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Nayar K, Landau E, Martin GE, Stevens CJ, Xing J, Sophia P, Guilfoyle J, Gordon PC, Losh M. Narrative Ability in Autism and First-Degree Relatives. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06424-0. [PMID: 39060703 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06424-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Narrative is an important communication skill for sharing personal experiences and connecting with others. Narrative skills are often impacted in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and have important consequences for social interactions and relationships. Subtle differences in narrative have also been reported among first-degree relatives of autistic individuals, suggesting that narrative may also be an etiologically important language-related skill that is influenced by genes associated with ASD. This study examined narrative ability and related visual attention during narration in ASD and first-degree relatives of individuals with ASD (siblings and parents) to understand how narrative and related attentional styles may be variably impacted across the spectrum of ASD genetic influence. Participants included 56 autistic individuals, 42 siblings of autistic individuals, 49 controls, 161 parents of autistic individuals, and 61 parent controls. Narratives were elicited using a wordless picture book presented on an eye tracker to record concurrent gaze. Findings revealed parallel patterns of narrative differences among ASD and sibling groups in the use of causal language to connect story elements and the use of cognitive and affective language. More subtle differences within the domain of causal language were evident in ASD parents. Parallel patterns in the ASD and sibling groups were also found for gaze during narration. Findings implicate causal language as a critical narrative skill that is impacted in ASD and may be reflective of ASD genetic influence in relatives. Gaze patterns during narration suggest similar attentional mechanisms associated with narrative among ASD families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Nayar
- Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Frances Searle Building, #2-366, Evanston, IL, 6020, USA
| | - Emily Landau
- Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Frances Searle Building, #2-366, Evanston, IL, 6020, USA
| | | | - Cassandra J Stevens
- Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Frances Searle Building, #2-366, Evanston, IL, 6020, USA
| | - Jiayin Xing
- Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Frances Searle Building, #2-366, Evanston, IL, 6020, USA
| | - Pirog Sophia
- Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Frances Searle Building, #2-366, Evanston, IL, 6020, USA
| | - Janna Guilfoyle
- Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Frances Searle Building, #2-366, Evanston, IL, 6020, USA
| | - Peter C Gordon
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Molly Losh
- Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Frances Searle Building, #2-366, Evanston, IL, 6020, USA.
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Di Mento B, John JR, Diaz AM, Lin PI, Masi A, Grove R, Eapen V. Sex Differences in the Broad Autism Phenotype: Insights from the Australian Biobank. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06466-4. [PMID: 39023802 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06466-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Examining sub-threshold autistic traits in non-autistic first-degree relatives of individuals on the autism spectrum, known as the Broad Autism Phenotype (BAP), could provide new insights into the associations and familial aggregation of autistic traits. This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study of parents (n = 1008), probands with autism (n = 613), and unaffected siblings (n = 221) of probands with autism. BAP traits were examined by the BAP Questionnaire and Communication Checklist-Adult in parents, Autism Developmental Observation Scale-Second edition in probands, and Social Responsiveness Scale in siblings. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to investigate the associations of parental BAP traits on autistic traits in probands and unaffected sibling BAP traits. Fathers showed significantly increased aloofness, pragmatic language difficulties, and social engagement problems compared to mothers. Female siblings showed increased difficulties with social cognition compared to male siblings. Adjusted models of the regression analyses showed that all BAP traits in fathers were significantly associated with BAP trait expression in probands with autism. Additionally, all of mother's BAP traits were significantly associated with unaffected siblings' BAP trait expression while only fathers' aloofness and rigidity traits were inversely associated with siblings' BAP trait expression. Finally, there were significant inverse interactions noted between parent's BAP traits and their children's BAP trait expression. This study demonstrated differences in how males and females express BAP traits and also identified differences in parent-child associations by sex, with fathers having a greater effect on their proband children's expression of BAP traits than mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaise Di Mento
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - James Rufus John
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Antonio Mendoza Diaz
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Tasmanian Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Ping-I Lin
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Masi
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Autism CRC, Long Pocket, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rachel Grove
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
- Autism CRC, Long Pocket, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
- Academic Unit of Infant Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District, ICAMHS, L1 MHC, Liverpool Hospital, Elizabeth Street, Liverpool, 2170, NSW, Australia.
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Carpita B, Nardi B, Bonelli C, Pascariello L, Massimetti G, Cremone IM, Pini S, Palego L, Betti L, Giannaccini G, Dell’Osso L. Platelet Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Is There a Specific Association with Autism Spectrum Psychopathology? Biomedicines 2024; 12:1529. [PMID: 39062102 PMCID: PMC11274613 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
To date, although several studies have investigated the circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), only a few authors have addressed their evaluation in adults. Furthermore, an important limitation of these studies lies in the fact that circulating BDNF is stored in platelets and released into the circulation when needed. To the best of our knowledge, a very limited number of studies have related peripheral BDNF values to platelet counts, and yet no study has evaluated intra-platelet BDNF levels in adults with ASD. In this framework, the aim of the present work is to pave the way in this field and evaluate platelet BNDF levels in adult ASD patients, as well as their correlation with autistic symptoms and related psychopathological dimensions. We recruited 22 ASD and 22 healthy controls, evaluated with the Adult autism subthreshold spectrum (AdAS Spectrum), the Social Anxiety Spectrum-self report (SHY-SR), the Trauma and loss spectrum-self report (TALS-SR), the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), and the Mood Spectrum-self report for suicidality. Intra-platelet BDNF levels were also assessed. The results highlighted lower BDNF levels in the ASD group; moreover, AdAS Spectrum and WSAS total score as well as AdAS Spectrum Restricted interest and rumination, WSAS Private leisure activities, TALS-SR Arousal, and SHY-SR Childhood domains were significant negative predictors of platelet BDNF levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Benedetta Nardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Chiara Bonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Lavinia Pascariello
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Gabriele Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Ivan Mirko Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Stefano Pini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Lionella Palego
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Laura Betti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Gino Giannaccini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Liliana Dell’Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
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Machado AS, Dias G, P Carvalho I. Disentangling the relationship between sensory processing, alexithymia and broad autism spectrum: A study in parents' of children with autism spectrum disorders and sensory processing disorders. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 149:104742. [PMID: 38678875 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic features and sensory processing difficulties and their phenotypic co-expression with alexithymia share a transdiagnostic vulnerability. In this work, we explored whether the current concept of broad autism phenotype rather translates altered sensory processing (non-specific to autism), meaning that the characteristics of altered sensory processing should be overexpressed among individuals with heightened vulnerability to sensory processing atypicalities (parents of children with sensorial processing disorder, or SPD parents) and individuals with heightened vulnerability to autistic traits (parents of children with autism spectrum disorders, or ASD parents). In addition, the association between altered sensory processing and alexithymia was inspected. METHOD The Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, Autism Spectrum Quotient, and Toronto Alexithymia Scale were completed by 31 parents of children with ASD, 32 parents of children with SPD, and 52 parents of typically developed (TD) children. RESULTS Extreme sensory patterns were overexpressed both in parents of children with SPD and parents of children with ASD when compared to parents of TD children. In addition, extreme sensory patterns were significantly associated with alexithymia scores. Specifically, sensory avoidance, low registration, and sensory sensitivity were positively correlated with alexithymia. No significant differences were found regarding the proportion of autistic traits and alexithymia between ASD and SPD groups of parents. CONCLUSIONS These results challenge the specificity of broad autism phenotype and suggest a neurodevelopmental atypicity with roots in altered sensory and emotional processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Machado
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal; Psychiatry Service of São João University Hospital Center (CHUSJ), Porto, Portugal.
