Landa Rebecca J
Kennedy Krieger Institute, 3901 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21211, USA.
Nat Clin Pract Neurol. 2008 Mar;4(3):138-47. doi: 10.1038/ncpneuro0731. Epub 2008 Feb 5.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a class of neurodevelopmental disorders defined by qualitative impairments in social functioning and communication, often accompanied by repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior and interests. The term 'ASD' encompasses autism, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, and Asperger's syndrome. ASDs show etiologic heterogeneity, and there is no definitive medical test or cure for these conditions. Around 1 in 150 children have an ASD, with males being affected three to four times more frequently than females. The age at diagnosis of ASD ranges from 3 to 6 years, but there is increasing evidence that diagnosis in the second year of life is possible in some children. Early diagnosis will lead to earlier behavior-based intervention, which is associated with improvements in core areas, such as social functioning and communication. Early detection of-and intervention to treat-ASD is crucial because it is likely to lead to an improved outcome.
自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）是一类神经发育障碍，其定义为社交功能和沟通存在质性损害，常伴有重复刻板的行为模式和兴趣。术语“ASD”涵盖自闭症、未特定的广泛性发育障碍以及阿斯伯格综合征。ASD具有病因异质性，且尚无针对这些病症的确切医学检测方法或治愈手段。每150名儿童中约有1名患有ASD，男性受影响的频率是女性的三到四倍。ASD的诊断年龄在3至6岁之间，但越来越多的证据表明，部分儿童在1岁时就有可能被诊断出来。早期诊断将带来更早的基于行为的干预，这与社交功能和沟通等核心领域的改善相关。尽早发现并干预治疗ASD至关重要，因为这可能会带来更好的结果。
