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Common neurological co-morbidities in autism spectrum disorders.

Current opinion in pediatrics
December 1, 2011
Kiran P Maski et al. (3 authors)
Journal ArticleResearch Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.ReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to review the role of melatonin abnormalities in sleep dysfunction among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and its potential as a treatment target.

Results Summary

The study suggests that melatonin abnormalities may contribute to sleep dysfunction in children with ASDs, highlighting its potential as a treatment target for improving sleep onset and nighttime awakenings.

Population

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) experiencing sleep dysfunction.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (1)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
melatonin
decrease
sleep dysfunction
children with ASDs
-
may be a potential treatment target
#1
Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders associated with various co-morbidities. Neurological co-morbidities include motor impairments, epilepsy, and sleep dysfunction. These impairments have been receiving more attention recently, perhaps because of their significant impact on the behavior and cognitive function of children with ASDs. Here, we review the epidemiology, etiology, and clinical approach to these neurological co-morbidities and highlight future research directions. RECENT FINDINGS: Motor impairments include stereotypies, motor delays, and deficits, such as dyspraxia, incoordination, and gait problems. Sleep dysfunction typically presents as difficulty with sleep onset and prolonged awakenings during the night. Recent data suggest that abnormalities in melatonin may affect sleep and may be a potential treatment target. There is no classic epilepsy syndrome associated with ASDs. Intellectual disability, syndromic autism, and female sex are specific risk factors. Recent research has focused on identifying the overlapping pathways between these neurological co-morbidities and the core deficits in ASDs, which may have direct and powerful implications for treatment and prognosis. SUMMARY: Motor impairment, epilepsy, and sleep dysfunction are common neurological co-morbidities in ASDs. Clinicians should be aware that recognition and treatment of these issues may improve the function and outcome of children with ASDs.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
ApraxiasChildChild Development Disorders, PervasiveComorbidityEpilepsyHumansMental DisordersSleep Wake Disorders
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy70/10
Quality65/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations57
Citations/Year4.1
Relative Citation Ratio1.77
NIH Percentile70.7%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.75
Weight Score1.27
Normalized Score0.61
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