Journal
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
Volume 176, Issue -, Pages 20-25Publisher
CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
DOI: 10.1192/bjp.176.1.20
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Background The rapid increase in research endeavour has not kept pace with the advent of well-publicised theories and treatments for autism. Aims To explore some of the newer developments in biological research into autism. Method A review of recent publications and presentations. Results The concept is shifting from the narrow perception of aloof autism, described by Kanner, to a wider one that includes a spectrum extending to a broader, subclinical phenotype. The genetic basis has been established; now we need to discover the location and interaction of the relevant sites. There is considerable interest in the bowel as a pathogenetic agent. particularly in the effects of exogenous opioids and multiple viral infection (the tatter posing a public health problem). Also of concern is the role of(potentially treatable) epilepsy, analogous to the Laudau-Kleffner syndrome. Conclusions In the absence of a cure, the implementation of ideas will continue to outstrip factual evidence. Clinicians are challenged by the availability of information (and misinformation), particularly on the internet.
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