Do children with autism require special otorhinolaryngological care?

Abstract

Early childhood autism is a serious overall developmental disorder, the typical features of which are problems with communication with the environment and social bonds. The aetiology of autism is probably multifactorial and has not been fully understood. The characteristics of an autistic child make its caretakers seek help from various specialists, and the diagnosis of the disorder often comes very late. The prognosis for curing is bad. The treatment of childhood autism should be of a multidirectional character and consider the needs of the child and its family. First, behavioural therapy, sensory integration therapy, speech therapy and pharmacological symptomatic treatment as well as treatment of coexisting ailments, including otorhinolaryngological diseases, are introduced. Hearing impairment in children with developmental disorders may cause even greater difficulties in contact with the environment, which is of fundamental importance for the child’s development, its rehabilitation and psychiatric/psychological treatment. Autism may coexist with sensorineural hearing loss. Some authors suggest that in such cases, the most common is profound sensorineural hearing loss. The problem of hearing loss in children with autism concerns not only the sensorineural hearing loss, but also the conductive hearing loss, which is characteristic to preschool and school age. In a child with overall developmental disorders, both hearing loss and other laryngological symptoms may remain unnoticed by parents. Laryngological care for an autistic child seems insufficient. It is necessary to create a systematic laryngological control and conditions for periodic hearing tests in this group of children.