Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are collectively the most commonly diagnosed pediatric neurodevelopmental condition. ASDs include autism, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Rett syndrome and Asperger disorder. ASD is characterized by impaired communication and social interaction and may involve developmental delays and seizure disorders. Recent parent-reported ...

Autism-spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex genetic disorders collectively characterized by impaired social interactions and language as well as repetitive and restrictive behaviors. Of the hundreds of genes implicated in ASD, those encoding proteins acting at neuronal synapses have been most characterized by candidate gene studies. However, recent unbiased genome-wide analyses have turned up a...

This brief review encompasses the key findings of structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (sMRI) research on amygdala volume in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We also highlight the possible correlation between the autistic behavioural phenotype and amygdala alteration.

Objective Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are well known for high prevalence’s of comorbid conditions especially anxiety, obsessions, depression and challenging behaviours. In this article we will consider the evidence for an eventual comorbidity between ASD and Addiction (Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and explore the possible underlying explanations. Methods A literature study on similarities ...

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are heterogeneous neurodevelopmental diseases of unknown etiology. There are no biological markers for ASD and current diagnosis is based on behavioral criteria. Recent data has shown that MHC I, a compound involved in adaptive immune function, is also involved in neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity and behavior. It has been suggested that altered MHC I express...

Although the word “autism” was first used by researchers in 1940s as an expressive term of children who are suffering from social and or emotional problems, definitive etiology of autism has not been figured out yet. Till now, no single factor could be claimed to be the cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) but rather, it is one of the disorders that result from the interplay between genetic ...

Trauma is prevalent in the lives of adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As a result, routine screening for trauma essential especially when autism-related symptoms are heightened or violence exhibited. Case studies and empirical analyses individuals ASD have indicated that traditional Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well PTSD characterized by hyperarousal, mood disorders bee...

Sensory functioning has long been considered crucial in the life of people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) (Gillberg, C., & Coleman, M. (1992). The Biology of Autistic Syndromes (2nd ed.). London: Mac Keith press.) However, much of the research is methodologically flawed and based on child populations and adults' retrospective accounts (O'Neill, M.C 1995). Sensory-perceptual abnormalitie...

The autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous set of neurodevelopmental syndromes defined by impairments in verbal and non-verbal communication, restricted social interaction, and the presence of stereotyped patterns of behavior. The prevalence of ASD is rising, and the diagnostic criteria and clinical perspectives on the disorder continue to evolve in parallel. Although the majority ...

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and restricted behavior and interests. A disruption in the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission has been hypothesized to underlie these disorders. Here we demonstrate that genes of both pathways are affected by ASD, and that gene expression of inhib...