Exploring the relationship between autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy using latent class cluster analysis

J Autism Dev Disord. 2012 Aug;42(8):1630-41. doi: 10.1007/s10803-011-1402-y.

Abstract

Epilepsy co-occurs frequently in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Understanding this co-occurrence requires a better understanding of the ASD-epilepsy phenotype (or phenotypes). To address this, we conducted latent class cluster analysis (LCCA) on an ASD dataset (N = 577) which included 64 individuals with epilepsy. We identified a 5-cluster solution with one cluster showing a high rate of epilepsy (29%), earlier age at first recognition, and high rates of repetitive object use and unusual sensory interests. We also conducted LCCA on an ASD-epilepsy subset from the overall dataset (N = 64) which yielded three clusters, the largest of which had impairments in language and motor development; the remaining clusters, while not as developmentally impaired were characterized by different levels of repetitive and sensory behaviors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / complications*
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / diagnosis
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Epilepsy / complications*
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phenotype