background Catatonia develops in children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorders.
aim To review catatonia in autism spectrum disorders.
method A case-report is presented and discussed.
results Catatonia is a comorbid syndrome occurring in 12-17% of selected groups of adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders who have been referred for specialised care or admitted to hospital. Clinical experience and case-reports indicate that benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy can be used safely and effectively in both the treatment in acute cases and maintenance treatments for catatonia patients with autism spectrum disorders.
conclusion Catatonia is a recognisable and treatable syndrome in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders.