Background Autism is a behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder of unknown etiology. Objective To assess serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in Egyptian autistic children patients. Subjects and methods 40 participants have been subjected to thorough history taking, complete clinical examination, IQ assessment, estimation of serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels. Results A statistically significant difference was found between patients and controls as regards stereotypic movements, absent eye contact, delayed motor development, delayed speech and IQ (p<0.01 for each item). Mean level of copper was significantly higher in patients than in controls (P<0.001), also mean level of ceruloplasmin was significantly higher in patients than controls (P=0.009). Conclusion Serum copper level may have a role in the pathogenesis of autism.
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