What is autism?

Introduction

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a range of impairments in social communication and repetitive behaviors. It manifests early in life and persists into adulthood, affecting individuals differently in terms of severity and symptoms.

Key Insights

Core Characteristics of Autism:
- Autism is marked by deficits in social communication and interaction, alongside restricted and repetitive behaviors .
- Common symptoms include impaired social reciprocity, disordered language development, and restricted interests .
Diagnostic Criteria and Classification:
- ASD is a heterogeneous condition encompassing disorders like Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger's Disorder.
- The DSM-5 and ICD-11 are key manuals used for diagnosing ASD, with recent updates reflecting changes in diagnostic criteria .
Prevalence and Epidemiology:
- The global prevalence of autism is about 1%, with higher estimates in high-income countries .
- There has been a notable increase in the incidence of ASD, attributed to various risk factors including genetic predisposition and environmental influences .
Etiology and Pathophysiology:
- Autism is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, with no single cause identified .
- Subtle anatomical and functional brain differences have been observed, though gross brain pathology is not characteristic of autism .
- Immune system abnormalities have been reported, but their role in autism remains inconclusive.
Interventions and Treatments:
- Early and targeted behavioral interventions can improve social communication and reduce anxiety and aggression .
- Psychosocial interventions in children can enhance specific behaviors like joint attention and social engagement.
- Pharmacological treatments can address comorbid symptoms but do not directly improve core social communication deficits.

Conclusion

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social communication and repetitive behaviors. It is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, with a rising prevalence observed globally. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes, although the heterogeneity of the disorder necessitates personalized approaches to treatment and support.

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Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

What is Autism

Autism is a behavioral syndrome resulting from multiple neurological injuries, potentially involving brain dysfunction and a lack of a theory of mind.

What is autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability characterized by impaired social communication and repetitive behaviors, with a sharp rise in cases worldwide due to genetic predisposition, adverse environmental conditions, and gynecological interventions.

Autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and sensory behaviors, with a prevalence of just under 1% worldwide.

What is autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social relating, disordered language development, and repetitive interests and activities.

What is autism?

Autism is an impairment in affectively patterned intersubjective personal relations, primarily due to biologic deficits, but may reveal the importance of interpersonal relations and understanding in human existence and development.

Is autism an autoimmune disease?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may involve immune dysfunction, but the evidence for a direct link to autoimmune diseases remains inconclusive.

Autism spectrum disorder: definition, epidemiology, causes, and clinical evaluation

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder influenced by genetic and environmental factors, and clinical evaluation should begin with developmental screening and referral for definitive diagnosis.

Autism

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by early-onset difficulties in social communication and repetitive behaviors, with genetics and early environmental factors playing key roles in its development.

Neurobiological basis of autism.

Autism is a complex, genetically influenced disorder affecting the immature brain, with potential treatable neurologic features including epilepsy, disorganized sleep patterns, and sensory and motor deficits.

Autism - A Comprehensive Array of Prominent Signs and Symptoms.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents a wide range of psychological and physiological symptoms, requiring personalized medical and psychological therapies for effective management and treatment.

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