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Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized as autism spectrum disorder in DSM 5 which is described by regression in the areas of communication, social interaction skills and motor behavior that develop normally in the first years of life. Autoimmune limbic encephalitis occurs with clinical manifestations of limbic system involvement such as subacute memory malformation, various neuropsychiatric symptoms, behavioral disturbances, and temporal lobe seizures. In this paper; an 7-year-old girl who applied with CDD findings, and diagnosed with limbic encephalitis after physical examination with symptoms persisted after IVIG treatment, was reported. Although autistic symptoms due to limbic encephalitis may be rarely seen in the clinic, autistic symptoms that are particularly acute or subacute are important neurological diagnoses that should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of psychiatric patients.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) is a rare and little researched developmental disorder characterised by regression in language and social skills after a period of seemingly normal development until at least the age of 2 years. The study contacted all parents of CDD patients in Norway to assess patient symptomatology and parents' experiences of regression via questionnaire or interview. There were 12 participants. Symptomatology was in-line with previous studies, with universal regression in language and social skills and onset predominantly at 2–4 years. Regression was connected to feelings of 'loss' and uncertainty over the prognosis for CDD patients. The study supported CDD diagnostic criteria and showed that CDD patient regression has profound implications for parental well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the topic of the profile of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is important for those involved in therapy or teaching, we found very few studies focusing on Romanian populations, and those targeting the North-Western region (Bihor County) are even fewer. ADHD is the most common childhood disorder (Aman et al., 1998), and it is important not only to know and understand the symptoms, but also to pay attention to the cultural specificity of the ADHD diagnosis, if it is possible. We conducted a documentary analysis, aiming to identify the profile of children diagnosed with ADHD in Bihor County and in this regard, we analyzed 196 files registered at the Municipal Hospital from Oradea in 2015. We focused on the demographic data, the symptoms, the comorbid disorders, the treatments, the school environment and type. Our findings confirmed that boys diagnosed with ADHD are more numerous than girls, and we also found significant differences between children depending on their ADHD core symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Developmental regression is associated with a number of developmental disabilities. • We reviewed 38 intervention studies addressing regression in cases of developmental disability. • Twelve studies with 44 participants provided a convincing demonstration of a positive intervention effect. • Positive results using behavioral interventions were noted for challenging behavior, communication, motor, and play skills. • Future research should target the causes of regression and treatments for regression in autism spectrum disorder. Abstract Developmental regression is characteristic of Rett syndrome and it also occurs in a number of other developmental disabilities. To assist clinicians in identifying promising therapeutic approaches, we identified 38 studies that sought to improve adaptive behavior functioning in cases where developmental regression had either already occurred or was likely to occur. Studies were summarized in terms of (a) participants, (b) intervention, (c) dependent variables, (d) outcomes, (e) study design, and (f) certainty of evidence. The available literature included 136 participants from preschoolers to adults. Most participants (n = 132) had Rett syndrome. Interventions targeted a range of dependent variables (e.g., challenging behavior, communication, motor, and play skills). Multi-component interventions derived from behavior analytic principles were the norm, suggesting the need for clinical expertise in the application of such principles. However, only 12 studies (with 44 participants) were rated as providing conclusive evidence of a positive intervention effect. Future research on the mechanisms underlying developmental regression might lead to new and more effective interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism is an etiologically heterogeneous developmental disorder for which the range of genetic investigations has expanded considerably over the past decade. Introduction of chromosomal microarray (CMA) to clinical practice has expanded the range of conditions which pediatricians are able to detect. This study reviewed the utilization, yield and cost of genetic investigations in a sample of children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) in an Australian metropolitan child development service. Six hundred and ninety eight patients with PDD were identified from the clinic population. One hundred and ten (15.7%) of the clinic population had undergone investigation with chromosomal microarray, 140 (20.0%) with karyotype (KT), and 167 (23.9%) with Fragile X testing (FRGX). Twelve (10.9%) CMA findings were reported, of which seven (6.3%) were felt to be the likely cause of the child’s clinical features. Five (3.5%) KT findings were reported, of which four (2.9%) were felt to be the likely cause of the child’s clinical features. Two patients (1.2%) were identified with Fragile X expansions. One fifth of the clinic’s recent PDD population had undergone testing with CMA. CMA appears to have increased the diagnostic yield of the genetic investigation of autism, in line with internationally reported levels. Number needed to test (NNT) and cost per incremental diagnosis, were also in line with internationally reported levels.

Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), a rare clinical syndrome with a prevalence of 1 in 100,000 children, was first described by an educator, Theodore Heller in 1908. He originally termed the condition dementia infantilis; subsequently, it has also been termed disintegrative psychosis or Heller's syndrome. CDD is characterized by marked regression in multiple areas of functioning following a period of at least 2 years of apparently normal development. We are presenting a case of an 8-year-old girl who presented with normal development until 6 years of age followed by gradual developmental deterioration in previously acquired language, social skills, and intellectual functions suggestive of CDD.

A nine-facet hierarchical taxonomy of “Disintegration”, a trait-like disposition that causes variations in psychotic-like behavior, is proposed, along with the scales to assess it. Strong correlations were demonstrated in students (n = 466) between lower-level dimensions, independent of the assessment method. Disintegration lay beyond the Five-Factor Model (FFM) space. This finding was replicated across informant types (self, mother, and father), samples (students and a national representative sample, n = 1001), and units of analyses (facets and items). The most frequent approach to preserve the FFM taxonomy of both normal and non-normal personality variants – mapping psychotic-like phenomena onto the Openness domain – found little support in our data. Disintegration was normally distributed in the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study was carried out to ascertain the outcome of laparoscopic modified Heller's myotomy for achalasia cardia and to determine the morbidity associated with it. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalpindi over a period of 4 years, from Jan 2010 to Aug 2014. Material and Methods: This study was carried out on patients undergoing surgical repair of laparoscopic Heller myotomy for cardiac achalasia at Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi over a period of four years (2010-2014). Patients undergoing laparoscopic-modified Heller myotomy at a thoracic referral and surgical training center. Eighteen cases of achalasia cardia based on clinical, barium and endoscopic findings were included in the sample using non probability purposive sampling technique. Pseudo achalasia, sigmoid esophagus were excluded. Laparoscopic modified Heller myotomy was done in all patients. Data were analyzed with the help of SPSS 20.0. Results: Age ranged between 14 years to 40 years with mean age of 28 years. The most frequent symptom was dysphagia (95%), followed by regurgitation of ingested food (60%), weight loss (40%) and chest pain (20%). Mean operating time was forty minutes. There was no perioperative mortality. We applied Dor patch in 4 patients. Three patients had mucosal tear on large myotomy, diagnosed per operatively and repaired. There was no conversion to open procedure. There was marked improvement in symptoms especially dysphagia and there was no post operative reflux. Conclusion: Modified Heller myotomy by laparoscopic approach is a safe and effective procedure with acceptable results. It is easy to perform and improves the symptoms of the suffering individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recurrence of achalasia may occur in 10%-20% of cases operated by Heller's cardiomyotomy. Most of these patients will require further surgery to relieve symptoms. Major technical difficulties can be found in these reoperations.Case Report: A 50-year-old female patient with relapsed idiopathic achalasia after Heller's technique was treated with an unusual procedure, for the first time in the literature, by minimally invasive access with robotic assistance.Conclusions: The Serra-Doria operation allows preserving the esophagus and alleviating dysphagic symptoms with low rates of postoperative complications. The use of robotic technology is perfectly feasible and allows minimally invasive access in complex cases and reoperations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is a rare form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) of unknown etiology. It is characterized by late-onset regression leading to significant intellectual disability (ID) and severe autism. Although there are phenotypic differences between CDD and other forms of ASD, it is unclear if there are neurobiological differences. Methods: We pursued a multidisciplinary study of CDD (n = 17) and three comparison groups: low-functioning ASD (n = 12), high-functioning ASD (n = 50), and typically developing (n = 26) individuals. