Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects the ability to interact and communicate. It may have symptoms that are similar to those seen in some brain injuries.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental conditions that affect a person’s ability to communicate and interact socially. Symptoms of autism usually develop in early childhood and can involve restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior.
Autism affects the brain in different ways, including causing changes to brain structure and nerve signal processing. Characteristics of autism can sometimes be similar to those seen in a brain injury, and the relationship between the two can be complicated.
It has not been proven that a brain injury can cause autism. However, the relationship between brain injuries and autism is complex, and their symptoms often overlap. Pediatric brain injuries and autism also show some shared
There are different types of brain injuries, and their effects can vary widely. It is not uncommon for some effects of a brain injury to mask symptoms of autism. Having a brain injury may also lead to a delayed autism diagnosis, especially in very young children.
A 2023 study of children who experienced pediatric brain injuries before two years of age showed an increased chance of being diagnosed with ASD. However, the ASD diagnosis was delayed by several years, likely due to symptom overlap with the brain injury. Additionally, all subjects had at least one medical comorbidity, further complicating an ASD diagnosis.
This study was limited but points to the need for more research and early ASD screening in young children who have experienced a brain injury.
The age at which a brain injury occurs does seem to play a role in the development of autism, though this is not a cause-and-effect relationship. Infants or children who experience a brain injury will not necessarily develop autism,…
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