The syndrome of autism: a critical review

• Published in: The American journal of psychiatry Vol. 133; no. 6; p. 609
• Main Authors: Ornitz, E M, Ritvo, E R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.06.1976
• Subjects: Age Factors; Aphasia - diagnosis; Autistic Disorder - complications; Autistic Disorder - diagnosis; Autistic Disorder - therapy; Child; Child, Preschool; Cognition Disorders - diagnosis; Depression - diagnosis; Developmental Disabilities - complications; Developmental Disabilities - diagnosis; Diagnosis, Differential; Epilepsy - diagnosis; Humans; Infant; Interpersonal Relations; Maternal Deprivation; Movement Disorders - complications; Perceptual Disorders - complications; Schizophrenia, Childhood - diagnosis; Speech Disorders - complications; Terminology as Topic
• ISSN: 0002-953X
• DOI: 10.1176/ajp.133.6.609

The authors review the clinical features and behavioral characteristics of autism; differential diagnosis of the syndrome; clinical, neurophysiological, and biochemical research; and its medical management and treatment. They conclude that autism is a behaviorally defined, specific syndrome that is manifested at birth or shortly thereafter. Its symptoms are expressive of an underlying neuropathophysiological process that affects developmental rate; modulation of perception; language, cognitive, and intellectual development; and the ability to relate. The long-term prognosis is guarded; almost all patients manifest severe symptomatology throughout their lives. Further basic research into the neuropathophysiological process underlying the syndrome is necessary in order to reach the ultimate goal of developing etiologically specific treatment programs.