Review of prevalence of comorbidity in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are probably the most complex diagnostic group of all child and adolescent mental health problems. They are complex for different reasons, including the clear increase in prevalence over the last few decades, the difficulty in the diagnostic process, especially of the most subtle profiles, the high rate of psychiatric comorbidity, the difficulties in differential diagnosis, and the complexity of the therapeutic approaches. Being sensitive to this problem, this symposium proposes options for improving the care of ASDs considered mild.

Auxi Javaloyes is currently working as a Child Psychiatrist in the Unidad de Salud Mental Infantil de Benalúa and in the Hospital General Universitario de Alicante. In the hospital of Alicante the assistance work is aimed at diagnosis and intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorders. It is also part of a multidisciplinary group dedicated to Autism dedicated to Research and Teaching in Autism. In addition, she directs a multidisciplinary center of Mental Health of the child and adolescent where professionals work in child psychology, psychopedagogy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, early care and family therapy, to give a comprehensive response to all the problems that children and their families may present. Her professional trajectory includes 20 years of assistance work for children and adolescents in the field of Mental Health and a wide curriculum in teaching and research in children’s mental health. In terms of research, five Phase III Trials were carried out. She is currently Principal Investigator in a Phase III Trial to demonstrate the efficacy of Bumetanide in autism. At a teaching level she is linked to the University of Alicante and the Miguel Hernández University in teaching Masters of infancy and Expert Courses. She also tutorizes Master and Medical Students. She has published numerous articles in national and international journals, especially in autism.