title: Healthcare for children with autism: the Autism Treatment Network.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of a neurodevelopmental disorders affecting social, communicative, and behavioral functioning. ASD is a heterogeneous group of disorders, often accompanied by associated medical issues. Thus, the development of effective treatments is a complex task requiring consideration of diverse etiologic and phenotypic characteristics. Recent attention to the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions in ASD children has led to the formation of a new international collaboration to improve autism care, the Autism Treatment Network (ATN).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Numerous studies have highlighted the high prevalence of gastrointestinal and sleep disorders among ASD children. Problems in communication - including being nonverbal - make the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions more difficult. Although a number of studies suggest links between neurologic impairments and gastrointestinal dysfunction and disordered sleep, these relationships remain unproven. Recent work by the ATN has begun the development of clinical guidelines in these areas, based on clinical consensus, adapting the model developed by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. New funding has also supported the network's development of a robust clinical research program focused on improving the physical health and care of children with ASD. These efforts promise more systematic and consistent approaches to diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Improved understanding of the underlying pathology of ASD and associated conditions, and the development of a common purpose across multiple treating sites, can improve the consistent and coordinated healthcare of children with autism.
authors.affiliation: Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43235, USA. Daniel.Coury@NationwideChildrens.org
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Coury
authors.forename: Nancy E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Klatka
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Winklosky
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Perrin
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy