Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is linked to a multitude of genes, epigenetics, and environmental factors, which contribute to the complexities of treating ASD. A large body of literature suggests benefits from perinatal, early, and later intervention. It is common for physicians to struggle with making a diagnosis of ASD, but once it is made, parents who have been taught effective strategies can be impactful in their child’s positive development. Neuroimaging studies of children, adolescents and young adults with ASD suggest that their brain structures change over time and are also capable of being shaped through appropriate interventions. Interventions are also being adapted for adults with ASD to better address their needs, such as employment training programs. We review the wide array of risk factors and interventions to mitigate the challenges individuals with ASD face in their daily lives.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) treatment becomes more convoluted when additional mental disorders are present. Comorbidities with ASD discussed in this review include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), psychotic and bipolar disorder. As these disorders typically affect multiple endophenotypes, from genetics to behavior, treatment must aim to target multiple layers, all the while minimizing side effects. Evidence-based therapies for ASD and comorbidities can range from psychosocial interventions to psychotropic medicines, with a varying degree of effectiveness for pairings of comorbidities and combinations of treatment. This review aims to create a brief overview of ASD comorbidities and discuss treatment options based on prior evidence-based research. Appropriate treatment is dependent on specific symptomatology, but evidence suggests that integrative-targeted treatment is typically more effective than stand-alone treatments.
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