The autistic spectrum
Mottron, L. & Dawson, M. (2013). The autistic spectrum. Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 111, 263-271. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-444-52891-9.00029-4
This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:
Authors
Abstract
The autistic spectrum currently encompasses common precocious behaviourally identified constellations of social and communication atypicalities associated with restricted interests and repetitive behavior, together with uneven ability profiles. It is associated with multiple but heterogeneous genetic, functional, and structural variations whose established links with an autistic behavioral phenotype are as yet minimal. Strong evidence of high heritability contrasts with limited determination of genes and modes of transmission involved. Adaptation and outcomes vary widely according to opportunities, accommodation, and co-occurring conditions. With current diagnostic practices, multiple genetic conditions overlap with the autistic spectrum, with potential for confusion arising from phenocopies. Recent advances question the often presumed association between autism and intellectual disability and/or epilepsy. Autism is currently understood as a final common phenotypical pathway resulting from an indefinite number of genetic variations, possibly involving the same information processing pathways, and producing a variant in the way humans perceive, memorize, manipulate, and attribute emotional value to available information. Findings plausibly converge on more optional, rather than typically mandatory, hierarchies of information processing as fundamental to autism. Adaptation of education and employment according to individual strengths and needs, as well as attention to co-occurring conditions as necessary, remains today the best way to assist autistic individuals.
Bibliography cited by this reference
Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.
Bibliography inclusion overview
These indicators describe the cited bibliography imported for this publication. Cited-reference metrics use the cited-reference total as denominator. Cited-author metrics state whether they use all cited-author occurrences or only occurrences linked to authors already integrated in the AutiHub database. They use cached links between cited authors and authors integrated in the AutiHub database. Last computed: 16 Aug 2026 11:30.
-
(2005). Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders . Wiley.OpenAlex
-
Barbara Manzi , Anna Livia Loizzo , Grazia Giana , Paolo Curatolo (2008). Autism and Metabolic Diseases . Journal of Child Neurology, 23(3), 307-314. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
J. Moss , Patricia Howlin (2009). Autism spectrum disorders in genetic syndromes: implications for diagnosis, intervention and understanding the wider autism spectrum disorder population . Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 53(10), 852-873. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Minshew (2005). Neurological aspects of autism .Type: OtherCrossref
-
Xiaoyue Zhao , Anthony Leotta , Vlad Kustanovich , Clara Lajonchere , Daniel H. Geschwind , Kiely Law et al. (2007). A unified genetic theory for sporadic and inherited autism . Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 104(31), 12831-12836. National Academy of Sciences.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Laurent Mottron , Michelle Dawson *Autistic author. Learn more… , Isabelle Soulières , Bénédicte Hubert , Jake Burack (2006). Enhanced Perceptual Functioning in Autism: An Update, and Eight Principles of Autistic Perception . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(1), 27-43. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
-
Fabienne Samson , Laurent Mottron , Isabelle Soulières , Thomas A. Zeffiro (2012). Enhanced visual functioning in autism: An ALE meta‐analysis . Human Brain Mapping, 33(7), 1553-1581. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex