Physician collaboration involving students with autism spectrum disorders

Each year, an increasing number of children and adolescents are diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASDs involve impairment to an individual's social, language, and behavioral functioning. Due to the complexity of this disorder, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary assessment and treatment approach is recommended in order to meet the unique needs of these individuals. This article discusses the role of the medical team in this interdisciplinary process and provides a review of the biomedical issues encountered by this population, including associated medical conditions and medically based treatment options. A case example is also described demonstrating the collaborative treatment approach that is recommended when working with individuals with ASDs. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.