Medical Therapies for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder—An Update

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder broadly defined by impaired social communication as well as restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior and interest. As defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth edition (DSM-5), specific features of ASD include deficits in social and emotional reciprocity (e.g., atypical social approaches, conversational impairment, atypical sharing of interests, attention, and affect); deficits in nonverbal communication (e.g., poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal communication, atypical body-language and gesture use, deficits in use and understanding of nonverbal communication), and deficits in maintaining appropriate relationships (e.g., challenges with peer interest, vulnerabilities forming friendships, difficulties adjusting behavior to suit social contexts) as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior such as stereotyped speech, motor movements, or use of objects; excessive adherence to routine or insistence on sameness; intense interest patterns; and atypical sensory interests or responses. Symptoms of the disorder impair and limit everyday functioning and are thought to be evident in early childhood; although they may not be fully evident until later ages. Although not core symptoms, many children with ASD may also have significant cognitive and language impairments. Purpose of Review