Litvinov O. Clinical - psychopathological and social - psychological characteristics of autism spectrum disorders in adults

A comprehensive comparative study of 92 adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia examined clinical polymorphism and futures of the social functioning of patients in different age groups. Cohort of schizophrenia manifested itself primarily by psychotic symptoms or by the deficits of the mental functions. In the structure of pervasive disorders prevailed essential social communicative, sensoric-motoric and perceptual disturbances. The adolescents mostly dominated in communicative and speech violations. Adults showed a decline of the quality of social initiatives, on a background of emotional and behavioral disorders with intermediate level of the communication. It was determined that the IQ-level of the patients with ASD was a predictor just of the cognitive functioning in both age groups, but not of the social functioning. It’s proved strong interconnection between the quality of social support and the level of the social functioning of randomized patients with ASD (R = 0,981; p <0.001). Improving the quality of socialization of patients occurred with higher level of support. Scientifically grounded and improved the principles of the medical and social care for patients with ASD in adulthood. It is necessary to provide screening of the any developmental disorders and organize early interventions. Psychosocial intervention in ASD should have a form of the cognitive-behavioral therapy.