Epidemiological Study of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Greece for 2021: Nationwide Prevalence in 2–17-Year-Old Children and Regional Disparities

Kouznetsov, Raissa; Angelopoulos, Panagiotis; Moulinos, Spyridon; Dimakos, Ioannis; Gourzis, Philippos; Jelastopulu, Eleni

doi:10.3390/jcm12072510

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 21 publications

(23 reference statements)

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“…It might stem from biological differences between the sexes. A recent study done in our country regarding the prevalence of autism showed that for 2021 8588 males and 2195 females were diagnosed, so the proportion of diagnoses of ASD in relation to sex for the entire age group of 2-17 years was 78•82 % for boys and 21•18 % for girls (70) . In our case, this relationship was a little higher and it is a matter that needs further investigation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Branched-chain amino acids as adjunctive-alternative treatment in patients with autism: a pilot study

Aspragkathou,

Spilioti,

Gkampeta

et al. 2023

Br J Nutr

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The Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) is a group of essential amino acids that are involved in maintaining the energy balance of a human being as well as the homeostasis of GABAergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic and dopaminergic systems. Disruption of these systems has been associated with the pathophysiology of autism while low levels of these amino acids have been discovered in patients with autism. A pilot open-label, prospective, follow-up study of the use of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in children with autistic behavior was carried out.55 children between the ages of 6 and 18 participated in the study from May 2015 to May 2018. We used a carbohydrate-free branched-chain amino acid powdered mixture containing 45.5 g of leucine, 30 g of isoleucine, and 24.5 g of valine in a daily dose of 0,4gr/Kg of body weight which was administered every morning. Following the initiation of BCAA administration, children were submitted to a monthly psychological examination. Beyond the 4-week mark, BCAAs were given to 32 people (58.18%). Six of them (10.9%) discontinued after four to ten weeks owing to lack of improvement. The remaining 26 children (47.27%) who took BCAAs for longer than 10 weeks displayed improved social behavior and interactions, as well as improvements in their speech, cooperation, stereotypy, and principally, their hyperactivity. There were no adverse reactions reported during the course of the treatment. Although these data are very preliminary, there is some evidence that BCAAs could be used as adjunctive treatment to conventional therapeutic methods for the management of autistic children.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

Branched-chain amino acids as adjunctive-alternative treatment in patients with autism: a pilot study

Aspragkathou,

Spilioti,

Gkampeta

et al. 2023

Br J Nutr

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Healthcare Students’ Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Peers with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Zarokanellou,

Papagiannopoulou,

Gryparis

et al. 2024

J Autism Dev Disord

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Purpose The present study investigates healthcare students’ affective, behavioral, and cognitive attitudes toward hypothetical peers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the effect of the ASD label on their attitudes. Methods The MAS scale for ASD persons in the postsecondary education (Matthews et al., 2015) was translated and adapted in Greek according to the guidelines of World Health Organization (2016). Participants (n = 444) were randomly divided into three equal groups and completed their demographic information. Each participant read the three vignettes of the Greek-adapted MAS scale describing a communicative interaction with one hypothetical fellow student with autistic characteristics in three different social situations but in each group, the vignette’s character was labeled differently (High-functioning, typical college student, and no-label). Results Students in the High-functioning group demonstrated more positive affective, behavioral, and cognitive attitudes toward the vignette characters than students in the no-label condition. Furthermore, students in the typical student group reported more rejective behaviors toward the vignette characters than students in the high-functioning group, implying that atypical behavior evokes rejection and stigmatization, while the label did not. Male students presented more positive cognitive attitudes across study groups in comparison to female students, while previous contact with individuals with ASD did not seem to impact significantly attitudes. Conclusion The findings of the study indicate that knowledge of an ASD diagnosis leads to greater acceptance and have important implications for future research, disability policy makers, and university support services.

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Autism Prevalence Information And Diagnosis Processes In Cyprus, Greece And Malta

Petinou,

Vogindroukas,

Christopoulou

2024

NDT

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The current paper follows the thematic review ‘ Autism spectrum disorders without borders: prevalence and diagnosis across the globe ’ aiming to highlight and familiarize readers with the challenges and heterogeneity related to the prevalence, and diagnostic processes of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) from a cross-cultural and diverse geopolitical framework with a focus on Cyprus, Malta, and Greece. The study’s goal was twofold: (a) to document the prevalence and diagnostic processes in the aforementioned geographical areas and (b) to highlight similarities and differences in the prevalence and diagnostic process in ASD. The findings revealed similarities across all countries regarding the diagnostic tools implemented in ASD assessment tools and clinical observations. Some differences were observed in documenting prevalence rates due to methodological heterogeneity in the documentation procedures. Although preliminary, the current findings underscore the importance of research-driven investigations that can lead to larger-scale programs necessary for establishing policy-making and stakeholders’ involvement.

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Epidemiological Study of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Greece for 2021: Nationwide Prevalence in 2–17-Year-Old Children and Regional Disparities

Cited by 5 publications

References 21 publications

Branched-chain amino acids as adjunctive-alternative treatment in patients with autism: a pilot study

Branched-chain amino acids as adjunctive-alternative treatment in patients with autism: a pilot study

Healthcare Students’ Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Peers with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Prevalence Information And Diagnosis Processes In Cyprus, Greece And Malta

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