| | - Goretti Dias
- Child and Adolescence Psychiatry Service, Santo António University Hospital Center (CHUSA), Porto, Portugal
| | - Irene P Carvalho
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal
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Dell'Osso L, Amatori G, Giovannoni F, Massimetti E, Cremone IM, Carpita B. Rumination and altered reactivity to sensory input as vulnerability factors for developing post-traumatic stress symptoms among adults with autistic traits. CNS Spectr 2024; 29:119-125. [PMID: 38224059 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852924000014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent literature has suggested that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autistic traits (ATs) would be more likely to encounter traumatic events in their lifetime and to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the nature of this relationship has not yet been fully elucidated. The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationship between AT and PTSD and to investigate which specific autistic dimension was more associated with trauma and stress-related symptoms. METHODS A total of 68 subjects with ASD and 64 healthy controls (HCs) were assessed with the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum) and the Trauma and Loss Spectrum (TALS) questionnaires. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, calculation of Spearman's coefficients, and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Patients with significant AT reported a 30% rate of PTSD and higher TALS total and domain scores than HCs, among whom no PTSD was found instead. Significant positive correlations were reported between AdAS Spectrum and TALS-SR scores in the whole sample. AdAS Spectrum total scores were statistically predictive of the presence of PTSD. High scores at AdAS Spectrum Inflexibility and adherence to routine and Restrictive interest and rumination domains were identified as positive predictors of a probable PTSD. CONCLUSION Compared to HCs, subjects with significant AT are more likely to present symptoms of PTSD. In particular, AT related to ruminative thinking, narrow interests, and sensorial reactivity would seem to predict the presence of post-traumatic stress symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Amatori
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Giovannoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Ivan Mirko Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Richards JE, Guy MW, Hogan AL, Roberts JE. Neural correlates of face processing among preschoolers with fragile X syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, autism siblings, and typical development. Autism Res 2024; 17:89-108. [PMID: 37916532 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The current study examined patterns of event-related potential (ERP) responses during a face processing task in groups of preschoolers uniquely impacted by autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including (1) children with ASD; (2) children with fragile X syndrome (FXS); (3) children with familial risk for ASD, but without a diagnosis (i.e., ASIBs); and (4) a low-risk control (LRC) group. Children with FXS have a high incidence of ASD diagnoses, but there have been no studies of the ERP response to faces in children with FXS and little work focused on children with ASD who have cognitive impairment. The current study examined children's ERP responses to faces and houses in four groups: LRC (N = 28, age = 5.2 years), ASIB (N = 23, age = 5.5 years), FXS (N = 19, age = 5.82 years), and ASD (N = 23, age = 5.5 years). The FXS and ASD groups were characterized by the presence of cognitive impairment. Pictures of upright and inverted faces and houses were presented while recording EEG with a 128-channel system. The N170 occurred at about 200 ms post stimulus onset, was largest on the posterior-lateral electrodes, and was larger for faces than houses. The P1 and N170 ERP components were larger for the FXS group than for the other three groups. The N170 ERP amplitude for the ASD and ASIB groups was smaller than both the LRC and FXS groups, and the LRC and FXS groups had the largest N170 responses on the right side. No difference was found in N170 latency between groups. The similarity of the ASD and ASIB responses suggest a common genetic or environmental origin of the reduced response. Although children with FXS have a high incidence of ASD outcomes, they differed from ASD and ASIB children in this study. Specifically, the children with FXS were hyperresponsive to all stimulus types while the ASD and ASIB groups showed attenuated responses for specific stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Richards
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Maggie W Guy
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Abigail L Hogan
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jane E Roberts
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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Mosconi MW, Stevens CJ, Unruh KE, Shafer R, Elison JT. Endophenotype trait domains for advancing gene discovery in autism spectrum disorder. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:41. [PMID: 37993779 PMCID: PMC10664534 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09511-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with a diverse range of etiological processes, including both genetic and non-genetic causes. For a plurality of individuals with ASD, it is likely that the primary causes involve multiple common inherited variants that individually account for only small levels of variation in phenotypic outcomes. This genetic landscape creates a major challenge for detecting small but important pathogenic effects associated with ASD. To address similar challenges, separate fields of medicine have identified endophenotypes, or discrete, quantitative traits that reflect genetic likelihood for a particular clinical condition and leveraged the study of these traits to map polygenic mechanisms and advance more personalized therapeutic strategies for complex diseases. Endophenotypes represent a distinct class of biomarkers useful for understanding genetic contributions to psychiatric and developmental disorders because they are embedded within the causal chain between genotype and clinical phenotype, and they are more proximal to the action of the gene(s) than behavioral traits. Despite their demonstrated power for guiding new understanding of complex genetic structures of clinical conditions, few endophenotypes associated with ASD have been identified and integrated into family genetic studies. In this review, we argue that advancing knowledge of the complex pathogenic processes that contribute to ASD can be accelerated by refocusing attention toward identifying endophenotypic traits reflective of inherited mechanisms. This pivot requires renewed emphasis on study designs with measurement of familial co-variation including infant sibling studies, family trio and quad designs, and analysis of monozygotic and dizygotic twin concordance for select trait dimensions. We also emphasize that clarification of endophenotypic traits necessarily will involve integration of transdiagnostic approaches as candidate traits likely reflect liability for multiple clinical conditions and often are agnostic to diagnostic boundaries. Multiple candidate endophenotypes associated with ASD likelihood are described, and we propose a new focus on the analysis of "endophenotype trait domains" (ETDs), or traits measured across multiple levels (e.g., molecular, cellular, neural system, neuropsychological) along the causal pathway from genes to behavior. To inform our central argument for research efforts toward ETD discovery, we first provide a brief review of the concept of endophenotypes and their application to psychiatry. Next, we highlight key criteria for determining the value of candidate endophenotypes, including unique considerations for the study of ASD. Descriptions of different study designs for assessing endophenotypes in ASD research then are offered, including analysis of how select patterns of results may help prioritize candidate traits in future research. We also present multiple candidate ETDs that collectively cover a breadth of clinical phenomena associated with ASD, including social, language/communication, cognitive control, and sensorimotor processes. These ETDs are described because they represent promising targets for gene discovery related to clinical autistic traits, and they serve as models for analysis of separate candidate domains that may inform understanding of inherited etiological processes associated with ASD as well as overlapping neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Mosconi
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
| | - Cassandra J Stevens
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Kathryn E Unruh
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Robin Shafer
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Jed T Elison
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Cardon G, McQuarrie M, Calton S, Gabrielsen TP. Similar overall expression, but different profiles, of autistic traits, sensory processing, and mental health between young adult males and females. RESEARCH IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 2023; 109:102263. [PMID: 37990737 PMCID: PMC10659573 DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2023.102263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Recent trends suggest that autism is more common in females than traditionally held. Additionally, some argue that females express autistic traits differently than males. Dimensional views of autism could shed light on these issues, especially with regards to understudied behavioral areas, such as sensory processing. We examined autistic traits, sensory processing, anxiety, and related behaviors in a large sample of neurotypical young adult males and females (n = 1,122; 556 female; ages 19-26). Participants completed an online survey containing questionnaires related to the above. Between groups statistical analyses, as well as within groups correlations and mediation analyses containing these constructs were then computed. We also carried out a cluster analysis to establish groups with behavioral similarities and estimate within-cluster male/female ratios. Results showed modest differences in the overall expression of autistic traits and sensory processing, if any, between males and females. Conversely, more detailed examination of survey subtests and mediation analyses revealed differing profiles between these groups. Cluster analysis uncovered a group comprised of both males (69.8%) and females (30.2%) who exhibited elevated degrees of autism-related behaviors, suggesting a higher proportion of females than would be predicted by traditional ratios. Taken together, these findings suggest that males and females may not differ as much as previously thought in their general levels of autistic traits or sensory processing, but may present with distinct profiles of such behaviors. These novel results add to our understanding of autistic traits in females and have the potential to positively influence diagnostic and support practices.
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9
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Carpita B, Massoni L, Battaglini S, Palego L, Cremone IM, Massimetti G, Betti L, Giannaccini G, Dell'Osso L. IL-6, homocysteine, and autism spectrum phenotypes: an investigation among adults with autism spectrum disorder and their first-degree relatives. CNS Spectr 2023; 28:620-628. [PMID: 36690583 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852923000019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of recognizing different kinds of autism spectrum presentations among adults, including subthreshold forms and the broad autism phenotype (BAP), has been increasingly highlighted in recent studies. Meanwhile, the possible involvement of immune system deregulation and altered methylation/trans-sulfuration processes in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is gaining growing attention, but studies in this field are mainly focused on children. In this framework, the aim of this study was to compare plasmatic concentrations of IL-6 and homocysteine (HCY) among adults with ASD, their first-degree relatives, and healthy controls (CTLs), investigating also possible correlations with specific autism symptoms. METHODS Plasma concentrations of IL-6 and HCY were measured in a group of adult subjects with ASD, their first-degree relatives (BAP group), and healthy controls (CTL). All participants were also evaluated with psychometric instruments. RESULTS IL-6 and HCY concentrations were significantly higher in the ASD group than in CTLs, while BAP subjects reported intermediate results. Significant correlations were reported between biochemical parameters and psychometric scales, particularly for the dimension of ruminative thinking. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the hypothesis of a key involvement of HCY-related metabolism and immune system alteration in autism spectrum pathophysiology. HCY and IL-6 seem to show different associations with specific autism dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Leonardo Massoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Battaglini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Ivan M Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Betti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Patel SP, Winston M, Guilfoyle J, Nicol T, Martin GE, Nayar K, Kraus N, Losh M. Neural Processing of Speech Sounds in ASD and First-Degree Relatives. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:3257-3271. [PMID: 35672616 PMCID: PMC10019095 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05562-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Efficient neural encoding of sound plays a critical role in speech and language, and when impaired, may have reverberating effects on communication skills. This study investigated disruptions to neural processing of temporal and spectral properties of speech in individuals with ASD and their parents and found evidence of inefficient temporal encoding of speech sounds in both groups. The ASD group further demonstrated less robust neural representation of spectral properties of speech sounds. Associations between neural processing of speech sounds and language-related abilities were evident in both groups. Parent-child associations were also detected in neural pitch processing. Together, results suggest that atypical neural processing of speech sounds is a heritable ingredient contributing to the ASD language phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani P Patel
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Molly Winston
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Janna Guilfoyle
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Trent Nicol
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Gary E Martin
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, St. John's University, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Kritika Nayar
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Nina Kraus
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
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11
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Rosenblau G, Frolichs K, Korn CW. A neuro-computational social learning framework to facilitate transdiagnostic classification and treatment across psychiatric disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 149:105181. [PMID: 37062494 PMCID: PMC10236440 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Social deficits are among the core and most striking psychiatric symptoms, present in most psychiatric disorders. Here, we introduce a novel social learning framework, which consists of neuro-computational models that combine reinforcement learning with various types of social knowledge structures. We outline how this social learning framework can help specify and quantify social psychopathology across disorders and provide an overview of the brain regions that may be involved in this type of social learning. We highlight how this framework can specify commonalities and differences in the social psychopathology of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), personality disorders (PD), and major depressive disorder (MDD) and improve treatments on an individual basis. We conjecture that individuals with psychiatric disorders rely on rigid social knowledge representations when learning about others, albeit the nature of their rigidity and the behavioral consequences can greatly differ. While non-clinical cohorts tend to efficiently adapt social knowledge representations to relevant environmental constraints, psychiatric cohorts may rigidly stick to their preconceived notions or overly coarse knowledge representations during learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Rosenblau
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA; Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA.
