Affiliations: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany | Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland | LWL-University Hospital for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics of the Ruhr University Bochum, Hamm, Germany | Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet Centre of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Note: [] Corresponding author: PD Dr. Luise Poustka, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, J 5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany. Tel.: +49 621/1703 4522; Fax: +49 621/1703 4505; E-mail: luise.poustka@zi-mannheim.de
Abstract: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are heterogeneous, neurodevelopmental disorders with early onset, characterized by a triad of impairments in reciprocal interaction and communication as well as repetitive and restricted interests and activities. Though underlying causes still remain largely unknown, there is now evidence for abnormal growth trajectories in the early brain development in ASD during vulnerable periods and subsequent impairment of neuronal organization and differentiation of neuronal networks. A growing number of studies over the last 10 years support the efficacy of behaviorally based interventions in ASD for the improvement of social communication and behavioral functioning. In contrast, research on neurobiologically based therapies for ASD is still at its beginnings. In this article, we will provide a selective overview of novel interventions and trainings based on neurobiological principles. Directions and options for future research on treatment aiming at restoration of normal plasticity in disrupted brain circuits in ASD are discussed.
