To prevent autism, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Medications taken by the mother during pregnancy: Misoprostol – active substance used for stomach ulcers. Thalidomide – sedative / sleeping pill, which became known through the so-called thalidomide scandal. Valproic acid / valproate – active substance used in epilepsy. Environmental pollution – intoxications … Autism: Prevention
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate autism: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) Age-independent deficits Social interaction and communication: Interaction disorders refer to the initiation, maintenance and formation of interpersonal relationships in the context of family, friendship, partnership, as well as peers in kindergarten, school and work. Disorders of communication relate on the one hand to … Autism: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Pathogenesis (development of disease) The cause of autism often remains unclear. Studies currently focus on the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) as a risk factor. One study discusses a dysbalance between amino acids (AS) overall and branched-chain amino acids (abbreviated BCAA for Branched-Chain Amino Acids) in particular: In patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 31 amines … Autism: Causes
To improve care and with the goal of facilitating timely and accurate diagnosis, proceed according to a stepwise approach (consensus-based recommendation): When an autism spectrum disorder is suspected, a prompt, orienting assessment should first be performed using valid, age-specific screening instruments and conducting an orienting clinical evaluation. If the suspicion is confirmed, the person should … Autism: Therapy
The medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of autism. Family history Are there any inherited disorders in your family? Social history What is your profession? Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). What symptoms … Autism: Medical History
Congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99). Fragile X syndrome (Martin-Bell syndrome) – X-linked inherited syndrome in which the main malformations are: large auricles, large genitalia, sterility, and mental retardation. Psyche – Nervous System (F00-F99; G00-G99). Affective disorders (affect disorders) – group of mental disorders characterized primarily by a clinically significant change in mood. Aphasia … Autism: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the most important disorders or complications that may be co-occurring with autism: Psyche – Nervous System (F00-F99; G00-G99). Anxiety disorders Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness). Depression Epilepsy Reduced intelligence – occurs simultaneously in 50-75% of cases. Obsessive-compulsive disorder Further Impairment of social behavior due toimpaired social communication skills. Delinquent behavior in individuals with … Autism: Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing) of the skin, mucous membranes and sclerae (white part of the eye). Neurological/psychiatric examination
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. If necessary, genetic diagnostics: a human genetic examination should be recommended to the affected person and / or the guardian or legal representative if there is a clinical indication.
Therapy target Alleviation of symptomatology (here: core symptoms of children with autism). Therapy recommendations Bumetanide (drug from the group of loop diuretics) to restore transmitter balance: improvement of GABA-glutamate balance
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Magnetic resonance imaging of the skull (cranial MRI, cranial MRI or cMRI) – if there is a clinical indication and if from the result actionable indications are expected. Encephalogram … Autism: Diagnostic Tests