| | - Koen Frolichs
- Section Social Neuroscience, Department of General Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph W Korn
- Section Social Neuroscience, Department of General Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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12
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Koceski A, Smith CJ, Syed YA, Trajkovski V. Understanding the Relationship between Distress Behaviour and Health Status of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11111565. [PMID: 37297706 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11111565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with complex distress and challenging behaviours that have a negative impact on the everyday life of those with ASD, as well as their parents and carers. These challenging behaviours include negative emotional behaviours, motor behaviours, and changes in routines. Even though challenging behaviours occur in most subjects with ASD, the cause of these largely remains unknown. It has been implicated that these challenging behaviours are associated with a change in the health of those with ASD. More research needs to be conducted that can establish a direct association. Towards this goal, the present study aimed to explore whether health status had an impact on the distressing behaviour in the subjects diagnosed with ASD. We analysed the response from the parents/carers in a Macedonian population of those with ASD, to determine which challenging behaviours were most likely to be observed during a change in health. Based on a scoring system, the manifestation of challenging behaviour was evaluated and compared with the changes in health. Changes in appetite or dietary preferences, irritability and low mood, and loss of previously acquired skills had the greatest association with a change in health. These findings provide early insight into types of challenging behaviours that are directly associated with a change in health. Our results demonstrate a relationship between health status and challenging behaviour in the subject with autism, suggesting that caregivers may need to consider this when choosing strategies for managing challenging behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Koceski
- Primary School "Blaze Koneski", 7500 Prilep, North Macedonia
| | - Callum J Smith
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
- School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Ave., Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Yasir Ahmed Syed
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
- School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Ave., Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Vladimir Trajkovski
- Macedonian Scientific Society for Autism, Institute of Special Education and Institute of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Philosophy, University "Ss. Cyril and Methodius", 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
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13
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Guilfoyle J, Winston M, Sideris J, Martin GE, Nayar K, Bush L, Wassink T, Losh M. Childhood Academic Performance: A Potential Marker of Genetic Liability to Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:1989-2005. [PMID: 35194728 PMCID: PMC9932999 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05459-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a heritable neurodevelopmental disorder, confers genetic liability that is often expressed among relatives through subclinical, genetically-meaningful traits, or endophenotypes. For instance, relative to controls, parents of individuals with ASD differ in language-related skills, with differences emerging in childhood. To examine ASD-related endophenotypes, this study investigated developmental academic profiles among clinically unaffected siblings of individuals with ASD (n = 29). Lower performance in language-related skills among siblings mirrored previously-reported patterns among parents, which were also associated with greater subclinical ASD-related traits in themselves and their parents, and with greater symptom severity in their sibling with ASD. Findings demonstrated specific phenotypes, derived from standardized academic testing, that may represent childhood indicators of genetic liability to ASD in first-degree relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna Guilfoyle
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr., Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Molly Winston
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr., Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - John Sideris
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | - Kritika Nayar
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr., Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Lauren Bush
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr., Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | | | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr., Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
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14
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Lau JC, Losh M, Speights M. Differences in speech articulatory timing and associations with pragmatic language ability in autism. RESEARCH IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 2023; 102:102118. [PMID: 37484484 PMCID: PMC10358876 DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2023.102118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Background Speech articulation difficulties have not traditionally been considered to be a feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In contrast, speech prosodic differences have been widely reported in ASD, and may even be expressed in subtle form among clinically unaffected first-degree relatives, representing the expression of underlying genetic liability. Some evidence has challenged this traditional dichotomy, suggesting that differences in speech articulatory mechanisms may be evident in ASD, and potentially related to perceived prosodic differences. Clinical measurement of articulatory skills has traditionally been phoneme-based, rather than by acoustic measurement of motor control. Subtle differences in articulatory/motor control, prosodic characteristics (acoustic), and pragmatic language ability (linguistic) may each be contributors to differences perceived by listeners, but the interrelationship is unclear. In this study, we examined the articulatory aspects of this relationship, in speech samples from individuals with ASD and their parents during narration. Method Using Speechmark® analysis, we examined articulatory landmarks, fine-grained representations of articulatory timing as series of laryngeal and vocal-tract gestures pertaining to prosodic elements crucial for conveying pragmatic information. Results Results revealed articulatory timing differences in individuals with ASD but not their parents, suggesting that although potentially not influenced by broader genetic liability to ASD, subtle articulatory differences may indeed be evident in ASD as the recent literature indicates. A follow-up path analysis detected associations between articulatory timing differences and prosody, and subsequently, pragmatic language ability. Conclusion Together, results suggest a complex relationship where subtle differences in articulatory timing may result in atypical acoustic signals, and serve as a distal mechanistic contributor to pragmatic language ability ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C.Y. Lau
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, U.S.A
| | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, U.S.A
| | - Marisha Speights
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, U.S.A
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15
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Pintacuda G, Hsu YHH, Tsafou K, Li KW, Martín JM, Riseman J, Biagini JC, Ching JK, Mena D, Gonzalez-Lozano MA, Egri SB, Jaffe J, Smit AB, Fornelos N, Eggan KC, Lage K. Protein interaction studies in human induced neurons indicate convergent biology underlying autism spectrum disorders. CELL GENOMICS 2023; 3:100250. [PMID: 36950384 PMCID: PMC10025425 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2022.100250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have been linked to genes with enriched expression in the brain, but it is unclear how these genes converge into cell-type-specific networks. We built a protein-protein interaction network for 13 ASD-associated genes in human excitatory neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The network contains newly reported interactions and is enriched for genetic and transcriptional perturbations observed in individuals with ASDs. We leveraged the network data to show that the ASD-linked brain-specific isoform of ANK2 is important for its interactions with synaptic proteins and to characterize a PTEN-AKAP8L interaction that influences neuronal growth. The IGF2BP1-3 complex emerged as a convergent point in the network that may regulate a transcriptional circuit of ASD-associated genes. Our findings showcase cell-type-specific interactomes as a framework to complement genetic and transcriptomic data and illustrate how both individual and convergent interactions can lead to biological insights into ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Pintacuda
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Yu-Han H. Hsu
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kalliopi Tsafou
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ka Wan Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, CNCR, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline M. Martín
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jackson Riseman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Julia C. Biagini
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Joshua K.T. Ching
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Daya Mena
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Miguel A. Gonzalez-Lozano
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, CNCR, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Shawn B. Egri
- Proteomics Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jake Jaffe
- Proteomics Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - August B. Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, CNCR, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nadine Fornelos
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kevin C. Eggan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Kasper Lage
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Centre Sct. Hans, Mental Health Services Copenhagen, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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16
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Patel SP, Landau E, Martin GE, Rayburn C, Elahi S, Fragnito G, Losh M. A profile of prosodic speech differences in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and first-degree relatives. JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2023; 102:106313. [PMID: 36804204 PMCID: PMC10395513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcomdis.2023.106313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impairments in prosody (e.g., intonation, stress) are among the most notable communication characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can significantly impact communicative interactions. Evidence suggests that differences in prosody may be evident among first-degree relatives of autistic individuals, indicating that genetic liability to ASD is expressed through prosodic variation, along with subclinical traits referred to as the broad autism phenotype (BAP). This study aimed to further characterize prosodic profiles associated with ASD and the BAP to better understand the clinical and etiologic significance of prosodic differences. METHOD Autistic individuals, their parents, and respective control groups completed the Profiling Elements of Prosody in Speech-Communication (PEPS-C), an assessment of receptive and expressive prosody. Responses to expressive subtests were further examined using acoustic analyses. Relationships between PEPS-C performance, acoustic measurements, and pragmatic language ability in conversation were assessed to understand how differences in prosody might contribute to broader ASD-related pragmatic profiles. RESULTS In ASD, receptive prosody deficits were observed in contrastive stress. With regard to expressive prosody, both the ASD and ASD Parent groups exhibited reduced accuracy in imitation, lexical stress, and contrastive stress expression compared to respective control groups, though no acoustic differences were noted. In ASD and Control groups, lower accuracy across several PEPS-C subtests and acoustic measurements related to increased pragmatic language violations. In parents, acoustic measurements were tied to broader pragmatic language and personality traits of the BAP. CONCLUSION Overlapping areas of expressive prosody differences were identified in ASD and parents, providing evidence that prosody is an important language-related ability that may be impacted by genetic risk of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani P Patel
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Emily Landau
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Gary E Martin
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, St. John's University, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Claire Rayburn
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Saadia Elahi
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Gabrielle Fragnito
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 N Campus Dr, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
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17
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Roberts MY, Sone BJ, Jones M, Grauzer J, Sudec L, Stern YS, Kwok E, Losh M, Kaat A. One size does not fit all for parent-mediated autism interventions: A randomized clinical trial. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:443-455. [PMID: 35695680 PMCID: PMC9744957 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221102736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Parent-mediated interventions support parents' use of language facilitation strategies to improve their autistic child's communication and language development. To improve the effectiveness of parent-mediated interventions, it is important to individualize interventions. This article evaluates how different components of parent-mediated interventions and mothers' learning styles influence the effectiveness of the intervention. In a randomized clinical trial, mothers were taught to use one of two types of language facilitation strategies: responsive and directive. Mothers' learning styles were characterized by the Broad Autism Phenotype (BAP) and their natural tendency to use language facilitation strategies before intervention. Findings suggest that it was easier for all mothers (irrespective of learning style) to use responsive strategies compared to directive strategies. In addition, mothers with learning styles that were not consistent with the BAP were more likely to benefit from the intervention if they did not naturally use strategies before the intervention. In contrast, mothers with learning styles that were consistent with the BAP were more likely to benefit from the intervention if they did naturally use strategies before the intervention. Teaching mothers to use responsive strategies results in greater strategy use. Consideration of BAP and mothers' natural use of language facilitation strategies may inform intervention individualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Y. Roberts
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University
- Feinberg School of Medicine; Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University
| | - Bailey J. Sone
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University
| | - Maranda Jones
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University
| | - Jeffrey Grauzer
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University
| | - Laura Sudec
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University
| | - Yael S. Stern
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University
| | - Elaine Kwok
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University
| | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University
- Feinberg School of Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University
| | - Aaron Kaat
- Feinberg School of Medicine; Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University
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18
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Autism traits and real-world executive functioning in parents of children with disabilities and undergraduates. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04097-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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19
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Hogan AL, Winston M, Barstein J, Losh M. Slower Peak Pupillary Response to Emotional Faces in Parents of Autistic Individuals. Front Psychol 2022; 13:836719. [PMID: 36304881 PMCID: PMC9595282 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.836719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Atypical autonomic arousal has been consistently documented in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is thought to contribute to the social-communication phenotype of ASD. Some evidence suggests that clinically unaffected first-degree relatives of autistic individuals may also show subtle differences in indices of autonomic arousal, potentially implicating heritable pathophysiological mechanisms in ASD. This study examined pupillary responses in parents of autistic individuals to investigate evidence that atypical autonomic arousal might constitute a subclinical physiological marker of ASD heritability within families of autistic individuals. Methods Pupillary responses to emotional faces were measured in 47 ASD parents and 20 age-matched parent controls. Macro-level pupillary responses (e.g., mean, peak, latency to peak) and dynamic pupillary responses over the course of the stimulus presentation were compared between groups, and in relationship to subclinical ASD-related features in ASD parents. A small ASD group (n = 20) and controls (n = 17) were also included for exploratory analyses of parent–child correlations in pupillary response. Results Parents of autistic individuals differed in the time course of pupillary response, exhibiting a later primary peak response than controls. In ASD parents, slower peak response was associated with poorer pragmatic language and larger peak response was associated with poorer social cognition. Exploratory analyses revealed correlations between peak pupillary responses in ASD parents and mean and peak pupillary responses in their autistic children. Conclusion Differences in pupillary responses in clinically unaffected parents, together with significant correlations with ASD-related features and significant parent–child associations, suggest that pupillary responses to emotional faces may constitute an objective physiological marker of ASD genetic liability, with potential to inform the mechanistic underpinnings of ASD symptomatology.
