DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i05.050

Pages: 1943-1947

This cross sectional analytic study was conducted in the Centre for Neurodevelopment and Autism in children Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from October 2011 to march 2012. The main objective of the study was to ascertain the association of celiac disease among children with autism. For the study purpose 50 autistic children were investigated to see the association with celiac disease. Fifty age sex matched children were also investigated as control. Children with autism in the “Centre for Neurodevelopment and Autism in Children, BSMMU were included in this study on the basis of following selection criteria: age 3- years to 10 years and fulfilling the definition of autism and whose clinical diagnosis was autism. Distribution of the autism child by age at diagnosis. Among the autism patiets 54.4% were diagnosed by age of five years, 39.2% were diagnosed between 5 – 10 years and 6.4% were diagnosed after reaching 10 years. Distribution of the subjects by birth order. In the healthy group 60% were the first child and in autism group 71.1% were 1st child. In healthy group 3(6.7%) sample developed meningitis in their early life and among the cases 11(24.4%) developed meningitis in their early life. Positive family story of autism was found in 6% and 2% in case and control group respectively. Diarrhea and constipation were not found statistically significant (p>0.05) between two groups, whereas nausea/vomiting and pallor were found statistically significant (p<0.05) between two groups in chi square test. Celiac disease affects individuals of all ages and is characterized by permanent gluten intolerance. It has been associated with neurological and psychiatric diseases. Diagnosis of celiac disease is increasing day by day because of more research and more focus on investigation.