 12 common allergens were analyzed.
- Autistic children were compared to age-matched neurological controls.
Main Results:
- A family history suggestive of atopy was more common in autistic children (30%) than controls (2.5%).
- Symptoms of respiratory allergy and other allergic disorders were similarly reported in both autistic children and controls.
- While 47.8% of autistic children had positive skin prick tests, serum IgE levels were elevated in only 13.3%, with specific IgE being negative in cases of multiple positive SPTs.
Conclusions:
- Allergic manifestations, based on clinical history, skin tests, and serum IgE, are not frequently observed in young autistic children.
- The observed discrepancy between a predisposition to atopy and the lack of allergic symptoms suggests potential underlying immunological or environmental factors influencing autism.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the interplay between immunological factors, environmental exposures, and autism development.
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