Publication:

Clinical profile of children with autism spectrum disorder in tertiary care centre

Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) present with major impairments social relationships, abnormal language development and rigid patterns of behaviour. There is variable clinical presentation of each subgroup of autism spectrum. This study aim at describing and analyzing the clinical and developmental profile of children with autism.

Methods This cross-section observational study was conducted at the neurodevelopmental clinic at a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India over a period of two years. Consecutive 112 children (<12 yrs) diagnosed as autism spectrum disorder (as per DSM-IV) were assessed in detailed about perinatal events, developmental milestones and behavioral issues. Complete physical, neurological examination and neurodevelopmental assessment was done. MRI and CT brain done wherever possible.

Results The clinical spectrum in our study includes ,autism 82(73.20%) cases,  PDD-NOS -20(18.8%), 3 cases CDD (2.7%) and only 2 children with Rett‘s disease (1.8%) .The male: female ratio for Autism was 3.82:1. Common developmental concern observed were language delay in 93 (83.03%), lack of reciprocal social interaction in 66 (80.49%), lack of pretend play in one third, head banging and tantrums in 27 (32.93%) of children. Stereotypical movements, rocking, spinning   were observed in almost 50% of study group.  Unusual sensory responsiveness to smell, touch, sound was observed in 15(18.8%) of autistic kids. No clinico-radiological correlation found in behavioral patterns of Autism.

Conclusions Core symptoms seen in Autism were deficits in social functioning, impaired language/communication skills, abnormal play, and unusual sensory affection. Early recognition of symptoms would help in appropriate therapeutic intervention resulting in favourable outcome.