West syndrome and autism: a case report

West syndrome is an epileptic encephalopathy accounting for one-fourth of epilepsies occurring in the first year of life and is highly associated with cognitive impairment. Autism spectrum disorders refer to a group of developmental disorders that are characterized by a wide range of impairments in social and communicative abilities, stereo-typed behaviors, and restricted range of interests with an onset of initial symptoms present before three years of age. In children with West syndrome, autism symptoms arise frequently. The present case, who is a 7-year-old boy followed with the diagnosis of West syndrome and autism, is presented to emphasize this association.