Description
This book provides a comprehensive examination of the organic and somatic comorbidities associated with autism. Correct diagnosis of the many possible conditions comorbid with autism is challenging. More than 70% of people with autism also have other medical, developmental, or psychiatric disorders, and 40% have at least two additional disorders besides autism (DSM-5). Some of these may be present from birth, such as associations with certain genetic syndromes, or from the very early stages of development, such as language disorders and intellectual disabilities, and persist beyond adolescence. It is also important to consider gender differences. Each chapter concludes with highlights from the authors, emphasizing the most salient points, which are of greatest utility to clinicians. The editors believe that this volume can significantly enhance the knowledge and sensitivity of clinicians and family members in recognizing conditions that overlap with autism, which are still difficult to detect. The volume concludes with a summary chapter of Good Practices, designed to assist clinicians, health services, and families in the differential diagnosis processes and to improve the services and quality of life for autistic individuals. This book is intended for clinicians, support figures, and families who interact with the neurodivergent community.
1.Autism and PANDAS and PANS.- 2.Autism and Intellectual Disability and Neuropsychology.- 3.Autism and Gastrointestinal Disorders.- 4.Autism and Microbiota.- 5.Genetics and Autism.- 6.Metabolic Disorders and Autism.- 7.Brain and Neuroimaging.- 8.Autism and Sleep Disorders.- 9.Autism and Epilepsy.- 10.Autism and Odontostomatology.- 11.Autism and Gynecologic Disorders.- 12.Autism and Urologic Disorders.- 13.Autistic Women and Sexual Medicine.- 14.Autism and Surgery.- 15.Eye and Ear: Sensory Disorders.- 16.Autism and Services for Organic Diseases.
Rosaria Ferrara is a Psychologist, Psychotherapist, and lecturer at Sapienza University of Rome. She earned her PhD from the University of Lausanne under the supervision of Prof. F. Ansermet at the University Hospital of Geneva. She teaches clinical and work psychology at Sapienza University and is further completing a PhD in Italy focused on neurodivergence and gender differences. She has authored numerous national and international scientific publications.
Roberto Keller is Director of the SSD Regional Centre for Adult Autism Spectrum Disorders of the Piedmont Region, based at DSM ASL City of Turin. He teaches in the Department of Psychology at the University of Turin and has served on regional and national working groups on autism and disability. He leads extensive clinical and training activities in adult autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, DSA, and ADHD. He collaborates on regional research projects and is a member of the scientific committee of the Fondazione Italiana Autismo.
