1
|
Riboldi EM, Capelli E, Cantiani C, Beretta C, Molteni M, Riva V. Differentiating early sensory profiles in toddlers at elevated likelihood of autism and association with later clinical outcome and diagnosis. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1654-1666. [PMID: 37795823 PMCID: PMC11191663 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231200081] [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] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Early sensory responsiveness may produce cascading effects on later development, but the relation between sensory profiles and autistic diagnosis remains unclear. In a longitudinal sample of toddlers at elevated likelihood for autism, we aimed to characterize sensory subgroups and their association with clinical outcomes later on. Three sensory subgroups were described and early sensory sensitivity plays a significant role in later development and diagnosis. This study supported the importance of examining different levels of sensory patterns to dissect the phenotypic heterogeneity in sensory processing. As sensory differences are associated with later developmental outcomes, these results may be critical when designing intervention needs and support for children at increased likelihood for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Capelli
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Chiara Cantiani
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Carolina Beretta
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Massimo Molteni
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Valentina Riva
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kang J, Li Y, Lv S, Hao P, Li X. Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on brain activity and cortical functional connectivity in children with autism spectrum disorders. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1407267. [PMID: 38812483 PMCID: PMC11135472 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1407267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a therapeutic option to mitigate symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our study investigated the effects of a two-week regimen of tDCS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in children with ASD, examining changes in rhythmic brain activity and alterations in functional connectivity within key neural networks: the default mode network (DMN), sensorimotor network (SMN), and dorsal attention network (DAN). Methods We enrolled twenty-six children with ASD and assigned them randomly to either an active stimulation group (n=13) or a sham stimulation group (n=13). The active group received tDCS at an intensity of 1mA to the left DLPFC for a combined duration of 10 days. Differences in electrical brain activity were pinpointed using standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA), while functional connectivity was assessed via lagged phase synchronization. Results Compared to the typically developing children, children with ASD exhibited lower current source density across all frequency bands. Post-treatment, the active stimulation group demonstrated a significant increase in both current source density and resting state network connectivity. Such changes were not observed in the sham stimulation group. Conclusion tDCS targeting the DLPFC may bolster brain functional connectivity in patients with ASD, offering a substantive groundwork for potential clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiannan Kang
- College of Electronic & Information Engineering, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Yuqi Li
- College of Electronic & Information Engineering, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Shuaikang Lv
- College of Electronic & Information Engineering, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Pengfei Hao
- College of Electronic & Information Engineering, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Boulton KA, Lee D, Honan I, Phillips NL, Morgan C, Crowle C, Novak I, Badawi N, Guastella AJ. Exploring early life social and executive function development in infants and risk for autism: a prospective cohort study protocol of NICU graduates and infants at risk for cerebral palsy. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:359. [PMID: 38745143 PMCID: PMC11092236 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05779-z] [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] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delays in early social and executive function are predictive of later developmental delays and eventual neurodevelopmental diagnoses. There is limited research examining such markers in the first year of life. High-risk infant groups commonly present with a range of neurodevelopmental challenges, including social and executive function delays, and show higher rates of autism diagnoses later in life. For example, it has been estimated that up to 30% of infants diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) will go on to be diagnosed with autism later in life. METHODS This article presents a protocol of a prospective longitudinal study. The primary aim of this study is to identify early life markers of delay in social and executive function in high-risk infants at the earliest point in time, and to explore how these markers may relate to the increased risk for social and executive delay, and risk of autism, later in life. High-risk infants will include Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) graduates, who are most commonly admitted for premature birth and/or cardiovascular problems. In addition, we will include infants with, or at risk for, CP. This prospective study will recruit 100 high-risk infants at the age of 3-12 months old and will track social and executive function across the first 2 years of their life, when infants are 3-7, 8-12, 18 and 24 months old. A multi-modal approach will be adopted by tracking the early development of social and executive function using behavioural, neurobiological, and caregiver-reported everyday functioning markers. Data will be analysed to assess the relationship between the early markers, measured from as early as 3-7 months of age, and the social and executive function as well as the autism outcomes measured at 24 months. DISCUSSION This study has the potential to promote the earliest detection and intervention opportunities for social and executive function difficulties as well as risk for autism in NICU graduates and/or infants with, or at risk for, CP. The findings of this study will also expand our understanding of the early emergence of autism across a wider range of at-risk groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsie A Boulton
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopmental (CAN) research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dabin Lee
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopmental (CAN) research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ingrid Honan
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance Institute, Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Natalie L Phillips
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopmental (CAN) research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Catherine Morgan
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance Institute, Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Cathryn Crowle
- Grace Centre for Newborn Intensive Care, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Iona Novak
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance Institute, Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nadia Badawi
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance Institute, Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Grace Centre for Newborn Intensive Care, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adam J Guastella
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopmental (CAN) research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
- Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Keating J, Purcell C, Gerson SA, Vanderwert RE, Jones CRG. Exploring the presence and impact of sensory differences in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 148:104714. [PMID: 38484422 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104714] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) can experience sensory differences. There has been limited exploration of these differences and their impact on children with DCD. AIMS i) To explore the presence and impact of sensory differences in children with DCD compared to children without DCD; ii) To examine whether sensory differences are related to motor ability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or autistic traits. METHOD Parents of children (8-12 years) with (n = 23) and without (n = 33) DCD used standardised questionnaires to report on their children's sensory differences, autistic traits, and ADHD traits. Motor abilities were assessed through the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2. Data were explored both categorically (between-groups) and dimensionally. RESULTS Children with DCD had significantly higher levels of sensory differences than children without DCD. Sensory differences also had a significantly greater impact on daily activities for children with DCD. Higher levels of ADHD and autistic traits, but not motor ability, were significant independent predictors of higher levels of sensory difference. CONCLUSION Children with DCD experience high levels of sensory differences, which impact on their daily lives. These sensory differences may be a marker for additional neurodivergence in children with DCD. Practitioners should consider the sensory needs of children with DCD. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS This paper provides insight into the sensory features of children with DCD and the impact that sensory differences can have on daily living. Using parent-report, we found that children with DCD had increased sensory differences relative to children without DCD. These included increased hyperresponsiveness, increased hyporesponsiveness, and increased sensory interests, repetitions, and seeking behaviours (SIRS). We also found that sensory differences had a greater impact on daily living for children with DCD compared to children without DCD. Across the whole sample, autistic traits predicted hyperresponsivity and hyporesponsivity patterns; whereas traits of hyperactivity and impulsivity predicted SIRS. Motor abilities did not uniquely predict sensory differences, suggesting that other traits of neurodivergence may contribute to the sensory differences in DCD. Taken together, these findings highlight the necessity of considering sensory needs when supporting children with DCD. They also suggest that if sensory differences are identified in children with DCD, it may be due to the presence of co-occurring neurodivergent traits or conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Keating
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Sarah A Gerson
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ross E Vanderwert
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Catherine R G Jones
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Wales Autism Research Centre (WARC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vagnetti R, Vicovaro M, Spoto A, Battaglini L, Attanasio M, Valenti M, Mazza M. Atypical Time to Contact Estimation in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06352-z. [PMID: 38635130 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06352-z] [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: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present atypical sensory processing in the perception of moving stimuli and biological motion. The present study aims to explore the performance of young adults with ASD in a time to contact (TTC) estimation task involving social and non-social stimuli. TTC estimation involves extrapolating the trajectory of a moving target concealed by an occluder, based on the visible portion of its path, to predict the target's arrival time at a specific position. Sixteen participants with a diagnosis of level-1 ASD (M = 19.2 years, SE = 0.54 years; 3 F, 13 M) and sixteen participants with TD (M = 22.3 years, SE = 0.44 years; 3 F, 13 M) took part in the study and underwent a TTC estimation task. The task presented two object types (a car and a point-light walker), different object speeds, occluder lengths, motion directions and motion congruency. For the car object, a larger overestimation of TTC emerged for ASDs than for TDs, whereas no difference between ASDs and TDs emerged for the point-light walker. ASDs exhibited a larger TTC overestimation for the car object than for the point-light walker, whereas no difference between object types emerged for TDs. Our results indicated an atypical TTC estimation process in young adults with ASD. Given its importance in daily life, future studies should further explore this skill. Significant effects that emerged from the analysis are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Vagnetti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Michele Vicovaro
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Andrea Spoto
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Battaglini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Margherita Attanasio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Valenti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- Regional Reference Centre for Autism (Centro di Riferimento Regionale per l'Autismo), Abruzzo Region Local Health Agency 1 (ASL 1), L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Monica Mazza
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- Regional Reference Centre for Autism (Centro di Riferimento Regionale per l'Autismo), Abruzzo Region Local Health Agency 1 (ASL 1), L'Aquila, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cary E, Pacheco D, Kaplan-Kahn E, McKernan E, Matsuba E, Prieve B, Russo N. Brain Signatures of Early and Late Neural Measures of Auditory Habituation and Discrimination in Autism and Their Relationship to Autistic Traits and Sensory Overresponsivity. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1344-1360. [PMID: 36626009 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05866-8] [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: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Sensory differences are included in the DSM-5 criteria of autism for the first time, yet it is unclear how they relate to neural indicators of perception. We studied early brain signatures of perception and examined their relationship to sensory behaviors and autistic traits. Thirteen autistic children and 13 Typically Developing (TD) children matched on age and nonverbal IQ participated in a passive oddball task, during which P1 habituation and P1 and MMN discrimination were evoked by pure tones. Autistic children had less neural habituation than the TD comparison group, and the MMN, but not P1, mapped on to sensory overresponsivity. Findings highlight the significance of temporal and contextual factors in neural information processing as it relates to autistic traits and sensory behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Cary
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, 13244 2340, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Devon Pacheco
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Syracuse University, 621 Skytop Rd. Suite 1200, 13244, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth Kaplan-Kahn
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, 13244 2340, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth McKernan
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, 13244 2340, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Erin Matsuba
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, 13244 2340, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Beth Prieve
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Syracuse University, 621 Skytop Rd. Suite 1200, 13244, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Natalie Russo
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, 13244 2340, Syracuse, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Feldman JI, Garla V, Dunham K, Markfeld JE, Bowman SM, Golden AJ, Daly C, Kaiser S, Mailapur N, Raj S, Santapuram P, Suzman E, Augustine AE, Muhumuza A, Cascio CJ, Williams KL, Kirby AV, Keceli-Kaysili B, Woynaroski TG. Longitudinal Relations Between Early Sensory Responsiveness and Later Communication in Infants with Autistic and Non-autistic Siblings. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:594-606. [PMID: 36441431 PMCID: PMC9707174 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05817-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Early differences in sensory responsiveness may contribute to difficulties with communication among autistic children; however, this theory has not been longitudinally assessed in infants at increased familial versus general population-level likelihood for autism (Sibs-autism vs. Sibs-NA) using a comprehensive battery of sensory responsiveness and communication. In a sample of 40 infants (20 Sibs-autism, of whom six were later diagnosed with autism; 20 Sibs-NA), we tested (a) associations between sensory responsiveness at 12-18 months and communication 9 months later and (b) evaluated whether such associations were moderated by sibling group, autism diagnosis, or age. We found negative zero-order correlations between sensory responsiveness (i.e., caregiver reported hyperresponsiveness and hyporesponsiveness; an observational measure of hyperresponsiveness) and later communication. Additionally, caregiver reported sensory seeking was negatively associated with later expressive communication only in Sibs-NA. Limitations include our relatively small sample size of infants diagnosed with autism. Implications for future research are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob I Feldman
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 8310 South Tower, 1215 21St Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Frist Center for Autism & Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Varsha Garla
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kacie Dunham
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer E Markfeld
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sarah M Bowman
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 8310 South Tower, 1215 21St Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alexandra J Golden
- Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Claire Daly
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sophia Kaiser
- Cognitive Studies Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nisha Mailapur
- Economics Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sweeya Raj
- Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Pooja Santapuram
- Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evan Suzman
- Master's Program in Biomedical Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, University of Texas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ashley E Augustine
- Biological Sciences Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Aine Muhumuza
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Carissa J Cascio
- Frist Center for Autism & Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kathryn L Williams
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
| | - Anne V Kirby
- Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bahar Keceli-Kaysili
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 8310 South Tower, 1215 21St Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Tiffany G Woynaroski
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 8310 South Tower, 1215 21St Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Frist Center for Autism & Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Narvekar N, Carter Leno V, Pasco G, Begum Ali J, Johnson MH, Charman T, Jones EJH. The roles of sensory hyperreactivity and hyporeactivity in understanding infant fearfulness and emerging autistic traits. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024. [PMID: 38172076 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing evidence indicates that atypical sensory reactivity is a core characteristic of autism, and has been linked to both anxiety (and its putative infant precursor of fearfulness) and repetitive behaviours. However, most work has used cross-sectional designs and not considered the differential roles of hyperreactivity and hyporeactivity to sensory inputs, and is thus limited in specificity. METHODS 161 infants with and without an elevated likelihood of developing autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were followed from 10 to 36 months of age. Parents rated an infant precursor of later anxiety (fearfulness) using the Infant Behaviour Questionnaire at 10 and 14 months, and the Early Childhood Behavioural Questionnaire at 24 months, and sensory hyperreactivity and hyporeactivity at 10, 14 and 24 months using the Infant Toddler Sensory Profile. Domains of autistic traits (restrictive and repetitive behaviours; RRB, and social communication interaction, SCI) were assessed using the parent-rated Social Responsiveness Scale at 36 months. Cross-lagged models tested (a) paths between fearfulness and hyperreactivity at 10-24 months, and from fearfulness and hyperreactivity to later autism traits, (b) the specificity of hyperreactivity effects by including hyporeactivity as a correlated predictor. RESULTS Hyperreactivity at 14 months was positively associated with fearfulness at 24 months, and hyperreactivity at 24 months was positively associated with SCI and RRB at 36 months. When hyporeactivity was included in the model, paths between hyperreactivity and fearfulness remained, but paths between hyperreactivity and autistic traits became nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that alterations in early sensory reactivity may increase the likelihood of showing fearfulness in infancy, and relate to later social interactions and repetitive behaviours, particularly in individuals with a family history of autism or ADHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Narvekar
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Virginia Carter Leno
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Greg Pasco
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mark H Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tony Charman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ma X, Zhou W, Zheng H, Ye S, Yang B, Wang L, Wang M, Dong GH. Connectome-based prediction of the severity of autism spectrum disorder. PSYCHORADIOLOGY 2023; 3:kkad027. [PMID: 38666105 PMCID: PMC10917386 DOI: 10.1093/psyrad/kkad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social and behavioural deficits. Current diagnosis relies on behavioural criteria, but machine learning, particularly connectome-based predictive modelling (CPM), offers the potential to uncover neural biomarkers for ASD. Objective This study aims to predict the severity of ASD traits using CPM and explores differences among ASD subtypes, seeking to enhance diagnosis and understanding of ASD. Methods Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 151 ASD patients were used in the model. CPM with leave-one-out cross-validation was conducted to identify intrinsic neural networks that predict Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) scores. After the model was constructed, it was applied to independent samples to test its replicability (172 ASD patients) and specificity (36 healthy control participants). Furthermore, we examined the predictive model across different aspects of ASD and in subtypes of ASD to understand the potential mechanisms underlying the results. Results The CPM successfully identified negative networks that significantly predicted ADOS total scores [r (df = 150) = 0.19, P = 0.008 in all patients; r (df = 104) = 0.20, P = 0.040 in classic autism] and communication scores [r (df = 150) = 0.22, P = 0.010 in all patients; r (df = 104) = 0.21, P = 0.020 in classic autism]. These results were reproducible across independent databases. The networks were characterized by enhanced inter- and intranetwork connectivity associated with the occipital network (OCC), and the sensorimotor network (SMN) also played important roles. Conclusions A CPM based on whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity can predicted the severity of ASD. Large-scale networks, including the OCC and SMN, played important roles in the predictive model. These findings may provide new directions for the diagnosis and intervention of ASD, and maybe could be the targets in novel interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Ma
- Department of Psychology, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650500, China
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 311121, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 311121, China
- Institutes of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 311121, China
| | - Weiran Zhou
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 311121, China
- Institutes of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 311121, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Shuer Ye
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Centre for Neural Computation, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | - Bo Yang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 311121, China
- Institutes of Psychological Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 311121, China
| | - Lingxiao Wang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 311121, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Research in Assessment of Cognitive Impairments, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 311121, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Psychology, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650500, China
| | - Guang-Heng Dong
- Department of Psychology, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650500, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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.
