Autism spectrum disorders in Iran

Autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, and PDD-Not Otherwise Specified are subsets of autism spectrum disorders [ASDs], which are characterized by impairments in social communication and stereotyped behavior. This article reviews the prevalence, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of ASDs in Iran. We searched PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and 4 Iranian databases [IranPsych, IranMedex, Irandoc and Scientific Information Database [SID] to find Iranian studies on ASDs. The results of 39 investigations, comprising original, review and editorial articles; proceedings; and available dissertations were categorized by prevalence, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Several preliminary investigations have been done to evaluate the prevalence of ASDs, and risk factors and effective variables have been studied with regard to etiology. The diagnostic evaluation of ASDs, especially based on EEG, and several pharmacological and behavioral interventions for ASD have been implemented in Iran. Mental health, stress levels, and personality characteristics were examined in the parents of children with ASDs, which were focused on mothers