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20
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He AX, Luyster RJ, Arunachalam S. Parental tuning of language input to autistic and nonspectrum children. Front Psychol 2022; 13:954983. [PMID: 36211865 PMCID: PMC9537044 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.954983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Caregivers' language input supports children's language development, and it is often tuned to the child's current level of skill. Evidence suggests that parental input is tuned to accommodate children's expressive language levels, but accommodation to receptive language abilities is less understood. In particular, little is known about parental sensitivity to children's abilities to process language in real time. Compared to nonspectrum children, children on the spectrum are slower to process language. In this study, we ask: Do parents of autistic children and those of nonspectrum children tune their language input to accommodate children's different language processing abilities? Children with and without a diagnosis of autism (ages 2-6 years, N = 35) and their parents viewed a display of six images, one of which was the target. The parent labeled the target to direct the child's attention to it. We first examined children's language processing abilities by assessing their latencies to shift gaze to the labeled referent; from this, we found slower latencies in the autistic group than in the nonspectrum group, in line with previous findings. We then examined features of parents' language and found that parents in both groups produced similar language, suggesting that parents may not adjust their language input according to children's speed of language processing. This finding suggests that (1) capturing parental sensitivity to children's receptive language, and specifically language processing, may enrich our models of individual differences in language input, and (2) future work should investigate if supporting caregivers in tuning their language use according to children's language processing can improve children's language outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Xiaoxue He
- Department of English and Literature, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rhiannon J. Luyster
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Emerson College, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sudha Arunachalam
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, New York University, New York, NY, United States
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21
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Wawer A, Chojnicka I. Detecting autism from picture book narratives using deep neural utterance embeddings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2022; 57:948-962. [PMID: 35555933 PMCID: PMC9790309 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficits in the ability to use language in social contexts, including storytelling skills, are observed across the autism spectrum. Development in machine-learning approaches may contribute to clinical psychology and psychiatry, given its potential to support decisions concerning the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions and disorders. AIMS To evaluate the usefulness of deep neural networks for detecting autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from textual utterances, specifically from narrations produced by individuals with ASD. METHODS & PROCEDURES We examined two text encoders: Embeddings from Language Models (ELMo) and Universal Sentence Encoder (USE), and three classification algorithms: XGBoost, support vector machines, and dense neural network layer. We aimed to classify 25 participants with ASD and 25 participants with typical development (TD) based on their narrations produced during the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) picture book task. The results of computational approaches were compared with the results of standardized testing and classifications made by two psychiatrists (raters). The raters were asked to read utterances produced by a participant (without an examiner's statements and additional information) and assign a participant to one of the two groups: ASD or with typical development (TD). OUTCOMES & RESULTS The computer-based models had higher sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values and negative predictive values than the raters, and lower than the two standardized instruments: ADOS-2 and Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS Our findings lay the groundwork for future studies involving deep neural network-based text representation models as tools for augmenting the ASD diagnosis or screening. Both ELMo and USE text encoders provided promising specificities, sensitivities, positive predictive values and negative predictive values. Our results indicate the usefulness of page-level embeddings for utterance representation in ADOS-2 picture book task. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on this subject Deficits in the use of language in social contexts, and narrative ability in particular, are observed across the autism spectrum. Most research on narrative skills has applied hand-coding methods. Hitherto, machine-learning methods were used mostly for image recognition problems and data from screening questionnaires for ASD classification. Detection of mental and developmental disorders from textual input is an emerging field for machine and deep-learning methods. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study explored the ability of several types of deep neural network-based text representation models to detect ASD. Both ELMo and USE provided the most promising values of specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive values and negative predictive values. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Competitive accuracy, repeatability, speed and ease of operation are all advantages of computerized methods. They allow for objective and quantitative assessment of narrative ability and complex language skills. Deep neural network-based text representation models could in the future support clinicians and augment the decision-making process related to ASD diagnosis, screening and intervention planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Wawer
- Institute of Computer SciencePolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
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22
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Girault JB, Donovan K, Hawks Z, Talovic M, Forsen E, Elison JT, Shen MD, Swanson MR, Wolff JJ, Kim SH, Nishino T, Davis S, Snyder AZ, Botteron KN, Estes AM, Dager SR, Hazlett HC, Gerig G, McKinstry R, Pandey J, Schultz RT, St John T, Zwaigenbaum L, Todorov A, Truong Y, Styner M, Pruett JR, Constantino JN, Piven J. Infant Visual Brain Development and Inherited Genetic Liability in Autism. Am J Psychiatry 2022; 179:573-585. [PMID: 35615814 PMCID: PMC9356977 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.21101002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is heritable, and younger siblings of ASD probands are at higher likelihood of developing ASD themselves. Prospective MRI studies of siblings report that atypical brain development precedes ASD diagnosis, although the link between brain maturation and genetic factors is unclear. Given that familial recurrence of ASD is predicted by higher levels of ASD traits in the proband, the authors investigated associations between proband ASD traits and brain development among younger siblings. METHODS In a sample of 384 proband-sibling pairs (89 pairs concordant for ASD), the authors examined associations between proband ASD traits and sibling brain development at 6, 12, and 24 months in key MRI phenotypes: total cerebral volume, cortical surface area, extra-axial cerebrospinal fluid, occipital cortical surface area, and splenium white matter microstructure. Results from primary analyses led the authors to implement a data-driven approach using functional connectivity MRI at 6 months. RESULTS Greater levels of proband ASD traits were associated with larger total cerebral volume and surface area and larger surface area and reduced white matter integrity in components of the visual system in siblings who developed ASD. This aligned with weaker functional connectivity between several networks and the visual system among all siblings during infancy. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide evidence that specific early brain MRI phenotypes of ASD reflect quantitative variation in familial ASD traits. Multimodal anatomical and functional convergence on cortical regions, fiber pathways, and functional networks involved in visual processing suggest that inherited liability has a role in shaping the prodromal development of visual circuitry in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica B Girault
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Educational Psychology (Wolff), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis;Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Kevin Donovan
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Zoë Hawks
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Muhamed Talovic
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Elizabeth Forsen
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Jed T Elison
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Mark D Shen
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Meghan R Swanson
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Jason J Wolff
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Sun Hyung Kim
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Tomoyuki Nishino
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Savannah Davis
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Abraham Z Snyder
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Kelly N Botteron
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Annette M Estes
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Stephen R Dager
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Heather C Hazlett
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Guido Gerig
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Robert McKinstry
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Juhi Pandey
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Robert T Schultz
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Tanya St John
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Alexandre Todorov
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Young Truong
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Martin Styner
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - John R Pruett
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - John N Constantino
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
| | - Joseph Piven
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (Girault, Forsen, Shen, Hazlett, Piven), Department of Psychiatry (Girault, Shen, Kim, Hazlett, Styner, Piven), Department of Biostatistics (Donovan, Truong), and ; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences (Hawks) and Department of Psychiatry (Talovic, Nishino, Davis, Botteron, Todorov, Pruett, Constantino), Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; Institute of Child Development (Elison) and Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Tex. (Swanson); Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis (Snyder, McKinstry); Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle (Estes, St. John); Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle (Dager); Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York (Gerig); Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia (Pandey, Schultz); Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (Zwaigenbaum)
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23
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Patel SP, Cole J, Lau JCY, Fragnito G, Losh M. Verbal entrainment in autism spectrum disorder and first-degree relatives. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11496. [PMID: 35798758 PMCID: PMC9262979 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12945-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Entrainment, the unconscious process leading to coordination between communication partners, is an important dynamic human behavior that helps us connect with one another. Difficulty developing and sustaining social connections is a hallmark of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Subtle differences in social behaviors have also been noted in first-degree relatives of autistic individuals and may express underlying genetic liability to ASD. In-depth examination of verbal entrainment was conducted to examine disruptions to entrainment as a contributing factor to the language phenotype in ASD. Results revealed distinct patterns of prosodic and lexical entrainment in individuals with ASD. Notably, subtler entrainment differences in prosodic and syntactic entrainment were identified in parents of autistic individuals. Findings point towards entrainment, particularly prosodic entrainment, as a key process linked to social communication difficulties in ASD and reflective of genetic liability to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani P Patel
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jennifer Cole
- Department of Linguistics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Joseph C Y Lau
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Gabrielle Fragnito
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
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24
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Godoy-Giménez M, González-Rodríguez A, Cañadas F, Estévez AF, Sayans-Jiménez P. Is it Possible to Assess the Two-Domain Definition of the Broad Autism Phenotype Using the Available Measurement Tools? J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:2884-2895. [PMID: 34185239 PMCID: PMC9213296 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05158-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although, the operationalization of the autism spectrum disorder has been updated around two domains, the broad autism phenotype (BAP) one has not. Additionally, the items of the three common BAP measures, the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ), the Autism Quotient, and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), remain organized around a non-consensual number of factors. We explored whether the items of these measures matched with the two-domain operationalization through a parallel analysis, which has suggested two main components, and two expert judgments which have assessed item wording, relevance, and construct representativeness. A remaining pool of 48 BAP-relevant items suggested a possible under-representation of two subdomains. Despite the relevance of all the BAPQ items, only the SRS ones tapped in all subdomains.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Godoy-Giménez
- Department of Psychology, University of Almeria, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | | | - F Cañadas
- Department of Psychology, University of Almeria, 04120, Almería, Spain
- CERNEP Research Centre, University of Almeria, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - A F Estévez
- Department of Psychology, University of Almeria, 04120, Almería, Spain.
