Groups and Subgroups in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Considering an Advanced Integrative Model (AIM)

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is related to social communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and highly restricted interests beginning early in life. Currently, ASD is more diagnosed than in the past, and new models are needed. The Advanced Integrative Model (AIM) is a new model in which genes and concomitant medical problems to diagnosis (CMPD) and the impact of their rigorous and adequate treatment are considered. Methods: The role of a dynamic encephalopathy from which the individual response, susceptibilities in the brain and outside the brain, gut barrier and brain–blood-barrier permeabilities, and the plastic nature of the brain is proposed as a tool for diagnosis. The concomitant medical problems (CMP) are those at and outside the brain. The individual response to treatments of CMP is analyzed. Results: The AIM allows for classification into 3 main groups and 24 subgroups. Conclusions: The groups and subgroups in ASD are obtained taking into account CMPD treatments and individual response.