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Soto T, Giserman Kiss I, Carter AS. SYMPTOM PRESENTATIONS AND CLASSIFICATION OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: APPLICATION TO THE DIAGNOSTIC CLASSIFICATION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS OF INFANCY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD (DC:0-5). Infant Ment Health J 2016; 37:486-97. [PMID: 27556740 PMCID: PMC5959016 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 5 years, a great deal of information about the early course of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has emerged from longitudinal prospective studies of infants at high risk for developing ASD based on a previously diagnosed older sibling. The current article describes early ASD symptom presentations and outlines the rationale for defining a new disorder, Early Atypical Autism Spectrum Disorder (EA-ASD) to accompany ASD in the new revision of the ZERO TO THREE Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC:0-5) (in press) alternative diagnostic classification manual. EA-ASD is designed to identify children who are 9 to 36 months of age presenting with a minimum of (a) two social-communication symptoms and (b) one repetitive and restricted behavior symptom as well as (c) evidence of impairment, with the intention of providing these children with appropriately tailored services and improving the likelihood of optimizing their development.
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52
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McCrimmon AW, Yule AE. Clinical Reasoning in the Assessment and Planning for Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/0829573516658564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder whose incidence is rising. School-based professionals are in an ideal position to provide the much-needed assessment and intervention supports for students with ASD, as the professionals’ placement within a formal system affords the opportunity to observe and support children in a structured environment. This article will provide school-based psychologists with current information on the clinical features of ASD, best practice assessment and diagnostic approaches for the disorder, and information pertaining to intervention via the use of a clinical case study to inform readers about the clinical reasoning that ensues throughout the process of assessment to intervention.
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53
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Tede Z, Ophir Cohen M, Riskin A, Tirosh E. The reliability and validity of the Greenspan Social Emotional Growth Chart (GSEGC) in Israeli children with developmental delay and autism-A pilot study. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 55:226-234. [PMID: 27138232 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2016.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Healthy social-emotional development in early childhood is important as an indicator of general well-being and for positive outcome in later childhood. Therefore, screening for potential social emotional problems is valuable. Accurate, usable, and affordable screening tools have been especially difficult to develop. The cross cultural validity of a screening instrument should be assessed. The aim of the current study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the Greenspan social-emotional growth chart (GSEGC) in Israeli children of three diagnostic groups: (1) Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) (2) Developmental language disorder (DLD) and (3) Developmental motor delay (DMD). An internal reliability of alpha of 0.95 for the GSEGC standardized for age score and of 0.78 for the sensory processing sub scores was found. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using a 5-factor model confirmed an acceptable fit. Positive (62.86%) and negative (94.73%) predictive values also support the clinical usefulness of the GSEGC in identifying children at low risk for ASD. CONCLUSIONS The GSEGC appears to be a promising tool for the screening of social emotional problems in early childhood. Further studies in different cultures are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoma Tede
- The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Michal Ophir Cohen
- The Hanna Khoushy Child Development Center, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Arieh Riskin
- Department of Neonatology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Emanuel Tirosh
- The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, The Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; The Hanna Khoushy Child Development Center, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
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54
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Abstract
To test the Child Behavior Checklist's (CBCL/1½-5) ability to screen for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), we studied Korean preschoolers: 46 with ASD, 111 with developmental delay (DD), 71 with other psychiatric disorders (OPD), and 228 non-referred (NR). The ASD group scored significantly higher than the other groups on the Withdrawn and DSM-Pervasive Developmental Problems (DSM-PDP) scales as well as attaining higher scores (p < .001) on seven items reflecting ASD. With a T ≥ 65 cutpoint on the DSM-PDP scale, sensitivity was 80 % for identifying ASD relative to the other three groups, but specificity varied across groups: NR = 87 %, OPD = 55 %, DD = 60 %, replicating in a non-Western sample results from previous studies. Results suggested that the CBCL/1½-5 performs best in Level 1 screening, namely differentiating children with ASD from children in the general population.
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55
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Harrington JW, Patrick PA, Edwards KS, Brand DA. Parental beliefs about autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2016; 10:452-62. [PMID: 16940312 DOI: 10.1177/1362361306066609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated parental beliefs about the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Sixty-two families of affected children completed a questionnaire asking when the parent first noticed developmental or behavioral problems, when they were told the diagnosis, how confident they were about the ability of their child's physician to recognize autism, whether they believed anything specific might have caused their child's autism, and what medications and complementary or alternative therapies they had tried. Two-thirds of parents suspected a specific cause, and three-quarters questioned their physician's ability. Parents who perceived a greater delay in diagnosis or who had tried more different therapies both tended to have less confidence in their physician (p = 0.20 and p = 0.07, respectively). Physicians should inquire about parental beliefs concerning etiology, learn what treatments the children are receiving, perform screening at the 18 month visit, and make referrals for further evaluation as soon as a child begins to exhibit signs suggestive of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Harrington
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College,Valhalla, NY 10595, USA.
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56
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Williams J, Scott F, Stott C, Allison C, Bolton P, Baron-Cohen S, Brayne C. The CAST (Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test). AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2016; 9:45-68. [PMID: 15618262 DOI: 10.1177/1362361305049029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test (CAST) is a parental questionnaire to screen for autism spectrum conditions. In this validation study, the CAST was distributed to 1925 children aged 5-11 in mainstream Cambridgeshire schools. A sample of participants received a full diagnostic assessment, conducted blind to screen status. The sensitivity of the CAST, at a designated cut-point of 15, was 100 percent, the specificity was 97 percent and the positive predictive value was 50 percent, using the group’s consensus diagnosis as the gold standard. The accuracy indices varied with the case definition used. The sensitivity of the accuracy statistics to case definition and to missing data was explored. The CAST is useful as a screening test for autism spectrum conditions in epidemiological research. There is not currently enough evidence to recommend the use of the CAST as a screening test within a public health screening programme in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Williams
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, UK.
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57
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Trillingsgaard A, ØStergaard JR. Autism in Angelman Syndrome. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2016; 8:163-74. [PMID: 15165432 DOI: 10.1177/1362361304042720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim was to explore the comorbidity between Angelman syndrome and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Identification of autism in children with Angelman syndrome presents a diagnostic challenge. In the present study, 16 children with Angelman syndrome, all with a 15q11-13 deletion, were examined for ASDs. Thirteen children with Angelman syndrome received an ADOS-G algorithm classification of ASD; the remaining three were outside the autistic spectrum. Ten fulfilled the criteria for autism, and three for PDD-NOS. The 10 children with Angelman syndrome and comorbid autism were compared with eight children with only autism regarding their social and communicative skills. The results indicated that Angelman syndrome is better understood in terms of developmental delay, and autism in terms of developmental deviance. It is concluded that autism might have been overdiagnosed due to the extremely low mental age of the children with Angelman syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anegen Trillingsgaard
- Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
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58
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O'Brien G, Pearson J. Autism and Learning Disability. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2016; 8:125-40. [PMID: 15165430 DOI: 10.1177/1362361304042718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this article a short overview is given of the relationship between autism and learning disability. Autism exists with any level of intelligence, but many individuals with autism suffer also from learning disability. Although both disorders show overlap in some behaviours they are different in many aspects. Are they distinct syndromes which influence each other, or do they belong to a broad spectrum of a condition?
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59
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Williams J, Brayne C. Screening for autism spectrum disorders. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2016; 10:11-35. [PMID: 16522708 DOI: 10.1177/1362361306057876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This review examines the evidence for screening for autism spectrum disorders in the general population and the information needed to inform screening policy. The UK National Screening Committee criteria are taken as the framework. These criteria cover the condition, the screening test, the treatment and the screening programme as a whole. With respect to the condition, reasons for variation in prevalence estimates for autism spectrum disorders need to be resolved and there are few longitudinal studies to describe the natural history of autism spectrum disorders that include data on children identified at an early age. There is no screening test suitable for use in a population setting that has been fully validated. There is insufficient evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions. This review supports the current policy position of the National Screening Committee, that on the basis of existing evidence, screening for autism spectrum disorders cannot be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Williams
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, UK.
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60
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Abstract
Screening measures to identify very young children at risk for autism spectrum disorders include the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M–CHAT) and the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). To examine the validity of these written questionnaires, parents completed them prior to their child's diagnostic assessment at a tertiary autism clinic. The M–CHAT was given to 84 parents of 2 to 3-year-olds and the SCQ to 94 parents of 4 to 6-year olds. On both measures sensitivity was higher than specificity with positive predictive values 0.63–0.68. False negatives, or children with autism who were missed by screening, were somewhat higher functioning than true positives. Results were better for parents who spoke English as a second language, contrary to expectations. At this stage of development these tools would be recommended as part of more comprehensive surveillance programmes to identify children in need of further assessment but not to ‘screen out’ the possibility of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda C Eaves
- Sunny Hill Health Centre,Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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61
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McDuffie AS, Yoder PJ, Stone WL. Labels increase attention to novel objects in children with autism and comprehension-matched children with typical development. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2016; 10:288-301. [PMID: 16682399 DOI: 10.1177/1362361306063287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study used an intact group comparison to examine attention following in 34 children aged 2 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) matched pairwise for vocabulary comprehension with a group of typically developing toddlers. For both groups of children, the presence of verbal labels during a referential task increased attention to a novel object over and above the attention-facilitating effect of child-directed talking without labeling.The typically developing children displayed more attention following than comprehension matched children with ASD across experimental conditions and there was no significant difference between the groups in the facilitative effect of hearing verbal labels. Implications for word-learning theory, intervention strategies and future research are considered.
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62
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Gernsbacher MA, Dawson M, Goldsmith HH. Three Reasons Not to Believe in an Autism Epidemic. CURRENT DIRECTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2016; 14:55-58. [PMID: 25404790 DOI: 10.1111/j.0963-7214.2005.00334.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
According to some lay groups, the nation is experiencing an autism epidemic-a rapid escalation in the prevalence of autism for unknown reasons. However, no sound scientific evidence indicates that the increasing number of diagnosed cases of autism arises from anything other than purposely broadened diagnostic criteria, coupled with deliberately greater public awareness and intentionally improved case finding. Why is the public perception so disconnected from the scientific evidence? In this article we review three primary sources of misunderstanding: lack of awareness about the changing diagnostic criteria, uncritical acceptance of a conclusion illogically drawn in a California-based study, and inattention to a crucial feature of the "child count" data reported annually by the U.S. Department of Education.
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63
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McCrimmon AW, Matchullis RL, Altomare AA. Resilience and emotional intelligence in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Dev Neurorehabil 2016; 19:154-61. [PMID: 24960312 DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2014.927017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This article presents the results of an investigation of resilience factors and their relation to emotional intelligence (EI) as an area of potential strength for children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD). Based upon previous research with young adults, it was hypothesized that children with HFASD would demonstrate reduced EI and differential relations between EI and resilience as compared to typically developing (TD) children. METHODS Forty children aged 8-12 years (20 with HFASD and 20 TD control children) completed measures of resilience and EI. RESULTS Children with HFASD did not significantly differ from TD children on either measure. However, several significant correlations between resilience and EI were found in the HFASD sample. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that EI may be a unique area of interest for this population, particularly for interventions that propose to capitalize upon potentially inherent strengths. Implications of these results for intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam W McCrimmon
- a Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada
| | - Ryan L Matchullis
- a Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada
| | - Alyssa A Altomare
- a Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada
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64
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Vitamin D and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Literature Review. Nutrients 2016; 8:236. [PMID: 27110819 PMCID: PMC4848704 DOI: 10.3390/nu8040236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Low vitamin D status in early development has been hypothesised as an environmental risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), given the concurrent increase in the prevalence of these two conditions, and the association of vitamin D with many ASD-associated medical conditions. Identification of vitamin D-ASD factors may provide indications for primary and secondary prevention interventions. We systematically reviewed the literature for studies on vitamin D-ASD relationship, including potential mechanistic pathways. We identified seven specific areas, including: latitude, season of conception/birth, maternal migration/ethnicity, vitamin D status of mothers and ASD patients, and vitamin D intervention to prevent and treat ASD. Due to differences in the methodological procedures and inconsistent results, drawing conclusions from the first three areas is difficult. Using a more direct measure of vitamin D status—that is, serum 25(OH)D level during pregnancy or childhood—we found growing evidence for a relationship between vitamin D and ASD. These findings are supported by convincing evidence from experimental studies investigating the mechanistic pathways. However, with few primary and secondary prevention intervention trials, this relationship cannot be determined, unless randomised placebo-controlled trials of vitamin D as a preventive or disease-modifying measure in ASD patients are available.
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65
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Samadi SA, Mohammad MP, Ghanimi F, McConkey R. The challenges of screening pre-school children for autism spectrum disorders in Iran. Disabil Rehabil 2016; 38:1739-47. [PMID: 27049352 DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1107637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Early identification and diagnosis of children with autism spectrum disorder is recommended, but this is difficult to achieve in less developed countries due to a lack of suitable tools and personnel. This two-phase study, undertaken in Iran, aimed to develop culturally appropriate and feasible means for screening pre-school children for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD The first phase involved information and training events held in four cities to alert parents and to recruit and train professionals to undertake screenings and diagnostic assessments. In phase 2, a screening tool developed in Iran was administered to over 20 000 preschool children with the Iranian version of the GARS2 scale used to assess the probability of the child having ASD. RESULTS Over 250 professionals were trained and assessed as competent screeners of whom a further 67 were trained and accredited to use GARS2. They included postgraduate students and practitioners from a range of disciplines. In all, 1579 children screened positive; however, only 130 parents brought their child for the diagnostic assessment of whom 22% had a high probability of having ASD. CONCLUSION The feasibility of undertaking a screening programme for ASD with Iranian preschoolers has been demonstrated although further research is needed to refine the screening and diagnostic tools, monitor assessors and promote greater engagement of families. Implications for Rehabilitation Sizeable numbers of postgraduate students and practitioners were recruited to assist with the screening and assessments of preschoolers. The uptake of screening was highest among parents of four and five years olds but much less so for younger children and in bringing children for further assessments. Further research is needed into the development of more suitable screening and diagnostic tools for ASD with Iranian preschoolers and the training of assessors in their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayyed Ali Samadi
- a Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University , Northern Ireland , UK ;,b The Medical Sciences Division - Islamic Azad University , Tehran , Iran
| | - Maryam Pourseid Mohammad
- c Iranian State Welfare Organization (ISWO), Daily Rehabilitation Center Section , Tehran , Iran
| | - Farzaneh Ghanimi
- c Iranian State Welfare Organization (ISWO), Daily Rehabilitation Center Section , Tehran , Iran
| | - Roy McConkey
- a Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University , Northern Ireland , UK
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66
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Charman T, Baird G, Simonoff E, Chandler S, Davison-Jenkins A, Sharma A, O'Sullivan T, Pickles A. Testing two screening instruments for autism spectrum disorder in UK community child health services. Dev Med Child Neurol 2016; 58:369-75. [PMID: 26303216 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.12874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to test the accuracy of two screening instruments in UK Community health services: Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A two-stage screening and in-depth assessment procedure, combined with sampling stratification and statistical weighting, allowed the accuracy of the screens to be estimated in the entire population of referred children. METHOD The study included all referrals of children aged 18 to 48 months to community paediatric and speech and language therapy services in two London districts over a 12-month period between September 2004 and September 2005. Parents of 808 children were approached; screen data were obtained on 543 children (67.2%). A stratified subsample of 120 children received an in-depth assessment for ASD as defined by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th edition. Community clinician judgement of likely ASD was available for 98 out of the 120 children. RESULTS The sensitivity and specificity were 64% (95% confidence intervals; range 51-80%) and 75% (63-85%) for the SCQ, and 82% (72-92%) and 50% (33-64%) for M-CHAT. There was no evidence that the area under the curve differed between the two screening instruments. There was also no evidence that clinician judgement of likely ASD differed from either of the screening tests. The screening tests did not perform well to confirm preliminary clinical judgement to refer (in series), nor as an alternative indicator for referral (in parallel). INTERPRETATION While screening tests may provide useful information, their accuracy is moderate. Screening information in isolation should not be used to make referral decisions regarding specialized ASD assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Charman
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Gillian Baird
- Newcomen Centre, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Emily Simonoff
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Susie Chandler
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK.,Newcomen Centre, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Ajay Sharma
- Sunshine House Community Services, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Tony O'Sullivan
- Kaleidoscope, Lewisham Centre for Children & Young People, Lewisham Healthcare, London, UK
| | - Andrew Pickles
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
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Prospective Longitudinal Studies of Infant Siblings of Children With Autism: Lessons Learned and Future Directions. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2016; 55:179-87. [PMID: 26903251 PMCID: PMC4871151 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2015.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objectives of this review are to highlight the impact of the first decade of high-risk (HR) infant sibling work in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to identify potential areas of translational focus for the next decade of research. METHOD A group of clinicians and researchers in ASD working both inside and outside of the HR design met on a regular basis to review the infant sibling research, and came to an agreement on areas that had changed clinical practice and areas that had the potential to change practice with further research. The group then outlined several methodological and translational challenges that must be addressed in the next decade of research if the field is to reach its potential. RESULTS The review concluded that the HR design has yielded an understanding that ASD often, but not always, begins to emerge between 6 and 18 months, with early signs affecting social communication. Research using the HR design has also allowed a better understanding of the sibling recurrence risk (between 10% and 20%). Emerging areas of interest include the developmental trajectories of social communications skills in the early years, the expression of a milder phenotype in siblings not affected with ASD, and the possibility that early intervention with infant siblings may improve outcomes for those with ASD. Important challenges for the future include linking screening to intervention, collecting large sample sizes while ensuring cross-site reliability, and building in capacity for replication. CONCLUSION Although there are significant methodological and translational challenges for high-risk infant sibling research, the potential of this design to improve long-term outcomes of all children with ASD is substantial.
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68
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Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) Algorithms for Toddlers and Young Preschoolers: Application in a Non-US Sample of 1,104 Children. J Autism Dev Disord 2016; 45:2076-91. [PMID: 25682078 PMCID: PMC4471312 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2372-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) algorithms for toddlers and young preschoolers (Kim and Lord, J Autism Dev Disord 42(1):82-93, 2012) in a non-US sample from ten sites in nine countries (n = 1,104). The construct validity indicated a good fit of the algorithms. The diagnostic validity was lower, with satisfactorily high specificities but moderate sensitivities. Young children with clinical ASD and lower language ability were largely in the mild-to-moderate or moderate-to-severe concern ranges of the ADI-R, nearly half of the older and phrase speech ASD-group fell into the little-to-no concern range. Although broadly the findings support the toddler algorithms, further work is required to understand why they might have different properties in different samples to further inform research and clinical use.
