Clozapine use in an adolescent with comorbid diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, schizoaffective disorder, moderate intellectual disability, and severe behavioral dysregulation: A case report

In this case report, we present the first 14 months of an 18-year-old adolescent male with comorbid diagnoses who exhibits extremely aggressive and self-injurious behavior and is treated with a combination of clozapine and behavioral interventions. The patient responded positively to clozapine and behavioral interventions, with decreased behavioral disturbances and improved social skills. The patient was maintained on clozapine with no significant side effects or hematologic adverse events. We would like to emphasize, through this case report, that clozapine, despite its dose-dependent effects and potential adverse effects such as increased susceptibility to infections and hematological irregularities, can be an effective treatment option for patients with severe behavioral disturbances associated with Autism.