Risk Factors, Comorbid Conditions, and Epidemiology of Autism in Children
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience increased co-morbidities that affect their overall health and quality of life. Using a case:control cohort of children diagnosed with ASD in the Military Health System, the risk of having or developing specific conditions common to children or common to children with ASD was determined. Nutritional and gastrointestinal conditions were common. There was an increased risk of developing obesity and the components of metabolic syndrome (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, non-alcoholic steatoheapatitis). Despite that risk, children with ASD also were at risk of developing macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies. There was no increased risk of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in children with ASD, and the increased prevalence of EoE is mediated by the presence of a feeding disorder. In addition, children with ASD have an increased risk of developing complications from otitis media and appendicitis. This may be mediated by difficulties of inexperienced providers in examining children with ASD. Theses analyses have clarified the relative risk of co-morbidities that may be inherent to the behavioral issues of children with ASD.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA613604
Entities
People
- Adam Huillet
- Anthony Goudie
- Cade Nylund
- Christine Erdie-lalena
- Elizabeth Hisle-gorman
- Gregory H. Gorman
- Luis E. Lozada
- Matilda Eide
- Matthew D. Eberly
- Stephen L. Nelson
Organizations
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine