Download PDF
Journal of Pediatric Neurology 2003; 01(02): 055-067
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1557172
Editorial
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Autism: a review

Pinar T. Ozand
1   Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre Head, Department of Special Education (Girl’s Section), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
,
Ali Al-Odaib
1   Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre Head, Department of Special Education (Girl’s Section), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
,
Hania Merza
2   Medical Chief Officer of King Fahad Medical City (KFMC) and of the Maternity and Children’s Hospital KFMC. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
,
Saleh Al Harbi
2   Medical Chief Officer of King Fahad Medical City (KFMC) and of the Maternity and Children’s Hospital KFMC. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
› Author Affiliations
Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

15 October 2003

26 October 2003

Publication Date:
29 July 2015 (online)

  PDF Download  Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

This is a review of autism spectrum disorders. It presents the symptoms of the disease discussing the age of diagnosis and first symptoms encountered. It is a polygenic disease that occurs mainly in boys. The importance of early diagnosis is emphasized. The assessment scales used for early diagnosis are discussed. The anatomic basis of the disease is detailed. The molecular genetic aspects, and the techniques employed are reviewed. Special emphasis is placed in chromosome abnormalities observed in autism. Its incidence worldwide is increasing dramatically. This is considered to be due to epigenetic events. Several hypotheses for such epigenetic processes are discussed. Finally the state of intervention in autism and its paradigms are detailed. (J Pediatr Neurol 2003; 1(2): 55–67).

Keywords

autism - clinical and genetic aspects of autism - intervention in autism