Masoumeh Nozari - Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Mahdieh Parvan - Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Somayeh Mohammadi - Department of Anatomical Sciences, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Mohammad Shabani - Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

Background and Aim : Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are common neurodevelopmental disorders with growing incidence (1 in every 59) and generally onset in the first three years of life [1]. Behavioral symptoms, including impaired social interaction and increased repetitive or stereotypic movements, are hallmark characteristics of autism. Animal models are a research tool to study the biology of the disease and to develop new therapeutic approaches. In this review, we focus on ASD behavioral phenotypes that can be modeled in rodents and the most common animal model currently in use in this field.Methods : Pubmed databases were used to search for original and review articles on animal studies on autismResults : Following the presentation, a panel will be convened to explore the opportunities and challenges of using model systems to investigate genetic and environment interactions in autism spectrum disorders ( Title of Panel: Overview of the valproic acid model of autism spectrum disorders and future Directions for Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders).Conclusion : Further studies are needed to create animal models with mutations that match the molecular and neural bases of autism.

Autism; Rodent; Valproic acid;Animal models