Clinical and biological assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

摘要

The reported incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has continued to rise over the last two decades. Research has shown early intervention is an important factor in the outcome of children with ASD. Even though screening and diagnostic protocols are available, many children are not diagnosed until they are over four years of age. Improvement in early detection rates has been a focus in recent literature: however much of this focus has centered on clinical diagnosis of ASD. Over the last few years a growing body of literature on biological diagnosis of autism has evolved. A complete genetic evaluation can now identify changes in nearly half of all children with an ASD diagnosis. Studies on blood samples also show biomarkers might be utilized soon in the diagnosis of autism. This paper examines the current status of ASD diagnostic tools and what role biological analysis might play in the future.