Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autistic Disorder, Child Development Disorders, Pervasive
Conditions
Keywords
Autism spectrum disorder, Risk factors, Prognosis, CARS, Children, Assiut
Brief summary
This case-control study with prospective follow-up aims to identify risk factors associated with autism spectrum disorder and to evaluate the prognosis of children with ASD attending Assiut University Children's Hospital.
Detailed description
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition with multifactorial etiology involving genetic and environmental factors. This observational case-control study will include children aged 3 to 17 years diagnosed with ASD according to DSM-5 criteria and age- and sex-matched controls without neurodevelopmental disorders. Risk factors (antenatal, perinatal, and postnatal) will be compared between cases and controls. Children with ASD will be followed for 6 months to assess changes in symptom severity and adaptive functioning.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Assiut University
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
3 Years to 17 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (Cases): * Age 3 to 17 years * Confirmed diagnosis of ASD according to DSM-5 criteria, supported by standardized tools (e.g., CARS) * Parent or legal guardian able and willing to provide informed consent Inclusion Criteria (Controls): \- Age- and sex-matched children without ASD or other neurodevelopmental disorders
Exclusion criteria
* Age below 3 years or above 17 years * Known chromosomal or genetic syndrome associated with secondary autistic features (e.g., Fragile X, Down syndrome), unless studied as a separate subgroup * Incomplete medical records * Refusal of parents/guardians to participate * Loss to follow-up before the minimum 6-month prognostic assessment
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Prevalence of risk factors in ASD versus controls | Baseline | Proportion of children with specific antenatal, perinatal, and postnatal risk factors (advanced parental age, consanguinity, maternal infection, gestational diabetes, birth asphyxia, NICU admission, and family history of ASD) among ASD cases compared with age- and sex-matched controls. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Childhood Autism Rating Scale score | From baseline to 6 months | Change in Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) total score from baseline to 6 months in children with ASD. CARS ranges from 15 to 60; higher scores indicate greater autism severity. |
| Change in Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales score | From baseline to 6 months | Change in Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales composite score from baseline to 6 months in children with ASD. Higher scores indicate better adaptive functioning. |
| Response to early intervention | At 6 months | Proportion of children with ASD showing clinical improvement after speech, occupational, and behavioral therapy. |
| Development of comorbidities | Through 6 months | Proportion of children with ASD who develop associated comorbidities (seizures, gastrointestinal problems, sleep disturbances) during follow-up. |
Contacts
CONTACTYasmin A Mohamed, Resident
STUDY_CHAIRAbdellatif M Abdelmoez, prof
pediatics Department, Assiut University Hospitals
Outcome results
None listed