Brick's Foundation
Heart & Autism

Autism and the heart: what every family should know

Most autistic children will be absolutely fine. For a few, a simple heart check could make all the difference.

Baby Lucca lying on a white towel, covered in red lipstick kisses
Baby Lucca, covered in kisses

Lucca's story

Lucca was a happy, healthy and deeply loved boy. When God called him back home in 2026, at the age of 11, it was sudden and at home. Doctors later described it as sudden cardiac death. There had been no warning signs, and no one had ever told us that autism and the heart could be connected.

We share this not to frighten anyone. Most autistic children will be absolutely fine. But for a few, a simple check could make all the difference, and early detection matters.

If this reaches even one family in time, Brick's legacy continues.

Why the heart?

Some genes linked to autism also help control the heart's electrical system. When they don't work as they should (doctors call these “channelopathies”), they can sometimes cause dangerous heart rhythms, even in children who seem completely healthy.

One example is Timothy syndrome (gene CACNA1C): many affected children are autistic, and it carries a high risk of sudden death. Other genes, such as SCN2A, KCNJ2, KCNQ2/3 and CACNB2, also link autism and heart rhythm.

What we know

  • Studies suggest autistic people have a higher risk of cardiac arrest: about 2.8 times, according to Dr Oliveira's article.
  • Congenital heart disease and autism often occur together.
  • Some common medicines can affect heart rhythm.

What parents can ask their doctor about

  • A baseline ECG: a quick, painless tracing of the heart's rhythm.
  • An echocardiogram: an ultrasound scan of the heart.
  • Family history: tell your doctor about any sudden death, fainting or heart rhythm problems in the family.
  • Fainting: always take it seriously, especially during exercise or excitement.
  • Genetic results: ask whether any gene found is linked to the heart.
  • Medicines: ask whether any medicine may affect heart rhythm.
  • After a sudden death in the family: consider post-mortem genetic testing. It can protect brothers, sisters and other relatives.

Get urgent help if a child

faints during exercise or when startled, has chest pain or a racing heart, or has a seizure with no known cause. Call emergency services if it is urgent.

Good to know: learn basic CPR, and find out where the nearest defibrillator is at school, at the club and near home.

Based on “What every autism family should know about the heart” by Dr Guilherme H. Oliveira, MD, MBA, cardiologist, Professor at USF Morsani College of Medicine, and Lucca's uncle. This page is general information, not medical advice. Please talk to your child's doctor.