Autism Spectrum Disorders in Iran

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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), which consist of Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome and PDD Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), are subsets of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) (1, 2). Obviously, ASDs are characterized by abnormalities in social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive and stereotyped behaviors (3). Although various studies have been conducted in ASDs etiology across the world, it seems that they are still unknown in developing and developed countries. In fact, ASDs have been introduced as multifactorial disorders; from ascendancy of genetic to environmental factors are involved in causing them (4-7). Although there are substantial biological bases for ASDs, no perspicuous symptoms exist for their diagnostic conditions. Therefore, behavioral criteria are mainly utilized to identify individuals with ASDs. Some assessment instruments are Autism Diagnostic InterviewRevised (ADIR), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communicative Disorders (DISCO), Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview (3di), Autism Spectrum Disorders-Diagnostic for Children (ASD-DC), Autism Spectrum Disorders-Comorbidity for Children (ASD-CC) and Autism Spectrum Disorders-Behavior Problem for Children (ASDBPC) (8-15). There is universal agreement in diagnostic criteria of ASDs; however, the cultural differences influence their diagnosis (16). With regards to obscure etiology of ASDs, they have not been specifically treated up to now. Nevertheless, several treatments have been performed to improve ASDs including behavioral, medical, biological, sensorymotor and relationship development interventions (17-21). Whereas cultural factors play an essential role in prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of ASDs, cross-cultural studies should be performed (22-24). Hence, some scientific researches have been conducted on ASDs in Iran. Several preliminary investigations have been done to evaluate ASDs prevalence and some risk factors and effective variables have also been studied in the field of etiology. Diagnostic evaluation of ASDs, especially based on EEG, and several pharmacological and behavioral interventions for ASDs treatment have been performed in Iran. In parental studies, mental health, stress levels and personality characteristics were investigated in parents of children with ASDs, with focus on mothers.