Open AccessFocus on Autism and Related Conditions
Author(s) -
Cassie Yu,
Bryan H. King
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
focus/focus (american psychiatric publishing. online)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1541-4108
pISSN - 1541-4094
DOI - 10.1176/appi.focus.20150030
Subject(s) - etiology , autism spectrum disorder , autism , psychology , neurodevelopmental disorder , psychiatry , neuroscience , medicine
Recent advances in genetics and brain imaging have expanded the understanding of autism spectrum disorder as a complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder in both etiology and symptom severity. Such discoveries have caused changes in diagnostic criteria and are opening new doors for therapeutic options. This article examines the current understanding of autism spectrum disorder. This review includes estimates of prevalence, discussion of etiology, and current and evolving treatments.