Autism spectrum disorders: an overview on diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Pervasive developmental disorders are now commonly referred to as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). ASDs present with a range of severity and impairments, and often are a cause of severe disability, representing a major public health concern. The diagnostic criteria require delays or abnormal functioning in social interaction, language, and/or imaginative play within the first 3 years of life, resulting in a deviation from the developmental pattern expected for the age. Because establishing a diagnosis of ASD is possible as early as 18-24 months of age, clinicians should strive to identify and begin intervention in children with ASD as soon as signs are manifest. Increasing efforts are underway to make ASD screening universal in pediatric healthcare. Given the crucial importance of early identification and multiple modalities of treatment for ASD, this review will summarize the diagnostic criteria, key areas for assessment by clinicians, specific scales and instruments for assessment, and discussion of evidence-based treatment programs and the role of specific drug therapies for symptom management.

Socratic Seminars for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…Children diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome by definition display fewer problems with linguistic structure, but do manifest pragmatic difficulties, and deficits in the effective social use of language (Brentani et al, 2013). Collaborative projects thus are useful tools that provide students with authentic social experiences they need to live in their society.…”

The methodology and efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy, occupational therapy, and speech/language therapy: A critical review

“…A primary cause for problems with social communication skills in individuals on the spectrum is deficient language development. About 20%-30% of individuals with autism are nonverbal, and ~20%-25% of autistics regress to lose previously acquired language skills 33 . Therefore, language-based interventions are individualised for each case, with particular differences between therapeutic methods for nonverbal patients as opposed to patients on the spectrum who are verbal but use speech in a socially inappropriate way.…”

Immunological Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Potential Target for Therapy

“…In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated the prevalence of ASD to be 16.8/1,000 (i.e., 1/59) in children 8 years of age, affecting 26.6/1,000 boys and 6.6/1,000 girls (i.e., a prevalence ratio of 4: 1) [4]. This represents an increase of approximately 150% between 2000 and 2014 [4], making the disorder a public health problem [5,6]. Studies in Asia, Europe, and North America report an average prevalence of ASD of around 1% [3].…”