Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder occurring in about 1% of children, with a predominance in boys. The cause of the disorder is unknown but likely involves both genetic and environmental factors. It is known as a “spectrum” disorder since type and severity of symptoms people experience can vary widely. All ethnic, racial, and economic groups can be affected by ASD. Although it can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and ability to function. The disorder persists through a life time and can result in a significantly impaired quality of life. Although most cases are diagnosed in childhood, the diagnosis can be made at any age. Early diagnosis assists in applying specific behavioral and other treatments to allow children achieve their full potential.
While diagnosis of ASD is based on the observation of child behavior, the discovery of possible biomarkers would assist diagnosis and perhaps provide some clues to potential medical interventions. The current Research topic brings together a collection of studies on peripheral blood biomarkers in ASD encompassing metabolic, immunological and genetic factors which may distinguish ASD subjects from non-affected individuals.
Development of valid and reliable animal models of the disorder offer the potential for the
detection of further biomarkers and early testing of novel therapeutic interventions.
We welcome articles on (but not limited to) the following topics:
- Studies showing metabolic abnormalities in people with ASD;
- Metabolic irregularities in parents of children with ASD;
-Comparison between the metabolic profiles of children with ASD and typically developing
children;
-Validity and reliability of animal models of ASD.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder occurring in about 1% of children, with a predominance in boys. The cause of the disorder is unknown but likely involves both genetic and environmental factors. It is known as a “spectrum” disorder since type and severity of symptoms people experience can vary widely. All ethnic, racial, and economic groups can be affected by ASD. Although it can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and ability to function. The disorder persists through a life time and can result in a significantly impaired quality of life. Although most cases are diagnosed in childhood, the diagnosis can be made at any age. Early diagnosis assists in applying specific behavioral and other treatments to allow children achieve their full potential.
While diagnosis of ASD is based on the observation of child behavior, the discovery of possible biomarkers would assist diagnosis and perhaps provide some clues to potential medical interventions. The current Research topic brings together a collection of studies on peripheral blood biomarkers in ASD encompassing metabolic, immunological and genetic factors which may distinguish ASD subjects from non-affected individuals.
Development of valid and reliable animal models of the disorder offer the potential for the
detection of further biomarkers and early testing of novel therapeutic interventions.
We welcome articles on (but not limited to) the following topics:
- Studies showing metabolic abnormalities in people with ASD;
- Metabolic irregularities in parents of children with ASD;
-Comparison between the metabolic profiles of children with ASD and typically developing
children;
-Validity and reliability of animal models of ASD.