Thực trạng rối loạn đồng mắc và mối liên quan với mức độ nặng ở trẻ rối loạn phổ tự kỷ

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive behaviors. While ASD itself presents significant challenges, its co-occurrence with various other conditions, known as comorbidities, profoundly complicates diagnosis, treatment, and the overall quality of life for affected individuals. International statistics indicate that over 70% of children with ASD have at least one psychiatric comorbidity, with many experiencing multiple co-occurring disorders. These additional conditions exacerbate ASD symptoms and contribute to functional impairments, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive understanding and intervention. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of comorbidities in children with ASD and to analyze their association with the severity of ASD within a specific Vietnamese context, thereby informing more effective clinical strategies.

Medical professionals (pediatricians, psychiatrists, rehabilitation specialists), psychologists, researchers in developmental disorders, and policymakers focused on child health.

This cross-sectional analytical study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of comorbidities in 105 children aged 2-12 years diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Da Nang Rehabilitation Hospital between January and August 2025. The research employed clinical assessments for comorbidity identification and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) to evaluate ASD severity, with data subsequently analyzed using R-language. Key findings revealed a high prevalence of various comorbidities: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (52.4%) and sleep disorders (45.7%) were the most common, followed by eating disorders (28.6%), constipation (21%), and anxiety disorders (13.3%). Notably, no cases of depression or epilepsy were observed in this cohort. Multivariate analysis indicated that anxiety disorders were significantly associated with greater ASD severity (OR = 4.28, p < 0.05), as were sleep disorders (OR = 3.53, p < 0.05). These results underscore that children with ASD frequently present with multiple comorbidities, and importantly, certain co-occurring conditions like anxiety and sleep disorders significantly impact the severity of ASD. The study's implications highlight the critical importance of early detection and targeted intervention for these comorbidities to enhance treatment outcomes, improve the overall functional abilities, and elevate the quality of life for children with ASD. This comprehensive approach is essential for optimizing support strategies for this vulnerable population.