Collapse
|
11
|
Connolly SE, Constable HL, Mullally SL. School distress and the school attendance crisis: a story dominated by neurodivergence and unmet need. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1237052. [PMID: 37810599 PMCID: PMC10556686 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1237052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Covid-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus a school attendance crisis in many countries, although this likely pre-dates the pandemic. Children and young people (CYP) struggling to attend school often display extreme emotional distress before/during/after school. We term this School Distress. Here we sought to elucidate the characteristics of the CYP struggling to attend school in the United Kingdom. Methods Using a case-control, concurrent embedded mixed-method research design, 947 parents of CYP with experience of School Distress completed a bespoke online questionnaire (February/March 2022), alongside an age-matched control group (n = 149) and a smaller group of parents who electively home-educate (n = 25). Results In 94.3% of cases, school attendance problems were underpinned by significant emotional distress, with often harrowing accounts of this distress provided by parents. While the mean age of the CYP in this sample was 11.6 years (StDev 3.1 years), their School Distress was evident to parents from a much younger age (7.9 years). Notably, 92.1% of CYP currently experiencing School Distress were described as neurodivergent (ND) and 83.4% as autistic. The Odds Ratio of autistic CYP experiencing School Distress was 46.61 [95% CI (24.67, 88.07)]. Autistic CYP displayed School Distress at a significantly earlier age, and it was significantly more enduring. Multi-modal sensory processing difficulties and ADHD (among other neurodivergent conditions) were also commonly associated with School Distress; with School Distress CYP having an average of 3.62 NDs (StDev 2.68). In addition, clinically significant anxiety symptomology (92.5%) and elevated demand avoidance were also pervasive. Mental health difficulties in the absence of a neurodivergent profile were, however, relatively rare (6.17%). Concerningly, despite the striking levels of emotional distress and disability reported by parents, parents also reported a dearth of meaningful support for their CYP at school. Conclusion While not a story of exclusivity relating solely to autism, School Distress is a story dominated by complex neurodivergence and a seemingly systemic failure to meet the needs of these CYP. Given the disproportionate number of disabled CYP impacted, we ask whether the United Kingdom is upholding its responsibility to ensure the "right to an education" for all CYP (Human Rights Act 1998).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie E. Connolly
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah L. Constable
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Sinéad L. Mullally
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Barak-Levy Y, Paryente B. Diving into the Resolution Process: Parent's Reactions to Child's Diagnosis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3295. [PMID: 36833989 PMCID: PMC9963369 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This research presents an in-depth observation of parental resolution regarding a child's diagnosis with special needs to help counsellors understand the complexities of parental coping. Sixty-two parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Intellectual Developmental Delay participated in a Reaction to the Diagnosis Interview and a semi-structured interview. Categorical analysis revealed that 59.7% of the parents had reached resolution, with approximately 40% emotional orientation, 40% cognitive orientation, and 20% proactive orientation. Content analysis revealed three themes: emotions-feelings of guilt, shame, and emotional breakdown; thoughts-fear of stigma and concern for the child's future; actions-concealment, seeking support, and attempts to reject the results of the diagnosis. Whereas most parents were diagnosed as having reached resolution, the content analysis still found complex subject matter suggesting lack of resolution. Research findings show that counsellors should identify the intricate emotional dynamics of parents coping while being cautious of premature coping categorization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yael Barak-Levy
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Achva Academic College, Arugot 7980400, Israel
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fontes-Dutra M, Righes Marafiga J, Santos-Terra J, Deckmann I, Brum Schwingel G, Rabelo B, Kazmierzak de Moraes R, Rockenbach M, Vendramin Pasquetti M, Gottfried C, Calcagnotto ME. GABAergic synaptic transmission and cortical oscillation patterns in the primary somatosensory area of a valproic acid rat model of autism spectrum disorder. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 57:527-546. [PMID: 36504470 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired social communication and interaction associated with repetitive or stereotyped behaviour. Prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure in rodents is a commonly used model of ASD. Resveratrol (RSV) has been shown to prevent interneuronal and behavioural impairments in the VPA model. We investigated the effects of prenatal VPA exposure and RSV on the GABAergic synaptic transmission, brain oscillations and on the genic expression of interneuron-associated transcription factor LHX6 in the primary somatosensory area (PSSA). Prenatal VPA exposure decreased the sIPSC and mIPSC frequencies and the sIPSC decay kinetics onto layers 4/5 pyramidal cells of PSSA. About 40% of VPA animals exhibited absence-like spike-wave discharge (SWD) events associated with behaviour arrest and increased power spectrum density of delta, beta and gamma cortical oscillations. VPA animals had reduced LHX6 expression in PSSA, but VPA animals treated with RSV had no changes on synaptic inhibition or LHX6 expression in the PSSA. SWD events associated with behaviour arrest and the abnormal increment of cortical oscillations were also absent in VPA animals treated with RSV. These findings provide new venues to investigate the role of both RSV and VPA in the pathophysiology of ASD and highlight the VPA animal model as an interesting tool to investigate pathways related to the aetiology and possible future therapies to this neuropsychiatric disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mellanie Fontes-Dutra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joseane Righes Marafiga
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biological Science: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry of Neuronal Excitability and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Júlio Santos-Terra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Iohanna Deckmann
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Brum Schwingel
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruna Rabelo
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafael Kazmierzak de Moraes
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marília Rockenbach
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mayara Vendramin Pasquetti
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biological Science: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry of Neuronal Excitability and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carmem Gottfried
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisa Calcagnotto
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biological Science: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry of Neuronal Excitability and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lory C, Rispoli M, Keehn B, Mason RA, Mason BA, Kang S, Borosh AM, Shannon E, Crosley H. Exploring Subtypes of Repetitive Behavior in Children with Autism Through Functional Analysis and Wearable Technology: a Pilot Biobehavioral Assessment. ADVANCES IN NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2023; 7:1-16. [PMID: 36721856 PMCID: PMC9881513 DOI: 10.1007/s41252-023-00317-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Prior research has established assessment methodologies, such as functional analysis to identify specific contexts in which restricted and repetitive behavior (RRB) occurs, and measures of heart rate variability (HRV) to index the level of autonomic arousal in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, a gap remains in integrating multiple assessment methodologies to examine the complex underlying mechanisms of RRB. This study piloted a multi-disciplinary approach to assess both the functional behavioral and neurophysiological factors that may underlie occurrences of RRB. The study (a) evaluated the effect of a modified functional analysis protocol on delineating functional subtypes of RRB and (b) explored the effect of using a wearable technology within a functional analysis on identifying the relationship between RRB and HRV. Method A single-case alternating treatment design was used to randomly alternate noncontingent low-stimulation and high-stimulation conditions in a modified functional analysis protocol. Simultaneous measurement of RRB and HRV was obtained through direct behavioral observations and a wristband that collects blood volume pulse, respectively. Visual analysis of time series data was used to determine the functional subtypes of RRB, and nonparametric correlational analyses were conducted to determine the association between HRV and RRB. Results Findings from a sample of six participants suggest preliminary effectiveness of the assessment protocol in identifying subtypes of RRB and a significant correlation between HRV and RRB. Conclusions This study demonstrates the potential effect and usability of a wearable technology-aided biobehavioral approach to assess RRB and HRV in individuals with ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catharine Lory
- Department of Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV USA
| | - Mandy Rispoli
- Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA USA
| | - Brandon Keehn
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Rose A. Mason
- Department of Educational Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Benjamin A. Mason
- Department of Educational Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Sungwoo Kang
- Department of Educational Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Amanda M. Borosh
- Department of Educational Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Eric Shannon
- Department of Educational Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Hannah Crosley
- Department of Educational Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Talcer MC, Duffy O, Pedlow K. A Qualitative Exploration into the Sensory Experiences of Autistic Mothers. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:834-849. [PMID: 34251566 PMCID: PMC9944021 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05188-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Research has found 96% of autistic individuals experience sensory processing difficulties, and being a parent presents many sensory demands that may be especially challenging for autistic mothers. Despite the high prevalence, no research exists exploring the sensory experiences of autistic mothers, highlighting the gap in current knowledge. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 autistic mothers, data were analysed using thematic analysis identifying 5 major themes: antenatal experiences, sensory experiences in motherhood, the impact of sensory processing difficulties, strategies and needs, diagnosis. This research provides greater insight and understanding into the sensory experiences of autistic mothers which can influence earlier diagnosis and inform appropriate support and adaptations for autistic mothers in a variety of different sectors and highlights a possible emerging role for Occupational Therapists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Orla Duffy
- Centre for Health and Rehabilitation Technologies, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB, UK.
