title: Autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy: moving towards a comprehensive approach to treatment.
abstract: The biological and phenotypic heterogeneity of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and epilepsy presents a significant challenge to the development of effective treatment protocols. There is no single treatment or treatment protocol for children with ASD or epilepsy. Children with co-occurring ASD and epilepsy should undergo a comprehensive assessment that includes investigation of underlying biological etiologies as well assessment of cognitive, language, affective, social and behavioral function prior to initiating treatment. The comprehensive treatment of children with ASD is based on a combination of therapeutic psychosocial interventions in combination with pharmacological agents. A process-oriented approach to assessment and intervention allows careful analysis of the child's response to treatment such that treatment protocols may be revised secondary to any changes in developmental trajectory of the child with ASD and epilepsy. The possibility of developing pharmacological interventions that target both ASD and epilepsy awaits definitive evidence. The best hope for good developmental outcomes in children with ASD and epilepsy is early recognition and comprehensive treatment of both the ASD and epilepsy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Miami Children's Hospital, Dan Marino Center, Weston, FL, USA. roberto.tuchman@gmail.com
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tuchman
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alessandri
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cuccaro
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D012044:Regression Analysis
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants