Autism and Schizophrenia

**19**

**Chapter 2**

**Abstract**

processing disorders.

**1. Introduction**

**1.1 Social deficits**

**Keywords:** autism, MRI findings, comorbidities

Comorbidities

Autism: A Neurodevelopmental

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is more common in males than females. It is characterized by social communication disorders and restricted repetitive behaviors. There is wide heterogeneity in its etiology, clinical presentations, management and consequently prognosis. Although the etiology of autism remains unclear, the most currently proven theory is that it is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that displays "brain network abnormalities". fMRI studies have shown decreased brain connectivity or functional synchronization between frontal and more posterior cortical regions. Dynamic brain activity through high resolution electroencephalograghy (EEG) has revealed local overconnectivity and long-range underconnectivity. This disrupted connectivity pattern would involve connectivity between hemispheres (corpus callosum), together with axonal and synaptic connectivity within each hemisphere. Inconsistent morphometric changes involving both gray and white matter structure also exist. Clinically, autism is associated with multiple comorbidities (somatic, neurologic and psychiatric); some of which are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyspraxia, and sensory

According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by social communication impairment and repetitive restricted behaviors. Autism is the commonest neurodevelopmental disorder in the scope of ASD. The

There is lack of social attention and attention shifting in the autistic children in parallel with lack of development of joint attention skills [2]. The affected children display emotional reactions that do not associate with the surrounding events. They show negative emotions more frequently than positive emotions, without justifiable cause for inducing either response. Their play patterns are solitary, and they do not

social impairment affects both verbal and nonverbal communication [1].

develop typical interactive social play with other children [3].

Disorder and a Stratum for

*Marwa Mahmoud Saleh and Aya Adel*
