Autism Spectrum Disorders PDF

Preface

Autism, the third commonest developmental disorder, is a complex and fascinating disorder with wide variability in the way it manifests and changes over time. There is considerable evidence to indicate that autism and related disorders are the final common pathway of both genetic and environmental factors.

A dimensional approach to this disorder has enabled us to develop new insights and to formulate treatments targeting specific symptoms and behaviors. This approach identifies three core dimensions in autism—the areas of social interaction, language and communication, and compulsivity and repetitive behaviors— that have been linked to specific brain mechanisms. Findings in these areas enable clinicians to target the specific symptoms and behaviors more effectively.

This book presents the scientific findings from several related disciplines that support a dimensional approach. There have been tremendous strides in the understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying the development of autism spectrum disorders. The exciting prospect exists that specific genes and brain mechanisms involved in autism will be identified within the next few years. These findings will open up new avenues for potential diagnosis and treatment. We believe that a fruitful avenue of research is to identify links between specific genes, brain mechanisms, and particular autistic dimensions. With advancing technology in the field of neuroimaging, new findings reveal distinct neuronal tracts and dysfunctional neurotransmitter systems in autism. Treatments that target these specific areas of abnormality are now possible, along with more sophisticated techniques to evaluate clinical response to these treatments.

The identification of environmental factors implicated in the development of autism is an area that is ill-defined and controversial. We review the possible role of oxytocin, immunization, and infections in the causation of autism spectrum disorders.

The goal of this book is to integrate the latest scientific findings on the neurobiology of autism in a clinically meaningful way. This involves a convergence of clinical, functional, and neuroanatomical data to make sense of this often confusing and challenging spectrum of disorders. This book is aimed at professionals who are treating individuals with autism, with an emphasis on pharmacological strategies targeting specific symptom dimensions. We emphasize the need to integrate treatments supported by clear empirical data (pharmacological, behavioral, language-based) so as to provide optimal clinical care.