TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS AND AUTISM

Tuberous sclerosis is often associated with developmental and behaviou ral disorders including typical or partial autistic syndrome. However, it may be difficult to recognize tuberous sclerosis behind an infanti le autism during the early stages of the disease. Therefore, tuberous sclerosis must be regularly looked for an the basis of its major and m inor criteria in any cases of infantile autism. The child psychiatrist is preferentially involved in the management of the various aspects o f this association, ie, behavioural or character disorders, difficulti es in social relationships and communication, mental retardation, feed ing disorders, and psychological consequences for the families. The su pport provided may be complemented by that offered by the Association for Bourneville's tuberous sclerosis.