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Skonieczna-Żydecka K, Gorzkowska I, Pierzak-Sominka J, Adler G. The Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders in West Pomeranian and Pomeranian Regions of Poland. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2016; 30:283-289. [PMID: 26771078 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) varies worldwide from 1.4/10 000 children in the Arabian Peninsula to 185/10 000 children of Asian population. In Europe, the highest prevalence has been observed in Sweden, while the lowest in Croatia (115/10 000 and 2-3/10 000, respectively). There have been no epidemiological studies on the prevalence of ASD in Polish population. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of ASD in children aged 0-16 years, inhabitants of West Pomeranian and Pomeranian regions. MATERIAL AND METHODS In total, 2514 children (2038 males, 81.1%) were included. The estimates were based on the government registries, whereas data were obtained from Provincial Disability Services Commissions. RESULTS The prevalence of ASD in children aged 0-16 years varies between two regions of Poland - 32/10 000 in West Pomeranian and 38/10 000 in Pomeranian region. CONCLUSIONS The average prevalence of ASD was 35/10 000 children and was about 4-fold higher in males (P < 0.05). More studies are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Izabela Gorzkowska
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Grażyna Adler
- Department of Gerontobiology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
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70
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Waters DM, Mauch A, Coffey A, Arendt EK, Zannini E. Lactic acid bacteria as a cell factory for the delivery of functional biomolecules and ingredients in cereal-based beverages: a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2016; 55:503-20. [PMID: 24915367 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2012.660251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we aim to describe the mechanisms by which LAB can fulfil the novel role of efficient cell factory for the production of functional biomolecules and food ingredients to enhance the quality of cereal-based beverages. LAB fermentation is a safe, economical, and traditional method of food preservation foremost, as well as having the additional benefits of flavor, texture, and nutrition amelioration. Additionally, LAB fermentation in known to render cereal-based foods and beverages safe, in a chemical-free, consumer-friendly manner, from an antinutrient and toxigenic perspective. Huge market opportunities and potential exist for food manufacturers who can provide the ideal functional beverage fulfilling consumer needs. Newly developed fermented cereal-based beverages must address markets globally including, high-nutrition markets (developing countries), lifestyle choice consumers (vegetarian, vegan, low-fat, low-salt, low-calorie), food-related non-communicable disease sufferers (cardiovascular disease, diabetes), and green label consumers (Western countries). To fulfil these recommendations, a suitable LAB starter culture and cereal-based raw materials must be developed. These strains would be suitable for the biopreservation of cereal beverages and, ideally, would be highly antifungal, anti-mycotoxigenic, mycotoxin-binding and proteolytic (neutralize toxic peptides and release flavor-contributing amino acids) with an ability to ferment cereals, whilst synthesizing oligosaccharides, thus presenting a major opportunity for the development of safe cereal-based prebiotic functional beverages to compete with and replace the existing dairy versions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah M Waters
- a School of Food and Nutritional Sciences , University College Cork , Ireland
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71
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Galanopoulos A, Robertson D, Woodhouse E. The assessment of autism spectrum disorders in adults. ADVANCES IN AUTISM 2016. [DOI: 10.1108/aia-09-2015-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore and highlight the main elements of an autism spectrum disorder assessment in adults. It features significant challenges for the clinical teams responsible to undertake the assessment. This paper aims to explain the importance of the wider needs assessment in accordance to the Autism Act and Autism Strategy.
Design/methodology/approach
– The paper describes the main symptom domains for an ASD diagnosis, according to the two basic diagnostic manuals. It provides compendious summary of the available diagnostic tools and the significant comorbidities people with ASD present with including other neurodevelopmental disorders, mental or physical health problems, challenging behaviour and risk issues.
Findings
– The paper proposes that all National Health System professionals should be able to recognise possible signs of ASD and accordingly refer individuals for a comprehensive assessment to secondary services. It highlights the importance of a wider needs assessment as part of a broader approach to addressing the needs of those with suspected ASD.
Practical implications
– The paper aims to improve the gaps which remain in the referral and diagnostic process of people affected by ASD.
Social implications
– Through a comprehensive assessment the paper aims to improve the educational, social and personal functioning of people with ASD as well as the quality of life of their parents and carers.
Originality/value
– The paper assembles a wide range of relevant considerations in regards to potential ASD in one place, and can be used to inform a comprehensive understanding of the assessment/diagnosis process.
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72
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Postorino V, Fatta LM, Sanges V, Giovagnoli G, De Peppo L, Vicari S, Mazzone L. Intellectual disability in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Investigation of prevalence in an Italian sample of children and adolescents. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 48:193-201. [PMID: 26619372 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2015.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Postorino
- I.R.C.C.S. Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Department of Neuroscience, Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy; The Marcus Autism Center, Emory University School of Medicine, 1920 Briarcliff Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | - Laura Maria Fatta
- I.R.C.C.S. Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Department of Neuroscience, Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Sanges
- I.R.C.C.S. Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Department of Neuroscience, Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Giovagnoli
- I.R.C.C.S. Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Department of Neuroscience, Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy; L.U.M.S.A., Libera Università Maria SS. Assunta, Dipartimento di Scienze Umane, Piazza delle Vaschette 101, 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia De Peppo
- I.R.C.C.S. Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Department of Neuroscience, Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy; L.U.M.S.A., Libera Università Maria SS. Assunta, Dipartimento di Scienze Umane, Piazza delle Vaschette 101, 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- I.R.C.C.S. Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Department of Neuroscience, Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Mazzone
- I.R.C.C.S. Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Department of Neuroscience, Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy
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73
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Campbell JM, Scheil KA, Hammond RK. Screening Methods. HANDBOOK OF ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-27171-2_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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74
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Rogers CL, Goddard L, Hill EL, Henry LA, Crane L. Experiences of diagnosing autism spectrum disorder: A survey of professionals in the United Kingdom. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2015; 20:820-31. [PMID: 26681687 DOI: 10.1177/1362361315611109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
To date, research exploring experiences of diagnosing autism spectrum disorder has largely focused on parental perspectives. In order to obtain a more complete account of the autism spectrum disorder diagnostic process, it is essential that the views and experiences of professionals are heard. In this study, 116 multidisciplinary professionals involved in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder in the United Kingdom completed an online questionnaire exploring their experiences and opinions of three key areas of service: accessibility, the diagnostic process and post-diagnostic support. Although professionals were largely satisfied with service accessibility, around 40% of services were failing to provide timely assessments. Standardised diagnostic tools were perceived as helpful and were used consistently, but concerns were raised about their validity in detecting atypical autism spectrum disorder presentations (e.g. females). Several challenges regarding giving autism spectrum disorder diagnoses were reported; these included making sure caregivers understood the diagnosis, pitching information at the correct level and managing distress. Furthermore, the practice of 'upgrading' to a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in uncertain or complex cases was reported by many, albeit infrequently, and reasons for this varied widely. Professionals expressed dissatisfaction with post-diagnostic provision, especially onward and long-term support options. They also felt that service improvements were required across populations and across the three key areas of service.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Laura Crane
- Goldsmiths, University of London, UK City University London, UK
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75
