-
Srpski Arhiv Za Celokupno Lekarstvo 2012Autism is one of disorders from the autism spectrum, besides Asperger syndrome, atypical autism and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. They are... (Review)
Review
Autism is one of disorders from the autism spectrum, besides Asperger syndrome, atypical autism and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. They are classified as mental disorders as being manifested by a wide range of cognitive, emotional and neurobehavioural abnormalities. Key categorical characteristics of the disorder are clear impairments of the development of the child's socialisation, understanding and production of verbal and non-verbal communication and restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour. Demarcation boundaries are not clear, neither within the very group of the disorders from the autistic spectrum, nor with respect to the autistic behavioural features in the general population. For this reason, the term spectrum points out the significance of the dimensional assessment of autistic disorders, which will most likely be the basis of the new diagnostic classification of the disorders belonging to the current group of pervasive developmental disorders in the new DSM-V classification. The understanding, as well as the prevalence of the autistic spectrum disorders has changed drastically in the last four decades. From the previous 4 per 10,000 people, today's prevalence estimates range from 0.6 to around 1%, and the increase of prevalence cannot be explained solely by better recognition on the part of experts and parents or by wider diagnostic criteria. The general conclusion is that the autistic spectrum disorders are no longer rare conditions and that the approach aimed at acknowledging the warning that this is an urgent public health problem is completely justified.
Topics: Autistic Disorder; Child; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Humans
PubMed: 22650115
DOI: No ID Found -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) May 2020In a special issue that focuses on complex presentations related to Autism, we ask the question in this editorial whether an Autism Spectrum Condition without complexity...
In a special issue that focuses on complex presentations related to Autism, we ask the question in this editorial whether an Autism Spectrum Condition without complexity is a disorder, or whether it represents human diversity? Much research into Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs) over the years has focused on comparisons between neuro-typical people and people with Autism Spectrum Conditions. These comparisons have tended to draw attention to 'deficits' in cognitive abilities and descriptions of behaviours that are characterised as unwanted. Not surprisingly, this is reflected in the classification systems from the World Health Organisation and the American Psychiatric Association. Public opinion about ASC may be influenced by presentations in the media of those with ASC who also have intellectual disability. Given that diagnostic systems are intended to help us better understand conditions in order to seek improved outcomes, we propose a more constructive approach to descriptions that uses more positive language, and balances descriptions of deficits with research finding of strengths and differences. We propose that this will be more helpful to individuals on the Autism Spectrum, both in terms of individual self-view, but also in terms of how society views Autism Spectrum Conditions more positively. Commentary has also been made on guidance that has been adjusted for people with ASC in relation to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder; Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; Disabled Persons; Humans; Mass Media; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; Public Opinion; SARS-CoV-2; Self Concept
PubMed: 32413984
DOI: 10.3390/medicina56050233 -
Nature Medicine Oct 2023Researchers have developed a screening tool for autism that uses computer vision and machine learning to analyze autism-related behaviors – but greater reliability and...
Researchers have developed a screening tool for autism that uses computer vision and machine learning to analyze autism-related behaviors – but greater reliability and robust validation will be needed if such tools are to be used in primary care settings.
Topics: Humans; Autistic Disorder; Phenotype
PubMed: 37798439
DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02557-4 -
Journal of Autism and Developmental... Jan 2023This paper describes the (Sin Exclusión) Transdisciplinary Autism Assessment and Resources ([S]TAAR) model and presents early metrics tracking efficiency and equity in...
This paper describes the (Sin Exclusión) Transdisciplinary Autism Assessment and Resources ([S]TAAR) model and presents early metrics tracking efficiency and equity in access to high-quality comprehensive autism evaluations for young children. Retrospective chart reviews over one year (08/2018-08/2019) with n = 173 children were reviewed. Through care coordination with community providers, the model was developed to meet local needs by increasing throughput of children (< 4 years old) evaluated by a transdisciplinary team. Team-based processes included pre-visit triage, synchronous evaluation procedures, case conferencing, huddles, and care coordination. The model led to increased patient throughput, reductions in waitlist and time to diagnosis, and improved provider satisfaction. Improvements in access to care were equitable across patient race, ethnicity, language, and insurance type.
Topics: Child; Humans; Child, Preschool; Autistic Disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Retrospective Studies; Ethnicity; Triage
PubMed: 35020118
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05425-1 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2021Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains one of the most detrimental neurodevelopmental conditions in society today. Common symptoms include diminished social and... (Review)
Review
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains one of the most detrimental neurodevelopmental conditions in society today. Common symptoms include diminished social and communication ability. Investigations on autism etiology remain largely ambiguous. Previous studies have highlighted exposure to lead (Pb) may play a role in ASD. In addition, lead has been shown to be one of the most prevalent metal exposures associated with neurological deficits. A semi-systematic review was conducted using public databases in order to evaluate the extent of lead's role in the etiology of autism. This review examines the relationship between autistic comorbid symptoms-such as deterioration in intelligence scores, memory, language ability, and social interaction-and lead exposure. Specifically, the mechanisms of action of lead exposure, including changes within the cholinergic, dopaminergic, glutamatergic, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic systems, are discussed. The goal of this review is to help illustrate the connections between lead's mechanistic interference and the possible furthering of the comorbidities of ASD. Considerations of the current data and trends suggest a potential strong role for lead in ASD.
Topics: Autistic Disorder; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Intelligence; Intelligence Tests; Language Development; Lead; Lead Poisoning, Nervous System; Memory; Social Interaction
PubMed: 33561959
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041637 -
Trends in Cognitive Sciences Jun 2014Jones and Klin recently found that the well-known decreased fixations to eyes in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not present throughout infancy; instead...
Jones and Klin recently found that the well-known decreased fixations to eyes in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not present throughout infancy; instead a decline in eye fixations between 2 and 6 months predicts diagnosis. This decline is the earliest behavioral pattern linked to autism to date.
Topics: Autistic Disorder; Eye Movements; Female; Humans; Male
PubMed: 24630165
DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2014.02.006 -
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Jul 2000
Review
Topics: Autistic Disorder; Behavior Therapy; Child; Child, Preschool; Education of Intellectually Disabled; Humans; Intellectual Disability
PubMed: 10928021
DOI: 10.1177/014107680009300704 -
Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria (Sao... May 2006There is increasing recognition about the importance of taking into account both child and family needs when treating autism. However it has been a major debate about... (Review)
Review
There is increasing recognition about the importance of taking into account both child and family needs when treating autism. However it has been a major debate about what intervention is the most appropriate. In this paper we will review the current literature on the different interventions that have been used in the treatment of autism with special attention to those that are empirically based. It is not our objective to discuss in detail any particular intervention. We intend to present an overview of both positive aspects and limitations of different interventions. The conclusion is that there is no single approach that is totally effective for all children the whole time. Instead, it is argued that families change their expectation and values regarding their children's treatment according to the child's development and the family context. In other words, a specific intervention that may work well in a certain period of time (e.g. pre-school years) may not work so well in the following years (e.g. adolescence). Finally the importance of early identification and treatment of autism is stressed.
Topics: Adolescent; Autistic Disorder; Child; Child, Preschool; Early Intervention, Educational; Family; Humans; Learning; Psychotherapy
PubMed: 16791392
DOI: 10.1590/s1516-44462006000500007 -
Archives of Disease in Childhood.... Feb 2015
Review
Topics: Adolescent; Autistic Disorder; Child; Humans; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 24810156
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2013-305468 -
Journal of Child Psychology and... Apr 2010Autism is one of the most heritable neurodevelopmental conditions and has an early onset, with symptoms being required to be present in the first 3 years of life in... (Review)
Review
Autism is one of the most heritable neurodevelopmental conditions and has an early onset, with symptoms being required to be present in the first 3 years of life in order to meet criteria for the 'core' disorder in the classification systems. As such, the focus on identifying a prodrome over the past 20 years has been on pre-clinical signs or indicators that will be present very early in life, certainly in infancy. A number of novel lines of investigation have been used to this end, including retrospective coding of home videos, prospective population screening and 'high risk' sibling studies; as well as the investigation of pre- and peri-natal, brain developmental and other biological factors. While no single prodromal sign is expected to be present in all cases, a picture is emerging of indicative prodromal signs in infancy and initial studies are being undertaken to attempt to ameliorate early presentation and even 'prevent' emergence of the full syndrome.
Topics: Autistic Disorder; Brain; Child; Child Behavior Disorders; Child, Preschool; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Gene Expression; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn
PubMed: 20085609
DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2010.02214.x