Children with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability.
OBJECTIVE
The present article reviews the increasing literature on comorbidity, treatment and use of health service resources for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability from January 2006 to January 2007.


RESULTS
Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability have a high prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder, mood disorders, catatonia and repetitive behaviours compared with children without autism. Psychopharmacology is effective in reducing symptoms of behavioural problems and attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder, although further studies are required. Autism spectrum disorders are recognized to occur with Smith-Lemli-Optiz syndrome and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders have a high use of mental health services.


CONCLUSIONS
There is increasing evidence of the comorbidity of psychiatric and behavioural disorders in young people with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability responding to established treatments. This high morbidity results in increased healthcare expenditure compared with children without autism and intellectual disability.
McCarthy
Jane
J
South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. jane.m.mcarthy@kcl.ac.uk
D000293:Adolescent; D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015995:Prevalence; D011437:Propylamines / Q000627:therapeutic use
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D011437:Propylamines; D008774:Methylphenidate; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride