National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC) model - an integrated model of evidence-based practices for autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a serious neurodevelopmental condition requires intensive and comprehensive interventions, particularly interventions found to be effective through rigorous research. The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC) was formed in the USAin order to conduct a comprehensive review of ASD-related evidence-based practices (EBPs) and to create amodelof implementing such practices for children, adolescents and young adults (from preschool to high school education level). The NPDC final review, being the most comprehensive to date (the initial search included 29,105 articles) identified 27 ASD-focused EBPs.

The role of genetic factors and pre- and perinatal influences in the etiology of autism spectrum disorders - indications for genetic referral.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are caused by disruptions in early stages of central nervous system development and are usually diagnosed in first years of life. Despite common features such as impairment of socio-communicative development and stereotypical behaviours, ASD are characterised by heterogeneous course and clinical picture. The most important aetiological factors comprise genetic and environmental influences acting at prenatal, perinatal and neonatal period.

[Autism spectrum disorders - epidemiology, symptoms, comorbidity and diagnosis].

In the new classification of American Psychiatric Association - DSM-5 - a category of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) was introduced, which replaced autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. ASD are defined by two basic psychopathological dimensions: communication disturbances and stereotyped behaviors, and the diagnosis is complemented with the assessment of language development and intellectual level. In successive epidemiological studies conducted in 21 century the prevalence of ASD has been rising, and currently is estimated at 1% in general population.

AutismPro system in supporting treatment of children with autism in Poland.

Background: The efficacy of early intervention programs for children with autism has been emphasized in many studies. However, access for people with autism to professional services in Poland is very limited and the burden of supporting a child's development often falls on parents, especially in families with low socioeconomic status and families living far away from big cities. Using Internet resources in planning and delivering individualized intervention may be useful.