[One autism, several autisms. Phenotypical variability in autism spectrum disorders].

INTRODUCTION

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of disorders that begin in the early months of life and follow a chronic progression. They have a biological origin, with complex aetiological factors that involve different genetic, epigenetic and environmental mechanisms that interact with one another.

AIM

To review the main factors that vary the presentation of autism taking into account the most recent scientific evidence.

DEVELOPMENT

Aspects related with the development of symptoms, gender, comorbidity, age and aetiology determine the variability in the clinical presentation of ASD.

CONCLUSIONS

Autism is highly heterogeneous and is phenotypically related, at least in part, with a wide range of causations, which researchers have begun to unravel but which are still largely unknown. Aetiological research, especially in the area of genetics, will make it possible to identify different homogeneous subgroups with their corresponding phenotypes, while also opening up the way to possible therapeutic alternatives in the future.