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Sacrey LAR, Bennett JA, Zwaigenbaum L. Early Infant Development and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Child Neurol 2015; 30:1921-9. [PMID: 26323499 DOI: 10.1177/0883073815601500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective is to overview recent findings on early detection/diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, as well as clinical trials of early interventions for toddlers at risk for/diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. FINDINGS Prospective studies of infants at high risk of autism spectrum disorder have yielded significant advances in understanding early development in autism spectrum disorder. Findings from prospective studies indicate that abnormalities in social communication and repetitive behaviors emerge during the second year, whereas additional "prodromal features" (motor and sensory abnormalities) emerge in the first year. Subsequently, exciting progress has been made in establishing the efficacy of autism spectrum disorder-specific interventions for toddlers as young as 15 months. Finally, efforts occur to characterize autism spectrum disorder-specific characteristics in genetic syndromes with concurrent autism spectrum disorder symptomatology. CONCLUSION Substantial progress in characterizing early developmental trajectories as well as the identification of specific behavioral markers has aided early detection. Work remains to ensure that research findings are translated into clinical practice for uptake in the health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori-Ann R Sacrey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Autism Research Centre, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A Bennett
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Autism Research Centre, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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76
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Zwaigenbaum L, Bauman ML, Fein D, Pierce K, Buie T, Davis PA, Newschaffer C, Robins DL, Wetherby A, Choueiri R, Kasari C, Stone WL, Yirmiya N, Estes A, Hansen RL, McPartland JC, Natowicz MR, Carter A, Granpeesheh D, Mailloux Z, Smith Roley S, Wagner S. Early Screening of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Recommendations for Practice and Research. Pediatrics 2015; 136 Suppl 1:S41-59. [PMID: 26430169 PMCID: PMC9923900 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2014-3667d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This article reviews current evidence for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening based on peer-reviewed articles published to December 2013. Screening provides a standardized process to ensure that children are systematically monitored for early signs of ASD to promote earlier diagnosis. The current review indicates that screening in children aged 18 to 24 months can assist in early detection, consistent with current American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations. We identify ASD-specific and broadband screening tools that have been evaluated in large community samples which show particular promise in terms of accurate classification and clinical utility. We also suggest strategies to help overcome challenges to implementing ASD screening in community practice, as well as priorities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada;
| | - Margaret L. Bauman
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Deborah Fein
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Karen Pierce
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Timothy Buie
- Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Craig Newschaffer
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Diana L. Robins
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Amy Wetherby
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Roula Choueiri
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Memorial Children’s Medical Center, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Connie Kasari
- Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Nurit Yirmiya
- Department of Psychology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Annette Estes
- Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Robin L. Hansen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, California
| | | | | | - Alice Carter
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Zoe Mailloux
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Susanne Smith Roley
- USC Mrs T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Los Angeles, California; and
| | - Sheldon Wagner
- Behavioral Development & Educational Services, New Bedford, Massachusetts
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77
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Kern JK, Geier DA, Sykes LK, Geier MR, Deth RC. Are ASD and ADHD a Continuum? A Comparison of Pathophysiological Similarities Between the Disorders. J Atten Disord 2015; 19:805-27. [PMID: 23074304 DOI: 10.1177/1087054712459886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to review and compare the similarities between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD with regard to symptomatology, neurological deficits, metabolic and endocrine-related conditions, and brain pathology. METHOD A comprehensive review of the relevant research literature was carried out. RESULTS A number of important similarities between ASD and ADHD were identified, including recent increases in prevalence, male-biased incidence, shared involvement of sensory processing, motor and impulse control, abnormal patterns of neural connectivity, and sleep disturbances. Studies suggest involvement of androgen metabolism, impaired methylation, and heavy metal toxicity as possible contributing factors for both disorders. CONCLUSION ASD and ADHD share a number of features and pathophysiological conditions, which suggests that the two disorders may be a continuum and have a common origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet K Kern
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., Silver Spring, MD, USA University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David A Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc., Silver Spring, MD, USA
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78
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Rivard M, Terroux A, Mercier C, Parent-Boursier C. Indicators of intellectual disabilities in young children with autism spectrum disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2015; 45:127-37. [PMID: 25070470 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2198-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
No agreement has been reached yet on the co-occurrence of Intellectual Disability (ID) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in young children. This study describes the clinical profiles of 253 children with ASD between 30 and 65 months old, on IQ and adaptive behaviors, prior to their entry in an early behavioral intervention program. Results showed that 36.8% of the children met the criteria for ID, with 60.2% of these in the mild range (IQ 50-69) and 39.8% in the moderate range (IQ 35-49). ID profiles were similar for boys and girls. Intellectual and adaptive behavior profiles are described as well as their links to various socioeconomic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélina Rivard
- Département de psychologie de l', Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888 succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada,
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79
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Early detection of autism spectrum disorders: From retrospective home video studies to prospective ‘high risk’ sibling studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 55:627-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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80
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Abstract
Purpose
– Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is important over the whole life span. Standardized instruments may support the assessment process. The purpose of this paper is to describe English- and German-screening tools for ASD.
Design/methodology/approach
– PubMed was used to search for published tools and evidence on their diagnostic validity.
Findings
– Searches identified 46 screening tools for ASD. Most are designed for children, while only few measures are available for adults, especially those with additional intellectual disabilities. Many instruments are under-researched, although a small number such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers and the SCQ have been widely examined in a variety of populations.
Originality/value
– The study identified and described a number of ASD screeners that can support clinicians or researchers when deciding whether to carry out a more comprehensive ASD assessment.
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81
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Hurwitz S, Watson LR. Joint attention revisited: Finding strengths among children with autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2015; 20:538-50. [PMID: 26148983 DOI: 10.1177/1362361315593536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Differences in joint attention are prominent for some children with autism and are often used as an indicator of the disorder. This study examined the joint attention competencies of young children with autism who demonstrated joint attention ability and compared them to children with developmental delays. A total of 40 children with autism and developmental delays were matched pairwise based on mental and chronological age. Videos of children engaging in play were coded for the frequency and forms (eye contact, gestures, affect, etc.) of joint attention. Additionally, concurrent language was compared among children with autism (N = 32) by their joint attention ability. Children with autism spectrum disorder entered into joint attention significantly less often than children with developmental delays, but once engaged used the forms of joint attention similarly. For the matched pairs, there were no differences in language, but the children with autism who used joint attention had significantly better language than children with autism who did not (even after controlling for mental age). There is a group of young children with autism who can use joint attention but do so at lower frequencies than children with developmental delays. Possible reasons include difficulty disengaging attention and limited intrinsic social motivation to share. Adult persistence is recommended to encourage joint attention.
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82
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Ashwin C, Hietanen JK, Baron-Cohen S. Atypical integration of social cues for orienting to gaze direction in adults with autism. Mol Autism 2015; 6:5. [PMID: 25685307 PMCID: PMC4328362 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-6-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gaze direction provides important information about social attention, and people tend to reflexively orient in the direction others are gazing. Perceiving the gaze of others relies on the integration of multiple social cues, which include perceptual information related to the eyes, gaze direction, head position, and body orientation of others. Autism spectrum conditions (ASC) are characterised by social and emotional deficits, including atypical gaze behaviour. The social-emotional deficits may emerge from a reliance on perceptual information involving details and features, at the expense of more holistic processing, which includes the integration of features. While people with ASC are often able to physically compute gaze direction and show intact reflexive orienting to others' gaze, they show deficits in reading mental states from the eyes. METHODS The present study recruited 23 adult males with a diagnosis of ASC and 23 adult males without ASC as a control group. They were tested using a spatial cuing paradigm involving head and body cues in a photograph of a person followed by a laterally presented target. The task manipulated the orientation of head with respect to body orientation to test subsequent shifts of attention in observers. RESULTS The results replicated previous findings showing facilitated shifts of attention by the healthy control participants toward laterally presented targets cued by a congruently rotated head combined with a front view of a body. In contrast, the ASC group showed facilitated orienting to targets when both the head and body were rotated towards the target. CONCLUSIONS The findings reveal atypical integration of social cues in ASC for orienting of attention. This is suggested to reflect abnormalities in cognitive and neural mechanisms specialized for processing of social cues for attention orienting in ASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Ashwin
- />Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Rd, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
- />Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY UK
| | - Jari K Hietanen
- />Human Information Processing Laboratory, School of Social Sciences and Humanities/Psychology, University of Tampere, FI-33014 Tampere, Finland
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- />Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Rd, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
- />Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, CLASS Clinic, Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge, CB21 5EF UK
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83
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Effectiveness of using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers in two-stage screening of autism spectrum disorder at the 18-month health check-up in Japan. J Autism Dev Disord 2014; 44:194-203. [PMID: 23740200 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-013-1864-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
To determine whether the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) in conjunction with the routine 18-month health check-up identifies Japanese toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Two-stage screening using the M-CHAT was conducted with 1,851 children attending the check-up. Final ASD diagnosis was confirmed at age ≥3 years. Screening identified 20/51 children with ASD: 12/20 true positives were developmentally delayed, whereas 16/22 false negatives were high-functioning. Sensitivity was 0.476, specificity 0.986, positive predictive value 0.455, and likelihood ratio 33.4 for children with ASD. With a few modifications, M-CHAT screening successfully detected toddlers with ASD with and without developmental delay and is a promising screening tool to complement existing community surveillance.
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84
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García-Primo P, Hellendoorn A, Charman T, Roeyers H, Dereu M, Roge B, Baduel S, Muratori F, Narzisi A, Van Daalen E, Moilanen I, de la Paz MP, Canal-Bedia R. Screening for autism spectrum disorders: state of the art in Europe. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2014; 23:1005-21. [PMID: 24913785 PMCID: PMC4229652 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-014-0555-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A large number of studies have reported on the validity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening procedures. An overall understanding of these studies' findings cannot be based solely on the level of internal validity of each, since screening instruments might perform differently according to certain factors in different settings. Europe has led the field with the development of the first screening tool and first prospective screening study of autism. This paper seeks to provide an overview of ASD screening studies and ongoing programmes across Europe, and identify variables that have influenced the outcomes of such studies. Results show that, to date, over 70,000 children have been screened in Europe using 18 different screening procedures. Differences among findings across studies have enabled us to identify ten factors that may influence screening results. Although it is impossible to draw firm conclusions as to which screening procedure is most effective, this analysis might facilitate the choice of a screening method that best fits a specific scenario, and this, in turn, may eventually improve early ASD detection procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia García-Primo
- Institute of Rare Diseases Research (Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras, IIER), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain,
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85
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Wilson CE, Gillan N, Spain D, Robertson D, Roberts G, Murphy CM, Maltezos S, Zinkstok J, Johnston K, Dardani C, Ohlsen C, Deeley PQ, Craig M, Mendez MA, Happé F, Murphy DGM. Comparison of ICD-10R, DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5 in an adult autism spectrum disorder diagnostic clinic. J Autism Dev Disord 2014; 43:2515-25. [PMID: 23504376 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-013-1799-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
An Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis is often used to access services. We investigated whether ASD diagnostic outcome varied when DSM-5 was used compared to ICD-10R and DSM-IV-TR in a clinical sample of 150 intellectually able adults. Of those diagnosed with an ASD using ICD-10R, 56 % met DSM-5 ASD criteria. A further 19 % met DSM-5 (draft) criteria for Social Communication Disorder. Of those diagnosed with Autistic Disorder/Asperger Syndrome on DSM-IV-TR, 78 % met DSM-5 ASD criteria. Sensitivity of DSM-5 was significantly increased by reducing the number of criteria required for a DSM-5 diagnosis, or by rating 'uncertain' criteria as 'present', without sacrificing specificity. Reduced rates of ASD diagnosis may mean some ASD individuals will be unable to access clinical services.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ellie Wilson
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, SE5 8AF, UK,
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86
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Rudra A, Banerjee S, Singhal N, Barua M, Mukerji S, Chakrabarti B. Translation and Usability of Autism Screening and Diagnostic Tools for Autism Spectrum Conditions in India. Autism Res 2014; 7:598-607. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.1404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alokananda Rudra
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences; University of Reading; Reading UK
| | | | - Nidhi Singhal
- Action for Autism; National Centre for Autism; Delhi India
| | - Merry Barua
- Action for Autism; National Centre for Autism; Delhi India
| | | | - Bhismadev Chakrabarti
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences; University of Reading; Reading UK
- Autism Research Centre; University of Cambridge; Cambridge UK
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87
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Vannucchi G, Masi G, Toni C, Dell'Osso L, Erfurth A, Perugi G. Bipolar disorder in adults with Asperger׳s Syndrome: a systematic review. J Affect Disord 2014; 168:151-60. [PMID: 25046741 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asperger׳s Syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder included in the Autism Spectrum (ASD). The current literature shows growing evidence of a high rate of comorbidity between AS and other psychiatric disorders, particularly Bipolar Disorder (BD). We reviewed available epidemiological and clinical data on BD-AS comorbidity and its diagnostic and therapeutic implications METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted through PubMed, Scopus and Psych-Info using combinations of the following search terms: Asperger׳s Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, depression, mood disorder, psychiatric comorbidity, treatment, mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. RESULTS BD prevalence in adults with AS ranges from 6% to 21.4% of the cases. Relatives of patients with AS showed a doubled risk of being affected by BD and a BD prevalence near to 10%. When comorbid with AS, BD assumes peculiar features which might shape its under-recognition or misdiagnosis (especially schizophrenia when psychotic symptoms are prominent). Although controlled data on pharmacological treatments in BD-AS comorbidity are substantially lacking, information is derived by open observations, case series and chart reviews. Mood stabilizers should be considered the first choice, and antipsychotics, especially second generation drugs (SGA) with 5-HT2a antagonism, have been shown useful in controlling psychotic and behavioral symptoms and improving social withdrawal. Some evidence of efficacy for the treatment of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and depression is reported for SSRI antidepressants. The use of these drugs should be carefully monitored, because activation with hypomanic or manic switches is reported up to 54% of the treated subjects. CONCLUSION BD in AS patients is frequent, usually it onsets during adolescence and is often characterized by atypical presentation, making its correct identification particularly difficult. A correct diagnosis of BD in AS individuals has relevant implications on the choice of adequate psychopharmacological, psycho-social and rehabilitative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Vannucchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Masi
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Via dei Giacinti 2, 56018 Calambrone (Pisa), Italy
| | - Cristina Toni
