Autism, Focal Cortical Atrophy, and Epilepsy

Autism disorders are a heterogeneous group of disorders that are typically considered a functional neurodevelopmental disorder without consistent radiological findings. Consequently, routine brain imaging is not widely recommended. For decades, autism disorders have been considered life-long disorders without curative therapies. Recently, a new therapeutic approach aiming primarily at improving and curing the two major diagnostic features of autism which are poor responsiveness to their name and poor eye contact, has been increasingly used. Injectable cerebrolysin is the main therapeutic component in this new therapeutic approach. This book highlights a unique clinical entity where early childhood autism is associated with focal cortical atrophy and later development of epilepsy. The initial response to cerebrolysin underscores the role of neurotrophic therapy in modulating neuroplasticity and improving functional outcomes even in patients with underlying structural abnormalities. The recurrence of symptoms and emergence of seizures following treatment cessation suggests a progressive or evolving neurological basis rather than a purely static neurodevelopmental disorder.