Catatonia: A Rare Manifestation of Autism

• Aamir Jalal Al–Mosawi*

Citation: Al–Mosawi AJ. Catatonia: A Rare Manifestation of Autism. Medp Psychiatry Behav Sci. 2022; 1(1): mppbs–202209008.

Abstract

  Background: Autism disorders which are also known pervasive developmental disorders as are very complex and heterogeneous group of chronic disorders that marked by early impairment in socialization, communication, and behavior. Catatonia has rarely been reported in association with autism disorder. 

  Patients and methods: The father of a ten year old boy with autism was particularly concerned about an abnormal behavior the boy was showing during the previous weeks. The boy was taking an abnormal position for variable time, sometimes more that 20 minutes, and associated with some repetitive movements, and was not responding to external stimuli. 

  Results: A ten year old boy who was first observed on the fifth of November, 2021 because his father complained his son had poor communication with his parents, and was poorly responding to his name. The boy’s language was not good, and he had some repetitive movements. The abnormal communication prevented the child from learning like normal children. At the age of ten his adaptive skills was considered acceptable. The diagnosis of typical autism without significant mental retardation was made. The occurrence of a mild form of catatonia was documented. 

  Conclusion: In this paper, the rare occurrence of a mild form of catatonia in association with typical autism disorder is reported, and a therapeutic approach is suggested. 

  Keywords: Catatonia; Autism; Cerebrolysin.