Spectrum of Neurodegeneration in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is neurodevelopmental disorder which is characterized by lack of social behaviors and impaired non-verbal interactions that start early in childhood. It can also lead to progressive neurodegeneration like schizophrenia disorder, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and dementia. Genetic studies of ASD have confirmed the mutations that interfere with neurodevelopment in mother's womb through childhood and these mutations are further involved in synaptogenesis and axon motility. Crucial role of amygdala is found to be deficit in ASD individuals whose association cognition with nucleus accumbens lead to impaired social behaviors and cognitive stimulus. Educational and behavioral treatments are considered the key steps used for its management along with pharmacological and interventional therapies. In this chapter, the author presents the etiology of ASD, proof of neurodegeneration in ASD, as well as the clinical feature and the management of ASD.