PET-THERAPY AS AN INNOVATIVE INTERVENTION TOOL IN THE AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER MOTOR DEFICITS

The DSM-5 defines the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by persistent communication and social interaction deficits, and by the presence of a repertoire of stereotyped and repetitive behaviors, interests or activities(1). The DSM-5 (1) has grouped a series of previously separate disorders into a single name, that of autism spectrum disorder, and has reduced the triad of impairments described in DSM-IV (2) - social behavior deficit, language deficit, repetitive behavior and restricted interests- in two categories: social communication difficulties and repetitive or restrictive behavior. In the literature there are indications showing how, from a clinical point of view, ASD includes motor deficits such as difficulties in movement organization(3), and difficulties related to anticipatory control and action planning skills(4).