scholarly journals Low-Dose Fluoxetine in Four Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder Improves Self-Injurious Behavior, ADHD-Like Symptoms, and Irritability

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Pablo Lucchelli ◽  
Gilles Bertschy
Keyword(s):  
Autistic Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Pharmacological Treatments ◽  
Restricted Interests ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Core Symptoms

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined by the copresence of two core symptoms: alteration in social communication and repetitive behaviors and/or restricted interests. In ASD children and adults, irritability, self-injurious behavior (SIB), and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders- (ADHD-) like symptoms are regularly observed. In these situations, pharmacological treatments are sometimes used. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors- (SSRI-) based treatments have been the subject of several publications: case reports and controlled studies, both of which demonstrate efficacy on the symptoms mentioned above, even if no consensus has been reached concerning their usage. In this article four clinical cases of children diagnosed with ASD and who also present ADHD-like symptoms and/or SIB and/or other heteroaggressive behaviors or irritability and impulsivity treated with low doses of fluoxetine are presented.

scholarly journals Improvement in excoriation (skin-picking) with use of risperidone in a patient with developmental disability

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cody Roi ◽  
Alessandra Bazzano
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Autistic Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Skin Picking ◽  
Autistic Spectrum ◽  
Valuable Treatment ◽  
Skin Picking Disorder ◽  
Core Symptoms ◽  
Psychosocial Complications

Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder present with a heterogeneous mix of features beyond the core symptoms of the disorder. These features can be emotional, cognitive or behavioral. Behavioral symptoms often include self-injury, and this may take the form of repetitive skin-picking. The prevalence of skin-picking disorder in Autism is unknown. Skin-picking may lead to significant medical and psychosocial complications. Recent data suggest that behavioral interventions may be more effective than medications at reducing skin-picking in neurotypical patients. In this case, an 11-year-old male with intellectual disability and autistic spectrum disorder, with self-injurious skin-picking, was treated with risperidone with complete resolution of skin-picking symptoms. risperidone has been approved for irritability and aggression in Autistic spectrum disorder, and may be a valuable treatment option for skinpicking in pediatric patients with developmental disabilities.

scholarly journals CBD-enriched cannabis for autism spectrum disorder: an experience of a single center in Turkey and reviews of the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Serap Bilge ◽  
Barış Ekici
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Average Dose ◽  
The Core ◽  
Core Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication, social interaction, restricted interest, and repetitive behaviors. Although more cases are being diagnosed, no drugs are approved to treat the core symptoms or cognitive and behavioral problems associated with autism. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an effective and safe treatment. Objective In this study, we aim to share our 2-year experience with CBD-enriched cannabis treatment in autism and review the latest studies. Materials and methods The study included 33 (27 males, six females) children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who were followed up between January 2018 and August 2020. The mean age was 7.7 ± 5.5 years. The average daily dosage of cannabidiol (CBD) was 0.7 mg/kg/day (0.3–2 mg/kg/day). The median duration of treatment was 6.5 months (3–28 months). The preparations used in this study contained full-spectrum CBD and trace elements tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) of less than 3%. Results The outcomes were evaluated before and after treatment based on clinical interviews. At each follow-up visit, parents were asked to evaluate the effectiveness of the CBD-enriched cannabis treatment. According to the parents’ reports, no change in daily life activity was reported in 6 (19.35%) patients. The main improvements of the treatment were as follows: a decrease in behavioral problems was reported in 10 patients (32.2%), an increase in expressive language was reported in 7 patients (22.5%), improved cognition was reported in 4 patients (12,9%), an increase in social interaction was reported in 3 patients (9.6%), and a decrease in stereotypes was reported in 1 patient (3.2%). The parents reported improvement in cognition among patients who adhered to CBD-enriched cannabis treatment for over two years. The antipsychotic drug could be stopped only in one patient who showed mild ASD symptoms. No change could be made in other drug use and doses. Additionally, this study includes an extensive review of the literature regarding CBD treatment in autism spectrum disorder. According to recent studies, the average dose of CBD was 3.8±2.6 mg/kg/day. The ratio of CBD to THC in the used preparations was 20:1. The most significant improvements were seen in the behavioral problems reported in 20–70% of the patients. Conclusion Using lower doses of CBD and trace THC seems to be promising in managing behavioral problems associated with autism. In addition, this treatment could be effective in managing the core symptoms and cognitive functions. No significant side effects were seen at the low doses of CBD-enriched cannabis when compared to other studies.

