الفهرس 
Autism spectrum disorders- includeOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 124 |  |  |
| | | from | 124 | | |
Abstract
Autism is a complex, behaviorally defined neuro-developmental disorder characterized by significant impairments in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and by restrictive, repetitive and stereotypic patterns of behavior.
Autistic children are frequently subjected to oxidative stress; hence the levels of major antioxidant serum proteins like ceruloplasmin (copper-binding protein) are decreased in children with autism. Heavy metals -including copper- are found at higher values in serum of autistic individuals than their normal peers.
Autism spectrum disorders- include:
1. Autistic disorder.
2. Asperger’s syndrome.
3. Pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) PDD-NOS; also called atypical autism) is diagnosed when the criteria are not met for a more specific disorder.
4. Rett’s syndrome.
5. Childhood disintegrative disorder.
Autism is not a disease with a single etiology, but it is a heterogeneous behavioral syndrome associated with many etiologies.
In 10-30% of cases, there is an identifiable etiology (secondary autism). In the majority of cases, there is no obvious cause (primary autism).
Neurological, genetic, environmental factors could contribute to autism development.
Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS): CARS is used by Western Psychological Services (1988) for identification of autism in children.
Studies suggest that substantial gains can be achieved by interventions initiated prior to 24 months. Treatment means include Psycho-educational treatment (Mind-Body Therapy) and Psychopharmacology.
Generally, autism follows a steady course without remission, no cure is known. Children recover occasionally, so that they lose their diagnosis of ASD.
The aim of this study is to assess serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in Egyptian autistic children patients.
This study has been conducted on twenty children with autism and twenty healthy children served as a control group. All patients were subjected to thorough history taking, complete clinical examination, psychiatric evaluation (IQ assessment, 1CD-10 classification and CARS) and assessment of serum levels of copper and ceruloplasmin.
Defining features of autism as no verbal communication, absent eye to eye contact, Stereotyping and socially aloof behavior are clear among our patients in this study.
Autism is more common in males than in females as it is more than twice as common in boys as in girls.
The present study revealed that serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels were higher in all patients than controls.
IQ was also lower in patients than controls.
In conclusion: measurement of copper and ceruloplasmin serum levels is useful in patients with autism.