Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or ASD-like symptom, particularly by administering a zinc ion source and/or a serine component e.g. D-serine or its precursor/analogue, optionally in combination with a mixture of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). The present invention also relates to a combination, kit or composition for performing the method for treatment as described herein. Further described is use of a zinc ion source and/or a serine component and optional BCAAs for manufacturing a medicament for treating a symptom or disease characteristics associated with ASD or ASD-associated disorder or as a food supplement for ameliorating relevant symptoms in a subject in need thereof. The present invention further provides an animal model for autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) with deficient CTTNBP2 gene, and a method for identifying an ingredient effective in the treatment of ASD by using such animal model.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for increasing the dendritic spine formation or dendritic spine density in a subject, who is affected by a dendritic spine defect caused by the impairment in neurofibromin (NF1 protein), valosin-containing protein (VCP), atlastin-1 (ATL1), or superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). Accordingly, also disclosed herein is a method for treating a subject having or suspected of having a synaptopathy caused by the impairment in NF1, VCP, ATL1, or SOD1.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for increasing the dendritic spine formation or dendritic spine density in a subject, whom is affected by a dendritic spine defect caused by the impairment in neurofibromin (NF1 protein), valosin-containing protein (VCP), atlastin-1 (ATL1), or superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). Accordingly, also disclosed herein is a method for treating a subject having or suspected of having a synaptopathy caused by the impairment in NF1, VCP, ATL1, or SOD1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treating autism spectrum disorders, which includes clioquinol or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In addition, the present invention relates to a food composition for treating autism spectrum disorders, which includes clioquinol or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.