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PubMed2004

[The neuropaediatric and pathogenic clinical bases of autistic spectrum disorder].

INTRODUCTION: The dimension of the autistic spectrum embraces a considerable degree of clinical complexity which is, in turn, an expression of the numerous systems involved in the functioning of the central nervous system. Every day different biological factors are revealed which put in doubt other factors that, in a more objective way, appear to be involved in a particular aetiology. DEVELOPMENT AND CONCLUSIONS: It is clear that exactly what causes autistic spectrum disorder is still unknown and it may be useful to analyse cases with a known aetiology and correlate them with other similar cases, as it is likely to be this association between findings and studies in the future that will probably enable us to better define the bases and the underlying causes of the complex and manifold origin of the autistic spectrum. This will enable a more efficient therapeutic approach to be developed, which, when all is said and done, is what is primarily sought in the management of children with autistic spectrum disorder.

Autistic Disorder↗

PubMed2004

[Functional neuronal plasticity].

INTRODUCTION: Thanks to the contributions made by neuroscientific research and the clinical evidence regarding the functional recovery of the central nervous system in the different motor, cognitive, linguistic and sensory spheres, we now know more about how the brain is built and its modifications. This recovery is possible due to the plasticity of the brain, its capacity to reorganise itself and to modify functions in order to adapt to both external and internal changes. This capacity is inherent to brain cells and allows cortical circuits to be repaired, integrates other cortical areas to carry out modified functions and responds to different disorders. It depends on genetic, neuronal and neurochemical factors and its limits can be manipulated through clinical and pharmacological intervention. DEVELOPMENT: The brain's capacity to adapt itself to changes is crucial in the development of the nervous system and has important repercussions on learning. The neuroanatomical, neurochemical and functional changes that take place during the reorganisation made possible by plasticity will facilitate the recovery acquisition of the functions involved (adaptive plasticity) and may hinder the development of others (maladaptive plasticity). This variability of the possible responses is related to the chronology of the lesion, the site that is affected, the state of the substrata that can take on the function and the type of function that is altered. The mechanisms responsible for facilitating this plasticity are different at any given time (fast and late plasticity), depending on the function that is altered, with expansion of the somatotopic representations in the motor cortex adjacent to the damage, interhemispherical transfer of language or crossed plasticity in the auditory or visual function. The neuropsychological pathology can appear linked to the lesion or secondary to a maladaptive plasticity. CONCLUSIONS: Advancing in our knowledge of the intrinsic mechanisms of brain plasticity and synaptic regulation will lead us to understand the recovery of damaged or lost functions in the brains of children with special needs, and thus allow us to implement favourable clinical and pharmacological interventions.

Central Nervous System↗