Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Management of General Medical Conditions

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Handbook of Early Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Part of the book series: Autism and Child Psychopathology Series ((ACPS))

Abstract

There is increasing awareness that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have significant medical needs (Bauman 2010. Neurotherapeutics, 7(3), 320–327; Coury 2010. Current opinion in neurology, 23(2),131–136). In this chapter, we will review the evaluation and management of common medical comorbidities in children with ASD: sleep disturbances, seizures , and gastrointestinal disorders. Evaluating these disorders in children with ASD may require greater attention to a parent’s intuition that something is not right, a higher level of attention to subtle nonverbal clues from the child, and an appreciation that common medical disorders may present in uncommon ways. Because of the complexity, the primary care provider (PCP) may need to collaborate with other team members (educators, therapists, and other medical subspecialists) to establish a plan for evaluation and management of these conditions. Unfortunately, parents of children with ASD have difficulty accessing this type of interdisciplinary care within the current system of health-care delivery (Brachlow et al. 2007. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 161(4), 399: Kogan et al. 2008. Pediatrics, 122(6), e1149–e1158; Liptak et al. 2006. Journal of pediatric health care, 20(4), 245–252)

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 349.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 449.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 449.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Achenbach, T. M., & Rescorla, L. A. (2000). Manual for the ASEBA preschool forms & profiles. Burlington: University of Vermont, Research Center for Children, Youth, & Families.

    Google Scholar 

  • Adams, J. B., Johansen, L. J., Powell, L. D., Quig, D., & Rubin, R. A. (2011). Gastrointestinal flora and gastrointestinal status in children with autism–comparisons to typical children and correlation with autism severity. BMC gastroenterology, 11(1), 22.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Akins, R. S., Angkustsiri, K., & Hansen, R. L. (2010). Complementary and alternative medicine in autism: An evidence-based approach to negotiating safe and efficacious interventions with families. Neurotherapeutics, 7(3), 307–319.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Andersen, I. M., Kaczmarska, J., McGrew, S. G., & Malow, B. A. (2008). Melatonin for insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of child neurology, 23(5), 482–485.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ashwood, P., Anthony, A., Torrente, F., & Wakefield, A. J. (2004). Spontaneous mucosal lymphocyte cytokine profiles in children with autism and gastrointestinal symptoms: Mucosal immune activation and reduced counter regulatory interleukin-10. Journal of Clinical Immunology, 24(6), 664–673.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Azar, N. J., & Abou-Khalil, B. W. (2008). Considerations in the choice of an antiepileptic drug in the treatment of epilepsy. Seminars in Neurology, 28(3), 305–316. (© Thieme Medical Publishers).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bandini, L. G., Anderson, S. E., Curtin, C., Cermak, S., Evans, E. W., Scampini, R., Maslin, M., & Must, A. (2010). Food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorders and typically developing children. The Journal of Pediatrics, 157(2), 259–264.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Bauman, M. L. (2010). Medical comorbidities in autism: Challenges to diagnosis and treatment. Neurotherapeutics, 7(3), 320–327.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beach, R., & Reading, R. (2005). The importance of acknowledging clinical uncertainty in the diagnosis of epilepsy and non-epileptic events. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 90(12), 1219–1222.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Bennetto, L., Kuschner, E. S., & Hyman, S. L. (2007). Olfaction and taste processing in autism. Biological Psychiatry, 62(9), 1015–1021.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Bhargava, S. (2011). Diagnosis and management of common sleep problems in children. Pediatrics in Review, 32(3), 91–99.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Black, C., Kaye, J. A., & Jick, H. (2002). Relation of childhood gastrointestinal disorders to autism: Nested case-control study using data from the UK general practice research database. British Medical Journal, 325(7361), 419–421.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Braam, W., Smits, M. G., Didden, R., Korzilius, H., Van Geijlswijk, I. M., & Curfs, L. M. (2009). Exogenous melatonin for sleep problems in individuals with intellectual disability: A meta-analysis. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 51(5), 340–349.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brachlow, A. E., Ness, K. K., McPheeters, M. L., & Gurney, J. G. (2007). Comparison of indicators for a primary care medical home between children with autism or asthma and other special health care needs: National survey of childrens’ health. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 161(4), 399–405.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bruins, B., Fine, H. F., Moorthy, L. N., et al. (2011). Index of suspicion. Case 1: Recurrent oral ulcers in an adolescent. Case 2: Visual impairment in an autistic child. Case 3: Fever and hepatosplenomegaly in an infant. Pediatrics in Review, 32(1), 35–40.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Buie, T., Campbell, D. B., Fuchs, G. J., Furuta, G. T., Levy, J., Van de Water, J., Whitaker, A. H., Atkins, D., Bauman, M. L., Beaudet, A. L., Carr, E. G., Gershon, M. D., Hyman, S. L., Jirapinyo, P., Jyonouchi, H., Kooros, K., Kushak, R., Levitt, P., Levy, S. E., Lewis, J. D., Murray, K. F., Natowicz, M. R., Sabra, A., Wershil, B. K., Weston, S. C., Zeltzer, L., & Winter, H. (2010a). Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in individuals with ASDs: A consensus report. Pediatrics, 125(Supplement 1), S1–S18.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Buie, T., Fuchs, G. J., Furuta, G. T., Kooros, K., Levy, J., Lewis, J. D., Wershil, B. K, & Winter, H. (2010b). Recommendations for evaluation and treatment of common gastrointestinal problems in children with ASDs. Pediatrics, 125(Supplement 1), S19–S29.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cai, G., Edelmann, L., Goldsmith, J. E., Cohen, N., Nakamine, A., Reichert, J. G., Hoffman, E. J., Zurawiecki, D. M., Silverman, J. M., Hollander, E., Soorya, L., Anagnostou, E., Betancur, C., & Buxbaum, J. D. (2008). Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification for genetic screening in autism spectrum disorders: Efficient identification of known microduplications and identification of a novel microduplication in ASMT. BMC Medical Genomics, 1(1), 50.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Campbell, D. B., Buie, T. M., Winter, H., Bauman, M., Sutcliffe, J. S., Perrin, J. M., & Levitt, P. (2009). Distinct genetic risk based on association of MET in families with co-occurring autism and gastrointestinal conditions. Pediatrics, 123(3), 1018–1024.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cermak, S. A., Curtin, C., & Bandini, L. G. (2010). Food selectivity and sensory sensitivity in children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 110(2), 238–246.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Chatterjee, A., & O’Keefe, C. (2010). Current controversies in the USA regarding vaccine safety. Expert Review of Vaccines, 9(5), 497–502.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chervin, R. D., & Archbold, K. H. (2001). Hyperactivity and polysomnographic findings in children evaluated for sleep-disordered breathing. Sleep, 24(3), 313–320.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chervin, R. D., Archbold, K. H., Dillon, J. E., Panahi, P., Pituch, K. J., Dahl, R. E., & Guilleminault, C. (2002). Inattention, hyperactivity, and symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing. Pediatrics, 109(3), 449–456

