Which comorbid neurological condition occurs in approximately 30 percent of children with autism spectrum disorder and should be suspected when there are new episodes of unresponsiveness or motor automatisms?
- A Migraine
- B Hydrocephalus
- C Epilepsy ✓
- D Neurofibromatosis type 1
Correct answer: C. Epilepsy
Explanation
Epilepsy develops in roughly 30 percent of individuals with ASD, with peak incidence in early childhood and adolescence, and risk is higher in those with intellectual disability, regression, or an identified syndromic cause such as tuberous sclerosis. Because autistic children may have unusual behaviours at baseline, clinicians must specifically look for stereotyped automatisms, staring spells, and nocturnal events to avoid missing seizures.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.