The autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comprise a complex group of behaviorally related disorders that are primarily genetic in origin. Involvement of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of ASD has been suggested by the occurrence of ASD in patients with disorders arising from epigenetic mutations (fragile X syndrome) or that involve key epigenetic regulatory factors (Rett syndrom...

At present, no evidence-based effective pharmacologic options are available for treating the core deficits of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), which are best addressed by behavioral and educational interventions. However, such evidence exists for several of the frequently associated/comorbid symptoms such as aggression and severe irritability, hyperactivity, and repetitive behaviors, which can...

The paper describes the suicidal ideation and behavior in a series of 26 adult psychiatric patients affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), the clinical features and the psychiatric comorbidity of patients presenting suicidal behavior, and the history of suicide or suicide attempt in their relatives. Two (7,7%) patients committed suicide. One (3.8%) patient attempted suicide twice, and on...

Screening within the 2nd year of life ( primarily between 12 and 18 months ) is a tool for early detection of the risk of a neurobehavioral developmental disorder and is a chance to change the term prognosis of ASD. The Analysis of the interactions of functional and dysfunctional interactive communicative signals from the very early ages of life, as well as of motor patterns , allows us to capt...

There is a paucity of diagnostic instruments for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the Ritvo Autism and Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R), an 80-item self-rating scale designed to assist clinicians diagnosing ASD in adults. It was administered to 75 adults with ASD and 197 comparison cases. Also, a su...

BACKGROUND The relationship between autism spectrum disorders/pervasive developmental disorders and personality disorders is not completely clear, although both concepts imply lifelong impairment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence of possible personality disorders in a group of young adults with Asperger syndrome. METHOD Fifty-four young adults with a clinical d...

Introduction Autism is approaching the numbers of an epidemic. Past efforts have focused on identifying the genetic basis of Autism Spectrum disorders with minimal success. Recently, a lot of work is being carried out in Epigenetics, Nutrigenetics in order to analyse the cause of Autism Spectrum Disorders. The present paper reviews the various studies being conducted in this domain and provides...

ROLES OF IMITATION IN DEVELOPMENT 279 Types of Copying Behaviors and Tasks to Assess Them 279 IMITATION IN ASD: FINDINGS 281 Frequency of Spontaneous Imitation 281 Accuracy of Elicited Imitation 282 Older Children, Adolescents, and Adults 282 THEORIES OF IMITATION 285 Theories of Poor Visual Encoding 287 Theories of Failed Direct Self–Other Mapping 288 Theories of Abnormal Motor and Sensory-Mot...