AUTISM AND TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS COMPLEX - PREVALENCE AND CLINICAL-FEATURES

This study employed a hierarchical assessment to detect the prevalence of autism in a clinic sample of individuals with tuberous sclerosis c omplex (TSC). After screening subjects with the Autism Behavior Checkl ist, subsequent evaluations with the Autism Diagnostic Interview, and direct clinical observation, the prevalence of autistic disorder in th is sample of 20 subjects was conservatively estimated at 20%. Data sug gest a possible association between both hypsarrythmia and TSC-related cardiac abnormalities with autism in this subgroup of TSC individuals . Implications of these findings for clinical practice and further res earch are discussed.