- CERNEP Research Centre, University of Almeria, 04120, Almería, Spain.
| | - P Sayans-Jiménez
- Department of Psychology, University of Almeria, 04120, Almería, Spain.
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25
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Decreased Empathy Response to Other's Pain in Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Nerv Ment Dis 2022; 210:468-473. [PMID: 35472086 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate pain empathy ability and self-reported empathy among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Twenty-four parents of children with ASD and 26 parents of typically developing children completed the Empathy Quotient (EQ) self-report scale and responded to painful or neutral images during an empathy-for-pain paradigm test. Parents of children with ASD had lower EQ scores, lower accuracy, and longer reaction time (RT) for pain empathy task response (all p < 0.05) compared with controls. There was a negative relationship between cognitive empathy, social skills, total EQ scores, and RT of response in parents of children with ASD. Our findings indicate that self-reported empathy deficits and decreased empathy response to the sight of others' pain in parents of children with ASD are part of a broader autistic phenotype.
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26
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Rose K, Michael C. Re: Older Age Autism Research: A Rapidly Growing Field, but Still a Long Way to Go by Mason et al.; DOI: 10.1089/aut.2021.0041 ( Previously titled: The Rising Tide of "Gerontautism"). AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2022; 4:173-175. [PMID: 36776269 PMCID: PMC9907862 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2022.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kieran Rose
- Department for Psychology, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom.,www.theautisticadvocate.com,Address correspondence to: Kieran Rose, Honorary Research Associate, Department for Psychology, University of Sunderland, , C/O: , The Autistic Advocate, The HUB, 1 Sherburn Terrace, Consett, , County Durham, United Kingdom, DH8 6ND
| | - Cos Michael
- Autism Age, Norwich, United Kingdom, www.autismage.com
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27
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Kynurenine pathway and autism spectrum phenotypes: an investigation among adults with autism spectrum disorder and their first-degree relatives. CNS Spectr 2022; 28:374-385. [PMID: 35634735 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852922000840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing literature highlighted alterations of tryptophan (TRP) metabolism and kynurenine (KYN) pathway in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, no study specifically focused on adult samples. Meanwhile, several authors stressed the relevance of investigating neurobiological correlates of adult forms of ASD and of those subthreshold ASD manifestations frequently found in relatives of ASD probands, known as broad autism phenotype (BAP). This work aimed to evaluate circulating levels of TRP and metabolites of KYN pathway in a sample of ASD adults, their first-degree relatives and controls (CTLs), investigating also the correlations between biochemical variables' levels and ASD symptoms. METHODS A sample of ASD adults, together with a group of first-degree relatives (BAP group) and unrelated CTLs were assessed by means of psychometric scales. Circulating levels of TRP, KYN, quinolinic acid (QA), and kynurenic acid (KYNA) were assessed in all subjects. RESULTS ASD patients reported significantly higher total scores than the other groups on all psychometric scales. BAP subjects scored significantly higher than CTLs. ASD patients reported significantly lower TRP levels than BAP and CTL groups. Moreover, significantly lower levels of KYNA were reported in both ASD and BAP groups than in CTLs. Specific patterns of associations were found between autism symptoms and biochemical variables. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm in adult samples the presence of altered TRP metabolism through KYN pathway. The intermediate alterations reported among relatives of ASD patients further stress the presence of a continuum between subthreshold and full-threshold ASD phenotypes also from a biochemical perspective.
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28
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Evidence of partner similarity for autistic traits, systemizing, and theory of mind via facial expressions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8451. [PMID: 35589769 PMCID: PMC9118825 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11592-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been hypothesised that romantic partners are more similar than chance in relation to autistic traits. To test this theory, we recruited n = 105 heterosexual couples and examined within-couple correlations for autistic traits [measured using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)], empathizing [measured using the Empathy Quotient (EQ)], and systemizing [measured using the Systemizing Quotient-Revised (SQ-R)]. For a subsample that attended the lab (n = 58 couples), we also investigated theory of mind via facial expressions using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) and attention to detail, a component within systemizing, using the Embedded Figures Task (EFT). Variable-centred analyses revealed positive within-couple correlations for all measures except EQ, although these effects were only statistically significant for unmarried couples and not for married/engaged couples. Follow-up analyses indicated that the observed couple similarity effects are likely consistent with people pairing with those more similar than chance (initial assortment) rather than becoming alike over time (convergence), and to seeking out self-resembling partners (active assortment) rather than pairing in this manner via social stratification processes (social homogamy). Additionally, a significant within-couple correlation for autistic traits was observed at the meta-analytic level. However, it should be noted that the meta-analytic effect size estimate was small (r = 0.153) and indicates that only ~ 2% of variance in a person’s score on a phenotypic measure of autistic traits can be predicted by that of their partner.
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29
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Nayar K, Shic F, Winston M, Losh M. A constellation of eye-tracking measures reveals social attention differences in ASD and the broad autism phenotype. Mol Autism 2022; 13:18. [PMID: 35509089 PMCID: PMC9069739 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00490-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Social attention differences, expressed through gaze patterns, have been documented in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with subtle differences also reported among first-degree relatives, suggesting a shared genetic link. Findings have mostly been derived from standard eye-tracking methods (total fixation count or total fixation duration). Given the dynamics of visual attention, these standard methods may obscure subtle, yet core, differences in visual attention mechanisms, particularly those presenting sub-clinically. This study applied a constellation of eye-tracking analyses to gaze data from individuals with ASD and their parents. Methods This study included n = 156 participants across groups, including ASD (n = 24) and control (n = 32) groups, and parents of individuals with ASD (n = 61) and control parents (n = 39). A complex scene with social/non-social elements was displayed and gaze tracked via an eye tracker. Eleven analytic methods from the following categories were analyzed: (1) standard variables, (2) temporal dynamics (e.g., gaze over time), (3) fixation patterns (e.g., perseverative or regressive fixations), (4) first fixations, and (5) distribution patterns. MANOVAs, growth curve analyses, and Chi-squared tests were applied to examine group differences. Finally, group differences were examined on component scores derived from a principal component analysis (PCA) that reduced variables to distinct dimensions. Results No group differences emerged among standard, first fixation, and distribution pattern variables. Both the ASD and ASD parent groups demonstrated on average reduced social attention over time and atypical perseverative fixations. Lower social attention factor scores derived from PCA strongly differentiated the ASD and ASD parent groups from controls, with parent findings driven by the subset of parents demonstrating the broad autism phenotype. Limitations To generalize these findings, larger sample sizes, extended viewing contexts (e.g., dynamic stimuli), and even more eye-tracking analytical methods are needed. Conclusions Fixations over time and perseverative fixations differentiated ASD and the ASD parent groups from controls, with the PCA most robustly capturing social attention differences. Findings highlight their methodological utility in studies of the (broad) autism spectrum to capture nuanced visual attention differences that may relate to clinical symptoms in ASD, and reflect genetic liability in clinically unaffected relatives. This proof-of-concept study may inform future studies using eye tracking across populations where social attention is impacted. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-022-00490-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Nayar
- Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Lab, Roxelyn and Richard Pepper, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Frederick Shic
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Molly Winston
- Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Lab, Roxelyn and Richard Pepper, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Molly Losh
- Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Lab, Roxelyn and Richard Pepper, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
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30
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Tan DW, Gilani SZ, Alvares GA, Mian A, Whitehouse AJO, Maybery MT. An investigation of a novel broad autism phenotype: increased facial masculinity among parents of children on the autism spectrum. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220143. [PMID: 35317674 PMCID: PMC8941387 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The broad autism phenotype commonly refers to sub-clinical levels of autistic-like behaviour and cognition presented in biological relatives of autistic people. In a recent study, we reported findings suggesting that the broad autism phenotype may also be expressed in facial morphology, specifically increased facial masculinity. Increased facial masculinity has been reported among autistic children, as well as their non-autistic siblings. The present study builds on our previous findings by investigating the presence of increased facial masculinity among non-autistic parents of autistic children. Using a previously established method, a 'facial masculinity score' and several facial distances were calculated for each three-dimensional facial image of 192 parents of autistic children (58 males, 134 females) and 163 age-matched parents of non-autistic children (50 males, 113 females). While controlling for facial area and age, significantly higher masculinity scores and larger (more masculine) facial distances were observed in parents of autistic children relative to the comparison group, with effect sizes ranging from small to medium (0.16 ≤ d ≤ .41), regardless of sex. These findings add to an accumulating evidence base that the broad autism phenotype is expressed in physical characteristics and suggest that both maternal and paternal pathways are implicated in masculinized facial morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Weiting Tan
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Syed Zulqarnain Gilani
- Centre of AI & ML, School of Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia.,Institute for Nutrition Research, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Gail A Alvares
- Telethon Kids Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Ajmal Mian
- Centre of AI & ML, School of Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Murray T Maybery
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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31
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Klusek J, Thurman AJ, Abbeduo L. Maternal Pragmatic Language Difficulties in the FMR1 Premutation and the Broad Autism Phenotype: Associations with Individual and Family Outcomes. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:835-851. [PMID: 33813684 PMCID: PMC8488060 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04980-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Broader phenotypes associated with genetic liability, including mild difficulties with pragmatic language skills, have been documented in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and mothers of children with fragile X syndrome (FXS). This study investigated the relationship between pragmatic difficulties and indicators of maternal well-being and family functioning. Pragmatic difficulty was associated with loneliness in mothers of children with ASD or FXS, and with depression, decreased life satisfaction, and poorer family relationship quality in mothers of children with FXS only. Results inform subtle maternal pragmatic language difficulties as a risk factor that that may contribute to reduced health and well-being, informing tailored support services to better meet the unique needs of families of children with ASD or FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Klusek
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, 1705 College Street, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC 29208, USA
| | - Angela John Thurman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and MIND Institute, University of California Davis Health, 2825 50th Street, Room 2335, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Leonard Abbeduo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and MIND Institute, University of California Davis Health, 2825 50th Street, Room 2335, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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32
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Maltman N, Friedman L, Lorang E, Sterling A. Brief Report: Linguistic Mazes and Perseverations in School-Age Boys with Fragile X Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder and Relationships with Maternal Maze Use. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:897-907. [PMID: 33768421 PMCID: PMC8463634 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04981-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and fragile X syndrome (FXS) are neurodevelopmental disorders with overlapping pragmatic language impairments. Prior work suggests pragmatic language differences may run in families. This study examined specific pragmatic difficulties (i.e., linguistic mazes and perseverations) in boys (9-18 years) with idiopathic ASD (n = 26) and FXS+ASD (n = 29), and relationships with maternal maze use. Language samples were obtained separately for boys and mothers. Nonparametric analyses suggested that boys largely did not differ in their rates of mazes, but that boys with FXS+ASD exhibited more perseverations. Mazes were correlated between fragile X dyads. Maternal mazes were correlated with child perseverations among idiopathic ASD dyads. These findings have implications for the etiological significance of ASD-related language phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nell Maltman
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA.
| | - Laura Friedman
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | - Emily Lorang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | - Audra Sterling
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
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33
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Real-World Executive Functioning and Subclinical Autism Traits in Autism Parents, Other Disability Parents, and Non-Clinical Undergraduates. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02740-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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34
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Fanjul-Fernández M, Brown NJ, Hickey P, Diakumis P, Rafehi H, Bozaoglu K, Green CC, Rattray A, Young S, Alhuzaimi D, Mountford HS, Gillies G, Lukic V, Vick T, Finlay K, Coe BP, Eichler EE, Delatycki MB, Wilson SJ, Bahlo M, Scheffer IE, Lockhart PJ. A family study implicates GBE1 in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder. Hum Mutat 2022; 43:16-29. [PMID: 34633740 PMCID: PMC8720068 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders with an estimated heritability of >60%. Family-based genetic studies of ASD have generally focused on multiple small kindreds, searching for de novo variants of major effect. We hypothesized that molecular genetic analysis of large multiplex families would enable the identification of variants of milder effects. We studied a large multigenerational family of European ancestry with multiple family members affected with ASD or the broader autism phenotype (BAP). We identified a rare heterozygous variant in the gene encoding 1,4-ɑ-glucan branching enzyme 1 (GBE1) that was present in seven of seven individuals with ASD, nine of ten individuals with the BAP, and none of four tested unaffected individuals. We genotyped a community-acquired cohort of 389 individuals with ASD and identified three additional probands. Cascade analysis demonstrated that the variant was present in 11 of 13 individuals with familial ASD/BAP and neither of the two tested unaffected individuals in these three families, also of European ancestry. The variant was not enriched in the combined UK10K ASD cohorts of European ancestry but heterozygous GBE1 deletion was overrepresented in large ASD cohorts, collectively suggesting an association between GBE1 and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Fanjul-Fernández
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natasha J Brown
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Victoria, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Royal Children’s Hospital Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Hickey
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Diakumis
- University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Haloom Rafehi
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kiymet Bozaoglu
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cherie C Green
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Audrey Rattray
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Savannah Young
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dana Alhuzaimi
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hayley S Mountford
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Greta Gillies
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vesna Lukic
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tanya Vick
- Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Bradley P Coe
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Evan E Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Martin B Delatycki
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah J Wilson
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melanie Bahlo
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul J Lockhart
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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35
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Dell'Osso L, Amatori G, Gesi C, Carmassi C. A case of catatonia in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic: does autism spectrum matter? Ann Gen Psychiatry 2021; 20:54. [PMID: 34915925 PMCID: PMC8675113 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-021-00377-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing concern about the psychopathological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The prolonged stress due to the spreading fear of the contagion and to the enforced containment measures are deemed to trigger recurrences of preexisting mental disorders as well as the onset of new ones. From such perspective, clinical cases may be of primary ground to identify individual features and pandemic-related factors predisposing to the development of serious psychiatric symptoms. CASE PRESENTATION Mr. R. is a 64-year-old, married, unemployed man, whose premorbid personality was characterized by relevant autistic traits. The patient developed catatonia in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed at discussing the role of both preexisting and precipitating factors. CONCLUSIONS Autism spectrum could represent a predisposing factor for severe psychopathological outcome and catatonia. Furthermore, the present clinical case highlights the role of COVID-19 pandemic in influencing physical and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Amatori
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Camilla Gesi
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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The Route of Stress in Parents of Young Children with and without Autism: A Path-Analysis Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010887. [PMID: 34682634 PMCID: PMC8535200 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
We provide a conceptual model on the complex interaction between stress, psychological predisposition, and personality traits, accounting for gender, in parents of children with and without autism. We performed a path analysis using a structural equation modeling approach in a sample of parents including 60 ASD and 53 TD couples. In parents of typically developing children (TD), depression level and age are the main direct predictors of stress through the mediating effect of anxiety. Otherwise, in the ASD parent group, the personality trait ‘openness’ directly predicts the defensive response and stress levels without the mediating effect of anxiety. Our data suggest a route of action in promoting new behavioral strategies to prevent parenting stress, making families run smoothly.
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DeLucia EA, McKenna MP, Andrzejewski TM, Valentino K, McDonnell CG. A Pilot Study of Self-Regulation and Behavior Problems in Preschoolers with ASD: Parent Broader Autism Phenotype Traits Relate to Child Emotion Regulation and Inhibitory Control. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:4397-4411. [PMID: 34655010 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05322-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the development of self-regulation processes during the preschool period in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). How parental characteristics such as the broader autism phenotype (BAP) relate to children's self-regulation is not well understood. Preschool-aged children with (n = 24) and without ASD (n = 21) completed an inhibitory control task and mothers reported on child emotion regulation and their own BAP traits. Children with ASD had lower emotion regulation, and emotion regulation was a protective factor in the association between ASD and internalizing behavioral concerns. Lability/negativity was highly overlapping with externalizing. Maternal BAP characteristics were differentially associated with all self-regulation outcomes across groups. Parental factors should be considered in emotion regulation interventions for young children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A DeLucia
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Williams Hall, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA.
| | - Madeline P McKenna
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Theresa M Andrzejewski
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Williams Hall, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Kristin Valentino
- William J. Shaw Center for Children and Families, University of Notre Dame, 1602 N Ironwood Dr, South Bend, IN, 46635, USA
| | - Christina G McDonnell
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Williams Hall, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
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Álvarez-Couto M, García-Villamisar D, Sáez-Suanes GP, d'Orey Roquete M. Variables predicting the association between autistic traits and externalizing symptoms among young adults. ADVANCES IN AUTISM 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/aia-06-2020-0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Considering the high comorbidity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with externalizing disorders and that ASD is considered as a continuum, which implies the identification of it features in the whole population, the purpose of this paper is to know the characteristics of the association of externalizing symptoms in the population with ASD traits.
Design/methodology/approach
One hundred and seventeen postsecondary students participated in the study, providing responses to a battery of self-reported tests.
Findings
The existence of a significant association between ASD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (0.519; p < 0.01) was proved. Regression analyses showed that problems in executive functioning, working memory deficits and difficulties in the use of emotion regulation strategies predicted the presence of ADHD traits (F = 36.757, R2 = 62.3%, p < 0. 01) and impulsivity behavior (F = 18.249, R2 = 45.1%, p < 0.01).
Research limitations/implications
Externalizing symptomatology in people with higher ASD traits is extended to the general population. Future research should study other problematic behaviors, such as aggression or self-harm, to continue generating appropriate interventions.
Originality/value
The results reported reinforce the study of ASD as a dimensional disorder, in line with the latest advances in the classification of psychopathology. Considering which variables are behind the problematic behaviors allows interventions to be focused on these factors, contributing to their reduction and to the improvement of professional practices.