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences "G. De Lisio", Via di Pratale 3, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Andreas Erfurth
- Otto Wagner Psychiatric Hospital of Vienna, Head of Department VI, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giulio Perugi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Pisa, Institute of Behavioral Sciences "G. De Lisio", Via Roma, 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
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88
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Kimple KS, Bartelt EA, Wysocki KL, Steiner MJ. Performance of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers in Spanish-speaking patients. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2014; 53:632-8. [PMID: 24550559 DOI: 10.1177/0009922814522346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare abnormal screening rates of 2 different Spanish versions of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) in US Spanish-speaking patients. METHOD Quasi-experimental design was used with historical and English language controls. Abnormal screening rates were compared between Spain and Western-hemisphere Spanish versions, as well as to English controls during the same time periods using chi square analysis. RESULTS M-CHAT questionnaires were scored from 589 subjects (English n = 415, Spanish n = 174). There was little difference between Spanish versions. Overall, the Spanish abnormal screening rate was double that of English (23.6% vs 11.3%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Spanish M-CHAT questionnaires are abnormal more often than those in English even after changing to appropriate translation, despite lower prevalence of autism in Latinos. Issues with translation, interpretation, or cultural understanding of behaviors may contribute. Given abnormal screening rates for Latinos, the use of the M-CHAT follow-up interview in Spanish-speaking patients is beneficial but may be more time-consuming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly S Kimple
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Erica A Bartelt
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Karen L Wysocki
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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89
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Stenberg N, Bresnahan M, Gunnes N, Hirtz D, Hornig M, Lie KK, Lipkin WI, Lord C, Magnus P, Reichborn-Kjennerud T, Schjølberg S, Surén P, Susser E, Svendsen BK, von Tetzchner S, Øyen AS, Stoltenberg C. Identifying children with autism spectrum disorder at 18 months in a general population sample. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2014; 28:255-62. [PMID: 24547686 PMCID: PMC3976700 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research on clinical and high-risk samples suggests that signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be detected between 1 and 2 years of age. We investigated signs of ASD at 18 months in a population-based sample and the association with later ASD diagnosis. METHODS The study sample includes 52,026 children born 2003 through 2008 and is a subset of children that participated in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort (MoBa), a population-based longitudinal study, and the Autism Birth Cohort (ABC), a sub-study on ASD. Parents completed all 23 items from the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) at 18 months. RESULTS The M-CHAT 6-critical-item criterion and the 23-item criterion had a specificity of 97.9% and 92.7% and a sensitivity of 20.8% and 34.1%, respectively. In the 173 children diagnosed with ASD to date, 60 children (34.7%) scored above the cut-off on either of the screening criteria. The items with the highest likelihood ratios were 'interest in other children', 'show objects to others' and 'response to name'. CONCLUSION Even though one-third of the children who later received an ASD diagnosis were identified through M-CHAT items, the majority scored below cut-off on the screening criteria at 18 months. The results imply that it might not be possible to detect all children with ASD at this age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nina Gunnes
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Deborah Hirtz
- National Institute of Health / National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mady Hornig
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA, Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - W. Ian Lipkin
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA, Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Catherine Lord
- Institute for Brain Development, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College and Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Per Magnus
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Pål Surén
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ezra Susser
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Anne-Siri Øyen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway, Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Camilla Stoltenberg
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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90
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Ben-Sasson A, Habib S, Tirosh E. Feasibility and validity of early screening for identifying infants with poor social-communication development in a well-baby clinic system. J Pediatr Nurs 2014; 29:238-47. [PMID: 24333238 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2013.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 11/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study examined the feasibility and validity of implementing an autism spectrum disorders (ASD) screening for 12-month-old infants. METHOD Parents of 583 infants, 12months of age attending well baby clinics (WBCs), completed the First Year Inventory-Lite (FYI-L). Ten infants who failed the FYI-L and a subset of 12 infants who passed the identified FYI-L were evaluated using the Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) and the Mullen Scales of Early Learning. Information regarding social-communication development ≥24months of age was extracted from medical records of 153 of the 583 infants. RESULTS Mean response rate across clinics was 26.63%. Infants at risk compared to controls showed significantly higher scores on the AOSI, lower composite scores on the MSEL, and a higher rate of referral for a developmental evaluation. At 24months, 95% of infants who were negatively screened had no social-communication problems on their medical records; 60% of those who were screened positive had documented problems on medical records. CONCLUSION ASD screening using the FYI-L at 12months in a healthcare setting identifies infants with poor social-communication development, yet parents had low compliance with screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelet Ben-Sasson
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Sonia Habib
- Haifa District, Ministry of Health, Haifa, Israel
| | - Emanuel Tirosh
- Hannah Khousy Child Development Center, Bnai Zion Medical Center and Rappoport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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91
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Charman T. Early identification and intervention in autism spectrum disorders: some progress but not as much as we hoped. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2014; 16:15-8. [PMID: 24410018 PMCID: PMC3913013 DOI: 10.3109/17549507.2013.859732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Camarata's (2014) review summarizes the progress that has been made in the field of early identification and early intervention in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) over the past few decades, but also provides a salutary reminder that much still needs to be done. Whilst it is possible to prospectively identify cases of ASD using screening instruments; it is critical that those using such screens in clinical practice understand how to interpret data from published studies and consider how screening information is communicated to parents. After several decades when few randomized controlled trials of early intervention in ASD were conducted, the last decade has seen an explosion of new studies. Despite initial optimism, as more trials are published they have highlighted the limits of, and challenges to, early intervention in ASD. Given the complex nature of ASD these sobering lessons are perhaps not surprising. Rather than promote despondency, they need to inspire and inform the next decade of clinical research to move the field forward to the benefit of young children with ASD and those who care for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Charman
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
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92
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Perception of pointing from biological motion point-light displays in typically developing children and children with autism spectrum disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2014; 43:1437-46. [PMID: 23124358 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-012-1699-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
We examined whether the movement involved in a pointing gesture, depicted using point-light displays, is sufficient to cue attention in typically developing children (TD) and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (aged 8-11 years). Using a Posner-type paradigm, a centrally located display indicated the location of a forthcoming target on 80% of trials and the opposite location on 20% of trials. TD children, but not children with ASD, were faster to identify a validly cued target than an invalidly cued target. A scrambled version of the point-light pointing gesture, retaining individual dot speed and direction of movement but not the configuration, produced no validity effect in either group. A video of a pointing gesture produced validity effects in both groups.
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93
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Van Reet J. Conflict Inhibitory Control Facilitates Pretense Quality in Young Preschoolers. JOURNAL OF COGNITION AND DEVELOPMENT 2013; 16:333-350. [PMID: 26074736 DOI: 10.1080/15248372.2013.833924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The present research explores the role of inhibitory control in young preschoolers' pretense ability using an ego depletion paradigm. In Experiment 1 (N = 56), children's pretense ability was assessed either before or after participating in conflict inhibitory control or control tasks, and in Experiment 2 (N = 36), pretense ability was measured after children engaged in either conflict or delay inhibitory control tasks. In both experiments, pretense scores were significantly higher only after engaging in conflict inhibitory control tasks. Further, pretense scores were positively correlated with inhibitory control scores when conflict inhibitory control was not experienced first. This pattern of results suggests that inhibitory control may underlie pretense, and conflict inhibitory control can boost the quality of children's subsequent pretending.
