autism and clinical depression

    
      Re: autism and clinical depression
    


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Posted by ccfNeuro MD on July 22, 1997 at 19:23:01:

In Reply to: autism and clinical depression posted by Marsha Golden on July 09, 1997 at 15:45:09:

: My grandson has received a preliminary diagnosis of atypical autism or PDD/NOS.  My daughter (adopted) is clically depressed (treated with Prozac) and has a biological family history of manic depression (her paternal aunt).  I read that there may be a genetic link between autism and affective disorders.  Does anyone know anything about this?  Does this have to do with serotonin in both diseases?  Can her daughter transmit this even though she is not autistic?
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Hello Marsha.    Autistic disorder (classic autism) refers to a specific neurologic disorder in which there is severe behavioral abnormalities in 3 areas:  (1) social interaction (2) language, communication, and play and (3) deficits manifested as stereotypies in which the child repetitively perform same action such as hand flapping, running in circles,  or flipping light switches.   Autistic individuals have impaired sociability and  impaired use of speech and gestures.  Children with autism do not know how to play; they do not engage in pretend play and do not seem to be aware of what the toys represent.