The presence of Theory of Mind (ToM) deficits in autistic children clearly shows that alterations of neurodevelopment may affect the normal development of ToM abilities. From this perspective, other clinical conditions of childhood and adolescence with less-severe alterations of neurodevelopment in comparison to autism could also be associated with ToM impairment. This hypothesis has been scarc...

BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are highly heritable, but the exact etiological mechanisms underlying the condition are still unclear. METHODS Using a multiple rater twin design in a large sample of general population preschool twins, this study aimed to (a) estimate the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to autistic traits, controlling for the possible effects of ra...

Objective of the Review: To discuss changes in intestinal microbiota various diseases. Key Points. Microbial imbalance plays an important role pathogenesis and/or progression a number diseases, namely Clostridium difficile-associated disorders, inflammations, obesity, colorectal cancer, autistic disorders and other. Moreover, therapies involving faecal transplantation, use pro- prebiotics, meta...

BACKGROUND Children with autistic spectrum disorders typically show impairments in processing affective information within social and interpersonal domains. It has yet to be established whether such difficulties persist in the area of music; a domain which is characteristically rich in emotional content. METHODS Fourteen children with autism and Asperger syndrome and their age and intelligenc...

Abnormalities of colour perception in children with autistic spectrum disorders have been widely reported anecdotally. However, there is little empirical data linking difficulties in colour perception with academic achievement. The Wilkins Rate of Reading Test was administered with and without Intuitive Coloured Overlays to 19 children with autistic spectrum disorders and to the same number of ...