Autism and Congenital Heart Disease - Insights from Recent Research

Some researchers have suggested that there is a connection between congenital heart disease (CHD) and autism. The studies have not identified one particular heart condition that is typically associated with autism. Instead, a wide spectrum of heart abnormalities has been reported, including arrhythmias, hypertrophy, cardiomyopathy and heart murmurs, among others.

In their quest for answers, a team of dedicated researchers from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, set out to explore this relationship further. Their recent work was published in the Journal of Autism Research.

Their results showed that when compared to the control groups, the most common heart abnormalities in autistic groups were in left ventricular (LV) anterior wall thickening and LV anterior wall thickness at end diastole. This type of thickening may result in increased pressure within the heart, high blood pressure, a general trend to overwork the heart, and aortic stenosis, which could lead to fatigue, loss of appetite, chest pain and heart palpitations.

This study is so important to read and understand. It highlights the complexities of autism and shows that it must be explored from a whole-body perspective. Autism is complex and can involve the heart, brain and gut, as well as the motor and other
systems in the body.

For parents, it's essential to be aware of such discoveries, as knowledge empowers us to provide the best support and care for our autistic children. If you're curious to learn more about this groundbreaking research, you can read all the details in the research review, written by Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine.

Access the research review in our article directory by clicking here.