DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS USING THE BASC-2 PARENT RATING SCALESPRESCHOOL FORM by Julia I. Juechter The Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2; Reynolds & Kamphaus 2004) is a behavior rating scale commonly used in preschool settings. In addition to measuring behavioral constructs such as hyperactivity, social skill...

Introduction Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) are characterized by social and communication deficits, repetitive and stereotyped behaviours and onset before 3 years of age [1]. Prevalence of PDD has increased over the past 10 years and now it is ranging from 60 to 70 per 10.000 [2], with a male-to-female ratio of 3-4:1; these data do not include the Rett disorder. The dramatic increment ...

BACKGROUND Based on prevalence studies and the few incidence studies of pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) the prevalence and incidence of these disorders have been claimed to be increasing. METHOD The annual and age-specific prevalence and incidence rates of childhood autism, atypical autism, Asperger's disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) in...

BACKGROUND This article reviews the published clinical experience with atypical neuroleptics in children and adolescents. METHOD A computerized literature search was conducted (MEDLINE, 1974-1998) to retrieve all reports on the use of atypical neuroleptics in children and adolescents. A hand search was performed as well. All relevant clinical data were collated by type of drug. RESULTS We f...

INTRODUCTION While conventional wisdom has always affirmed the value of animals in promoting human health and well-being, only recently has their therapeutic role in medicine become a topic for dedicated research. Animal assisted interventions (AAI) can be classified as animal-assisted activities, animal-assisted therapy, and service animal programs. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to ana...

Although originally developed for the treatment of hypertension, a2agonists have been used to treat Tourette’s syndrome, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental disorders and substance abuse for nearly three decades. Based on studies of clonidine, a2-agonists were presumed to reduce arousal by decreasing the firing of noradrenaline neurons in locus ceruleus. Accumulated p...

BACKGROUND In clients with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), some authors have noticed the presence of gastrointestinal disorders and behavioural disorders. An augmented prevalence of different histological anomalies has also been reported. The aim of our study is to highlight the prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders in this adult with PDD sample and to demonstrate the importance of ...

The New York State Department of Health initiated the development of 6 clinical practice guidelines for children under 3 years of age with those developmental conditions most often seen in the state's Early Intervention Program. Separate guidelines were developed for autism/pervasive developmental disorders, communication disorders. Down syndrome, hearing impairment, motor disorders, and vision...