Theoharis C Theoharides † , Duraisamy Kempuraj & Lyn Redwood
† Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics,
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Background : Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental
disorders characterized by difficulties in communication and by repetitive
and stereotypic behaviors, as well as by social impairment, attention, cognitive, and learning defects. ASDs present in early childhood and their prevalence has increased significantly to 1/150 children. Despite a number of
theories, the actual reasons for this increase are still not clear. There is no
reliable screening test, and no definite pathogenesis or curative therapy.
Consequently, there is a major gap hampering development of effective
treatments.
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