Complications
Unknown aetiology.
Language or social skill regression occurs in some young children with ASD.[102]
Referral to a specialist is recommended. Regression of language skills in a child older than 3 years, or regression of motor skills at any age, should make clinicians think of other possible diagnoses. This should prompt a referral to a paediatrician or paediatric neurologist.[12]
Bimodal age of onset, as young child or in adolescence.[9]
Believed to occur in ASD due to underlying factors which predispose to both conditions (e.g., genetic and environmental factors).[9] Advise parents about the risk of epilepsy (approximately 20%-30%).[5][8][9] The rate of epilepsy is much higher in those with intellectual disability.[9] Children considered likely to have seizures are issued standard advice about situations that could lead to harm if a seizure were to occur (e.g., bathing, swimming, climbing, cycling, and other environments in which a loss of consciousness could lead to harm). It is important to be aware of drug interactions in people with ASD with epilepsy, in addition to other co-occurring health conditions requiring medication.
Referral to a specialist is recommended.
Typically occurs in adolescence or adulthood; experienced by approximately 50% of children with ASD and approximately 25% to 50% of adults.[32][33][34][36][37][38][39][323]
Unknown aetiology; likely to be multifactorial (e.g., due to shared biological mechanisms and/or difficulties commonly encountered by people with ASD in daily life).
Referral to a specialist is recommended.
Typically occurs in adolescence or adulthood; experienced by approximately 10% of children with ASD (with another 14% of children experiencing subsyndromal depressive symptoms) and approximately 25% to 50% of adults.[32][33][34][36][37][38][39][323]
Unknown aetiology; likely to be multifactorial (e.g., due to shared biological mechanisms and/or difficulties commonly encountered by people with ASD in daily life).
Referral to a specialist is recommended.
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