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • CHIPRA quality demonstration grants—summary. (2010). http://www.insurekidsnow.gov/professionals/CHIPRA/grants_summary.html. Accessed 15 Jan 2012

  • Chronic abdominal pain in children. (2005). Pediatrics, 115(3), 812–815.

    Google Scholar 

  • Constipation Guideline Committee of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. (2006). Evaluation and treatment of constipation in infants and children: Recommendations of the North American society for pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 43, e1–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Evaluation and treatment of constipation in infants and children: recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. (2006). Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 43(3):e1–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooley, W. C., McAllister, J. W., Sherrieb, K., & Kuhlthau, K. (2009). Improved outcomes associated with medical home implementation in pediatric primary care. Pediatrics, 124(1), 358–364.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Coury, D. (2010). Medical treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Current Opinion in Neurology, 23(2), 131–136.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Couturier, J. L., Speechley, K. N., Steele, M., Norman, R., Stringer, B., & Nicolson, R. (2005). Parental perception of sleep problems in children of normal intelligence with pervasive developmental disorders: Prevalence, severity, and pattern. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 44(8), 815–822.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Curtin, C., Anderson, S., Must, A., & Bandini, L. (2010). The prevalence of obesity in children with autism: A secondary data analysis using nationally representative data from the National Survey of Children’s Health. BMC Pediatrics, 10(1), 11.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • de Magistris, L., Familiari, V., Pascotto, A., Sapone, A., Frolli, A., Iardino, P., Carteni, M., De Rosa M., Francavilla R., Riegler G., Militerni R., & Bravaccio, C. (2010). Alterations of the intestinal barrier in patients with autism spectrum disorders and in their first-degree relatives. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 51(4), 418–424.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • de Oliveira, E. P., & Burini, R. C. (2009). The impact of physical exercise on the gastrointestinal tract. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, 12(5), 533–538.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deacon, C., Wiebe, S., Blume, W. T., McLachlan, R. S., Young, G. B., & Matijevic, S. (2003). Seizure identification by clinical description in temporal lobe epilepsy how accurate are we? Neurology, 61(12), 1686–1689.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • DeFelice, M. L., Ruchelli, E. D., Markowitz, J. E., Strogatz, M., Reddy, K. P., Kadivar, K., Mulberg, A. E., & Brown, K. A. (2003). Intestinal cytokines in children with pervasive developmental disorders. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 98(8), 1777–1782.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • d’Eufemia, P., Celli, M., Finocchiaro, R., Pacifico, L., Viozzi, L., Zaccagnini, M., Cardi, E., & Giardini, O. (1996). Abnormal intestinal permeability in children with autism. Acta Paediatrica, 85(9), 1076–1079.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Didden, R., & Sigafoos, J. (2001). A review of the nature and treatment of sleep disorders in individuals with developmental disabilities. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 22(4), 255–272

