Autoimmune Encephalitis and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly heterogeneous, with some phenotypes potentially acquired rather than innate.
• Exposure to certain agents (e.g., valproate, rubella) is linked to increased ASD risk.
• Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) involves immune attacks on the brain, causing inflammation and diverse symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on the relationship between autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• To explore the potential role of AE as a cause or mimic of ASD.
• To consider AE in the differential diagnosis of autism, particularly with regression or atypical onset.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Inclusion of studies on autoimmune psychosis (AP) and psychosis-related ASD subtypes.
• Analysis of symptom overlap and diagnostic considerations.

Main Results:

• AE can cause cognitive, psychiatric, and neurological symptoms, including ASD or autism-like traits.
• AE may be a causative factor for ASD or present with symptoms easily mistaken for autism.
• Preliminary evidence suggests a potential link between AE and psychosis-associated ASD.

Conclusions:

• Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) warrants consideration in the differential diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Investigating AE is particularly important when autism presents with regression or atypical onset patterns.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the connection between AE and ASD.