scholarly journals Spatial and Temporal Gene Function Studies in Rodents: Towards Gene-Based Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Iris W. Riemersma ◽  
Robbert Havekes ◽  
Martien J. H. Kas
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Gene Function ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Developmental Trajectories ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Synaptic Function ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Restricted Interests ◽  
Highly Correlated

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by differences in social interaction, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and sensory differences beginning early in life. Especially sensory symptoms are highly correlated with the severity of other behavioral differences. ASD is a highly heterogeneous condition on multiple levels, including clinical presentation, genetics, and developmental trajectories. Over a thousand genes have been implicated in ASD. This has facilitated the generation of more than two hundred genetic mouse models that are contributing to understanding the biological underpinnings of ASD. Since the first symptoms already arise during early life, it is especially important to identify both spatial and temporal gene functions in relation to the ASD phenotype. To further decompose the heterogeneity, ASD-related genes can be divided into different subgroups based on common functions, such as genes involved in synaptic function. Furthermore, finding common biological processes that are modulated by this subgroup of genes is essential for possible patient stratification and the development of personalized early treatments. Here, we review the current knowledge on behavioral rodent models of synaptic dysfunction by focusing on behavioral phenotypes, spatial and temporal gene function, and molecular targets that could lead to new targeted gene-based therapy.

Autism Spectrum Disorders in Adults

2019 ◽  
pp. 357-377
Author(s):  
Charlotte M. Pretzsch ◽  
James L. Findon ◽  
Declan G. Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Pharmacological Treatments ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Core Symptoms ◽  
Made In

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common, pervasive neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social impairments and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. Furthermore, frequently co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and epilepsy, contribute to the substantial burden on affected individuals, their family, and society. Consequently, the cost of ASD to society is greater than that of cancer, stroke, and heart disease combined. The cause of ASD is poorly understood, and there are currently no effective pharmacological treatments for its core symptoms. However, significant progress has been made in elucidating the molecular, genetic, neuroanatomical, and neurochemical associates of ASD, potentially paving the way for new treatment approaches.

scholarly journals Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells improved core symptoms of genetically modified mice model of autism Shank3B

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nisim Perets ◽  
Oded Oron ◽  
Shay Herman ◽  
Evan Elliott ◽  
Daniel Offen
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Genetic Mutation ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Mice Model ◽  
Restricted Interests ◽  
The Social ◽  
Core Symptoms

Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with main core symptoms including deficits in social-communication abilities and repetitive behaviors/restricted interests. ASD affects 1 of 88 children worldwide and currently there is no sufficiently effective treatment that alleviates its core deficits. In our previous studies, we have shown that both MSC and MSC-exo can ameliorate core ASD-like symptoms of the BTBR multifactorial mouse model of autism. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the MSC-exo migrate to distinct neuropathological areas in several mouse models, including the frontal cortex and cerebellum in BTBR mice. In contrast to BTBR mice, which is a multifactorial model of autism, the Shank3B KO mouse is used to study ASD which develops due to a specific genetic mutation. Here we demonstrate that intranasal treatment with MSC-exo improves the social behavior deficit in multiple paradigms, increases vocalization and reduces repetitive behaviors. We also observed an increase of GABRB1 in the prefrontal cortex. Taken together, our data indicate that intranasal treatment with MSC-exo improves the core ASD-like deficits of in this mouse model autism and therefore has the potential to treat ASD patients carrying the Shank3 mutation.

scholarly journals Main Needs and Challenges of Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

PRILOZI ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-88
Author(s):  
Tatjana Zorcec ◽  
Nada Pop-Jordanova
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Service Encounters ◽  
Restricted Interests ◽  
School Work ◽  
Heavy Burden ◽  
Adults With Asd

