Autism and Developmental Disorders

Autism and the other pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders that typically appear during the first three years of life. Children and adults affected by autism/PDD have difficulties in social interactions, in acquisition and use of language, and in leisure and play activities. The disorders also may be characterized by repetitive movements, self-injurious behavior, resistance to changes in routines, and increased sensitivity to sensations such as touch or sound. Autism/PDD are believed to be caused by neurological differences that have yet to be fully explained. Autism and related pervasive developmental disorders (e.g., Asperger disorder and PDD not otherwise specified) occur in approximately 15-20 in 10,000 live births, and affect all races, ethnicities, and social groups.

In addition to patient care, research in the area of autism has been a priority at the Stanford University Department of Psychiatry. A major genetic study has just been completed in collaboration with the Department of Genetics at Stanford. Current projects include the autism genetics study among persons of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. Neuroimaging studies of autism/PDD are also being pursued vigorously, with both structural and functional studies underway.

The autism studies use a variety of neurobehavioral measures. Neurobehavioral measures, which include cognitive and psychological testing and other measures recorded by family members and clinicians, play an important role in our efforts to understand neuropsychiatric conditions. Such measures used in our studies on autism allow us to ensure diagnostic accuracy; assess the severity of the syndrome; measure level of adaptive functioning in various domains; test language and cognition (IQ); and assure the validity of the research findings.

Measures being used for the autism projects include:

• Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS)
  
  
• Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI)
  
  
• IQ tests (WASI, WAIS-III, and WISC-III)
  
  
• Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale
  
  
• Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test
  
  
• Benton Facial Recognition Task
  
  
• Judgment of Line Orientation task (JLO)