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Maltman N, Guilfoyle J, Nayar K, Martin GE, Winston M, Lau JCY, Bush L, Patel S, Lee M, Sideris J, Hall DA, Zhou L, Sharp K, Berry-Kravis E, Losh M. The Phenotypic Profile Associated With the FMR1 Premutation in Women: An Investigation of Clinical-Behavioral, Social-Cognitive, and Executive Abilities. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:718485. [PMID: 34421690 PMCID: PMC8377357 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.718485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The FMR1 gene in its premutation (PM) state has been linked to a range of clinical and subclinical phenotypes among FMR1 PM carriers, including some subclinical traits associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study attempted to further characterize the phenotypic profile associated with the FMR1 PM by studying a battery of assessments examining clinical-behavioral traits, social-cognitive, and executive abilities in women carrying the FMR1 PM, and associations with FMR1-related variability. Participants included 152 female FMR1 PM carriers and 75 female controls who were similar in age and IQ, and screened for neuromotor impairments or signs of fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. The phenotypic battery included assessments of ASD-related personality and language (i.e., pragmatic) traits, symptoms of anxiety and depression, four different social-cognitive tasks that tapped the ability to read internal states and emotions based on different cues (e.g., facial expressions, biological motion, and complex social scenes), and a measure of executive function. Results revealed a complex phenotypic profile among the PM carrier group, where subtle differences were observed in pragmatic language, executive function, and social-cognitive tasks that involved evaluating basic emotions and trustworthiness. The PM carrier group also showed elevated rates of ASD-related personality traits. In contrast, PM carriers performed similarly to controls on social-cognitive tasks that involved reliance on faces and biological motion. The PM group did not differ from controls on self-reported depression or anxiety symptoms. Using latent profile analysis, we observed three distinct subgroups of PM carriers who varied considerably in their performance across tasks. Among PM carriers, CGG repeat length was a significant predictor of pragmatic language violations. Results suggest a nuanced phenotypic profile characterized by subtle differences in select clinical-behavioral, social-cognitive, and executive abilities associated with the FMR1 PM in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nell Maltman
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Janna Guilfoyle
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Kritika Nayar
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Gary E. Martin
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, St. John's University, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Molly Winston
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Joseph C. Y. Lau
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Lauren Bush
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Shivani Patel
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Michelle Lee
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - John Sideris
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Deborah A. Hall
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lili Zhou
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kevin Sharp
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
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Bruyneel E, Demurie E, Boterberg S, Warreyn P, Roeyers H. Validation of the Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA) system for Dutch. JOURNAL OF CHILD LANGUAGE 2021; 48:765-791. [PMID: 33106198 DOI: 10.1017/s0305000920000525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The validity of the Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA) System was evaluated for Dutch. 216 5-min samples (six samples per age per child) were selected from daylong recordings at 5, 10 and 14 months of age of native Dutch-speaking younger siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (N = 6) and of typically developing children (N = 6). Two native Dutch-speaking coders counted the amount of adult words (AWC), child vocalisations (CVC) and conversational turns (CT). Consequently, correlations between LENA and human estimates were explored. Correlations were high for AWC at all ages (r = .73 to .81). Regarding CVC, estimates were moderately correlated at 5 months (r = .57) but the correlation decreased at 10 (r = .37) and 14 months (r = .14). Correlations for CT were low at all ages (r = .19 to .28). Lastly, correlations were not influenced by the risk status of the children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Bruyneel
- Ghent University, Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Belgium
| | - Ellen Demurie
- Ghent University, Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Belgium
| | - Sofie Boterberg
- Ghent University, Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Belgium
| | - Petra Warreyn
- Ghent University, Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Belgium
| | - Herbert Roeyers
- Ghent University, Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Belgium
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Nayar K, Kang X, Xing J, Gordon PC, Wong PCM, Losh M. A cross-cultural study showing deficits in gaze-language coordination during rapid automatized naming among individuals with ASD. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13401. [PMID: 34183686 PMCID: PMC8238959 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91911-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their first-degree relatives demonstrate automaticity deficits reflected in reduced eye-voice coordination during rapid automatized naming (RAN), suggesting that RAN deficits may be a genetically meaningful marker of ASD language-related impairments. This study investigated whether RAN deficits in ASD extend to a language typologically distinct from English. Participants included 23 Cantonese-speaking individuals with ASD and 39 controls from Hong Kong (HK), and age- and IQ-comparable groups of previously-studied English-speaking individuals with ASD (n = 45) and controls (n = 44) from the US. Participants completed RAN on an eye tracker. Analyses examined naming time, error rate, measures of eye movement reflecting language automaticity, including eye-voice span (EVS; location of eyes versus the named item) and refixations. The HK-ASD group exhibited longer naming times and more refixations than HK-Controls, in a pattern similar to that observed in the US-ASD group. Cultural effects revealed that both HK groups showed longer EVS and more fixations than US groups. Naming time and refixation differences may be ASD-specific impairments spanning cultures/languages, whereas EVS and fixation frequency may be more variably impacted. A potential underlying mechanism of visual "stickiness" may be contributing to this breakdown in language automaticity in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Nayar
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Frances Searle Building, #2-366, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Xin Kang
- Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiayin Xing
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Frances Searle Building, #2-366, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Peter C Gordon
- Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Patrick C M Wong
- Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Frances Searle Building, #2-366, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
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42
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Gürkan Tazegül EN, Kutlu Konuk F, Aksu ŞS, Unay ÖS, Yıldız Bıçakçı M, Ekici B, Tatlı B. Play interactions of parents toward children with autism spectrum disorder: NeuroPLAY parent play behavior assessment scale. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING 2021; 34:320-328. [PMID: 34124815 DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM The aim of this study is to analyze the changes that NeuroPLAY, which is an intensive early intervention method for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ages of 12-42 months, has created in the play skills of the parents of children with ASD by using method strategies. METHODS The study cohort includes 91 children ages ranging from 18 to 42 months old. The study is designed for repetitive measurements performed pre- and post-intervention. Within the scope of the study, children's ASD symptoms were evaluated with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and changes in the play skills of parents were evaluated using NeuroPLAY Parental Play Behavior Assessment Scale (NPPBAS). RESULTS The NPPBAS score at the beginning of the intervention was 12.55; repeated measurements (46.22 after 3 months, 45.95 after 6 months, and 48.53 after 12 months) were observed to increase core. The older age of the parents in the intervention program is associated with lower final NPPBAS scores. However, it was determined that the CARS score, which is an indicator of the autism spectrum, will decrease after intervention regardless of the parents' age. CONCLUSION The results showed that NeuroPLAY led to significant improvement in play behaviors of the parents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Öykü S Unay
- Istanbul Pediatric Neurology Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Barış Ekici
- Istanbul Pediatric Neurology Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burak Tatlı
- Istanbul Pediatric Neurology Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey
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White SW, Stoppelbein L, Scott H, Spain D. It took a pandemic: Perspectives on impact, stress, and telehealth from caregivers of people with autism. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 113:103938. [PMID: 33730684 PMCID: PMC9758058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Shelter in place mandates due to the COVID-19 pandemic left caregivers to determine how to best meet the therapeutic requirements of their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Understanding the challenges faced by families, and their experiences using telehealth for the first time, may help make services sustainable in future public health emergencies. A sample of 70 caregivers of people with ASD from across the US completed an anonymous online survey. Results indicate that impaired emotion regulation was a primary contributor of parent-reported stress for persons with ASD during the pandemic, while loss of established structure and routine contributed to parental stress. Nearly half the sample reported using telehealth for the first time. Many caregivers were appreciative that telehealth permitted continuation of services, but expressed concerns about limited effectiveness due in part to their children's social communication problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan W White
- Center for Youth Development and Intervention, The University of Alabama, 200 Hackberry Lane, Suite 101, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, United States.
| | - Laura Stoppelbein
- Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic, The University of Alabama, P.O. Box 870161, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, United States.
| | - Hunter Scott
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, United States.
| | - Debbie Spain
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, de Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom.
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An KM, Ikeda T, Hirosawa T, Yaoi K, Yoshimura Y, Hasegawa C, Tanaka S, Saito DN, Kikuchi M. Decreased grey matter volumes in unaffected mothers of individuals with autism spectrum disorder reflect the broader autism endophenotype. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10001. [PMID: 33976262 PMCID: PMC8113597 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89393-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with an early onset and a strong genetic origin. Unaffected relatives may present similar but subthreshold characteristics of ASD. This broader autism phenotype is especially prevalent in the parents of individuals with ASD, suggesting that it has heritable factors. Although previous studies have demonstrated brain morphometry differences in ASD, they are poorly understood in parents of individuals with ASD. Here, we estimated grey matter volume in 45 mothers of children with ASD (mASD) and 46 age-, sex-, and handedness-matched controls using whole-brain voxel-based morphometry analysis. The mASD group had smaller grey matter volume in the right middle temporal gyrus, temporoparietal junction, cerebellum, and parahippocampal gyrus compared with the control group. Furthermore, we analysed the correlations of these brain volumes with ASD behavioural characteristics using autism spectrum quotient (AQ) and systemizing quotient (SQ) scores, which measure general autistic traits and the drive to systemize. Smaller volumes in the middle temporal gyrus and temporoparietal junction correlated with higher SQ scores, and smaller volumes in the cerebellum and parahippocampal gyrus correlated with higher AQ scores. Our findings suggest that atypical grey matter volumes in mASD may represent one of the neurostructural endophenotypes of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Min An
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan.
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan.
| | - Takashi Ikeda
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tetsu Hirosawa
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Ken Yaoi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yuko Yoshimura
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan
- Institute of Human and Social Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Chiaki Hasegawa
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
| | - Sanae Tanaka
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Daisuke N Saito
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan.
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan.
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan
- Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Department of Child Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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The associations between autistic and communication traits in parents and developmental outcomes in children at familial risk of autism at 6 and 24 months of age. Infant Behav Dev 2021; 63:101570. [PMID: 33946013 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2021.101570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have explored relationships between parent broader autism phenotype and offspring communication, and have reported that autistic-like traits in parents are related to offspring communication difficulties and autism severity. However, past research has focused on studying such associations in childhood and we know very little about them in infancy. With accumulating evidence that interventions administered during infancy may be most effective in reducing ASD symptoms, it is imperative to examine whether relationships between parent autistic-like traits and child communication appear even earlier during this critical period of life. METHOD This longitudinal study collected data from infant siblings of autistic children (N = 32) and infants with no family history of autism (N = 45) to explore how autistic-like traits in parents related to child developmental outcomes during infancy. RESULTS Parental communication difficulties and autistic-like traits were found to be associated with a range of child behaviours in the first two years of life, including social-emotional difficulties at 6 and 24 months, lower communication and emerging cognition at 24 months, and increased autistic behaviours at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results, it appears that some of the difficulties seen in parents are relayed to children genetically. These findings contribute to ASD research concerning early communication development in children and heritability of ASD traits and may have important implications in monitoring child development. Furthermore, since the current study found a significant association between autistic traits in parents and child social-emotional behaviour as early as 6 months of age, it provides evidence of the value of assessing interventions that target infancy.
