Autism spectrum disorders in children with normal intellectual levels: associated impairments and subgroups.

Full Abstract

In order to define potential subgroups pertaining to the spectrum of 'high-functioning' pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) the medical and psychiatric records of 101 children with PDD were reviewed. Ninety-one children had a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, nine had a PDD not otherwise specified, and one had 'high-functioning' autism. Mean age of the children (71 males, 30 females) was 9 years 8 months (age range 5 to 12 years). Apart from the core dysfunctions of the PDD, i.e. deficient social interaction, communication and repertoires, and restricted interests, 95% had attentional problems, 75% had motor difficulties, 86% had problems with regulation of activity level, and 50% had impulsiveness. About three-quarters had symptoms compatible with mild or severe attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or had deficits in attention, motor control, and perception (DAMP), indicating a considerable overlap between these disorders and high-functioning PDD in children of normal or near-normal intelligence. A combination of affective dysregulation, thought disturbance, and severely restricted social interaction, referred to as a multiple complex developmental disorder (MCDD; a condition possibly related to schizoaffective disorder), was recorded in about 8% of the children. Seventeen percent had another major medical diagnosis or medical syndrome, which highlights the importance of completing a neurological assessment of all children with PDDs.

Author information

Author/s: Sturm, Harald (H); Fernell, Elisabeth (E); Gillberg, Christopher (C);

Affiliation: Neuropsychiatric Unit, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. harald.sturm(-atsign-)bup.sll.se

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Developmental medicine and child neurology (Dev Med Child Neurol), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2004-Jul; vol 46 (issue 7) : pp 444-7

Dates: Created 2004/07/02; Completed 2004/07/29; Revised 2009/11/11;

PMID: 15230456, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/11/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: Dev Med Child Neurol. 2004 Jul;46(7):435. (PMID: 15230454)

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