| | - Katy Pedlow
- grid.12641.300000000105519715Centre for Health and Rehabilitation Technologies, Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Shore Road, Newtownabbey , BT37 0QB UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dyson A, Ryan M, Garg S, Evans DG, Baines RA. Loss of NF1 in Drosophila Larvae Causes Tactile Hypersensitivity and Impaired Synaptic Transmission at the Neuromuscular Junction. J Neurosci 2022; 42:9450-9472. [PMID: 36344265 PMCID: PMC9794380 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0562-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition in which the mechanisms underlying its core symptomatology are largely unknown. Studying animal models of monogenic syndromes associated with ASD, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), can offer insights into its etiology. Here, we show that loss of function of the Drosophila NF1 ortholog results in tactile hypersensitivity following brief mechanical stimulation in the larva (mixed sexes), paralleling the sensory abnormalities observed in individuals with ASD. Mutant larvae also exhibit synaptic transmission deficits at the glutamatergic neuromuscular junction (NMJ), with increased spontaneous but reduced evoked release. While the latter is homeostatically compensated for by a postsynaptic increase in input resistance, the former is consistent with neuronal hyperexcitability. Indeed, diminished expression of NF1 specifically within central cholinergic neurons induces both excessive neuronal firing and tactile hypersensitivity, suggesting the two may be linked. Furthermore, both impaired synaptic transmission and behavioral deficits are fully rescued via knock-down of Ras proteins. These findings validate NF1 -/- Drosophila as a tractable model of ASD with the potential to elucidate important pathophysiological mechanisms.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1-2% of the overall population and can considerably impact an individual's quality of life. However, there are currently no treatments available for its core symptoms, largely because of a poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved. Examining how loss of function of the ASD-associated NF1 gene affects behavior and physiology in Drosophila may shed light on this. In this study, we identify a novel, ASD-relevant behavioral phenotype in NF1 -/- larvae, namely an enhanced response to mechanical stimulation, which is associated with Ras-dependent synaptic transmission deficits indicative of neuronal hyperexcitability. Such insights support the use of Drosophila neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) models in ASD research and may provide outputs for genetic or pharmacological screens in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Dyson
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Ryan
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Shruti Garg
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - D Gareth Evans
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Baines
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Etyemez S, Esler A, Kini A, Tsai PC, DiRienzo M, Maenner M, Lee LC. The role of intellectual disability with autism spectrum disorder and the documented cooccurring conditions: A population-based study. Autism Res 2022; 15:2399-2408. [PMID: 36245337 PMCID: PMC9827707 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2831] [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] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has identified that patterns of cooccurring conditions (CoCs) associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) differ based on the presence of intellectual disability (ID). This study explored the association of documented CoCs among 8-year-old children with ASD and ID (ASD+ID, n = 2416) and ASD without ID (ASD-ID, n = 5372) identified by the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, surveillance years (SYs) 2012 and 2014. After adjusting for demographic variables, record source, surveillance site, and SY, children with ASD+ID, as compared with children with ASD-ID, were more likely to have histories of nonspecific developmental delays and neurological disorders documented in their records but were less likely to have behavioral and psychiatric disorders. ID plays a key role on how children with ASD would experience other CoCs. Our results emphasize how understanding the pattern of CoCs in ASD+ID and ASD-ID can inform comprehensive and multidisciplinary approaches in assessment and management of children in order to develop targeted interventions to reduce possible CoCs or CoCs-related impairments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Semra Etyemez
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amy Esler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Aniket Kini
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Peng-Chou Tsai
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Monica DiRienzo
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Matthew Maenner
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Li-Ching Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Interventions for Sensory Over-Responsivity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9101584. [PMID: 36291519 PMCID: PMC9601143 DOI: 10.3390/children9101584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit sensory over-responsivity (SOR), which is characterized by an overwhelmingly negative reaction to or avoidance of sensory stimulation. Despite the detrimental effects of SOR on people’s personal and social lives, the knowledge of and interventions for the issue remain limited. This paper collates and reviews studies on SOR and information on the potential for effective interventions for people with ASD. This review reveals evidence that SOR has a close relationship with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and family life impairment and an underlying mechanism related to SOR. Four interventions and their theoretical bases in sensory-motor processing are discussed in this paper, namely, physical activity (PA), sensory integration therapy (SIT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These interventions focus on establishing coping strategies for regulating the emotional response to sensory information, and they have been found to be effective and to have the potential to help children with ASD reduce their SOR behaviors. This paper provides guidance for selecting appropriate interventions and for further investigation of more effective interventions in the future.
Collapse
|
19
|
Ringold SM, McGuire RW, Jayashankar A, Kilroy E, Butera CD, Harrison L, Cermak SA, Aziz-Zadeh L. Sensory Modulation in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder Compared to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Children. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12091171. [PMID: 36138908 PMCID: PMC9496992 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12091171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is one of the least studied and understood developmental disorders. One area that has been minimally investigated in DCD is potential issues with sensory modulation. Further, in other neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder (ASD)) sensory modulation is related to many other challenges (e.g., social issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety); however, such potential relationships in children with DCD have been largely unexplored. The purpose of this study is to explore sensory modulation differences in DCD and to understand the relationships between sensory modulation and social emotional measures, behavior, and motor skills in DCD in comparison to ASD and typically developing (TD) peers. Participants (aged 8–17) and their caregivers (DCD, N = 26; ASD, N = 57; and TD, N = 53) completed behavioral and clinical measures. The results indicated that 31% of the DCD group showed sensory modulation difficulties, with the DCD group falling between the ASD and TD groups. In the DCD group, sensory modulation was significantly associated with anxiety, empathic concern, repetitive behaviors, and motor skills. Data are compared to patterns seen in ASD and TD groups and implications for interventions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofronia M Ringold
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Riley W McGuire
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Aditya Jayashankar
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Emily Kilroy
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Christiana D Butera
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Laura Harrison
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Sharon A Cermak
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Lisa Aziz-Zadeh
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Little LM, Ausderau K, Freuler A, Sideris J, Baranek GT. Caregiver Strategies to Sensory Features for Children With Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Front Psychol 2022; 13:905154. [PMID: 35936243 PMCID: PMC9353765 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.905154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and developmental disabilities (DD) implement myriad strategies to support their children during daily activities and routines, which are laden with sensory stimuli. Children’s sensory features are often characterized by three patterns of response (i.e., hyperresponsiveness, hyporesponsiveness, sensory seeking), and little is known about how caregivers’ strategies differ among these patterns. Therefore, we used a mixed methods analysis to examine the complex interplay between children’s sensory response patterns, child characteristics (diagnosis, chronological age, mental age), and caregiver strategies. Specifically, we examined how children’s sensory response pattern scores were associated with caregiver strategies within sensory response pattern and at the item level. Lastly, we described the differential strategies implemented by caregivers of children with ASD and DD by sensory response pattern. Materials and Methods Participants included children with ASD (n = 77) and DD (n = 40) aged 2–10 years. Caregivers completed the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire-2.1. A convergent parallel mixed methods approach was used to analyze data. Results Children’s sensory response pattern scores were significantly, positively associated with caregiver strategies within each sensory pattern (hyperresponsiveness, hyporesponsiveness, seeking); however, child mental age, and chronological age were not significantly related to the rate of caregiver strategies across patterns. While caregivers of children with ASD reported using more strategies, child diagnosis did not moderate the association between child sensory response pattern scores and the rate of caregiver strategies used. Item analysis demonstrated specific child behaviors in response to sensory stimuli that elicited high rates of strategies among caregivers. Qualitative analysis revealed distinct themes characterized caregiver strategies within each sensory pattern for children with ASD and DD. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated specificity of caregiver strategies to children’s sensory response patterns in the context of families’ everyday lives, which were not contingent on child diagnosis, mental age, or chronological age, thereby highlighting universal qualities of caregiving for young children who experience varying levels of sensory challenges. Targeted intervention approaches may differentially incorporate types of strategies based on sensory response patterns to more optimally facilitate children’s activity participation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Little
- College of Health Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Lauren M. Little,
| | - Karla Ausderau
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Ashley Freuler
- Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Carrboro, NC, United States
| | - John Sideris
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Grace T. Baranek
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kaneko A, Ohshima R, Noda H, Matsumaru T, Iwanaga R, Ide M. Sensory and Social Subtypes of Japanese Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2022:10.1007/s10803-022-05577-0. [PMID: 35596829 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05577-0] [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: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Studies have proposed that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be divided into several subtypes depending on their sensory features. However, consideration of social communication features is also crucial for configuring ASD subtypes, because social and sensory features are tightly interrelated. In this study, we asked Japanese individuals with ASD to answer the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) and the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2), which measure sensory and social aspects, respectively. Consequent latent profile analysis demonstrated that the participants could be divided into five subgroups: two groups exhibited opposite or inconsistent patterns between the SSP and SRS-2 scores, while the other groups exhibited consistent patterns. Our findings indicate the existence of diverse phenotypes in individuals with ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Kaneko
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan. .,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. .,Department of Psychology, Rikkyo University, Niiza, Saitama, Japan. .,Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, 4-1, Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-8555, Japan.
| | - Remi Ohshima
- Faculty of Psychology, Mejiro University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruka Noda
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Occupational Therapy Science, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomoko Matsumaru
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Mejiro University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoichiro Iwanaga
- Department of Occupational Therapy Science, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masakazu Ide
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan. .,Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, 4-1, Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Matsushima K, Matsubayashi J, Toichi M, Funabiki Y, Kato T, Awaya T, Tsuchida R, Kato T. Atypical Physiological Response to Less Controllable Sensory Stimulation in Children with ASD. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2022; 50:1363-1377. [DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-00927-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
23
|
Freitas C, Hunt BAE, Wong SM, Ristic L, Fragiadakis S, Chow S, Iaboni A, Brian J, Soorya L, Chen JL, Schachar R, Dunkley BT, Taylor MJ, Lerch JP, Anagnostou E. Atypical Functional Connectivity During Unfamiliar Music Listening in Children With Autism. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:829415. [PMID: 35516796 PMCID: PMC9063167 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.829415] [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: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Atypical processing of unfamiliar, but less so familiar, stimuli has been described in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in particular in relation to face processing. We examined the construct of familiarity in ASD using familiar and unfamiliar songs, to investigate the link between familiarity and autism symptoms, such as repetitive behavior. Methods Forty-eight children, 24 with ASD (21 males, mean age = 9.96 years ± 1.54) and 24 typically developing (TD) controls (21 males, mean age = 10.17 ± 1.90) completed a music familiarity task using individually identified familiar compared to unfamiliar songs, while magnetoencephalography (MEG) was recorded. Each song was presented for 30 s. We used both amplitude envelope correlation (AEC) and the weighted phase lag index (wPLI) to assess functional connectivity between specific regions of interest (ROI) and non-ROI parcels, as well as at the whole brain level, to understand what is preserved and what is impaired in familiar music listening in this population. Results Increased wPLI synchronization for familiar vs. unfamiliar music was found for typically developing children in the gamma frequency. There were no significant differences within the ASD group for this comparison. During the processing of unfamiliar music, we demonstrated left lateralized increased theta and beta band connectivity in children with ASD compared to controls. An interaction effect found greater alpha band connectivity in the TD group compared to ASD to unfamiliar music only, anchored in the left insula. Conclusion Our results revealed atypical processing of unfamiliar songs in children with ASD, consistent with previous studies in other modalities reporting that processing novelty is a challenge for ASD. Relatively typical processing of familiar stimuli may represent a strength and may be of interest to strength-based intervention planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carina Freitas
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin A. E. Hunt
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Simeon M. Wong
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leanne Ristic
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susan Fragiadakis
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie Chow
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alana Iaboni
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Brian
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Latha Soorya
- Department of Psychiatry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Joyce L. Chen
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Russell Schachar
- Department of Psychiatry Research, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin T. Dunkley
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Margot J. Taylor
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Departments of Psychology and Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason P. Lerch
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chaxiong P, Burrows C, Botteron KN, Dager SR, Estes AM, Hazlett HC, Schultz RT, Zwaigenbaum L, Piven J, Wolff J. Relations of Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors to Social Skills in Toddlers with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:1423-1434. [PMID: 33956255 PMCID: PMC8571122 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05014-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We examined the relations of restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB; insistence on sameness, repetitive sensory-motor, self-injurious behavior) to social skills overall and aspects that comprise social skills as measured by the VABS-II (coping skills, play/leisure time, interpersonal relationships) in 24- (n = 63) and 36-month old (n = 35), high-familial-risk toddlers with ASD. Hierarchical linear regression results indicated that repetitive sensory-motor was the best predictor of social skills overall. Secondary results indicated that all three RRB subtypes were associated with each subdomain of social skills; however, repetitive sensory-motor was the strongest and most consistent among these effects. While our results suggests a general negative relation of subtypes of RRB to aspects of adaptive social function, repetitive sensory-motor behaviors may be of particular relevance to the development of social skills during toddlerhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pang Chaxiong
- University of Minnesota, 56 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Catherine Burrows
- University of Minnesota, 56 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Kelly N Botteron
- Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Stephen R Dager
- University of Washington, 1701 NE Columbia Rd, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Annette M Estes
- University of Washington, 1701 NE Columbia Rd, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Heather C Hazlett
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 321 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA
| | - Robert T Schultz
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | | | - Joseph Piven
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 321 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA
| | - Jason Wolff
- University of Minnesota, 56 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chen YJ, Sideris J, Watson LR, Crais ER, Baranek GT. Developmental trajectories of sensory patterns from infancy to school age in a community sample and associations with autistic traits. Child Dev 2022; 93:e446-e459. [PMID: 35238019 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This prospective study examined the latent growth trajectories of sensory patterns among a North Carolina birth cohort (N = 1517; 49% boys, 87% White) across infancy (6-19 months), preschool (3-4 years), and school years (6-7 years). Change rates of sensory hyper- and hyporesponsiveness better differentiated children with an autism diagnosis or elevated autistic traits from those with other developmental conditions, including non-autistic children with sensory differences. More sensory hyper- and hyporesponsiveness at infancy followed by steeper increases differentially predicted more autistic traits at school age. Further, children of parents with higher education tended to show stable or improving trajectories. These findings highlight the importance of tracking sensory patterns from infancy for facilitating early identification of associated challenges and tailored support for families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ju Chen
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - John Sideris
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Linda R Watson
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Crais
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Grace T Baranek
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang W, Zhuo S, Li X, Peng W. Autistic Traits and Empathy for Others' Pain Among the General Population: Test of the Mediating Effects of First-Hand Pain Sensitivity. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 53:2006-2020. [PMID: 35217943 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05471-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by reduced pain empathy-a process that is grounded in first-hand pain perception. Because autistic traits are continuously distributed in the general population, we hypothesized that first-hand pain sensitivity would mediate the link between autistic traits and pain empathy. After controlling for alexithymia, higher autistic traits were associated with lower cognitive and emotional empathy in response to others' pain, as well as lower sensitivity to cold and heat pain (higher cold pain tolerance and lower laser heat pain-intensity ratings). Importantly, pain sensitivity fully mediated the link between autistic traits and pain empathy. These findings highlight the role of atypical first-hand pain sensitivity in the lack of pain empathy observed in people with high autistic traits or ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyun Zhang
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Ave 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiwei Zhuo
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Ave 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Ave 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China
| | - Weiwei Peng
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Ave 3688, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Almandil NB, AlSulaiman A, Aldakeel SA, Alkuroud DN, Aljofi HE, Alzahrani S, Al-mana A, Alfuraih AA, Alabdali M, Alkhamis FA, AbdulAzeez S, Borgio JF. Integration of Transcriptome and Exome Genotyping Identifies Significant Variants with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020158. [PMID: 35215271 PMCID: PMC8880056 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a complex disease with genetic predisposition factors. Real factors for treatment and early diagnosis are yet to be defined. This study integrated transcriptome and exome genotyping for identifying functional variants associated with autism spectrum disorder and their impact on gene expression to find significant variations. More than 1800 patients were screened, and 70 (47 male/23 female) with an average age of 7.56 ± 3.68 years fulfilled the DSM-5 criteria for autism. Analysis revealed 682 SNPs of 589 genes significantly (p < 0.001) associated with autism among the putative functional exonic variants (n = 243,345) studied. Olfactory receptor genes on chromosome 6 were significant after Bonferroni correction (α = 0.05/243345 = 2.05 × 10−7) with a high degree of linkage disequilibrium on 6p22.1 (p = 6.71 × 10−9). The differentially expressed gene analysis of autistic patients compared to controls in whole RNA sequencing identified significantly upregulated (foldchange ≥ 0.8 and p-value ≤ 0.05; n = 125) and downregulated (foldchange ≤ −0.8 and p-value ≤ 0.05; n = 117) genes. The integration of significantly up- and downregulated genes and genes of significant SNPs identified regulatory variants (rs6657480, rs3130780, and rs1940475) associated with the up- (ITGB3BP) and downregulation (DDR1 and MMP8) of genes in autism spectrum disorder in people of Arab ancestries. The significant variants could be a biomarker of interest for identifying early autism among Arabs and helping to characterize the genes involved in the susceptibility mechanisms for autistic subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noor B. Almandil
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdulla AlSulaiman
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (M.A.); (F.A.A.)
| | - Sumayh A. Aldakeel
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.); (D.N.A.); (A.A.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Deem N. Alkuroud
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.); (D.N.A.); (A.A.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Halah Egal Aljofi
- Environmental Health Research Area, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Safah Alzahrani
- Department of Mental Health, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.); (A.A.-m.)
- King Fahad Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aishah Al-mana
- Department of Mental Health, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.); (A.A.-m.)
- King Fahad Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asma A. Alfuraih
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.); (D.N.A.); (A.A.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Majed Alabdali
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (M.A.); (F.A.A.)
| | - Fahd A. Alkhamis
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (M.A.); (F.A.A.)
| | - Sayed AbdulAzeez
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.); (D.N.A.); (A.A.A.); (S.A.)
| | - J. Francis Borgio
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.); (D.N.A.); (A.A.A.); (S.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-13-3330864
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Riva V, Riboldi EM, Dondena C, Piazza C, Molteni M, Cantiani C. Atypical ERP responses to audiovisual speech integration and sensory responsiveness in infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder. INFANCY 2022; 27:369-388. [PMID: 35037381 DOI: 10.1111/infa.12456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Atypical sensory responses are included in the diagnostic criteria of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autistic individuals perform poorly during conditions that require integration across multiple sensory modalities such as audiovisual (AV) integration. Previous research investigated neural processing of AV integration in infancy. Yet, this has never been studied in infants at higher likelihood of later ASD (HR) using neurophysiological (EEG/ERP) techniques. In this study, we investigated whether ERP measures of AV integration differentiate HR infants from low-risk (LR) infants and whether early AV integration abilities are associated with clinical measures of sensory responsiveness. At age 12 months, AV integration in HR (n = 21) and LR infants (n = 19) was characterized in a novel ERP paradigm measuring the McGurk effect, and clinical measures of sensory responsiveness were evaluated. Different brain responses over the left temporal area emerge between HR and LR infants, specifically when AV stimuli cannot be integrated into a fusible percept. Furthermore, ERP responses related to integration of AV incongruent stimuli were found to be associated with sensory responsiveness, with reduced effects of AV incongruency being associated with reduced sensory reactivity. These data suggest that early identification of AV deficits may pave the way to innovative therapeutic strategies for the autistic symptomatology. Further replications in independent cohorts are needed for generalizability of findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Riva
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | - Elena Maria Riboldi
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | - Chiara Dondena
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | - Caterina Piazza
- Bioengineering Lab, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | - Massimo Molteni
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Lecco, Italy
| | - Chiara Cantiani
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Lecco, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Soker-Elimaliah S, Lehrfield A, Scarano SR, Wagner JB. Associations between the pupil light reflex and the broader autism phenotype in children and adults. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:1052604. [PMID: 36895201 PMCID: PMC9990758 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.1052604] [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: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The pupil light reflex (PLR), a marker of neuronal response to light, is a well-studied index of autonomic functioning. Studies have found that autistic children and adults have slower and weaker PLR responses compared to non-autistic peers, suggesting lower autonomic control. Altered autonomic control has also been associated with increased sensory difficulties in autistic children. With autistic traits varying in the general population, recent studies have begun to examine similar questions in non-autistic individuals. The current study looked at the PLR in relation to individual differences in autistic traits in non-autistic children and adults, asking how differences in the PLR could lead to variation in autistic traits, and how this might change across development. Children and adults completed a PLR task as a measure of sensitivity to light and autonomic response. Results showed that, in adults, increased levels of restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) were associated with a weaker and slower PLR. However, in children, PLR responses were not associated with autistic traits. Differences in PLR were also found across age groups, with adults showing smaller baseline pupil diameter and stronger PLR constriction as compared with children. The current study expanded on past work to examine the PLR and autistic traits in non-autistic children and adults, and the relevance of these findings to sensory processing difficulties is discussed. Future studies should continue to examine the neural pathways that might underlie the links between sensory processing and challenging behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sapir Soker-Elimaliah
- Department of Psychology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States.,Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Aviva Lehrfield
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Samuel R Scarano
- Department of Psychology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jennifer B Wagner
- Department of Psychology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Longitudinal Changes in Cortical Thickness in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Association with Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12122024. [PMID: 34946972 PMCID: PMC8701312 DOI: 10.3390/genes12122024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuroanatomy of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) shows highly heterogeneous developmental trajectories across individuals. Mapping atypical brain development onto clinical phenotypes, and establishing their molecular underpinnings, is therefore crucial for patient stratification and subtyping. In this longitudinal study we examined intra- and inter-individual differences in the developmental trajectory of cortical thickness (CT) in childhood and adolescence, and their genomic underpinnings, in 33 individuals with ASD and 37 typically developing controls (aged 11–18 years). Moreover, we aimed to link regional atypical CT development to intra-individual variations in restricted and repetitive behavior (RRB) over a two-year time period. Individuals with ASD showed significantly reduced cortical thinning in several of the brain regions functionally related to wider autism symptoms and traits (e.g., fronto-temporal and cingulate cortices). The spatial patterns of the neuroanatomical differences in CT were enriched for genes known to be associated with ASD at a genetic and transcriptomic level. Further, intra-individual differences in CT correlated with within-subject variability in the severity of RRBs. Our findings represent an important step towards characterizing the neuroanatomical underpinnings of ASD across development based upon measures of CT. Moreover, our findings provide important novel insights into the link between microscopic and macroscopic pathology in ASD, as well as their relationship with different clinical ASD phenotypes.
Collapse
|
31
|
Costa C, Cristea IA, Dal Bò E, Melloni C, Gentili C. Brain activity during facial processing in autism spectrum disorder: an activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2021; 62:1412-1424. [PMID: 33723876 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though aberrant face processing is a hallmark of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), findings on accompanying brain activity are divergent. Therefore, we conducted an activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis of studies examining brain activity during face processing. METHODS We searched PubMed and PsycINFO using combinations of terms as 'fMRI', 'Autism Spectrum Disorder', 'Face Perception'. Eligible studies reported on DSM-diagnosed ASD individuals, compared to controls (HC), using face stimuli presented in fMRI and reporting whole-brain analysis coordinates. We compared two approaches: 'convergence of differences' (primary analysis) using study-level coordinates from ASD vs. HC contrasts, and 'differences in convergence' (secondary) pooling coordinates within each group separately, and contrasting the resultant ALE maps. RESULTS Thirty-five studies (655 ASD and 668 HC) were included. Primary analysis identified a cluster in amygdala/parahippocampus where HC showed greater convergence of activation. Secondary analysis yielded no significant results. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that ASD dysfunction in face processing relies on structures involved in emotional processing rather than perception. We also demonstrate that the two ALE methodologies lead to divergent results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Costa
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Ioana Alina Cristea
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Dal Bò
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Caterina Melloni
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Claudio Gentili
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Unwin KL, Powell G, Jones CR. The use of Multi-Sensory Environments with autistic children: Exploring the effect of having control of sensory changes. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 26:1379-1394. [PMID: 34693744 PMCID: PMC9340127 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211050176] [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: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Multi-Sensory Environments (also called sensory or Snoezelen® rooms) are specialised spaces that contain equipment to modify the environment. They are commonly used in special-needs schools with autistic children, but empirical investigation into how to best use Multi-Sensory Environments with autistic children has been limited. Based on converging evidence that autistic children may benefit from having control, we tested 41 autistic children (8 female) aged 4–12 years (mean = 8 years, standard deviation = 2.05 years) who used the Multi-Sensory Environment both with and without control over the sensory changes. Behavioural coding of video data showed that having control was associated with increased attention and reduced repetitive motor behaviours, sensory behaviours, activity levels, stereotyped speech and vocalisations. Social behaviour, anxiety, positive affect and arousal were not significantly affected by condition. Our findings demonstrate that how a Multi-Sensory Environment is used can affect autistic children’s behaviours. They also suggest that providing control of sensory changes to autistic children may help create better conditions for learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katy L Unwin
- Cardiff University, UK.,La Trobe University, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Moore HL, Brice S, Powell L, Ingham B, Freeston M, Parr JR, Rodgers J. The Mediating Effects of Alexithymia, Intolerance of Uncertainty, and Anxiety on the Relationship Between Sensory Processing Differences and Restricted and Repetitive Behaviours in Autistic Adults. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:4384-4396. [PMID: 34643864 PMCID: PMC9508023 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05312-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Distress caused by sensory processing differences for autistic individuals may be reduced by repetitive behaviours (RRB), including repetitive motor (RMB) and insistence on sameness (ISB) behaviours. Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and anxiety mediate the relationship between sensory processing and RRB in autistic children. We replicated this model in autistic adults, extending it to include alexithymia. Serial mediation, using data from 426 autistic adults, identified significant direct effects from sensory processing to RMB and ISB, and indirect effects through alexithymia-IU-anxiety for RMB, and IU alone, and alexithymia-IU for ISB. Different mechanisms may underpin RMB and ISB. Alexithymia alongside, IU and anxiety, should be considered when understanding the relationship between sensory processing and RRB, and when offering interventions to support autistic people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Moore
- School of Psychology, 4.28, Dame Margaret Barbour Building, Wallace Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4DR, UK.
| | - Samuel Brice
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Level 3, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.,Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 1XT, UK
| | - Lauren Powell
- School of Psychology, 4.28, Dame Margaret Barbour Building, Wallace Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4DR, UK
| | - Barry Ingham
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Level 3, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.,Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 1XT, UK
| | - Mark Freeston
- School of Psychology, 4.28, Dame Margaret Barbour Building, Wallace Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4DR, UK
| | - Jeremy R Parr
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Level 3, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.,Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 1XT, UK
| | - Jacqui Rodgers
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Level 3, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gunderson J, Worthley E, Grzadzinski R, Burrows C, Estes A, Zwaigenbaum L, Botteron K, Dager S, Hazlett H, Schultz R, Piven J, Wolff J. Social and non-social sensory responsivity in toddlers at high-risk for autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2021; 14:2143-2155. [PMID: 34145789 PMCID: PMC8487998 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Empirical evidence concerning sensory responsivity in young children who later develop autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains relatively limited. It is unclear whether specific patterns or aspects of sensory responsivity underlay the emergence of the disorder. The goals of this study were to (a) examine whether social versus non-social context impacted the expression of sensory responsivity in infants at high risk for ASD, and (b) examine if sensory responsivity in social or non-social contexts was associated with severity of ASD symptoms. The Sensory Experiences Questionnaire 2.1 was collected for 338 infants (131 females, 207 males) at high-risk for ASD at 12 and/or 24 months of age. High-risk toddlers meeting diagnostic criteria for ASD (n = 75) showed elevated sensory responsivity in both social and non-social contexts at 12 months of age and differences widened over the second year of life. Individuals with ASD demonstrate higher responsivity in both contexts suggestive of generalized atypical sensory responsivity in ASD. LAY SUMMARY: Behaviors such as avoiding or noticing sensory input (e.g., sounds, touches) are often different in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than those without. The reason for this is widely unknown. The findings from this study show that in toddlers, sensory responsivity increased in both social and non-social situations. Therefore, the setting of sensory input does not explain these differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Worthley
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rebecca Grzadzinski
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kelly Botteron
- Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Heather Hazlett
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert Schultz
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joseph Piven
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jason Wolff
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Park S, Haak KV, Cho HB, Valk SL, Bethlehem RAI, Milham MP, Bernhardt BC, Di Martino A, Hong SJ. Atypical Integration of Sensory-to-Transmodal Functional Systems Mediates Symptom Severity in Autism. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:699813. [PMID: 34489757 PMCID: PMC8417581 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.699813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A notable characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is co-occurring deficits in low-level sensory processing and high-order social interaction. While there is evidence indicating detrimental cascading effects of sensory anomalies on the high-order cognitive functions in ASD, the exact pathological mechanism underlying their atypical functional interaction across the cortical hierarchy has not been systematically investigated. To address this gap, here we assessed the functional organisation of sensory and motor areas in ASD, and their relationship with subcortical and high-order trandmodal systems. In a resting-state fMRI data of 107 ASD and 113 neurotypical individuals, we applied advanced connectopic mapping to probe functional organization of primary sensory/motor areas, together with targeted seed-based intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) analyses. In ASD, the connectopic mapping revealed topological anomalies (i.e., excessively more segregated iFC) in the motor and visual areas, the former of which patterns showed association with the symptom severity of restricted and repetitive behaviors. Moreover, the seed-based analysis found diverging patterns of ASD-related connectopathies: decreased iFCs within the sensory/motor areas but increased iFCs between sensory and subcortical structures. While decreased iFCs were also found within the higher-order functional systems, the overall proportion of this anomaly tends to increase along the level of cortical hierarchy, suggesting more dysconnectivity in the higher-order functional networks. Finally, we demonstrated that the association between low-level sensory/motor iFCs and clinical symptoms in ASD was mediated by the high-order transmodal systems, suggesting pathogenic functional interactions along the cortical hierarchy. Findings were largely replicated in the independent dataset. These results highlight that atypical integration of sensory-to-high-order systems contributes to the complex ASD symptomatology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shinwon Park
- Institute for Basic Science, Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Koen V. Haak
- Donders Institute of Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Han Byul Cho
- Institute for Basic Science, Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sofie L. Valk
- Otto Hahn Group Cognitive Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Richard A. I. Bethlehem
- Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Brain Mapping Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P. Milham
- Center for the Developing Brain, Child Mind Institute, New York, NY, United States
- Center for Biomedical Imaging and Neuromodulation, Nathan Kline Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Boris C. Bernhardt
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Seok-Jun Hong
- Institute for Basic Science, Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
