Developmental Processes, Comorbidities, and Quality of Life of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Clinical and Neuropsychological Perspectives

Author First name, Last name, Institution

• Maria Theodoratou, Hellenic Open University
• Kalliopi D. Megari, York University
• Dimitra Katsarou, University of the Aegean
• Elpida Denazi, Hellenic Open University
• Evangelos Mantsos, University of Western Macedonia
• Soultana Papadopoulou, University of Ioannina
• Efthymia Efthymiou, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi CampusFollow

Document Type

Book Chapter

Source of Publication

Dysphagia in Neurodevelopmental and Medical Disorders and Diseases A Lifespan Approach

Publication Date

3-19-2026

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions marked by social communication difficulties, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. This chapter examines developmental trajectories, emphasizing genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences on symptom emergence and progression. Comorbidities—including intellectual disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, epilepsy, gastrointestinal disorders, and dysphagia—are discussed regarding their prevalence, functional impact, and implications for diagnosis and intervention. The chapter also explores quality of life in ASD, highlighting the importance of adaptive skills, social support, educational inclusion, and access to individualized interventions. By integrating research and clinical insights, it provides a comprehensive overview of how developmental processes and comorbidities shape experiences of individuals with ASD and offers guidance for improving outcomes across the lifespan.

DOI Link

10.4018/979-8-3373-6405-6.ch013

ISBN

[9798337364056, 9798337364063, 9798337364070]

Publisher

IGI Global Scientific Publishing

First Page

403

Last Page

428

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Keywords

Autism (0.72) | Quality of life (healthcare) (0.64) | Psychology (0.59) | Developmental psychology (0.54) | Autism spectrum disorder (0.45) | Developmental disorder (0.45) | Intellectual disability (0.43) | Social communication (0.42) | Quality (philosophy) (0.41) | Clinical psychology (0.37) | Perspective (graphical) (0.32) | Adaptive functioning (0.31) | Clinical Practice (0.3) | Intervention (counseling) (0.3) | Typically developing (0.3) | Developmental stage (0.3) | MEDLINE (0.28) | Medicine (0.27) | Social life (0.27) | Functional impairment (0.26) | Social relationship (0.26) | Child development (0.26) | Social relation (0.25)

Scopus ID

105042346463

Recommended Citation

Theodoratou, Maria; Megari, Kalliopi D.; Katsarou, Dimitra; Denazi, Elpida; Mantsos, Evangelos; Papadopoulou, Soultana; and Efthymiou, Efthymia, "Developmental Processes, Comorbidities, and Quality of Life of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Clinical and Neuropsychological Perspectives" (2026). All Works. 8312.
https://zuscholars.zu.ac.ae/works/8312

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no