Autism: Molecular Bases, Diagnosis and Therapies, 2nd Volume

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The causes of autism are still unknown today. More recent studies suggest that autism spectrum disorders may occur following the birth of abnormal neurons (neurobiological causes) that fail to create correct connections with the other nerve cells of the brain, to the point of causing incorrect the functioning of the entire organ. Neuronal networks are formed, above all, during the foetal development phase, allowing one to hypothesize that the cause of this disorder is due to a combination of genetic factors, congenital alterations, and environmental risk factors. There is evidence of familiarity, but also of individuals with autism as carriers of certain genetic diseases (Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, etc.), as well as learning disabilities such as dyslexia and dyscalculia, ADHD, Tourette's syndrome, etc. It is therefore necessary to gather more information on the possible causes of the onset of autism in order to better understand it, intervene, and propose targeted therapies. Unfortunately, the diagnosis is often made around the age of 6, when children begin to experience the first difficulties of the condition, with extremely variable symptoms both in extent and in severity. Diagnosis must not be based on psychological tests only, but also on genetic, biochemical and microbiological analysis. A list of possible biomarkers in the urine and blood to allow an early (from the first years of life) and accurate diagnosis is of fundamental importance in order to define the most appropriate therapy. Therapy must be multimodal, i.e., psychological but also pharmacological, especially when some symptoms are particularly debilitating, or present with particular associated pathologies. The outcome of this Special Issue will represent a further step in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorder in order to achieve early diagnosis and provide researchers and clinicians with the most up-to-date information on possible biomarkers to help them understand how to implement therapeutic strategies for patients.

Prof. Dr. Lello Zolla
Prof. Dr. Kunio Yui
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Biomedicines biomedicines	4.7	3.7	2013	15.4 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Brain Sciences brainsci	3.3	3.9	2011	15.6 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Current Issues in Molecular Biology cimb	3.1	2.4	1999	13.5 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Diagnostics diagnostics	3.6	3.6	2011	20.7 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	5.6	7.8	2000	16.3 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
International Journal of Translational Medicine ijtm	-	-	2021	14.2 Days	CHF 1000	Submit

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