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Routine developmental and autism screening in an epilepsy care setting
Breanne Fisher1, Catherine Dezort, Douglas R Nordli
1Epilepsy Center, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|July 14, 2012
Summary
Routine screening for developmental delay and autism in children with epilepsy is highly effective. Early detection through screening in hospital programs can identify significant needs and guide further evaluations for affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Epilepsy in children frequently co-occurs with developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder.
- Early identification of these comorbidities is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
- Hospital-based programs offer a setting for routine developmental and autism screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and yield of routine developmental delay and autism screening in a pediatric epilepsy program.
- To determine the proportion of children with epilepsy who screen positive for developmental delay and/or autism.
- To assess the actionability of screening findings and the need for further evaluations.
Main Methods:
- Parents of 65 children (average age 2.5 years) with epilepsy completed developmental and autism screening questionnaires.
- Children were assessed within a hospital-based program, including both new and established epilepsy patients.
- Screening results were analyzed for positive and borderline findings, and correlations with existing diagnoses and services were examined.
Main Results:
- A high percentage of children screened positive: 72% for developmental delay and 37% for autism.
- All children who screened positive for autism also screened positive for developmental delay.
- Screening identified actionable findings in 31% of children, necessitating further evaluation and referrals.
Conclusions:
- Routine developmental and autism screening in pediatric epilepsy programs has a high yield.
- The findings support the implementation of routine screening for all children with epilepsy to identify developmental delays and autism.
- Screening facilitates early intervention and appropriate management of co-occurring conditions in children with epilepsy.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.