Autism spectrum disorders are early-onset chronic conditions of qualitatively impaired social interaction and reciprocal communication with an estimated prevalence rate of 0.6%. Autism is heterogeneous in phenotype and comorbidity. Its precise etiology remains largely an enigma, but twin and family studies indicate substantial hereditary fundamentals. In this report, we briefly review the progress of molecular genetic, environmental and (auto-)immunologic research in autism and similar conditions. At the present time, idiopathic autism is assumed to be an oligogenic epistatic disorder. In a minority of cases, some Mendelian syndromes and other medical conditions as well as exogenous and immune mechanisms may also cause or trigger autism. A standard epidemiologic vulnerability model has been proposed to integrate possible major and minor risks of different origin.

Journal Section:
Mini-Review
Keywords:
Pervasive developmental disorders, Genome screen, Single-gene disorders, Candidate genes, Pregnancy, Birth, Risk factor model
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
2004
You do not currently have access to this content.