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dohan, F. C. (1966). Wheat “consumption” and hospital admissions for schizophrenia during World War II a preliminary report. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 18(1), 7–10.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dosman, C. F., Brian, J. A., Drmic, I. E., Senthilselvan, A., Harford, M. M., Smith, R. W., & Roberts, S. W. (2007). Children with autism: Effect of iron supplementation on sleep and ferritin. Pediatric Neurology, 36(3), 152–158

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Duggan, C. P., Westra, S. J., & Rosenberg, A. E. (2007). Case 23-2007: A 9-year-old boy with bone pain, rash, and gingival hypertrophy. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(4), 392–400.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Durand, V. M. (1998). Sleep better!: A guide to improving sleep for children with special needs. Baltimore: Brookes.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elder, J. H. (2008). The gluten-free, casein-free diet in autism: An overview with clinical implications. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 23(6), 583–588.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Elder, J. H., Shankar, M., Shuster, J., Theriaque, D., Burns, S., & Sherrill, L. (2006). The gluten-free, casein-free diet in autism: Results of a preliminary double blind clinical trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(3), 413–420.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Evaluation and treatment of constipation in infants and children: Recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. (2006). Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 43(3), e1–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ezugha, H., Anderson, C. E., Marks, H. G., Khurana, D., Legido, A., & Valencia, I. (2010). Microarray analysis in children with developmental disorder or epilepsy. Pediatric Neurology, 43(6), 391–394.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Farrell, K., Hess, C., & Justice, D. (2011) The affordable care act and children with special health care needs. In National Academy for State Health Policy. http://www.nashp.org/publication/aca-children-special-health-care-needs. Accessed 13 Jan 2012

  • Frye, R. E., Sreenivasula, S., & Adams, J. B. (2011). Traditional and non-traditional treatments for autism spectrum disorder with seizures: An on-line survey. BMC Pediatrics, 11(1), 37.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Gabriels, R. L., Cuccaro, M. L., Hill, D. E., Ivers, B. J., & Goldson, E. (2005). Repetitive behaviors in autism: Relationships with associated clinical features. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 26(2), 169–181.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gail Williams, P., Sears, L. L., & Allard, A. (2004). Sleep problems in children with autism. Journal of Sleep Research, 13(3), 265–268.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Garstang, J., & Wallis, M. (2006). Randomized controlled trial of melatonin for children with autistic spectrum disorders and sleep problems. Child: Care, Health and Development, 32(5), 585–589.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gerber, J. S., & Offit, P. A. (2009). Vaccines and autism: A tale of shifting hypotheses. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 48(4), 456–461.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Giannotti, F., Cortesi, F., Cerquiglini, A., & Bernabei, P. (2006). An open-label study of controlled-release melatonin in treatment of sleep disorders in children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(6), 741–752.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goldman, S. E., Richdale, A. L., Clemons, T., & Malow, B. A. (2011). Parental sleep concerns in autism spectrum disorders: Variations from childhood to adolescence. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42(4), 531–538.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goldstein, N. A., Fatima, M., Campbell, T. F., & Rosenfeld, R. M. (2002). Child behavior and quality of life before and after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Archives of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, 128(7), 770–775.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Golnik, A., Scal, P., Wey, A., & Gaillard, P. (2011). Autism-specific primary care medical home intervention. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42(6), 1087–1093.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gooley, J. J., & Saper, C. B. (2005). Anatomy of the mammalian circadian system. In Kryger, M. H., Roth, T., & Dement, W. C. (Eds.), Principles and practice of sleep medicine. (4th ed., pp. 335–350). Philadelphia: Saunders .

