The Neurobiology of Autism

The Neurobiology of Autism
The Johns Hopkins Series in Psychiatry and Neuroscience


CONTENTS
List of Contributors
Preface

I CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS

1. The Epidemiology of Pervasive Developmental Disorders
2. Size of the Head and Brain in Autism: Clue to Underlying Biologic Mechanisms?
3. The Autistic Mind
4. Language and Communication Disorders in Autism Spectrum Disorders
5. Memory and Executive Functions in Autism
6. The Vagus: A Mediator of Behavioral and Physiologic Features Associated with Autism
7. Approaches to Psychopharmacology
8. Gastrointestinal Issues Encountered in Autism

II NEUROANATOMIC INVESTIGATIONS

1. Structural Brain Anatomy in Autism: What Is the Evidence?
2. The Brainstem in Autism
3. Myelin and Autism
4. Positron Emission Tomography Studies of Autism
5. The Orbitofrontal-Amygdala System in Nonhuman Primates: Function, Development, and Early Insult
6. An Animal Model of Virus-Induced Autism: Borna Disease Virus Infection of the Neonatal Rat

III GENETIC INITIATIVES

1. Gene Expression in Autism
2. Candidate Susceptibility Genes for Autism
3. Chromosome 15 and Autism
4. Chromosome 7
5. Fragile X Syndrome
6. Autism and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
7. The Roles of Dopamine and Norepinephrine in Autism: From Behavior and Pharmacotherapy to Genetics

IV NEUROBIOLOGIC RESEARCH

1. Serotonin in Autism
2. The GABAergic System in Autism
3. The Cholinergic System in Autism
4. The Role of Reelin in Autism
5. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Dopamine in Autism
6. The Immune System

Epilogue
Index

Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press
Number Of Pages: 424
Publication Date: 2004-12-01
ISBN-10 / ASIN: 0801880467
ISBN-13 / EAN: 9780801880469



Sample chapter 1
The Epidemiology of Pervasive
Developmental Disorders
Eric Fombonne, M.D., FRCPsych

Epidemiologic surveys of autism started in the mid-1960s in England (Lotter, 1966) and since then have been conducted in many countries. All epidemiologic surveys have focused on a categorical-diagnostic approach to autism that over time has relied on different sets of criteria; however, all surveys relied on a definition of autism that comprised severe impairments in communication and language, social interaction, and play and behavior. With the exception of recent studies, other pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) falling short of diagnostic criteria for autism (PDD-NOS [not otherwise specified], Asperger syndrome) were generally not included in the definition used in the earlier surveys, although several epidemiologic investigations yielded useful information on the rates of these particular types of PDD. These data are summarized separately. This chapter reviews the methodologic features and substantive results of published epidemiologic surveys, then addresses the following questions: (1) What is the range of prevalence estimates for autism and related disorders? (2) What are the correlates of autism? (3) Is the incidence of autism increasing? (4) How many children have a PDD in the United States today?

Selection of Studies

The studies were identified through systematic searches of scientific literature databases (Medline, PsycINFO) and from prior reviews (Wing, 1993; Fombonne, 1999). Only studies published in the English language were included in this review. Overall, 37 studies published between 1966 and early 2003 were selected that surveyed PDDs in clearly demarcated, nonoverlapping samples.

Study Designs

The surveys were conducted in 14 countries, and half of the results were published during the past decade. Details on the precise sociodemographic compo-

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