HLA Polymorphism in Regressive and Non-Regressive Autism: A Preliminary Study.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comprises heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions with symptom onset usually during infancy. However, about 10%-30% of affected cases experience a loss of language and social skills around 18-30 months, so-called regressive autism. In this subset with regression, immune dysfunctions including inflammation and autoimmunity have been proposed to be at risk factors.

Rare copy number variants are common in young children with autism spectrum disorder.

Aim: Several studies have suggested that rare copy number variants (CNVs) are an important genetic contributor to autism spectrum disorders. The aims of the study were to use chromosomal microarray to investigate the presence of rare copy number variants in a population-based cohort of well-characterised young children with autism spectrum disorders and to relate the genetic results to neurodevelopmental profiles and medical conditions.

Methods: We performed chromosomal microarray on samples from 162 children who had been referred to the Stockholm Autism Centre for Young Children in Sweden after being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder between 20 and 54 months of age.

Early diagnosis of autism and impact on prognosis: a narrative review.

Autism spectrum disorders involve a set of clinical phenotypes that mirror an early onset of neurodevelopmental deviations, with core symptoms that can probably be related to a deficiency in the social instinct. Underlying the cognitive impairments there are physiological brain problems, caused by a large number of medical factors. This narrative review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses from the last 5 years (2008-2012) presents aspects from many areas in autism spectrum disorder research, with a particular focus on early intervention and the subsequent impact on prognosis.

Medical conditions affect the outcome of early intervention in preschool children with autism spectrum disorders.

The aim was to explore the frequency of genetic and other medical conditions, including epilepsy, in a population-based group of 208 preschool children with early diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and to relate outcome at a 2-year follow-up to the co-existing medical findings. They had all received early intervention. The Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS-II) composite score served as the primary outcome measure.

First-degree relatives of young children with autism spectrum disorders: some gender aspects.

Prenatal risk factors, with special focus on gender distribution of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions were analysed in first-degree relatives in a population-based group of young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Multiple information sources were combined. This group was contrasted with the general population regarding data from the Swedish Medical Birth register.