Definition
Autism (autism spectrum disorders – ASD) typically denotes a static, behaviorally defined, developmental disorder of the immature brain, with identifiable etiologies rare and biologically treatable causes rarer still. Acquired autism implies newly acquired/progressive brain dysfunction, with multiple, mostly undefined, potential causes, presumably affecting similar brain circuitry as developmental ASD. Acquired autism requires prompt neurologic investigation and, in some cases, brain imaging, electrophysiologic, genetic, or other tests to detect potentially medically treatable causes or progressive disease.
Subtypes of acquired autism (discussed in more detailed entries in the encyclopedia):
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Language/autistic regression– Reported by 20–35% of parents, usually between 15 and 30 months. Its causes are unknown because language regression/plateau is rarely studied while in...
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References and Reading
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Rapin, I. (2021). Acquired Autism. In: Volkmar, F.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91280-6_867
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91280-6_867
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