Autism Spectrum Disorders: Etiology and Pathology

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental diseases. The cause of ASD is unknown, but several genetic and non-genetic risk factors have been characterized that, alone or in combination, are implicated in the development of ASD. Currently, no diagnostic biomarkers are available, and the diagnosis of ASD is based on typical features that include repetitive behaviors, and impaired social communication and interaction. Several pathomechanisms such as alterations in brain development and function, and synaptic defects have been proposed to contribute to these behaviors. In addition, processes outside the central nervous system may contribute to, or modify, the clinical phenotype and severity. This chapter summarizes the clinical features of ASD, highlights the important genetic and non-genetic risk factors for ASD, and introduces the current knowledge around the pathological processes within and outside the brain.

The changing faces of autism: The fluctuating international diagnostic criteria and the resulting inclusion and exclusion—A Norwegian perspective

“…The etiology of ASD remains unclear. There are no available diagnostic biomarkers to date ( 8 ). One possible cause might be an abnormal structure or function of the brain.…”

Effect of Supplementation on Levels of Homovanillic and Vanillylmandelic Acids in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…Particular attention should be paid to the maternal nutritional status throughout pregnancy, which is one of the most important elements for proper brain development. A deficit or an excess of micronutrients, including zinc, iron, folic acid, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, may result in impaired neurodevelopment [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the nutritional status of children with ASD.…”

Antiviral and Neuroprotective Abilities of Influenza Virus Infection in Tractable Brain Organoids

“…Central nervous system (CNS) infections are one of the most critical public health problems, and they lead to high morbidity and mortality every year, predominately in young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised (Englund et al, 2011; Keipp Talbot and Falsey, 2010; Tregoning and Schwarze, 2010). CNS infections often lead to neurological sequelae, including epilepsy (Vehapoglu et al, 2015), and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Hoekstra, 2019) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Sauer et al, 2021). Some known neurotropic viruses, such as measles virus (MV), herpes virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can cause CNS infections (Koyuncu et al, 2013).…”

“…CNS infections often lead to neurological sequelae, including epilepsy (Vehapoglu et al, 2015), and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Hoekstra, 2019) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Sauer et al, 2021). Some known neurotropic viruses, such as measles virus (MV), herpes virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can cause CNS infections (Koyuncu et al, 2013).…”