Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a human behavioral disorder related to neurology and development with a global health concern that affects nearly 1-2% of the population. The term "spectrum" denotes a broad range of ASD symptoms, widely starts in childhood, and often develops within the first year of development. ASD is characterized by repetitive behavior along with impairment in social communication jointly with restricted interest. Based on the available wealth of literature, ASD is considered a complex disorder that is associated with a range of defects and disorders such as epilepsy, cognitive impairment, immune diseases, and sleep problems. Although there is no cure for ASD, some medicines can alleviate ASD-related symptoms like depression, trouble focusing, seizures, and insomnia. However, studies have revealed that these medications are more effective when they are combined with other behavioral therapies. More recently, there has been extensive research on establishing the etiology of ASD through genetic mutation, and epigenetic dysregulation caused by environmental factors. The specific role of causative factors and their impact on autistic individuals are still unclear. Moreover, the diagnosis of ASD still relies on behavioral observation at the clinic. Hence, this review aimed to provide a concise overview of the current research on the epidemiology and molecular basis of ASD, as well as a potential strategy for the improvement of ASD diagnosis strategies and potential therapy.