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Autism Spectrum Disorder. A Clinical Neurophysiology Approach I

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Translational Approaches to Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

The lack of well-controlled studies on treatment efficacy, along with the immense costs of education and care for patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) makes ASD a public health problem. Likewise, the enormous heterogeneity of the clinical and behavioral symptoms has made it rather difficult to delineate the neural circuitry affiliated with this condition. The objective of this review is to provide a summary of recent data on the clinical neurophysiology in patients with ASD. Electroencephalographic (EEG) findings with emphasis on quantitative EEG (power EEG, coherence EEG) are summarized since EEG studies provide evidence of brain functional aspects in this disorder. Besides addressing current knowledge of the relationship among EEG abnormalities, epilepsy, and regression in ASD, this chapter further highlights the most recent literature on sleep disorders and polysomnography (PSG) findings in this pathology. Lastly, we discuss limitations in available research that may contribute to understand the inconsistencies in the literature, and offer suggestions for future research in this area for advancing the understanding of ASD.

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Abbreviations

ASD:

Autism spectrum disorder

EA:

Epileptiform abnormalities

EEG:

Electroencephalography

MEG:

Magnetoencephalography

MNS:

Mirror neurons system

MRI:

Magnetic resonance imaging

NF:

Neurofeedback

PSG:

Polysomnography

QEEG:

Quantitative electroencephalography

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Acknowledgments

We thank Odalys Morales Chacón for her English assistance. We would also like to thank Abel Sanchez, Daymet Grass, Maydelin Alfonso, and Maria Luisa Rodriguez for their useful cooperation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Center for Neurological Restoration (CIREN), Clinical Neurophysiology Service, Ave 25 15805 e/158 y 160, Playa, 11300, Havana, Cuba

    Lilia María Morales Chacón & Margarita Minou Báez Martin

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  1. Lilia María Morales Chacón
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  2. Margarita Minou Báez Martin
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Correspondence to Lilia María Morales Chacón .

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  1. Neuroimmunology Department, International Center for Neurological Restoration, Havana, Cuba

    Maria de los Angeles Robinson-Agramonte

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Morales Chacón, L., Báez Martin, M. (2015). Autism Spectrum Disorder. A Clinical Neurophysiology Approach I. In: Robinson-Agramonte, M. (eds) Translational Approaches to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16321-5_4

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