title: Autism and autistic-like disorders: the hypothalamic-pituita-ry-adrenal system as a model for research.
abstract: In this article an overview is given of the differential diagnosis of autism and autistic-like disorders. The diagnosis of the so-called 'Multiple Complex Developmental Disorders' (MCDD) as a distinct entity is discussed in relation to autism and schizophrenia. Biological research and the relevance of results until recently are discussed. Finally, the importance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system (HPA system) as a model for research is proposed. Research on the flexibility of this system may contribute in understanding the ways of stress processing in disorders like autism, MCDD and schizophrenia.
authors.affiliation: Onderzoeksschool Rudolf Magnus Instituut,Afdeling Kinder- en Jeugdpsychiatrie,Universiteit van Utrecht,Academisch Ziekenhuis.
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Jansen
authors.affiliation: Onderzoeksschool Rudolf Magnus Instituut,Afdeling Kinder- en Jeugdpsychiatrie,Universiteit van Utrecht,Academisch Ziekenhuis.
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Wied
authors.affiliation: Onderzoeksschool Rudolf Magnus Instituut,Afdeling Kinder- en Jeugdpsychiatrie,Universiteit van Utrecht,Academisch Ziekenhuis.
authors.forename: H V
authors.initials: HV
authors.lastname: Engeland