Autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder, and it causes a significant social communication impairment, with nonfunctional routines and abnormal stereotypic behaviors, with varying degree of impairment from people who need mild support to one who require a very substantial support. Although no definite cause is known yet, ASD is believed to have strong genetic bases, with concordance rate of 60-90% in identical twins and recurrence rate of 2-8% for the second child and up to 30% for the third child; at the same time, around 15% of known genetic syndrome may present with typical autism phenotype, like fragile X syndrome, and phenylketonuria. ASD manifest infancy in most cases with typical presentation of delayed speech or regression of acquired speak skills in around 30%, with social interaction and communication impairment as major features. Diagnosis is based on applying DSM-5 and ICD-10 criteria, literature indicate that an expert assessment that is based on international diagnostic criteria is enough for clinical diagnosis and to start intervention plans. Yet administering psychometric tools will provide a more comprehensive assessment with proper identification of areas of strengths and weakness in affected children; at the same time, measuring the child’s intelligence quotient is of great value in deciding on intervention plans. There is no cure for ASD at this point of time, but an intensive early intervention has excellent results, with an integration rate of about 50% if 30-40 h of focused intervention is administered. This chapter will discuss autism in multiple dimensions. The words autism and ASD are used exchangeably.