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Gottlieb, D. J., Vezina, R. M., Chase, C., Lesko, S. M., Heeren, T. C., Weese-Mayer, D. E., Auerbach, S. H., & Corwin, M. J. (2003). Symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing in 5-year-old children are associated with sleepiness and problem behaviors. Pediatrics, 112(4), 870–877.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hara, H. (2007). Autism and epilepsy: A retrospective follow-up study. Brain and Development, 29(8), 486–490.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Haut, S. R., & Shinnar, S. (2008). Considerations in the treatment of a first unprovoked seizure. Semin Neurol, 28(3), 289–296.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hebebrand, J., Hennighausen, K., Nau, S., Himmelmann, G. W., Schulz, E., Schäfer, H., & Remschmidt, H. (1997). Low body weight in male children an adolescents with schizoid personality disorder or Asperger’s disorder. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 96(1), 64–67.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Herndon, A. C., DiGuiseppi, C., Johnson, S. L., Leiferman, J., & Reynolds, A. (2009). Does nutritional intake differ between children with autism spectrum disorders and children with typical development? Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(2), 212–222.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Heyman, M. B. (2006). Lactose intolerance in infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatrics, 118(3), 1279–1286.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hirtz, D., Ashwal, S., Berg, A., Bettis, D., Camfield, C., Camfield, P., Elterman, R., Schneider, S., & Shinnar, S. (2000). Practice parameter: Evaluating a first nonfebrile seizure in children report of the quality standards subcommittee of the american academy of neurology, the child neurology society, and the american epilepsy society. Neurology, 55(5), 616–623.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hoban, T. F. (2003). Rhythmic movement disorder in children. CNS Spectrums, 8, 135–138.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hollander, E., Dolgoff-Kaspar, R., Cartwright, C., Rawitt, R., & Novotny, S. (2001). An open trial of divalproex sodium in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 62(7), 530–534.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Honomichl, R. D., Goodlin-Jones, B. L., Burnham, M. M., Hansen, R. L., & Anders, T. F. (2002a). Secretin and sleep in children with autism. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 33(2), 107–123.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Honomichl, R. D., Goodlin-Jones, B. L., Burnham, M., Gaylor, E., & Anders, T. F. (2002b). Sleep patterns of children with pervasive developmental disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 32(6), 553–561.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hughes, J. R. (2008). The photoparoxysmal response: The probable cause of attacks during video games. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 39(1), 1–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jan, J. E., Owens, J. A., Weiss, M. D., Johnson, K. P., Wasdell, M. B., Freeman, R. D., & Ipsiroglu, O. S. (2008). Sleep hygiene for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Pediatrics, 122(6), 1343–1350.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jonsson, L., Ljunggren, E., Bremer, A., Pedersen, C., Landén, M., Thuresson, K., Giacobini, M., & Melke, J. (2010). Mutation screening of melatonin-related genes in patients with autism spectrum disorders. BMC Medical Genomics, 3(1), 3–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jyonouchi, H., Geng, L., Ruby, A., & Zimmerman-Bier, B. (2005). Dysregulated innate immune responses in young children with autism spectrum disorders: Their relationship to gastrointestinal symptoms and dietary intervention. Neuropsychobiology, 51(2), 77–85.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kelley, S. A., & Hartman, A. L. (2011). Metabolic treatments for intractable epilepsy. Seminars in Pediatric Neurology, 18(3), 179–185.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kern, J. K., Trivedi, M. H., Garver, C. R., Grannemann, B. D., Andrews, A. A., Savla, J. S., Johnson, D. G., Mehta, J. A., & Schroeder, J. L. (2006). The pattern of sensory processing abnormalities in autism. Autism, 10(5), 480–494.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Knivsberg, A. M., Reichelt, K. L., Høien, T., & Nødland, M. (2002). A randomised, controlled study of dietary intervention in autistic syndromes. Nutritional Neuroscience, 5(4), 251–261.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kogan, M. D., Strickland, B. B., Blumberg, S. J., Singh, G. K., Perrin, J. M., & van Dyck, P. C. (2008). A national profile of the health care experiences and family impact of autism spectrum disorder among children in the United States, 2005–2006. Pediatrics, 122(6), e1149–e1158.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kogan, M. D., Strickland, B. B., & Newacheck, P. W. (2009). Building systems of care: Findings from the national survey of children with special health care needs. Pediatrics, 124(Supplement 4), S333–S336.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krakowiak, P., Goodlin-Jones, B., Hertz-Picciotto, I., Croen, L. A., & Hansen, R. L. (2008). Sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, and typical development: A population-based study. Journal of Sleep Research, 17(2), 197–206.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kulman, G., Lissoni, P., Rovelli, F., Roselli, M. G., Brivio, F., & Sequeri, P. (2000). Evidence of pineal endocrine hypofunction in autistic children. Neuro Endocrinology Letters, 21(1), 31–34.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Latif, A., Heinz, P., & Cook, R. (2002). Iron deficiency in autism and Asperger syndrome. Autism, 6(1), 103–114

