1,721,005 research outputs found
Omega‐3 supplementation in autism spectrum disorders: A still open question?
No full textOne of the most commonly used complementary and alternative practices in children with autism spectrum
disorder (ASD) is the supplementation of omega‐3. We describe the case of a child with ASD who seemed to
respond to omega‐3 supplementation in a relevant and lasting manner. So far, based on the results of randomized
clinical trials, evidence‐based medicine negates the effectiveness of omega‐3 in ASD children. Nevertheless,
considering anecdotal experiences, including that of our patient, and nonrandomized trials, the presence of
a subgroup of ASD patients who are really responders to omega‐3 cannot be excluded. These responders
might not appear when evaluating the omega‐3 effects in a sample taken as a whole. Studies that check for
the possible presence of this subgroup of ASD individuals responders to omega‐3 are necessary
Whatever happened to multiple complex developmental disorder?
No full textMultiple complex developmental disorder is characterized by early-onset combined impairment in the regulation of affective states, in the social behavior, and in the thought processes. First described in the Eighties, so far multiple complex developmental disorder has so far not found recognition as an autonomous nosographic entity in international classifiers. In the past, the most common diagnosis for patients presenting with this clinical picture was that of 'pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified,' due to the early-onset impairment in various development areas, including the social functioning, with pervasive characteristics. Over recent years, based on literature data, the interest in multiple complex developmental disorder has seemed to decline. Yet, several clinical and neurobiological findings emerging from the literature seem to support the nosographic autonomy of multiple complex developmental disorder. The correct recognition of this clinical picture appears to be of considerable importance because children who are affected seem to be predisposed to develop a schizophrenia spectrum disorder during their lifetime. Multiple complex developmental disorder could be a very interesting entity, being a possible kind of "bridge" condition between autism spectrum disorder and childhood-onset schizophrenia. However, there is a lack of findings of the real recurrence, neurobiologic background, and course of this clinical picture
To what extent do environmental factors contribute to the occurrence of autism spectrum disorders?
No full textSome considerations about the association between autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy.
No full textAutism Spectrum Disorder in 2023: A Challenge Still Open.
Full text linkIn this paper, we provide an update on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, instrumental investigations, early signs, onset patterns, neuropsychological hypotheses, treatments, and long-term outcome. The prevalence of this condition has increased enormously over the last few decades. This increase prompted a search for possible environmental factors whose effects would add up to a genetic predisposition leading to the development of autism. But the genetic and environmental variables involved are extremely numerous, and conclusive data regarding the etiopathogenesis are still far away. Assuming that a well-defined etiology is still found today only in a minority of cases, numerous pathogenetic mechanisms have been hypothesized. Among these, we mention oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, alteration of the intestinal microbiota, immune dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. These pathogenetic mechanisms could alter epigenetic status and gene expression, finally leading to ASD. Inherent in the term spectrum is the great clinical heterogeneity of this condition, mainly due to the frequent comorbidity that characterizes it. The earlier the diagnosis is made and the earlier psychoeducational treatment begins, the better the prognosis. In this sense, the role of pediatricians can be decisive in making children with signs suggestive of autism undergo a specialist diagnostic course. The development of increasingly advanced cognitive-behavioral educational techniques has considerably improved the prognosis of affected individuals, even though only a small minority of them come off the autistic spectrum. Pharmacological therapies are used to treat comorbidities. During childhood, the most important prognostic factor for long-term outcome seems to be intellectual functioning
Is it autism? Some suggestions for pediatricians. Turk Pediatri Ars. 2020 Sep 23;55(3):229-235. doi: 10.14744/TurkPediatriArs.2020.59862. PMID: 33061749;
No full textAn early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, leading to a timely enabling intervention, is associated with a better long-term prognosis and allows the early detection of any medical comorbidities that are sometimes found in individuals with autism. It is, therefore, an important challenge to begin the diagnostic procedure of these children as soon as possible. Nowadays, much progress has been made in this respect compared with the past, but considerable work remains. A fundamental role in starting a correct and timely diagnostic procedure is obviously played by the pediatrician. Today, many tools are available for the early screening of autism in the general population, but unfortunately, their real effectiveness has yet to be established. In this narrative review, we address the topic of the early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, emphasizing, in particular, those that are now considered the first warning signs. We list a few of the most important signs to consider when a child aged around 18 months presents to a pediatrician, subdivided into three subgroups: social-communication skills; patterns of behavior, interests, or activities; and sensory behaviors and reactivity/temperament. We deal separately with the possible presence of slight motor signs, which can also go unnoticed, but probably they should be considered as very early signs appearing even before social-communication deficits
Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Troubles with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5(th) Edition.
No full textInfantile autism and Mitteleuropa.
No full textIn the chapter dedicated to the Pervasive Developmental Disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV), which was published in 1994, various nosographic entities born in the scientific context of Mitteleuropa found recognition, even though with a delay of several decades. In 2013, the DSM-5 erased all five mentioned diagnostic subcategories of the DSM-IV, proposing a single, all-embracing category of Autism Spectrum Disorder, subdivided into 3 severity degrees. In our opinion, this subdivision does not reflect the great clinical heterogeneity of the disorder, and therefore the DSM-5 autism classification requires improvements
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