The Effects of Congenital Heart Disease on the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

It is a well-known fact that congenital heart disease (CHD) can cause life-long health complications, especially if it impairs other bodily functions early in life. One of these complications is the risk of developing a serious neurodevelopmental disorder known as autism spectrum disorder (AuSD). With some case studies identifying the linkage of CHD and AuSD, it has been successfully established that being diagnosed with CHD does increase a child’s chances of developing AuSD later in life. There is not a simple answer for why this occurs. However, there are several factors that can contribute to why CHD increases the risk of developing autism. Some possible explanations may include synthetic factors such as the alteration of blood flow in genetic pathways due to early cardiac surgery. These explanations can also include uncontrollable factors such as demographics, maternal conditions, and viral infections, all of which are just as likely as synthetic factors. This research, based on case studies conducted recently, further reinforces the conclusion that the diagnosis of certain lesions of CHD results in an elevated risk of developing AuSD.