Autistic spectrum disorder

Abstract:

Since the term autism was first introduced and clinically described, a significant number of studies in pervasive developmental disorders have been performed. Gradually, the term autism was replaced by the term autistic spectrum disorder. This article brings recent knowledge about epidemiology, etiology, clinical aspects, associated syndromes, and possibilities of early diagnosis and intervention in patients with autistic spectrum disorder. Since autistic spectrum disorder is not a single entity, but rather a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, it is diagnosed on the basis of multidisciplinary approach that combines longer behavioural observation, specific questionnaires, clinical neuropaediatric diagnosis, psychiatric evaluation, and metabolic, toxicological, gastroenterological and genetic diagnostic work up. Concerning all associated syndromes and their causes, it is certain that the etiology of autistic spectrum disorder is multicausal and that different causes may result in a similar clinical picture, which appears in early childhood and lasts for a lifetime