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A neurodevelopmental disorder in which patients suffer from pervasive difficulties with social communication and have repetitive, restricted interests and behaviors
Affects about 1% of the adult population with an estimated heritability of about 90%
Approximately 20–30% of individuals in whom autism is diagnosed also have a substance use problem as well as a higher risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mood, or obsessive-compulsive disorders
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Persistent issues with social communication and interactions
Repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities
Symptoms interfere with functioning
May or may not have accompanying language or intellectual impairment
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No treatments have been validated
There is some evidence for therapy to address social communications and interactions
Use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is under investigation