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES), copy number variant (CNV), and gene expression analyses of CDD and, on subsets of each cohort, non-sedated functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while viewing socioemotional (faces) and non-socioemotional (houses) stimuli and eye tracking while viewing emotional faces. Results: We observed potential differences between CDD and other forms of ASD. WES and CNV analyses identified one or more rare de novo, homozygous, and/or hemizygous (mother-to-son transmission on chrX) variants for most probands that were not shared by unaffected sibling controls. There were no clearly deleterious variants or highly recurrent candidate genes. Candidate genes that were found to be most conserved at variant position and most intolerant of variation, such as TRRAP, ZNF236, and KIAA2018, play a role or may be involved in transcription. Using the human BrainSpan transcriptome dataset, CDD candidate genes were found to be more highly expressed in non-neocortical regions than neocortical regions. This expression profile was similar to that of an independent cohort of ASD probands with regression. The non-neocortical regions overlapped with those identified by fMRI as abnormally hyperactive in response to viewing faces, such as the thalamus, cerebellum, caudate, and hippocampus. Eye-tracking analysis showed that, among individuals with ASD, subjects with CDD focused on eyes the most when shown pictures of faces. Conclusions: Given that cohort sizes were limited by the rarity of CDD, and the challenges of conducting non-sedated fMRI and eye tracking in subjects with ASD and significant ID, this is an exploratory study designed to investigate the neurobiological features of CDD. In addition to reporting the first multimodal analysis of CDD, a combination of fMRI and eye-tracking analyses are being presented for the first time for low-functioning individuals with ASD. Our results suggest differences between CDD and other forms of ASD on the neurobiological as well as clinical level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) outcomes have not been widely reported in the treatment of achalasia. The aims of this study were to examine long-term disease-specific and general HRQL in achalasia patients using a population-based case-control method, and to assess HRQL between treatment interventions. Manometrically diagnosed achalasia cases (n = 120) were identified and matched with controls (n = 115) using a population-based approach. Participants completed general (SF-12) and disease-specific (Achalasia Severity Questionnaire [ASQ]) HRQL questionnaires, as appropriate, in a structured interview. Mean composite scores for SF-12 (Mental Component Summary score [MCS-12] and Physical Component Summary score [PCS-12]) and ASQ were compared between cases and controls, or between intervention groups, using an independent t-test. Adjusted mean differences in HRQL scores were evaluated using a linear regression model. Achalasia cases were treated with a Heller's myotomy (n = 43), pneumatic dilatation (n = 44), or both modalities (n = 33). The median time from last treatment to HRQL assessment was 5.7 years (interquartile range 2.4-11.5). Comparing achalasia patients with controls, PCS-12 was significantly worse (40.9 vs. 44.2, P = 0.01), but MCS-12 was similar. However, both PCS-12 (39.9 vs. 44.2, P = 0.03) and MCS-12 (46.7 vs. 53.5, P = 0.004) were significantly impaired in those requiring dual treatment compared with controls. Overall however, there was no difference in adjusted HRQL between patients treated with Heller's myotomy, pneumatic dilatation or both treatment modalities. In summary, despite treatment achalasia patients have significantly worse long-term physical HRQL compared with population controls. NoHRQL differences were observed between the treatment modalities to suggest a benefit of one treatment over another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is characterized by late onset (>3 years of age) of developmental delays in language, social function and motor skills. Commonly there is no antecedent physical disorder leading to childhood disintegrative disorder. The present case report describes a child who developed childhood disintegrative disorder at the age of 6 years after an episode of chicken pox.

This paper seeks to clearly distinguish the factors of the family context that may represent particular risk factors for the appearance and perpetuation of antisocial behavioral patterns in children and youths. We considered not only the structural family characteristics of future bullies, but also the integrative-disintegrative processes within the family. The paper aims to clearly distinguish the family factors for which there is strong empirical evidence about their impact on the formation of future bullies. The general assumption is that there are certain specific family contexts, certain family variables that favor the emergence and perpetuation of patterns of violent behavior in children and youths. It is important to acknowledge these factors, because of the fact that certain family circumstances represent risk factors for the violent behavior of children and youths. Therefore, their acknowledgement and their identification represent the starting point of interventive and preventive actions of the society and its institutions towards solving the problem of violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is a rare autistic-like clinical condition with unknown etiology, in that previously acquired age-appropriate language, social and adaptive abilities deteriorate significantly in 2-10-year-old healthy children, although physical and neurological evaluations display no observable abnormality. Our case is a 22-year-old female born of a consanguineous marriage, with the appearance of CDD symptoms in her fifth year of age following normal mental and physical development during her initial four years of life. Without any precipitating factor, she gradually lost her language abilities, social relational skills, affectionate behavior, adaptive capacities, peer play and meaningful interest in her surrounding, friends and family members over a period of 4 years, reaching a plateau in her ninth year of age. The unique special clinical symptom in this case is a seasonal total mutism, which after the beginning of her CDD symptoms is revealing every year covering the spring. As no additional physical or psychological change accompanies her total seasonal speech loss, it cannot be attributed to any mental condition known as having a seasonal pattern. Because in the literature CDD is presented mostly as case reports with lacking of advanced research data, describing any new case is recommended to improve the knowledge about this rare condition, especially if it displays some new unusual signs, not reported till now.

ABSTRACT Objectives The finding of fetal ventriculomegaly is variably associated with other fetal abnormalities and, even when isolated, is thought to be linked to abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome. The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature to assess the prevalence of neurodevelopmental delay in cases of isolated mild fetal ventriculomegaly, as well as the false-negative rate of prenatal imaging for the diagnosis of associated abnormalities in patients referred for isolated mild ventriculomegaly. Methods Studies that assessed neurodevelopmental outcome in isolated ventriculomegaly were identified from a search of scientific databases. Studies that did not check for karyotype or that excluded cases of bilateral ventriculomegaly were not included in the analysis. Ventriculomegaly was defined as mild when the width of the ventricular atrium was between 10 and 15 mm. Cases in which an associated abnormality (abnormal karyotype, structural abnormality or fetal infection) was observed either before or after birth were not considered as part of the isolated group. Neurodevelopmental delay was defined as an abnormal quotient score, according to the test used. Results The search yielded 961 possible citations; of these, 904 were excluded by review of the title or abstract as they did not meet the selection criteria. Full manuscripts were retrieved for 57 studies, and 20 were included in the review with a total of 699 cases of isolated mild ventriculomegaly. The overall prevalence of neurodevelopmental delay was 7.9% (95% CI, 4.7-11.1%). Of the 20 studies included in the systematic review, nine reported data on postnatal imaging, showing a prevalence of previously undiagnosed findings of 7.4% (95% CI, 3.1-11.8%). Conclusions The false-negative rate of prenatal imaging is 7.4% in apparently isolated fetal ventriculomegaly of ≤ 15 mm. The incidence of neurodevelopmental delay in truly isolated ventriculomegaly of ≤ 15 mm is 7.9%. As the latter rate is similar to that noted in the general population, large prospective cohort studies assessing the prevalence of childhood disability, rather than subtle neurodevelopmental delay, are required. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we evaluated cortical connectivity modifications by electroencephalography (EEG) lagged coherence analysis, in subjects with dissociative disorders and in controls, after retrieval of attachment memories. We asked thirteen patients with dissociative disorders and thirteen age- and sex-matched healthy controls to retrieve personal attachment-related autobiographical memories through adult attachment interviews (AAI). EEG was recorded in the closed eyes resting state before and after the AAI. EEG lagged coherence before and after AAI was compared in all subjects. In the control group, memories of attachment promoted a widespread increase in EEG connectivity, in particular in the high-frequency EEG bands. Compared to controls, dissociative patients did not show an increase in EEG connectivity after the AAI. Conclusions: These results shed light on the neurophysiology of the disintegrative effect of retrieval of traumatic attachment memories in dissociative patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achalasia is a motor disorder characterized by esophageal aperistalsis and failure of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. The cardinal symptoms are dysphagia, food regurgitation and weight loss. The most effective treatments are pneumatic dilation ( PD) of the cardia and Heller esophageal myotomy with partial fundoplication. There is still controversy regarding which treatments should be initially done. The aims of this study were to evaluate clinical response and the variables related to good results in both treatments. Ninety-two patients with achalasia diagnosed by esophageal manometry were randomized to receive either PD or laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication. After the procedure, patients were followed up clinically and submitted to esophageal manometry and pH monitoring. Three months after treatment, 73% of the patients from PD group and 84% of the surgery group had good results ( P = 0.19). After 2 years of follow-up, 54% of the PD group and 60% of the surgery group ( P = not significant) were symptom free. Variables related to a good response to PD were a 50% drop in lower esophageal sphincter pressure ( LESP) or a LESP <10 mmHg after treatment. Patients over 40 years old with LESP ≤32 mmHg before treatment and a drop in LESP >50% after treatment significantly achieved better responses after surgical treatment when compared with PD. The reflux rate was significantly higher in the PD group (27.7%) compared with the surgery group (4.7%), P = 0.003. We concluded that surgical treatment and PD for achalasia are equally effective even after 2 years of follow-up. The choice of treatment for achalasia should be based on the following parameters: treatment availability, rate of good results, complication rates, variables related to good responses and also the patient's wish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood disintegrative disorder, a rare, relentlessly progressive neurologic disorder, first described by Heller in 1908, remains a condition of great interest. It has long been debated whether it is a discrete disorder or simply a late-onset variant of childhood autism. We have studied 6 cases of childhood disintegrative disorder, collected over 8 years, and followed for 2.5 to 22 years (mean 8.6 years). Childhood disintegrative disorder begins later in life than autism, and following a period of entirely normal development; the regression is more global and more severe than in autism; seizures are more frequent than in autism, yet demonstrable organicity in childhood disintegrative disorder is decidedly rare. Lastly, the prognosis is usually much worse than in autism, but in those cases with neither seizures nor epileptiform activity on electroencephalography (EEG), the outcome may be more favorable. Childhood disintegrative disorder should be viewed as a condition distinct from childhood autism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the current study, we examined the utility of a procedure consisting of noncontingent reinforcement with and without response cost in the treatment of inappropriate vocalizations maintained by automatic reinforcement. Results are discussed in terms of examining the variables that contribute to the effectiveness of response cost as treatment for problem behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement. DESCRIPTORS: autism, automatic reinforcement, inappropriate vocalizations, noncontingent reinforcement, response cost

Highlights: [•] In order to introduce weather derivatives for a city, we use a peer group analysis. [•] We utilize weather derivative of peer cities that have similar weather. [•] We find out that CDD, HDD future and seasonal strips are applicable. [•] We propose the method to set the prior settlement price of each weather derivative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood disintegrative disorder is a rare disorder, characterized by regression of acquired skills after a period of normal development. The case of childhood disintegrative disorder presented here was found to have vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia on extensive evaluation to find a probable cause for regression. This case illustrates the need for a thorough evaluation of all cases of childhood disintegrative disorder so that treatable causes of regression, like vitamin B12 deficiency, are not missed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a semisynthetic derivative of artemisinin, has been shown to exhibit anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor effects apart from its antimalarial activity. In this study, we demonstrate that the combined treatment of cisplatin (CDDP) and DHA exerts a strong, synergistic anti-proliferative effect in human lung carcinoma cells, including A549 and A549/DDP cells, with an average combination index below 0.7. Moreover, the in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of CDDP treatment was increased