The quantity and quality of research into autism and related conditions have increased dramatically in recent years. Consequently we selectively review key accomplishments and highlight directions for future research. More consistent approaches to diagnosis and more rigorous assessment methods have significantly advanced research, although the boundaries of the 'broader phenotype' remain to be ...

Pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) are characterized by slow, limited and atypical developmental processes with onset in the early years of life. The condition leads on to disabilities in virtually all the psychological and behavioral sectors with prominent disturbances in social, communicative and cognitive spheres. PDDs include the prototypic Childhood autism, Rett’s syndrome, Childhood...

OBJECTIVE To review the current knowledge on neurobiological aspects of autism and pervasive developmental disorders, as well as to provide pediatricians with up to date information on diagnosis and treatment of autism. SOURCES OF DATA Review of MEDLINE and Internet. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS Autism is the 3rd developmental disorder, with an incidence of 40 to 130/100,000 individuals. Diagnos...

Autism and Asperger syndrome are diagnostic entities in a family of neurodevelopmental disorders disrupting fundamental processes of socialization, communication and learning, collectively known as pervasive developmental disorders. This group of conditions is among the most common developmental disorders, affecting 1 in every 200 or so individuals. They are also the most strongly genetically r...

Aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic, is effective in children with psychosis and few adverse effects have been reported. However, little is known about the efficacy and safety of aripiprazole in the treatment of autistic or other pervasive developmental disorders. We report three children with pervasive developmental disorders who were treated with aripiprazole for associated behavioral syn...