90% Of Chilean Children With Autism Have Medical Comorbidities

About 90% of children with autism in Chile have at least one medical comorbidity. More than half had insomnia (61%) or were overweight (52%). About 28% had allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis, and 27% had constipation.

Researchers analyzed a retrospective chart review of 544 children diagnosed with autism between 2015 and 2023 at a specialized pediatric neurodevelopmental center in Chile. The children’s comorbid medical conditions were identified through standardized caregiver interviews, clinical examination, body measurements, and clinician-verified medical record review.

These findings support the importance of conducting a systematic, multidisciplinary assessment during the diagnostic process, the researchers stated . . .