Issue 1/2026
Ivanova1, Е., Neikova2, Т., Burgov3, Р.
1 UMHAT “Alexandrovska”, Medical Faculty, Medical University – Sofia
2 Acibadem City Clinic, DCC “Tokuda” EAD – Sofia
3 VTU “St. Cyril and St. Methodius”, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology – Veliko Tarnovo
Contemporary research in child psychiatry and psychology emphasizes the importance of comprehensive developmental assessment in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), particularly in the presence of comorbid conditions. This study compares two groups of children of similar age: 63 children with ASD – 50 boys and 13 girls, mean age 45.8 months, and 57 children with ASD comorbid with atopic dermatitis – 44 boys and 13 girls, mean age 43.11 months. Assessment of psychological development was conducted using the Uzgiris and Hunt Early Cognitive Development Scales (1975) and the Early Social Communication Scales (ESCS, Mundy et al., 2003), both adapted for the Bulgarian population.
The results revealed no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of cognitive and social-communicative abilities. A substantial proportion of children were integrated into the educational system and participated in various therapeutic programs, also receiving multidisciplinary specialized support. The study highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach for these children, based on coordinated work among specialists involved in assessment, monitoring, and psychotherapeutic interventions. Systematic parent consultation and training are essential components of comprehensive care for children with ASD.
Key words: autism spectrum disorders, atopic dermatitis, cognitive and social-communicative abilities, multidisciplinary approach.
Address for correspondence:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. E. Ivanova, MD
University Hospital “Aleksandrovska”,
Department of Psychiatry
1, “St. G. Sofiyski”, Blvd.
1431, Sofia
e-mail: helen_aivan@abv.bg