Screening of vitamin B12 in children diagnosed as Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Autism is a condition often characterized by a failure to bond, lack of social interaction, avoidance of eye-to-eye contact, difficulties in language development, learning abilities, and repetitive behaviors known as “stimming”. One of etiological factors of ASD is vitamins and minerals deficiency. Low B12 impairs methylation (detoxification) which causes the neurological damage responsible for many autistic symptoms. Symptoms of deficiency including abnormal gait, memory problems, eye disorders, and anemia. The aim of this work is to screen vitamin B12 level in ASD patients. The material of this study composed of 30 patients who met the diagnostic criteria of ASD according to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). And 30 subjects (diagnosed as below average mentality and SLI) as a control group with matched age and sex. Patient group was subjected to CARS to evaluate children who are suspected of having ASD. IQ test was done for both groups to assess their cognitive abilities. Auditory brain stem response (ABR) for case group if we suspect hearing impairment.