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leu, R. M., Beyderman, L., Botzolakis, E. J., Surdyka, K., Wang, L., & Malow, B. A. (2011). Relation of melatonin to sleep architecture in children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(4), 427–433.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Levisohn, P. M. (2007). The autism-epilepsy connection. Epilepsia, 48(9), 33–35.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Levy, S. E., Souders, M. C., Ittenbach, R. F., Giarelli, E., Mulberg, A. E., & Pinto-Martin, J. A. (2007). Relationship of dietary intake to gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autistic spectrum disorders. Biological Psychiatry, 61(4), 492–497.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leyfer, O. T., Folstein, S. E., Bacalman, S., Davis, N. O., Dinh, E., Morgan, J., Tager-Flusberg, H., & Lainhart, J. E. (2006). Comorbid psychiatric disorders in children with autism: Interview development and rates of disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(7), 849–861.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lin-Dyken, D. C., & Dyken, M. E. (2002). Use of melatonin in young children for sleep disorders. Infants & Young Children, 15(2), 20–37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liptak, G. S., Orlando, M., Yingling, J. T., Theurer-Kaufman, K. L., Malay, D. P., Tompkins, L. A., & Flynn, J. R. (2006). Satisfaction with primary health care received by families of children with developmental disabilities. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 20(4), 245–252.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lockner, D. W., Crowe, T. K., & Skipper, B. J. (2008). Dietary intake and parents’ perception of mealtime behaviors in preschool-age children with autism spectrum disorder and in typically developing children. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 108(8), 1360–1363.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mahowald M. W., & Schenck C. H. (2005). REM sleep parasomnias. In M. H. Kryger, T. Roth, & W. C. Dement (Eds.), Principles and practice of sleep medicine (pp. 897–916). Philadelphia: Saunders.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malow, B. A. (2004). Sleep disorders, epilepsy, and autism. Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 10(2), 122–125.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Malow, B. A., Marzec, M. L., McGrew, S. G., Wang, L., Henderson, L. M., & Stone, W. L. (2006a). Characterizing sleep in children with autism spectrum disorders: A multidimensional approach. SLEEP-NEW YORK THEN WESTCHESTER, 29(12), 1563–1571.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malow, B. A., McGrew, S. G., Harvey, M., Henderson, L. M., & Stone, W. L. (2006b). Impact of treating sleep apnea in a child with autism spectrum disorder. Pediatric Neurology, 34(4), 325–328.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Malow, B. A., Byars, K., Johnson, K., et al. (2012) A practice pathway for the identification, evaluation, and management of insomnia in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics, 130(Suppl 2):S106–124.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marcus, C. L., Brooks, L. J., Draper, K. A., et al. (2012). Diagnosis and management of childhood obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Pediatrics, 130(3):576–584.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malow, B. A., Byars, K., Johnson, K., et al. (2012). A practice pathway for the identification, evaluation, and management of insomnia in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics, 130(2), S106–124.

