Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability: Where are We Now and What Challenges Lay Ahead?
The coexistence of Intellectual Disability (ID) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents a complex clinical scenario that requires comprehensive and personalized interventions. This article explores the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the comorbidity of ID and ASD, highlighting the shared genetic and synaptic pathways that contribute to both conditions. The discussion also covers the prevalence of comorbidities such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and gastrointestinal issues, which exacerbate the challenges in diagnosis and treatment. A multidisciplinary approach, combining behavioral, educational, and pharmacological interventions, is essential for addressing the unique needs of individuals with ID and ASD. Future directions point to the use of advanced neuroimaging, artificial intelligence, and personalized therapies based on genetic markers, which promise to revolutionize treatment strategies. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early intervention and lifelong support to improve functional outcomes and quality of life. The need for ongoing research, policy development, and family involvement is underscored as critical factors in optimizing care and inclusion for this population.
Authors
- Luana Stangherlin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5555-3417)
- Regina Coeli de Carvalho Porto Carneiro (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4855-4921)
- Bruno Moura (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3244-5472)
- Marcelo Rodrigues Masruha (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3701-0774)
- M. Cavalcanti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4967-9336)
- Marco Antônio Arruda (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8064-2094)
- Júlio César Claudino dos Santos (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6543-481X)
- Renato Arruda (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2350-2594)
- Marília Gomes (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8633-6941)
- Gabriela Machado (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7747-2394)
- Ana Carolina Westphal Guitti
- Elba Virgínia Benítez Agüero
- Helga Anna Loescher Abibe
- Renata Reis Ligeiro
- Mariana Silotti Cabelino Seyfarth
Institutions
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (BR)
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) (BR)
- Universidade Federal do Ceará (BR)
- Maternity Foundation (DK)
- Centro Universitário do Espírito Santo (BR)
- NeuroVita Clinic (RU)
- Police General Hospital (TH)
- Hospital Central da Polícia Militar (BR)
- Ospedale Maria Vittoria (IT)
- Centro Universitário Municipal de São José (BR)
- Hospital César Milstein (AR)
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (BR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Brazilian Journal of Clinical Medicine and Review
- Published
- 2025-04-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.52600/2965-0968.bjcmr.2025.3.1.bjcmr30
- Primary Topic
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00