Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and stereotyped or repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. ASD is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5). The prevalence of ASD is increasing so rapidly that it has led to many social problems and severe stress for families. Currently, researchers are looking into all aspects related to ASD such as etiology, imaging studies, possible drug treatments, behavioral interventions, family-centered interventions, and many other related aspects that are the focus of research in the field of autism. As for etiology, although we know that genetic and environmental factors interact, the exact genetic changes and major environmental factors, as well as the complex neural mechanisms underlying them, are still unclear. As far as treatment is concerned, thanks to evidence-based medical knowledge, treatment methods focus mainly on behavioral therapy, and appropriate drug treatments are also on the rise.
This Research Topic focuses on clarifying the etiology and treatment of autism. To achieve this goal, studies in genetics, environmental factors, animal studies, imaging studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, reviews, etc. are being conducted. We hope to promote new findings, new developments, current challenges, recent discoveries and future prospects in the field of autism. We encourage pediatricians, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, epidemiologists, public health and preventive medicine professionals, nutrition experts, genetics experts, and imaging experts to participate in this Research Topic to make a difference.
We welcome Original Research and Review in the studies on children and adolescents with ASD:
- Genetic research
- Imaging studies
- Environmental factors
- Comorbidities
- Drug studies and non-drug treatment
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and stereotyped or repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. ASD is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5). The prevalence of ASD is increasing so rapidly that it has led to many social problems and severe stress for families. Currently, researchers are looking into all aspects related to ASD such as etiology, imaging studies, possible drug treatments, behavioral interventions, family-centered interventions, and many other related aspects that are the focus of research in the field of autism. As for etiology, although we know that genetic and environmental factors interact, the exact genetic changes and major environmental factors, as well as the complex neural mechanisms underlying them, are still unclear. As far as treatment is concerned, thanks to evidence-based medical knowledge, treatment methods focus mainly on behavioral therapy, and appropriate drug treatments are also on the rise.
This Research Topic focuses on clarifying the etiology and treatment of autism. To achieve this goal, studies in genetics, environmental factors, animal studies, imaging studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, reviews, etc. are being conducted. We hope to promote new findings, new developments, current challenges, recent discoveries and future prospects in the field of autism. We encourage pediatricians, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, epidemiologists, public health and preventive medicine professionals, nutrition experts, genetics experts, and imaging experts to participate in this Research Topic to make a difference.
We welcome Original Research and Review in the studies on children and adolescents with ASD:
- Genetic research
- Imaging studies
- Environmental factors
- Comorbidities
- Drug studies and non-drug treatment
