Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Vitamin D Deficient or Insufficient Rickets

Background Autism is increasing, as is vitamin D deficiency, autism epidemic came upon the world at the same time the major health authorities advised fair skin people to avoid the sun, so a link to explore between the 2 conditions appeared tempting to many investigators. Objective Investigation of the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) in an Egyptian sample of vitamin D deficient/insufficient rachitic infants and children compared to age and sex matched healthy controls. Methodology Thirty five vitamin D deficient/insufficient rachitic Egyptian infants and children (group I) and 35 clinically healthy age and sex matched controls were enrolled (group II). Rickets biochemical markers, 25 hydroxy vitamin D, and Vineland Adaptive Behavioral Scales were assessed for all studied infants and children. DSM IV TR criteria were used for diagnosis of ASDs that were rated using Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Results Mild to moderate autism was recorded in 25.71 % of group I compared to none of controls and their CARS total score was significantly negatively correlated with serum level of 25 hydroxy vitamin D. Conclusion Screening for ASDs in cases of Vitamin D deficient/insufficient rickets, as proved to be a high risk group for developing such disorders, is worthy.