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Chopik WJ, Oh J, Nuttall AK, Thakkar KN, Ingersoll B. Age differences in broader autism phenotype traits from young adulthood to older adulthood. Autism Res 2021; 14:1456-1471. [PMID: 33764656 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Much of past research has been dedicated to refining the operationalization and correlates of the broader autism phenotype (BAP) and less on how the BAP differs by socio-demographic characteristics, like age-particularly after midlife. This gap is important because other nonclinical trait-like characteristics (e.g., personality) have shown considerable age differences, leading to work assessing the malleability of psychological characteristics and improving outcomes for individuals and their significant others. In the current study, we examined cross-sectional age differences in the BAP in a large sample of adults ranging in age from 18 to 85. We recruited a sample of 2966 adults ranging in age from 18 to 85 (Mage = 36.53, SD = 12.61; 58.9% Female; 1.1% with an ASD diagnosis) recruited from an online survey service. We found that total BAP scores were higher in younger adults and lower among older adults. These differences were particularly true for pragmatic language difficulties, with this component of the BAP showing the most dramatic age differences. Aloofness showed similar negative associations with age, albeit much smaller. Rigidity was not significantly associated with age. The results are consistent with other research showing an abatement of symptoms among individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) across early life and theories predicting changes in other psychological characteristics (e.g., personality). The results are discussed in the context of the malleability of ASD and BAP traits across life, the clinical implications of these changes, and the origins and consequences for lifespan differences in BAP. LAY SUMMARY: Little is known about how subclinical autistic-like traits among middle-aged and older adults compare to younger adults. We found that these subclinical traits were highest in young adults and lowest in older adults. Knowing how these traits differ by age can provide researchers and clinicians with a sense of how much these traits might change across life, if the traits might be sensitive to interventions, and when in development it might be best to intervene.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Chopik
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Jeewon Oh
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Amy K Nuttall
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Katharine N Thakkar
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Brooke Ingersoll
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Nayar K, Sealock JM, Maltman N, Bush L, Cook EH, Davis LK, Losh M. Elevated Polygenic Burden for Autism Spectrum Disorder Is Associated With the Broad Autism Phenotype in Mothers of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 89:476-485. [PMID: 33229037 PMCID: PMC7901138 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder that encompasses a complex and heterogeneous set of traits. Subclinical traits that mirror the core features of ASD, referred to as the broad autism phenotype (BAP), have been documented repeatedly in unaffected relatives and are believed to reflect underlying genetic liability to ASD. The BAP may help inform the etiology of ASD by allowing the stratification of families into more phenotypically and etiologically homogeneous subgroups. This study explores polygenic scores related to the BAP. METHODS Phenotypic and genotypic information were obtained from 2614 trios from the Simons Simplex Collection. Polygenic scores of ASD (ASD-PGSs) were generated across the sample to determine the shared genetic overlap between the BAP and ASD. Maternal and paternal ASD-PGSs were explored in relation to BAP traits and their child's ASD symptomatology. RESULTS Maternal pragmatic language was related to child's social communicative atypicalities. In fathers, rigid personality was related to increased repetitive behaviors in children. Maternal (but not paternal) ASD-PGSs were related to the pragmatic language and rigid BAP domains. CONCLUSIONS Associations emerged between parent and child phenotypes, with more associations emerging in mothers than in fathers. ASD-PGS associations emerged with BAP in mothers only, highlighting the potential for a female protective factor, and implicating the polygenic etiology of ASD-related phenotypes in the BAP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.
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Winston M, Nayar K, Landau E, Maltman N, Sideris J, Zhou L, Sharp K, Berry-Kravis E, Losh M. A Unique Visual Attention Profile Associated With the FMR1 Premutation. Front Genet 2021; 12:591211. [PMID: 33633778 PMCID: PMC7901883 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.591211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical visual attention patterns have been observed among carriers of the fragile X mental retardation gene (FMR1) premutation (PM), with some similarities to visual attention patterns observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and among clinically unaffected relatives of individuals with ASD. Patterns of visual attention could constitute biomarkers that can help to inform the neurocognitive profile of the PM, and that potentially span diagnostic boundaries. This study examined patterns of eye movement across an array of fixation measurements from three distinct eye-tracking tasks in order to investigate potentially overlapping profiles of visual attention among PM carriers, ASD parents, and parent controls. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine whether variables constituting a PM-specific looking profile were able to effectively predict group membership. Participants included 65PM female carriers, 188 ASD parents, and 84 parent controls. Analyses of fixations across the eye-tracking tasks, and their corresponding areas of interest, revealed a distinct visual attention pattern in carriers of the FMR1 PM, characterized by increased fixations on the mouth when viewing faces, more intense focus on bodies in socially complex scenes, and decreased fixations on salient characters and faces while narrating a wordless picture book. This set of variables was able to successfully differentiate individuals with the PM from controls (Sensitivity = 0.76, Specificity = 0.85, Accuracy = 0.77) as well as from ASD parents (Sensitivity = 0.70, Specificity = 0.80, Accuracy = 0.72), but did not show a strong distinction between ASD parents and controls (Accuracy = 0.62), indicating that this set of variables comprises a profile that is unique to PM carriers. Regarding predictive power, fixations toward the mouth when viewing faces was able to differentiate PM carriers from both ASD parents and controls, whereas fixations toward other social stimuli did not differentiate PM carriers from ASD parents, highlighting some overlap in visual attention patterns that could point toward shared neurobiological mechanisms. Results demonstrate a profile of visual attention that appears strongly associated with the FMR1 PM in women, and may constitute a meaningful biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Winston
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Kritika Nayar
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Emily Landau
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Nell Maltman
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - John Sideris
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lili Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kevin Sharp
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
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DeVeney SL, Kyvelidou A, Mather P. A home-based longitudinal study of vocalization behaviors across infants at low and elevated risk of autism. AUTISM & DEVELOPMENTAL LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENTS 2021; 6:23969415211057658. [PMID: 36440373 PMCID: PMC9685214 DOI: 10.1177/23969415211057658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aims The purpose of this exploratory study was to expand existing literature on prelinguistic vocalizations by reporting results of the first home-based longitudinal study examining a wide variety of behaviors and characteristics, including early vocalizations, across infants at low and elevated risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study of vocalizations and vocalization changes across early developmental periods shows promise in reflecting early clinically significant differences across infants at low and elevated risk of ASD. Observations of early vocalizations and their differences during infancy could provide a reliable and essential component of an early developmental profile that would lower the average diagnostic age for ASD. However, studies employing observation of vocalization behaviors have been limited and often conducted in laboratory settings, reducing the external generalization of the findings. Methods The present study was conducted to determine the consistency of previous findings with longitudinal data collected in home environments. Infants in the present study represented elevated risk from two etiological backgrounds, (a) infants born prematurely and with low birth weight and (b) infants who had an older sibling diagnosed with ASD. All data were collected in the infants' homes and compared with data collected from infants with low likelihood of ASD. The study included 44 participants (31 in the low-risk sample, 13 in the high-risk sample) with vocalization behaviors observed at 6- and 12-months through 20-min semi-structured play interactions with caregivers. Observations were video-recorded and later coded for speech and non-speech vocalizations. Results Differences in the 6-month vocalization behaviors were not statistically significant across risk levels of ASD. By 12 months; however, risk group differences were evident in the total number of vocalizations overall with specific differences across groups representing moderate to large, clinically relevant effects. Infants at low risk of ASD demonstrated significantly greater developmental change between 6- and 12-months than did the infants at high risk. Data were also reviewed for differences across high-risk group etiologies. Conclusions The present study was unique and innovative in a number of ways as the first home-based longitudinal study examining infant vocal behaviors across low and high risk of ASD. Many of the present study findings were consistent with previous cross-sectional investigations of infants at elevated risk for ASD, indicating support for further home-based longitudinal study in this area. Findings also indicated some preliminary subgroup differences between high-risk etiologies of ASD. Vocalization differences across high risk groups had not been previously addressed in the literature. Implications Vocalization differences are notable by 12-months of age between infants at low and elevated risk of ASD and infants at high risk demonstrated reduced developmental changes between 6- and 12-months compared to the infants at low risk. Observation of early infant vocalization behaviors may reasonably occur in the home, providing early childhood professionals and researchers with empirical support for data collection of child-caregiver interactions in this setting. Potential differences across high-risk etiologies warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shari L. DeVeney
- Department of Special Education and
Communication Disorders, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences,
University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Anastasia Kyvelidou
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of
Pharmacy and Health Professions, Creighton
University, Omaha, NE, USA
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Bush L, Martin GE, Landau E, Losh M. A Longitudinal Study of Parent-Child Interactions and Language Outcomes in Fragile X Syndrome and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:718572. [PMID: 34819882 PMCID: PMC8606641 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.718572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Difficulties with pragmatic language (i.e., language in social contexts, such as conversational ability) are a noted characteristic of the language profiles of both fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), conditions which show significant phenotypic overlap. Understanding the origins and developmental course of pragmatic language problems in FXS and other developmental conditions associated with language impairment is a critical step for the development of targeted interventions to promote communicative competence across the lifespan. This study examined pragmatic language in the context of parent-child interactions in school-age children with FXS (who did and did not meet ASD criteria on the ADOS; n = 85), idiopathic ASD (n = 32), Down syndrome (DS; n = 38), and typical development (TD; n = 39), and their parents. Parent-child communicative interactions were examined across multiple contexts, across groups, and in relationship to pragmatic language outcomes assessed 2 years later. Results showed both overlapping and divergent patterns across the FXS-ASD and idiopathic ASD child and parent groups, and also highlighted key differences in pragmatic profiles based on situational context, with more pragmatic language difficulties occurring for both ASD groups in less structured interactions. Differences in parental language styles during parent-child interactions were associated with child language outcomes, likely reflecting the complex interplay of discourse style inherent to a parent, with the inevitable influence of child characteristics on parent language as well. Together, findings help delineate the dynamic and multifactorial nature of impaired pragmatic skills among children with FXS and other neurodevelopmental disorders associated with language impairment, with potential implications for the development of targeted interventions for pragmatic communication skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Bush
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Autism Assessment, Research, Treatment, and Services Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Gary E Martin
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, St. John's University, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Emily Landau
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Molly Losh
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
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