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AUTISM RESOURCE CENTER
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The autistic spectrum disorders are a neurobiologically diverse group of conditions whose precise relationship to each other is unclear, yet they present with a consistent, diffuse pattern of abnormality across several areas of behavior. Individuals with these disorders do not present merely with slow or limited development, but rather with development that is atypical in the pervasive but diffuse areas of functions affected.
The following 3 main clusters of behaviors define autism: (1) social abnormalities, especially a lack of social reciprocity; (2) language abnormalities, with deviant communication features and limited development of language; and (3) rigid, stereotyped, repetitive patterns of unusual behavior. |
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Cognitive deficits in children range from profound mental retardation with minimal functioning to mild impairment in specific operations. To understand the concept of cognitive deficit, some primary issues in the measurement of cognitive function must be understood.
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Pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) define a spectrum of behavioral problems commonly associated with autism. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) includes autism, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegration, Asperger syndrome, and PDD not otherwise specified (PDD NOS) under the spectrum of PDD. These individual disorders are discussed briefly in this article. For detailed reviews of each, see the eMedicine articles listed above.
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Autism is a condition manifesting in early childhood and characterized by marked abnormalities in communication and social interactions and a restricted and socially atypical range of interests. Effective treatment of associated behavioral problems includes intensive behavioral, educational, and psychological components. Interventions initiated at the time of diagnosis increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Regular screening of infants and toddlers for symptoms and signs of autistic disorder is crucial, as it allows for early referral of patients for further evaluation and treatment.
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Jacquemont ML, Sanlaville D, Redon R, et al. Array- based comparative genomic hybridization identifies high frequency of cryptic chromosomal rearrangements in patients with syndromic autism spectrum disorders. J Med Genet. 2006 Jul 13; [Epub ahead of print]. |
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Tharpe AM, Bess FH, Sladen DP, Schissel H, Couch S, Schery T. Auditory characteristics of children with autism. Ear Hear. 2006 Aug;27(4):430-41. |
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Mizuno A, Villalobos ME, Davies MM, Dahl BC, Muller RA. Partially enhanced thalamocortical functional connectivity in autism. Brain Res. 2006 Jul 5. |
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Hertz-Picciotto I, Croen LA, Hansen R, Jones CR, van de Water J, Pessah IN. The CHARGE Study: An Epidemiologic Investigation of Genetic and Environmental Factors Contributing to Autism. Environ Health Perspect. 2006 Jul;114(7):1119-25. |
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Collins AL, Ma D, Whitehead PL, et al. Investigation of autism and GABA receptor subunit genes in multiple ethnic groups. Neurogenetics. 2006 Jul;7(3):167-74. |
