The Medical Treatment of Autism Disorders

Abstract

Autism is one of a group of pervasive developmental disorders and is characterised by qual‐ itative impairments in communication and social interactions and by stereotyped behav‐ iours and interests. Abnormal development is present before the age of 3 years. A quarter of affected children show developmental regression with loss of acquired skills. One third of children with autism have epilepsy and three quarters have mental retardation. Only 15 % of adults with autism lead independent live. Twin and family studies suggest that most cas‐ es of autism occur because of combination of genetics factors [1]. Concept of autism has been broadened the last few years from early infantile autism to an autistic spectrum and related communication disorders are grouped together under pervasive developmental disorders or autistic spectrum disorders. People with an autistic disorder have severe difficulties in the integration of perceived in social stimuli into a meaningful entity. More than two people with autistic disorder are also mentally retarded. Autism cannot be cured but adequate in‐ tervention can significantly improve the quality of life people with this disorder [2].