Abstract
Childhood autism is complex neuropsychiatric disorder belonging to the group of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), with estimated incidence of 6-60/10 000, affecting more often males than females. The clinical manifestation of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) consists of deficits in social interaction, abnormalities in language development and communication skills and preference of stereotyped and repetitive behaviour.
Both genetic and environmental factors have been implicated in the development of autism, but their respective role is not entirely clear. This article presents overview of current research on CNS development and its regulation in relation to abnormalities found in autism, with special focus on the role of homeotic genes, neurotrophins and neurotransmiters and their possible interactions, as reflected in the morphology and neurophysiology of brain