Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of Abbreviations
- List of Contributors
- Preface
- Section 1 What We Know about Autism and How We Know It
- Chapter 1 Autism nosology
- Chapter 2 Epidemiology of autism
- Chapter 3 Developmental neuropsychology of autism
- Chapter 4 Neuropathology of autism
- Chapter 5 Etiology
- Chapter 6 Etiology
- Section 2 Assessing and Treating Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Section 3 Assessing and Treating Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Index
- Plate Section
- References
Chapter 6 - Etiology
essential autism
from Section 1 - What We Know about Autism and How We Know It
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 November 2012
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of Abbreviations
- List of Contributors
- Preface
- Section 1 What We Know about Autism and How We Know It
- Chapter 1 Autism nosology
- Chapter 2 Epidemiology of autism
- Chapter 3 Developmental neuropsychology of autism
- Chapter 4 Neuropathology of autism
- Chapter 5 Etiology
- Chapter 6 Etiology
- Section 2 Assessing and Treating Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Section 3 Assessing and Treating Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Index
- Plate Section
- References
Summary
The previous chapter reviewed the features of ASDs as they occur in several specific genetic disorders with well described syndromic presentations. By following molecular pathways from genes to neurodevelopment, we considered several mechanisms that could explain the emergence of autistic symptoms. These included the genetic defects themselves, abnormalities in the formation of synapses and interneuronal connections, alteration in the balance of neuronal excitation and inhibition, and abnormalities in activity-driven synaptic plasticity. Underlying some of these aberrant neuronal processes was presumed disruption of epigenetically regulated transcription of particular genes.
The present chapter will continue to explore some of the possible etiologic mechanisms for ASDs, looking at the fundamental role of genetic variations, at some possible ways in which genes and the environment might interact, and at abnormalities in other physiologic processes that might mediate the link between genetic vulnerability and the emergence of autism.
The discussion will focus on primary or essential autism – not associated with particular genetic and malformation syndromes. This is also a heterogeneous category: no single mechanism is likely to explain all ASDs.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- The Autism SpectrumScientific Foundations and Treatment, pp. 145 - 178Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2012