Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2010 Jul-Aug;30(4):295-300.
doi: 10.4103/0256-4947.65261.

Autism spectrum disorders

Hadeel Faras  1 , Nahed Al Ateeqi, Lee Tidmarsh
Affiliations
Review

Autism spectrum disorders

Hadeel Faras et al. Ann Saudi Med. 2010 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

Pervasive developmental disorders are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in communication, reciprocal social interaction and restricted repetitive behaviors or interests. The term autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been used to describe their variable presentation. Although the cause of these disorders is not yet known, studies strongly suggest a genetic basis with a complex mode of inheritance. More research is needed to explore environmental factors that could be contributing to the cause of these disorders. The occurrence of ASD has been increasing worldwide, with the most recent prevalence studies indicating that they are present in 6 per 1000 children. The objectives of this article are to provide physicians with relevant information needed to identify and refer children presenting with symptoms suggestive of ASDs to specialized centers early, and to make them feel comfortable in dealing with public concerns regarding controversial issues about the etiology and management of these disorders.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Kolvin I. Studies in childhood psychoses: I. Diagnostic criteria and classification. Brit J Psychiatry. 1971;118:381–4. - PubMed
    1. Klin A. Asperger syndrome: an update. Rev Bras Psiquiatr. 2003;25:103–9. - PubMed
    1. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc; 2000. pp. 69–84.
    1. World Health Organization. International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision. World Health Organization; 2007 Available from: http://www.who.int/classifications/apps/icd/icd10°nline/ [last cited on 2009 Mar 19]
    1. Mattila ML, Kielinen M, Jussila K, Linna SL, Bloigu R, Ebeling H, Moilanen I. An epidemiological and diagnostic study of Asperger syndrome according to four sets of diagnostic criteria. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007;46:636–46. - PubMed

MeSH terms

LinkOut - more resources