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Special Issue "Atypical Autism: Causes, Diagnosis, and Support"

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Dear Colleagues,

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by persistent impairment in behavior, communication, and social interaction. Genetic, biological, psychological, or environmental factors, or a combination of these, may play a role in the onset of the disorder. ASD is an umbrella term for a range of neurological and developmental disorders, including atypical autism, autism, and Asperger’s syndrome, with varying symptom severity. ASD symptoms are characterized by behavioral impairments, restricted or repetitive behaviors, obsessive interests, atypical social interactions, and communication challenges, such as non-verbal communication and difficulties in recognizing facial and emotional expressions. The World Health Organization estimates that about 1 in 100 children has autism. Although early recognition may ease some of the symptoms in autistic individuals, more studies need to be conducted to further understand ASD and to discover better treatment strategies.

The aim of this Special Issue is to shed light on the new advances in the field of ASD research. We invite original research articles and reviews from a range of ASD studies, including behavioral, genetics, molecular, environmental, and pharmacological, in both human and animal models.

Dr. Rekha Jagadapillai
Guest Editor

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Keywords

autism spectrum disorder
ASD
neurodevelopmental disorder
autism
atypical autism
development
cognition and behavior
genes
environmental

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

A Spectrum of Solutions: Unveiling Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Manage Autism Spectrum Disorder

and

Medicina 2023, 59(9), 1584; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59091584 - 31 Aug 2023

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Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that causes difficulty while socializing and communicating and the performance of stereotyped behavior. ASD is thought to have a variety of causes when accompanied by genetic disorders and environmental variables together, resulting in abnormalities in the brain. A steep rise in ASD has been seen regardless of the numerous behavioral and pharmaceutical therapeutic techniques. Therefore, using complementary and alternative therapies to treat autism could be very significant. Thus, this review is completely focused on non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions which include different diets, supplements, antioxidants, hormones, vitamins and minerals to manage ASD. Additionally, we also focus on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, herbal remedies, camel milk and cannabiodiol. Additionally, we concentrate on how palatable phytonutrients provide a fresh glimmer of hope in this situation. Moreover, in addition to phytochemicals/nutraceuticals, it also focuses on various microbiomes, i.e., gut, oral, and vaginal. Therefore, the current comprehensive review opens a new avenue for managing autistic patients through non-pharmacological intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atypical Autism: Causes, Diagnosis, and Support)

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Association of Parental Support with Reduced Stereotypy in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

Renandro de Carvalho Reis

Isadora Noanda Barbosa Souza

Maria Carolina Rodrigues Dias

Cíntia Maria de Melo Mendes

and

Kelson James Almeida

Medicina 2023, 59(9), 1667; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59091667 - 15 Sep 2023

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Abstract

Background and Objectives: To analyze the influence of parental presence and use of risperidone on social interaction and apathy among patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study in a reference center for patients with ASD in a city in northeastern Brazil. The research was carried out using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Dimensional Apathy Scale, and the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) with the domains of social interaction, language, stereotypy, and communication. The referred questionnaire was answered by the parents or guardians of the children with ASD according to the DSM V criteria. Data were analyzed via independent t-test using the SPSS software version 20. Results: Interviews were conducted with 51 parents/guardians of autistic children with a mean age of 8.8 years (±2.95) and a predominance of males, 34 (66.7%). Of this total, 49 (96.1%) of the children attended school; 40 (78.4%) children were on medication, of which 38 (74.5%) were on risperidone. Those children on risperidone had a higher score on the SCQ scale (p = 0.049) and on the domain of stereotyped behaviors (p = 0.033), which indicated greater impairment. Another statistically relevant variable was the presence of married parents, whereby children who did not have the presence of married parents had a higher average of stereotyped behaviors compared to those who had married parents. Conclusions: The results showed differences in the means of social interactions for children on risperidone, especially regarding stereotyped behaviors. However, it is not possible to state whether this difference was due to the use of risperidone or whether they used risperidone precisely because of these behaviors. Also important was that children who had the presence of married parents showed fewer stereotyped behaviors. There was no difference in apathetic behavior between children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atypical Autism: Causes, Diagnosis, and Support)

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