Autism spectrum disorder

This chapter identifies the biological underpinnings, phenomenology, assessment and medical treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Basic science has made great strides in identifying the brain pathology of autism at various levels of scrutiny. This chapter reviews genetic, molecular, histological, anatomical and epidemiological levels of the disorder. Also, new assessment technologies have come on line to provide greater clarity in what collection of observations should be called autism and what would not. Although interventions that alter the newly identified pathophysiological processes are yet to be formulated, approaches to treatment that fail to take into account the current scientific evidence of the causes of autism can and should be avoided. The chapter describes an orientation to autism from the perspective of the scientific literature to provide a foundation for clinical decision-making for the practitioner.