title: [Autism: the importance of dysmorphology in the identification of associated medical conditions].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by deficits in communication and social interaction, associated with restricted interests and stereotyped behaviors. Considered as a neurodepelopment disorders, they present a recognized neurobiological basis. Genetic causes as chromosomes abnormalities, or genetic defects are the most recognized etiologies, followed by the environmental factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dysmorphia are congenital alterations of the shape of a part of a living being, produced during its development. Their recognition is essential in delineating a syndrome or a specific entity. In the case of ASD, is possible to differentiate primary or idiopathic forms, from secondary or syndromic ones. In this work we describe the dysmorphological aspects related to ASD that will allow us to define a diagnostic presumption and guide the complementary studies according to them.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The identification of these specific medical entities, associated with ASDs is fundamental since it allows inferring the possible evolution, preventing eventual complications and granting adequate genetic counseling.
authors.affiliation: Hospital de Pediatria SAMIC. Prof. Dr. J.P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: V L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Ruggieri
authors.affiliation: Hospital de Pediatria SAMIC. Prof. Dr. J.P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Arberas
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics; D002648:Child; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans