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Abstract

Background:   Autism spectrum disorders are a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication. It is regarded as a developmental disorder because the symptoms typically occur in the first three years of life. Method:  A total of forty-four (ASD children) and forty-four (controls) were enrolled in this study with the age range of 2 – 11 years old. 25-OH Vitamin D3 and Human Vitamin D receptor measured from serum samples by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Result : 25-OH vitamin D3 and Vitamin D Receptor were significantly lower in ASD patients’ group than in control group. There is no significant correlation between 25 OH Vitamin D3 and VDR .The ROC analysis revealed that 25OHVD3 exhibited the highest diagnostic accuracy with sensitivity (100%) and specificity (100%). In comparison, the Vitamin D Receptor exhibited a lower diagnostic accuracy with an AUC of 0.888 , sensitivity ( 95.45%) and specificity only (63.64%). Conclusion : The concentration of 25OHvitamin D3 was significantly lower  in ASD group which means that it can be used as a marker in the early stages of autism spectrum disorder. In contrast , the vitamin D receptor may not be as effective a marker in differentiating ASD cases from controls. Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; 25-OH Vitamin D3; Vitamin D Receptor