Key result
Children with autism spectrum disorder exhibited reduced resting heart rate variability compared to neurotypical children, with greater reductions in those taking psychotropic medication.
Why the study?
While reduced heart rate variability has been suggested in children with autism spectrum disorder, research had yet to consider associations with medication use and symptom severity.
Do children with autism spectrum disorder have reduced resting heart rate variability compared to neurotypical children, and is it associated with medication use or symptom severity?
Population
86 children with ASD (aged 3-12 years) and 44 neurotypical children of similar age
Comparison
Children with ASD vs neurotypical children
Authors
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Supports autonomic monitoring in ASD youth on psychotropics; leaves open medication causality and clinical relevance pending longitudinal data.
Case-Control (n=130)
Do children with autism spectrum disorder have reduced resting heart rate variability compared to neurotypical children, and is it associated with medication use or symptom severity?
Children with ASD have reduced resting heart rate variability compared to neurotypical children, which is further exacerbated by psychotropic medication use and associated with symptom severity.
Thapa et al. (2020) conducted a case-control in Autism Spectrum Disorder (n=130). Autism spectrum disorder vs. Neurotypical children was evaluated on Resting heart rate variability (HRV). Children with autism spectrum disorder exhibited reduced resting heart rate variability compared to neurotypical children, with greater reductions in those taking psychotropic medication.
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