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Michele Roccella
University of Palermo, Italy
Keynote: J Nursing Research and Practice
Objective: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive neuromuscular condition that has a high rate of cognitive and learning disabilities as well as neurobehavioral disorders, some of which have been associated with disruption of dystrophin isoforms. Recent studies have pointed to an increased risk for intellectual disability and autism among affected males. The aim of the present study was to describe a case series of children with DMD that have also the presence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). they have been assessed by means of standardized autism scales and the most appropriate psychoeducational treatment is herein discussed.
Methods and Results: In order to evaluate and identify the presence and intensity of autistic symptoms have been used the childhood autism rating Scale and autism diagnostic Observation Schedule tools. Moreover, in order to assess the intelligence of subjects and their lower limb function, Wisch-r intelligence scale and Vignos function scale were used, respectively. A typical behavior included a preference for being alone, and selective interest in privileged objects used in a stereotyped manner, motor fretting, and attention instability were present in all children. By the administration of these scales was confirmed the presence of ADSs in all subjects.
Conclusion: It is important for clinical practice to consider this association increased.
Michele Roccella is a Professor and Director of the School of Specialization in Child Neuropsychiatry at the University of Palermo, Italy. He graduated in Medicine and Surgery and Specialization in Child Psychiatry at the University of Palermo. He was the National Secretary of the Italian Society of Pediatrics (SINPI) from 1996 to 1998. Michele Roccella has published more than 450 articles in national and international journals.
E-mail: michele.roccella@unipa.it
+44 7915641605
