Risk factors, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of autism

Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2020 Jun 1;25(9):1682-1717. doi: 10.2741/4873.

Abstract

The prevalence rate of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has reached over 1% world-wide prompting governments, health providers and schools to develop programs and policies to address this challenging disorder. Here, we review the cause(s), as well as environmental factors, genetic mutations, and neural pathways that are implicated in ASD. We also discuss the criteria that are commonly used for the diagnosis of ASD and future clinical genetic testing that can aid in the diagnosis of this disorder. Finally, we provide practical steps that can be used to reduce the incidence and severity of ASD, as well as prognosis and treatment of autism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autistic Disorder / genetics*
  • Autistic Disorder / therapy
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / genetics
  • Genetic Heterogeneity*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Mutation*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Signal Transduction / genetics

Substances

  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal
  • Membrane Proteins
  • NRXN1 protein, human
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • neuroligin 3