Résumé

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by impaired social interaction, language and communication, and stereotyped behavior. The question of performing an EEG as part of the clinical approach is frequently raised because of the significant association between epilepsy and autism. In Côte d’Ivoire, no studies have been conducted on autism and its electroencephalographic characteristics. The aim of our work was to contribute to a better appreciation of the electroencephalographic profiles encountered in autistic children in three health facilities in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a period of seven (07) months, from January to July 2022, in three child neurology consultation units in Abidjan. Our study included patients aged from 0 to 15 years, seen in these consultation units during the study period, with a DSM-V diagnosis of autism and who had undergone an EEG. Results: We enrolled 48 patients who met the inclusion criteria, with an average age of 7 years. The most frequent age group was 6-9 years (68%), with a predominance of males (73%) and a sex ratio (M/F) of 2.7. Gestural stereotypes were frequently encountered (77.08%). The reasons for consultation were dominated by language delay (41.67%), followed by behavioural disorders (27.08%). The sleep EEG was normal in 73% of the children. The various abnormalities found in the other children were, in most cases (30.77%), spikes, spike-waves and poly-spikes. The EEG anomalies were generalized and frontotemporal in 53.85% and 30.77% of cases respectively. Conclusion : This study found frequent EEG abnormalities in children with ASD, even without clinically reported seizures. Prospective studies should explore this association further and assess its clinical significance. Additionally, a detailed epilepsy history should be included in the medical consultation for children with ASD.

Mot-clés :

Autism, Child, Eeg, Abidjan