title: Recent advances in autism spectrum disorders.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This review article provides an overview of the most recent developments in the literature regarding autism spectrum disorders including epidemiology, etiology, assessment, and management/treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A review of the recent literature was conducted using Medline and the search term "Autism Spectrum Disorders."
  
  
  RESULTS
  Autism Spectrum Disorders are more common than previously believed (1 in 166), and etiology appears to be multifaceted including both heritable and non-heritable factors. State of the art treatment includes comprehensive medical monitoring as well as behavioral intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Current and anticipated federal funding, policy changes, and large scale research projects provide promise for increasing knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorders.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425-5670, USA. charlesj@musc.edu
authors: Jane M
authors: JM
authors: Charles
authors: Laura A
authors: LA
authors: Carpenter
authors: Walter
authors: W
authors: Jenner
authors: Joyce S
authors: JS
authors: Nicholas
mesh_terms: D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012744:Sex Ratio