Screening autism spectrum disorder in adults with Down syndrome: preliminary findings

Stefania Brighenti 1, Francesca Santagata 2, Roberto Lala 3, Mauro Torchio 4, Cristina Pollet 4, Elena Banaudi 5, Filippo Rutto 6, Gian Carlo Isaia 2, Massimiliano Massaia 2, Roberto Keller 1

1 Adult Autism Center, Mental Health Department, Health Unit ASL Città di Torino, Turin, Italy; 2 Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia, Geriatric Department, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy; 3 Federation for Rare Infantile Diseases Onlus FMRI, Turin, Italy; 4 Transitional Care Clinic, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy; 5 Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Disease, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy; 6 Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy

DOI 10.36148/2284-0249-439

Objectives

In recent years, several studies have highlighted the presence of autism spectrum disorder in individuals with other neurodevelopmental disorders. The objective of this preliminary study is to detect the presence of autistic traits in a sample of adults with Down syndrome.

Methods

31 adults with Down syndrome participated in the study. An evaluation of the Intelligence Quotient and a screening of the presence of autistic traits through standardized instruments were done.

Results

The obtained Intelligent Quotient scores confirm the presence of intellectual disability.

The preliminary results show the presence of autistic traits in our sample. In addition, we collected additional evidence on those who show familiarity for psychiatric or neurological disorders.

Conclusions

It is necessary to proceed to a formal screening of the presence of autism in Down syndrome and in other neurodevelopmental disorders.

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