Electroencephalographic studies in children with autism spectrum disorders

An important factor in the diagnosis and treatment of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is prescribed Electroencephalography (EEG). EEG changes may show the following: slowing, asymmetry, sharp waves or spikes, sharp and slow waves, generalized sharp and slow waves, or generalized polyspikes in a distributed or general area, multifocal or focal, unilateral or bilateral, and they may be located in many different areas of the brain. There is a need to look for a EEG phenotype typical of patients with ASD. The importance of gamma waves, rhythm mu, mirror neurons, and their role in patients with ASD was discussed. Epilepsy is reported to occur in one third of ASD patients. In ASD, seizures and EEG paroxysmal abnormalities could represent an epiphenomenon of a cerebral dysfunction independent of apparent lesions. This article reviews ASD and EEG abnormalities and discusses the interaction between epileptiform abnormalities and cognitive dysfunction.