Do Parental Comorbidities Affect the Severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Multimodal Physiotherapy Approach for Autism With Speech Impairment and Attention Deficit: A Case Report

Autism is a disorder distinguished by significant challenges in social interaction and communication coupled with repetitive and stereotypical patterns of behavior and activities. Deficits in social interaction and language development become apparent before age three. In children, this condition is referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with sustaining attention, organizing tasks, and completing assignments. They may exhibit hyperactive behaviors such as fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, and impulsive actions like interrupting others. ADHD can significantly impact daily functioning and is often diagnosed in childhood, with symptoms potentially persisting into adulthood. The disorder has three main subtypes: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentation. Treatment typically involves a combination of behavioral interventions, psychoeducation, and, in some cases, medication, aiming to provide support and strategies for individuals to manage their symptoms effectively in various aspects of life. Cognitive impairment in ASD varies, meaning it could be at the sensory perception level of cognitive processing, learning, and memory. The goal of the training intervention was to control physiological arousal, enhance awareness, keep annoyance from getting worse, and encourage self-regulation abilities. In this case report, we discuss the approach of multimodal physiotherapy for autism with speech impairment and attention deficit. Furthermore, physiotherapy needs to find a position in the new mental health care paradigm in order to contribute to mental health care.

Consanguinity as a Risk Factor for Autism

PURPOSE

Genetic and environmental risk factors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) continue to be a focus of research worldwide. Consanguinity, the cultural practice of marrying within a family, is common in cultures and societies of the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Asia. Consanguinity has been investigated as a risk factor for ASD in a limited number of studies, with mixed results. We employed registry and survey data from Qatar to evaluate the role of consanguinity as a risk factor for ASD.

METHODS

Data were sourced from a national registry and a population-based survey of autism recently conducted in Qatar. We selected a sample of 891 children (mean age: 8.3 years) with (N = 361) or without (N = 530) ASD. Data on consanguinity and covariates were collected through questionnaires and interviews.

RESULTS

The prevalence of consanguinity in the overall sample was 41.2% with no significant difference between cases and controls (42.1% vs 41.3%; p = .836). In adjusted multiple logistic regression analyses, consanguinity was not associated with risk of ASD (aOR = 1.065; 95% CI: .751-1.509; NS).

CONCLUSION

Parental consanguinity was not associated with autism risk in our study. Replication in other populations with high rates of consanguineous unions is recommended.