by DHA. The enhanced anti-cancer activities were also accompanied by reduced tumor microvessel density, increased CDDP concentration within A549 and A549/DDP xenograft BALB/c athymic mice models and suppressed expression of the vascularization-related proteins HIF-1α and VEGF both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the level of apoptosis in the tumor cells increased with the combined treatment of DHA and CDDP. Taken together, our results indicate that a combination of DHA and CDDP treatments synergistically affects tumor angiogenesis, and these results provide a clear rationale for the investigation of these drugs in future clinical trials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Theodor Heller first described a severe regression of adaptive function in normally developing children, something he termed dementia infantilis, over one 100 years ago. Dementia infantilis is most closely related to the modern diagnosis, childhood disintegrative disorder. We translate Heller's paper, Über Dementia Infantilis, and discuss similarities in presentation between Heller's cases, and a group of children with childhood disintegrative disorder. In particular we discuss a prodromal period of affective dysregulation described by Heller, and also evident in our sample, but not previously described in any detail since the publication of Über Dementia Infantilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achalasia is rare in the pediatric age group and in most cases it is idiopathic with no family history. Familial achalasia is very rare. This report describes two families with achalasia: in one, six children were affected while in the other a brother and a sister had Allgrove's syndrome (triple-A syndrome consisting of achalasia, adrenal insufficiency, and alacrima). Familial achalasia suggests that it is hereditary and may be transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. The management of achalasia in children is still controversial. With the recent advances in minimal invasive surgery, laparoscopic Heller's myotomy is the procedure of choice in the management of achalasia in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A categoria "transtorno invasivos do desenvolvimento" inclui o autismo, a síndrome de Asperger, a síndrome de Rett, o transtorno desintegrativo da infância e uma categoria residual denominada transtornos invasivos do desenvolvimento sem outra especificação. Nesta revisão, a síndrome de Rett e o transtorno desintegrativo da infância, que são categorias bem definidas, serão discutidas, assim como as categorias não tão bem definidas que foram incluídas no grupo transtornos invasivos do desenvolvimento sem outra especificação. Diferentes propostas de categorização têm sido feitas, algumas baseadas em abordagem fenomenológica descritiva, outras baseadas em outras perspectivas teóricas, tais como a neuropsicologia. As propostas atuais são apresentadas e discutidas, seguidas por avaliações críticas sobre as vantagens e desvantagens desses conceitos.The category "Pervasive Developmental Disorders" includes autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome, Rett's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and a residual category, named pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. In this review, Rett's syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder, which are well-defined categories, will be discussed, as well as the not well defined categories that have been included in the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified group. Different proposals of categorization have been created, some of which based on descriptive phenomenological approach, and others based upon other theoretical perspectives, such as neuropsychology. Current proposals are presented and discussed, followed by critical appraisals on the clinical advantages and disadvantages of these concepts.

Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is a rare condition characterized by distinct regression of developmental and behavioral functioning following a period of apparently normal development for at least 2 years. The purpose of this article is to present the developmental, behavioral, psychosocial, and medical histories of eight children who have been diagnosed with CDD in an attempt to advance the understanding of this rare disorder. Results indicate the average age of onset was 3.21 years. Three cases reported an insidious onset while two cases exhibited acute onset. Developmental and behavioral milestones were met at age appropriate times in each case and significant deterioration of formerly acquired skills and abnormalities in functioning were clinically present in all eight cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an overview of several educational practices that can be used in the process of teaching students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It provides a detailed description of these evidenced-based practices including applied behavior analysis (ABA), the picture exchange communication system (PECS), and the social stories approach. It also provides information regarding the causes of autism, examines ways in which special education programs are impacted by the inclusion of ASD students, and details the various types of ASD including Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), and Rett syndrome.