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of complex lifelong neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized with symptoms related to the difficulty of communication and interaction with other people, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. These symptoms affects the person’s ability to function properly in school, work, and other areas of life.For better understanding the needs and challenges of families the survey developed by Autism Speaks in collaboration with the National Coordinators for Autism from nine Balkan countries was established. The aim of this research is to obtain an overview of some important data for children with some form of autistic disorder.The same questionnaire was used in two different periods of time (during 2015 and at the beginning of 2020) including samples of 60 and 140 parents respectively.The questionnaire comprises 57 questions in the following four domains: demographic characteristics, index child characteristics, service encounters and parent/caregiver perceptions. Results are compared and discussed.The survey results underscore that parents and families of children with ASD in our country carry a heavy burden. They face significant financial difficulties and need improved services from the health, educational and social sectors.It was concluded that there is a critical need to strengthen national capacity in caring for children, young people and adults with ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

scholarly journals Pharmacotherapy of emotional and behavioral symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-402 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Symptoms ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
The Core ◽  
Patterns Of Behavior ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
Core Symptoms

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairment in social communication and restricted patterns of behavior. Although there is no pharmacological treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the core symptoms of ASD, there is mounting support in the literature for the management of behavioral symptoms associated with this developmental disorder, in particular, irritability and hyperactivity. Aripiprazole and risperidone are currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of irritability in youth with ASD. Though not FDA-approved, methylphenidate and guanfacine are effective for the management of hyperactivity in children with ASD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are often used in clinical practice to target anxiety and compulsions; however, there is little evidence to support its use in this population. There is a great need for further research on the safety and efficacy of existing psychotropic medications in youth with ASD, as well as the development of new treatment modalities for the core and associated behavioral symptoms.

International comparisons of autism spectrum disorder behaviors in preschoolers rated by parents and caregivers/teachers

Autism ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (8) ◽  
pp. 2043-2054 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie A Rescorla ◽  
Courtney Given ◽  
Siobhan Glynn ◽  
Masha Y Ivanova ◽  
Thomas M Achenbach
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Child Behavior Checklist ◽  
International Comparisons ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Restricted Interests ◽  
Diagnostic And Statistical Manual ◽  
Base Rates ◽  
Teacher Report Form

This study tested international similarities and differences in scores on a scale comprising 12 items identified by international mental health experts as being very consistent with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) category of autism spectrum disorder. Participants were 19,850 preschoolers in 24 societies rated by parents on the Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 1½–5; 10,521 preschoolers from 15 societies rated by caregivers/teachers on the Caregiver–Teacher Report Form, and 7380 children from 13 societies rated by both types of informant. Rank ordering of the items with respect to base rates and mean ratings was more similar across societies for parent ratings than caregiver/teacher ratings, especially with respect to the items tapping restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Items 80. Strange behavior; 63. Repeatedly rocks head or body; 67. Seems unresponsive to affection; and 98. Withdrawn, doesn’t get involved with others had low base rates in these population samples across societies and types of informants, suggesting that they may be particularly discriminating for identifying autism spectrum disorder in young children. Cross-informant agreement was stronger for the items tapping social communication and interaction problems than restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. The findings support the feasibility of international use of the scale for autism spectrum disorder screening in population samples.

scholarly journals The Causes of Individual Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 86-89
Author(s):  
Yufei Jin
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Restricted Interests ◽  
Twin Design ◽  
Classical Twin Design ◽  
Clinical Profiles

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by various symptoms including impaired social interactions, unusually repetitive behaviors, and highly restricted interests etc. People with ASD differ significantly on their clinical profiles and the causes of such individual differences are not yet fully understood. The present paper provides an overview of the causes of individual differences in ASD from three different perspectives: genetic, environmental, and neurobiological perspectives. The present paper also describes one study design in detail within each perspective (i.e., classical twin design, epidemiological case-control design, and magnetic resonance imaging), and explains how each study design is informative about the causes of ASD.

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