Current enlightenment about etiology and pharmacological treatment of autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental brain disorder is characterized by two core behavioural symptoms, namely impairments in social communication impairments and restricted/repetitive behaviour. The molecular mechanisms underlying ASD are not well understood. Recent, genetic as well as non-genetic animal models contribute in understanding the pathophysiology of ASD, as they establish autism-like behaviour in mice and rats. Among the genetic causes, several chromosomal mutations including duplications or deletions could be possible causative factors of ASD. In addition, the biochemical basis suggests that several brain neurotransmitters, e.g. dopamine (DA), systems including serotonin (5-HT), dopamine, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), acetylcholine (ACh), glutamate (Glu) and histamine (HA) participate in the onset and progression of ASD. Despite of convincible understanding, risperidone and aripiprazole are the only two drugs available clinically for improving behavioural symptoms of ASD following approval by Food and Drug Administration (FDA).