Study: One in Five Children with Tourette Syndrome Meet Criteria for Austim

Unfair” by Runar Pedersen Holkestad licensed under CC BY 2.0

Source: UCSF

In a study led by UC San Francisco, researchers found that nearly one in five children who are diagnosed with Tourette syndrome fell under the necessary criteria for autism.

The report indicates that while 0.3 to 2.9 percent of the general population is autistic, the ratio of individuals who exhibit autistic behaviors is higher when they are already diagnosed with Tourette syndrome.

Researchers found that among the 294 children with Tourette syndrome who were tested for the study, nearly 23 percent demonstrated behaviors associated with autism.

The study evaluated the participants’ levels of social awareness, communication, and repetitive behavior, among other attributes.

Ultimately, the findings indicate the prevalence of similar symptoms that contribute to both Tourette syndrome and autism.

Read full Ssory: UCSF

Children & Families, Health, News
Children & Families, Health, News