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94
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Oner P, Oner O, Munir K. Three-item Direct Observation Screen (TIDOS) for autism spectrum disorder. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2013; 18:733-42. [PMID: 24126869 DOI: 10.1177/1362361313487028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We compared ratings on the Three-Item Direct Observation Screen test for autism spectrum disorders completed by pediatric residents with the Social Communication Questionnaire parent reports as an augmentative tool for improving autism spectrum disorder screening performance. We examined three groups of children (18-60 months) comparable in age (18-24 month, 24-36 month, 36-60 preschool subgroups) and gender distribution: n = 86 with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.) autism spectrum disorders; n = 76 with developmental delay without autism spectrum disorders; and n = 97 with typical development. The Three-Item Direct Observation Screen test included the following (a) Joint Attention, (b) Eye Contact, and (c) Responsiveness to Name. The parent Social Communication Questionnaire ratings had a sensitivity of .73 and specificity of .70 for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. The Three-Item Direct Observation Screen test item Joint Attention had a sensitivity of .82 and specificity of .90, Eye Contact had a sensitivity of .89 and specificity of .91, and Responsiveness to Name had a sensitivity of .67 and specificity of .87. In the Three-Item Direct Observation Screen test, having at least one of the three items positive had a sensitivity of .95 and specificity of .85. Age, diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, and developmental level were important factors affecting sensitivity and specificity. The results indicate that augmentation of autism spectrum disorder screening by observational items completed by trained pediatric-oriented professionals can be a highly effective tool in improving screening performance. If supported by future population studies, the results suggest that primary care practitioners will be able to be trained to use this direct procedure to augment screening for autism spectrum disorders in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Oner
- Dr Sami Ulus Children's Hospital, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Autism Center of Excellence, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Oner
- Dr Sami Ulus Children's Hospital, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Autism Center of Excellence, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kerim Munir
- Children's Hospital Boston, USA Harvard Medical School, USA
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Deconinck N, Soncarrieu M, Dan B. Toward better recognition of early predictors for autism spectrum disorders. Pediatr Neurol 2013; 49:225-31. [PMID: 23932805 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2013.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders is essentially based on behavioral presentation and developmental history. The current average age at diagnosis is older than 3 years. METHODS Over the past 15 years, there has been increasing documentation of the early signs of autism spectrum disorders through both individual retrospective parental reports and screening studies. Recent longitudinal studies have focused on early medical and behavioral features of children regarded at risk, namely younger siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders or children who required neonatal intensive care, with a later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. RESULTS Potentially useful early neurological signs and developmental predictors for autism spectrum disorders could be identified, with a typical profile that evolved with age. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of early social attention and communication skills with adapted scales in children before the age of 18 months in very large community-based settings may lead to high positive predictive values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Deconinck
- Department of Neurology, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.
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Schneider K, Regenbogen C, Pauly KD, Gossen A, Schneider DA, Mevissen L, Michel TM, Gur RC, Habel U, Schneider F. Evidence for gender-specific endophenotypes in high-functioning autism spectrum disorder during empathy. Autism Res 2013; 6:506-21. [PMID: 23868876 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite remarkable behavioral gender differences in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and growing evidence for a diminished male : female ratio for the putative "male disorder" ASD, aspects of gender are not addressed accordingly in ASD research. Our study aims at filling this gap by exploring empathy abilities in a group of 28 patients with high-functioning ASD and 28 gender-, age- and education-matched non-autistic subjects, for the first time by means of functional neuroimaging (fMRI). In an event-related fMRI paradigm, emotional ("E") and neutral ("N") video clips presented actors telling self-related short stories. After each clip, participants were asked to indicate their own emotion and its intensity as well as the emotion and intensity perceived for the actor. Behaviorally, we found significantly less empathic responses in the overall ASD group compared with non-autistic subjects, and inadequate emotion recognition for the neutral clips in the female ASD group compared with healthy women. Neurally, increased activation of the bilateral medial frontal gyrus was found in male patients compared with female patients, a pattern which was not present in the non-autistic group. Additionally, autistic women exhibited decreased activation of midbrain and limbic regions compared with non-autistic women, whereas there was no significant difference within the male group. While we did not find a fundamental empathic deficit in autistic patients, our data propose different ways of processing empathy in autistic men and women, suggesting stronger impairments in cognitive aspects of empathy/theory of mind for men, and alterations of social reciprocity for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Schneider
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen; JARA-Translational Brain Medicine, Aachen-Jülich
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98
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Aguilera A, Moreno FJ, Rodriguez IR. Prevalence Estimates of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the School Population of Seville, Spain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1179/096979507799103405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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99
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Swanson AR, Warren ZE, Stone WL, Vehorn AC, Dohrmann E, Humberd Q. The diagnosis of autism in community pediatric settings: does advanced training facilitate practice change? AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2013; 18:555-61. [PMID: 23847130 DOI: 10.1177/1362361313481507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and documented benefits of early intensive intervention have created a need for flexible systems for determining eligibility for autism-specific services. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a training program designed to enhance autism spectrum disorder identification and assessment within community pediatric settings across the state. Twenty-seven pediatric providers participated in regional trainings across a 3.5-year period. Trainings provided clinicians with strategies for conducting relatively brief within-practice interactive assessments following positive autism spectrum disorder screenings. Program evaluation was measured approximately 1.5 years following training through (a) clinician self-reports of practice change and (b) blind diagnostic verification of a subset of children assessed. Pediatric providers participating in the training reported significant changes in screening and consultation practices following training, with a reported 85% increase in diagnostic identification of children with autism spectrum disorder within their own practice setting. In addition, substantial agreement (86%-93%) was found between pediatrician diagnostic judgments and independent, comprehensive blinded diagnostic evaluations. Collaborative training methods that allow autism spectrum disorder identification within broader community pediatric settings may help translate enhanced screening initiatives into more effective and efficient diagnosis and treatment.
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100
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Autism spectrum disorders--are they really epidemic? Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2013; 17:327-33. [PMID: 23602439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2013.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this paper is to report on how different external methodological factors influence estimates of ASD prevalence. METHODS PubMed searches was conducted using the search terms, "Autism", "Autistic Disorder", "Autism Spectrum Disorders", "Asperger", "Prevalence" and "epidemiology", in combination. In total 49 studies were included. We also performed a manual search for and reviewed related articles referenced in the original articles. RESULTS The reported prevalence rates of ASD vary widely, and so do the methodology used in the studies. CONCLUSION There are reasons to argue that the methods used in some studies cause the high prevalence rates reported recently.
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