title: The biopsychosocial processes in autism spectrum disorder.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Autism is a disorder characterized by pervasive social and communicative impairments, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors and restricted interests. Its causes and effects have been researched from various neurocognitive theoretical perspectives and with the aid of neuroimaging technology. We aimed to describe biopsychosocial processes characteristic of the Autism Spectrum Disorders.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature review using Medline and Scopus databases published between 2001 and 2011, with the keywords "autism", "theory of mind", "executive functions", "central coherence" and "fMRI".
  
  
  RESULTS
  The studies found were plotted and organized into tables and an explanatory diagram of the main findings was produced.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The most popular neurocognitive theories are still unable to fully explain the characteristics of the complications that autistic spectrum disorder causes to the quality of life of individuals living with autism. The association of clinical research and neuroimaging may contribute to a better understanding of the functioning of the brain affected by the disorder.
authors: Laboratório de Delineamento de Estudos e Escrita Científica, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Av, Príncipe de Gales, 821, 09060-650, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil. vitor.valenti@gmail.com.
authors: Edgar Bittner
authors: EB
authors: Silva
authors: Rosangela
authors: R
authors: Filipini
authors: Carlos Bandeira de Mello
authors: CB
authors: Monteiro
authors: Vitor E
authors: VE
authors: Valenti
authors: Sionara Melo Figueiredo
authors: SM
authors: de Carvalho
authors: Rubens
authors: R
authors: Wajnsztejn
authors: Maria do Carmo Andrade Duarte
authors: Mdo C
authors: de Farias
authors: Cícero Cruz
authors: CC
authors: Macedo
authors: Luiz Carlos
authors: LC
authors: de Abreu
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