    Google Scholar 

  • McPherson, M., Weissman, G., Strickland, B. B., van Dyck, P. C., Blumberg, S. J., & Newacheck, P. W. (2004). Implementing community-based systems of services for children and youths with special health care needs: How well are we doing? Pediatrics, 113(Supplement 4), 1538–1544.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Melke, J., Botros, H. G., Chaste, P., Betancur, C., Nygren, G., Anckarsäter, H., Rastam, M., Ståhlberg, O., Gillberg, I. C., Delorme, R., Chabane, N., Mouren-Simeoni, M. C.,& Bourgeron, T. (2008). Abnormal melatonin synthesis in autism spectrum disorders. Molecular Psychiatry, 13(1), 90–98.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Meltzer, L. J., & Mindell, J. A. (2006). Sleep and sleep disorders in children and adolescents. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 29(4), 1059–1076.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Millward, C., Ferriter, M., Calver, S., & Connell-Jones, G. (2008). Gluten-and casein-free diets for autistic spectrum disorder. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 16(2), CD003498.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moon, E. C., Corkum, P., & Smith, I. M. (2010). Case study: A case-series evaluation of a behavioral sleep intervention for three children with autism and primary insomnia. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 36(1), 47–54.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Morgenthaler, T. I., Owens, J., Alessi, C., Boehlecke, B., Brown, T. M., Coleman, J., Friedman, L., Kapur, V. K., Lee-Chiong, T., Pancer, J., & Swick, T. J. (2006). Practice parameters for behavioral treatment of bedtime problems and night wakings in infants and young children. SLEEP, 29(10), 1277–1281.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, N. A., & Carbone, P. S. (2008). Promoting the participation of children with disabilities in sports, recreation, and physical activities. Pediatrics, 121(5), 1057–1061.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, N. A., & Carbone, P. S. (2011). Parent-provider-community partnerships: Optimizing outcomes for children with disabilities. Pediatrics, 128(4), 795–802.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nadon, G., Feldman, D. E., Dunn, W., & Gisel, E. (2011). Mealtime problems in children with autism spectrum disorder and their typically developing siblings: A comparison study. Autism, 15(1), 98–113.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nir, I., Meir, D., Zilber, N., Knobler, H., Hadjez, J., & Lerner, Y. (1995). Brief report: Circadian melatonin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin, and cortisol levels in serum of young adults with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 25(6), 641–654.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Owens, J. A., & Moturi, S. (2009). Pharmacologic treatment of pediatric insomnia. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 18(4), 1001–1016.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Owens, J. A., Rosen, C. L., Mindell, J. A., & Kirchner, H. L. (2010). Use of pharmacotherapy for insomnia in child psychiatry practice: A national survey. Sleep Medicine, 11(7), 692–700.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Owens, J. A., Spirito, A., & McGuinn, M. (2000). The children’s sleep habits questionnaire (CSHQ): Psychometric properties of a survey instrument for school-aged children. SLEEP, 23(8), 1043–1052.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paavonen, E. J., Nieminen-von Wendt, T., Vanhala, R., Aronen, E. T., & von Wendt, L. (2003). Effectiveness of melatonin in the treatment of sleep disturbances in children with Asperger disorder. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 13(1), 83–95.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Patzold, L. M., Richdale, A. L., & Tonge, B. J. (1998). An investigation into sleep characteristics of children with autism and Asperger’s disorder. Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health, 34(6), 528–533.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pellock, J. M. (2004). Understanding co-morbidities affecting children with epilepsy. Neurology, 62(Supplement 2), S17–S23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Perrig, S., & Jallon, P. (2008). Is the first seizure truly epileptic? Epilepsia, 49(1), 2–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pineles, S. L., Avery, R. A., & Liu, G. T. (2010). Vitamin B12 optic neuropathy in autism. Pediatrics, 126(4), e967–e970.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Prais, D., Straussberg, R., Amir, J., Nussinovitch, M., & Harel, L. (2006). Treatment of anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome with intravenous immunoglobulins and corticosteroids. Journal of Child Neurology, 21(5), 380–384.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Provost, B., Crowe, T. K., Osbourn, P. L., McClain, C., & Skipper, B. J. (2010). Mealtime behaviors of preschool children: Comparison of children with autism spectrum disorder and children with typical development. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 30(3), 220–233.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Quine, L. (1991). Sleep problems in children with mental handicap. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 35(4), 269–290.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ramos-Lizana, J., Aguirre-Rodriguez, J., Aguilera-Lopez, P., & Cassinello-Garcia, E. (2009). Recurrence risk after a first remote symptomatic unprovoked seizure in childhood: A prospective study. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 51(1), 68–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rapin, I., & Katzman, R. (1998). Neurobiology of autism. Annals of Neurology, 43(1), 7–14.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reed, H. E., McGrew, S. G., Artibee, K., Surdkya, K., Goldman, S. E., Frank, K., Wang, L., & Malow, B. A. (2009). Parent-based sleep education workshops in autism. Journal of Child Neurology, 24(8), 936–945.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, A. M., & Malow, B. A. (2011). Sleep and autism spectrum disorders. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 58(3), 685–698.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rice, C. (2009). Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Autism and developmental disabilities monitoring network, United States, 2006. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Surveillance Summaries, 58(10), 1–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richdale, A. L. (1999). Sleep problems in autism: Prevalence, cause, and intervention. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 41(1), 60–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Richdale, A. L., & Prior, M. R. (1995). The sleep/wake rhythm in children with autism. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 4(3), 175–186.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Richdale, A. L., & Schreck, K. A. (2009). Sleep problems in autism spectrum disorders: Prevalence, nature, & possible biopsychosocial aetiologies. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 13(6), 403–411.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenberg, R. E., Mandell, D. S., Farmer, J. E., Law, J. K., Marvin, A. R., & Law, P. A. (2010). Psychotropic medication use among children with autism spectrum disorders enrolled in a national registry, 2007–2008. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40(3), 342–351.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rudolph, C. D., Mazur, L. J., Liptak, G. S., Baker, R. D., Boyle, J. T., Colletti, R. B., Gerson, W. T., & Werlin, S. L. (2001). Guidelines for evaluation and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in infants and children: Recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 32, 1–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schreck, K. A., & Mulick, J. A. (2000). Parental report of sleep problems in children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 30(2), 127–135.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schreck, K. A., Mulick, J. A., & Smith, A. F. (2004a). Sleep problems as possible predictors of intensified symptoms of autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 25(1), 57–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schreck, K. A., Williams, K., & Smith, A. F. (2004b). A comparison of eating behaviors between children with and without autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 34(4), 433–438

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shen, Y., Dies, K. A., Holm, I. A., Bridgemohan, C., Sobeih, M. M., Caronna, E. B., Miller, K. J., Frazier, J. A., Silverstein, I., Picker, J., Weissman, L., Raffalli, P., Jeste, S., Demmer, L. A., Peters, H. K., Brewster, S. J., Kowalczyk, S. J., Rosen-Sheidley, B., McGowan, C., Duda, A. W. (3rd), Lincoln, S. A., Lowe, K. R., Schonwald, A., Robbins, M., Hisama, F., Wolff, R., Becker, R., Nasir, R., Urion, D. K., Milunsky, J. M., Rappaport, L., Gusella, J. F., Walsh, C. A., Wu, B. L., & Miller, D. T. (2010). Clinical genetic testing for patients with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics, 125(4), e727–e735.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shinnar, S., Berg, A. T., Moshe, S. L., & Shinnar, R. (2001a). How long do new-onset seizures in children last? Annals of Neurology, 49(5), 659–664.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shinnar, S., Rapin, I., Arnold, S., Tuchman, R. F., Shulman, L., Ballaban-Gil, K., Maw, M., Deuel, R. K., & Volkmar, F. R. (2001b). Language regression in childhood. Pediatric Neurology, 24(3), 185–191.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simakajornboon, N., Kheirandish-Gozal, L., & Gozal, D. (2009). Diagnosis and management of restless legs syndrome in children. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 13(2), 149–156.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, A. M., Roux, S., Naidoo, N. T., & Venter, D. J. (2005). Food choices of tactile defensive children. Nutrition, 21(1), 14–19.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Souders, M. C., Mason, T. B., Valladares, O., Bucan, M., Levy, S. E., Mandell, D. S., Weaver, T. E., & Pinto-Martin, J. (2009). Sleep behaviors and sleep quality in children with autism spectrum disorders. Sleep, 32(12), 1566–1578.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Spence, S. J., & Schneider, M. T. (2009). The role of epilepsy and epileptiform EEGs in autism spectrum disorders. Pediatric Research, 65(6), 599–606.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Stein, R. E. (2011). The 1990s: A decade of change in understanding children with ongoing conditions. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 165(10), 880–883.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Strickland, B. B., Singh, G. K., Kogan, M. D., Mann, M. Y., van Dyck, P. C., & Newacheck, P. W. (2009). Access to the medical home: New findings from the 2005–2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. Pediatrics, 123(6), e996–e1004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tabbers, M. M., Boluyt, N., Berger, M. Y., & Benninga, M. A. (2011). Nonpharmacologic treatments for childhood constipation: Systematic review. Pediatrics, 128(4), 753–761.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tang, B., Piazza, C. C., Dolezal, D., & Stein, M. T. (2011). Severe feeding disorder and malnutrition in 2 children with autism. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 32(3), 264–267.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • The medical home (2002). Pediatrics, 110(1 Pt 1), 184–186.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thirumalai, S. S., Shubin, R. A., & Robinson, R. (2002). Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder in children with autism. Journal of Child Neurology, 17(3), 173–178.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Toma, C., Rossi, M., Sousa, I., Blasi, F., Bacchelli, E., Alen, R., Vanhala, R., Monaco, A. P., Järvelä, I., & Maestrini, E. (2007). Is ASMT a susceptibility gene for autism spectrum disorders? A replication study in European populations. Molecular Psychiatry, 12(11), 977–979.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tordjman, S., Anderson, G. M., Pichard, N., Charbuy, H., & Touitou, Y. (2005). Nocturnal excretion of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin in children and adolescents with autistic disorder. Biological Psychiatry, 57(2), 134–138.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tuchman R. (2009). CSWS-related autistic regression versus autistic regression without CSWS. Epilepsia, 50(7), 18–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tuchman, R., & Cuccaro, M. (2011). Epilepsy and autism: Neurodevelopmental perspective. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 11(4), 428–434.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tuchman, R., & Rapin, I. (2002). Epilepsy in autism. The Lancet Neurology, 1(6), 352–358.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tuchman, R. (2009). CSWS-related autistic regression versus autistic regression without CSWS. Epilepsia, 50(Suppl 7):18–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tuxhorn, I., & Kotagal, P. (2008). Classification. Seminars in Neurology. Jul, 28(3), 277–288.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Valicenti-McDermott, M. D., McVicar, K., Cohen, H. J., Wershil, B. K., & Shinnar, S. (2008). Gastrointestinal symptoms in children with an autism spectrum disorder and language regression. Pediatric Neurology, 39(6), 392–398.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Valicenti-McDermott, M. D., McVicar, K., Rapin, I., Wershil, B. K., Cohen, H., & Shinnar, S. (2006). Frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autistic spectrum disorders and association with family history of autoimmune disease. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 27(2), 128–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, L. W., Tancredi, D. J., & Thomas, D. W. (2011). The prevalence of gastrointestinal problems in children across the United States with autism spectrum disorders from families with multiple affected members. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 32(5), 351–360.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • White, J. F. (2003). Intestinal pathophysiology in autism. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 228(6), 639–649.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wiggs, L., & Stores, G. (1996). Severe sleep disturbance and daytime challenging behaviour in children with severe learning disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 40(6), 518–528.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wiggs, L., & Stores, G. (2004). Sleep patterns and sleep disorders in children with autistic spectrum disorders: Insights using parent report and actigraphy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 46(6), 372–380.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, B. L., Hornig, M., Buie, T., Bauman, M. L., Paik, M. C., Wick, I., Bennett, A., Jabado, O., Hirschberg, D. L., & Lipkin, W. I. (2011). Impaired carbohydrate digestion and transport and mucosal dysbiosis in the intestines of children with autism and gastrointestinal disturbances. PLoS One, 6(9), e24585.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, P. G., Dalrymple, N., & Neal, J. (2000). Eating habits of children with autism. Pediatric Nursing, 26(3), 259–264.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wong, H. H., & Smith, R. G. (2006). Patterns of complementary and alternative medical therapy use in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(7), 901–909.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wright, B., Sims, D., Smart, S., Alwazeer, A., Alderson-Day, B., Allgar, V., Whitton, C., Tomlinson, H., Bennett, S., Jardine, J., McCaffrey, N., Leyland, C., & Miles, J. (2010). Melatonin versus placebo in children with autism spectrum conditions and severe sleep problems not amenable to behaviour management strategies: A randomised controlled crossover trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(2), 175–184.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zawahir, S., Safta, A., & Fasano, A. (2009). Pediatric celiac disease. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 21(5), 655–660.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

    Paul S. Carbone & Lynne M. Kerr

  2. University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, USA

    Ann M. Reynolds

Authors
  1. Paul S. Carbone
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ann M. Reynolds
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Lynne M. Kerr
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Paul S. Carbone .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Tarzana, California, USA

    Jonathan Tarbox

  2. Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Tarzana, California, USA

    Dennis R. Dixon

  3. Department of Psychology, Queens College City University of New York, Flushing, New York, USA

    Peter Sturmey

  4. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA

    Johnny L. Matson

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Carbone, P., Reynolds, A., Kerr, L. (2014). Management of General Medical Conditions. In: Tarbox, J., Dixon, D., Sturmey, P., Matson, J. (eds) Handbook of Early Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0401-3_25

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation