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[Medical treatment of pervasive developmental disorders]
1Servicio de Psiquiatría Infanto-Juvenil; Policlínica Guipúzcoa. GAUTENA, San Sebastián, 20011, España. jfuentes@servitel.es
Insights
Child neurologists need updated guidance on pervasive developmental disorders like autism. Comprehensive programs focusing on early identification, genetic factors, and rehabilitation are crucial for improving outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Pediatric neurology
Context:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) are increasingly diagnosed.
- Child neurologists require updated information for effective clinical practice.
Purpose:
- To review current data and best practices for managing PDDs in children.
- To guide child neurologists in addressing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Summary:
- Effective management involves early identification, understanding genetic associations, and providing genetic counseling.
- Neuroimaging, epilepsy management, and psychotropic medication use are key considerations.
- Individualized programs should prioritize education and rehabilitation for maximum self-sufficiency and social participation.
Impact:
- Enhances the ability of child neurologists to provide optimal care for children with PDDs.
- Promotes better long-term outcomes, including increased social participation and independence.
Objective:
Pervasive developmental disorders, exemplified by autism, constitute clinical entities which require the attention of child neurologists.
Development:
The increasing frequency with which these disorders are diagnosed supports the need to review and bring up to date the available data, so as to achieve good practice.
Conclusions:
There are many studies and initiatives to orient the child neurologist as to the steps to be taken regarding aspects such as early identification, association with known syndromes, genetic counselling and medical advice in general, neuroimaging techniques, treatment of possible associated epilepsy and use of psychotropic drugs. All these elements have to be incorporated into an overall individualized program which, at the present time, has to be basically educational and rehabilitation, so as to attain maximum self sufficiency and social participation.