ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), especially autism spectrum disorder (ASD), have a substantial impact on the family, with a consequent decrease in the quality of life. The current study was undertaken to understand if having ASD contributed to a higher impact on families compared to other NDD and to understand additional factors impacting families of children with either disorder in a low-middle income country (LMIC) setting. METHODS: Impact of ASD and other NDD along with sociodemographic factors was examined, by a retrospective analysis, among 540 children in a tertiary care center in South India. RESULTS: Both ASD and NDD had high, but comparable, impact on the family. Being a girl child, having seizures, and having sleep problems predicted a higher impact. CONCLUSIONS: In children with NDD, managing co-morbidities such as achieving better seizure control and addressing sleep-related problems may improve the impact of NDD on the family. Gender disparity in disability needs to be studied within the local cultural context.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of association of dysembryogenesis (manifested by presence of dysmorphic markers) on the developmental profile of autistic children. METHODS: 26 autistic children were classified into complex autism (if they had specific dysmorphic markers) or essential autism (in the absence of dysmorphic markers) using the Miles Autism Dysmorphology Measure (ADM). The developmental abilities (Griffith's Mental Development Scales) and the clinical severity (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) of both groups were compared. The prevalence of dysmorphic markers was also determined in 140 non-autistic controls. RESULTS: Children with complex autism had poorer development (General Quotient 29.4 vs 34.0, P=0.06) and earlier onset of autistic symptoms (18 vs 24 mo, P=0.05). Dysmorphic markers were significantly more in autistic children compared to normal children (27% vs 10%, P=0.002). CONCLUSION: Dysembryogenesis may contribute to the clinical heterogeneity of autistic children.
