Faras Hadeel, Al Ateeqi Nahed, Tidmarsh Lee
Developmental Pediatric Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Al-Sabah Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait.
Ann Saudi Med. 2010 Jul-Aug;30(4):295-300. doi: 10.4103/0256-4947.65261.
Pervasive developmental disorders are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in communication, reciprocal social interaction and restricted repetitive behaviors or interests. The term autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been used to describe their variable presentation. Although the cause of these disorders is not yet known, studies strongly suggest a genetic basis with a complex mode of inheritance. More research is needed to explore environmental factors that could be contributing to the cause of these disorders. The occurrence of ASD has been increasing worldwide, with the most recent prevalence studies indicating that they are present in 6 per 1000 children. The objectives of this article are to provide physicians with relevant information needed to identify and refer children presenting with symptoms suggestive of ASDs to specialized centers early, and to make them feel comfortable in dealing with public concerns regarding controversial issues about the etiology and management of these disorders.
广泛性发育障碍是一组神经发育障碍，其特征在于沟通、相互社交互动受损以及受限的重复行为或兴趣。自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）这一术语已被用于描述其多样的表现形式。尽管这些障碍的病因尚不清楚，但研究强烈表明其具有复杂遗传模式的遗传基础。还需要更多研究来探索可能导致这些障碍的环境因素。ASD在全球范围内的发生率一直在上升，最新的患病率研究表明，每1000名儿童中就有6名患有ASD。本文的目的是为医生提供识别和尽早将有ASD症状的儿童转诊至专科中心所需的相关信息，并使他们在应对公众对这些障碍的病因和管理等争议性问题的关注时感到安心。