- Center for the Developing Brain, Child Mind Institute, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Harrop C, Sterrett K, Shih W, Landa R, Kaiser A, Kasari C. Short-term trajectories of restricted and repetitive behaviors in minimally verbal children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2021; 14:1789-1799. [PMID: 33960125 PMCID: PMC11045260 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Very little is known about the 30% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who remain minimally verbal when they enter school. Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are well-characterized in younger, preschool, and toddler samples. However, the prevalence and impact of RRBs has not been characterized in older, minimally verbal children. The goal of this study was to characterize this core diagnostic feature in minimally verbal children with ASD ages 5-8 years over a 9-month period to better understand how these behaviors manifest in this crucially understudied population. RRBs were coded from caregiver-child interactions (CCX) at four timepoints. Upon entry into the study, children demonstrated an average of 17 RRBs during a 10-min CCX. The most common category was Verbal. RRBs remained constant over 6 months; however, a slight reduction was observed at the final timepoint. Compared to prior literature on younger samples, minimally verbal children with ASD demonstrated higher rates of RRBs and higher rates of verbal RRBs. Further work is required to understand the function and impact of RRBs in minimally verbal children. LAY ABSTRACT: Approximately one-third of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain minimally verbal at the time of school entry. In this study, we sought to characterize the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) in school-aged children (5-8) who were minimally verbal. Compared to prior studies, minimally verbal children with ASD had higher frequencies of RRBs and demonstrated a different profile of behaviors, including more verbal RRBs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare Harrop
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Allied Health Sciences, Carr Mill, Mall Carrboro, NC, 27510
| | - Kyle Sterrett
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, 90024
| | - Wendy Shih
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, 90024
| | - Rebecca Landa
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Baltimore, MD, 21211
| | - Ann Kaiser
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Special Education, Nashville, TN, 37203
| | - Connie Kasari
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, 90024
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Osório JMA, Rodríguez-Herreros B, Richetin S, Junod V, Romascano D, Pittet V, Chabane N, Jequier Gygax M, Maillard AM. Sex differences in sensory processing in children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2021; 14:2412-2423. [PMID: 34288517 PMCID: PMC9290069 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of sensory processing difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), little research has focused on the sex differences in sensory processing. Furthermore, there is a lack of knowledge on the female‐specific symptoms of ASD, contributing to later referral, diagnosis and intervention. In this study, we examined the sex differences in sensory processing symptoms in large cohorts of ASD children (N = 168; 26 females, 142 males) and typically developing (TD) children (N = 439; 209 females, 230 males). For this, we translated the sensory processing measure (SPM) and SPM – Preschool (SPM‐P) Home Forms to French. The SPM/SPM‐P are parent/caregiver questionnaires that assess typical behavioral responses to sensory stimuli. Overall, our results showed that the magnitude of the differences in sensory processing between males and females is larger in ASD children relative to TD children, with females showing more severe symptoms in Hearing, as well as Balance and Motion subscales. Additionally, linear discriminant analysis showed that the SPM/SPM‐P are good at discriminating TD children from ASD, children with higher accuracy rates for females than for males. These findings are discussed in light of the heterogeneity of sensory processing difficulties present in ASD. Overall, our results suggest that there seem to be female‐specific profiles in sensory processing difficulties in ASD. Implications of findings concerning sex differences in sensory processing and their potential for improving identification and diagnosis of ASD females are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana Maria Almeida Osório
- Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Borja Rodríguez-Herreros
- Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Richetin
- Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Junod
- Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Romascano
- Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valérie Pittet
- Department Epidemiology and Health Systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health - University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Chabane
- Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marine Jequier Gygax
- Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne Manuela Maillard
- Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
Autistic adults commonly experience sensory reactivity differences. Sensory hyperreactivity is frequently researched, whilst hyporeactivity and seeking, and experiences across domains, e.g., vision, are often neglected. Therefore, we aimed to understand more about the sensory experiences of autistic adults. We conducted a mixed-methods study, co-produced with stakeholders; recruiting 49 autistic adults who completed an online survey. Firstly, quantitative results and content analysis enhanced our understanding of sensory input/contexts associated with sensory hyperreactivity, hyporeactivity, and seeking across modalities. Secondly, thematic analysis developed themes relating to 'Outcomes', 'Control', 'Tolerance and management', and 'The role of other people', informing a theoretical model of sensory reactivity differences in autistic adults. These findings have implications for support services and improving quality of life for autistic adults.
Collapse
|
39
|
Pak A, Kissinger ST, Chubykin AA. Impaired Adaptation and Laminar Processing of the Oddball Paradigm in the Primary Visual Cortex of Fmr1 KO Mouse. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:668230. [PMID: 34093132 PMCID: PMC8170411 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.668230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Both adaptation and novelty detection are an integral part of sensory processing. Recent animal oddball studies have advanced our understanding of circuitry underlying contextual processing in early sensory areas. However, it is unclear how adaptation and mismatch (MM) responses depend on the tuning properties of neurons and their laminar position. Furthermore, given that reduced habituation and sensory overload are among the hallmarks of altered sensory perception in autism, we investigated how oddball processing might be altered in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome (FX). Using silicon probe recordings and a novel spatial frequency (SF) oddball paradigm, we discovered that FX mice show reduced adaptation and enhanced MM responses compared to control animals. Specifically, we found that adaptation is primarily restricted to neurons with preferred oddball SF in FX compared to WT mice. Mismatch responses, on the other hand, are enriched in the superficial layers of WT animals but are present throughout lamina in FX animals. Last, we observed altered neural dynamics in FX mice in response to stimulus omissions. Taken together, we demonstrated that reduced feature adaptation coexists with impaired laminar processing of oddball responses, which might contribute to altered sensory perception in FX syndrome and autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandr Pak
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Samuel T Kissinger
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Alexander A Chubykin
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Fetta A, Carati E, Moneti L, Pignataro V, Angotti M, Bardasi MC, Cordelli DM, Franzoni E, Parmeggiani A. Relationship between Sensory Alterations and Repetitive Behaviours in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Parents' Questionnaire Based Study. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11040484. [PMID: 33920440 PMCID: PMC8069400 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between sensory profile and repetitive behaviours in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has long been known. However, there is no consensus on the type of relationship that exists between them. This monocentric retrospective-prospective observational study aimed (a) to detect a clinical correlation between the severity of repetitive behaviours and the alterations of sensory profile in a sample of 50 children diagnosed with ASD; (b) to evaluate how different patterns of stereotypies and sensory alterations correlate with each other and with the main clinical-instrumental variables in the same sample. We enrolled 29 children in the retrospective phase of the study and 21 in the prospective phase. The Repetitive Behaviour Scale-Revised (RBS-R) and the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) were administered to the caregivers, and clinical-instrumental data were collected. SSP and RBS-R total scores directly correlated with a high significance rate. Among the subscales, the strongest correlations involved "Visual/Auditory Sensitivity", related to "Stereotyped Behaviour" and "Sameness Behaviour". "Under-Responsive/Seeks Sensation" related to "Stereotyped Behaviour". Sex and intellectual disability significantly influenced both the stereotypies and the sensory alterations of the examined population. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the relationship between sensory alterations and repetitive behaviours in ASD children by using direct medical observation and parent observation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fetta
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell’Età Pediatrica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (V.P.); (M.A.); (D.M.C.); (A.P.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, 40137 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (L.M.); (M.C.B.); (E.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Elisa Carati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, 40137 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (L.M.); (M.C.B.); (E.F.)
| | - Laura Moneti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, 40137 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (L.M.); (M.C.B.); (E.F.)
| | - Veronica Pignataro
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell’Età Pediatrica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (V.P.); (M.A.); (D.M.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Marida Angotti
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell’Età Pediatrica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (V.P.); (M.A.); (D.M.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria Chiara Bardasi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, 40137 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (L.M.); (M.C.B.); (E.F.)
| | - Duccio Maria Cordelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell’Età Pediatrica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (V.P.); (M.A.); (D.M.C.); (A.P.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, 40137 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (L.M.); (M.C.B.); (E.F.)
| | - Emilio Franzoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, 40137 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (L.M.); (M.C.B.); (E.F.)
| | - Antonia Parmeggiani
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell’Età Pediatrica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (V.P.); (M.A.); (D.M.C.); (A.P.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, 40137 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (L.M.); (M.C.B.); (E.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Manelis-Baram L, Meiri G, Ilan M, Faroy M, Michaelovski A, Flusser H, Menashe I, Dinstein I. Sleep Disturbances and Sensory Sensitivities Co-Vary in a Longitudinal Manner in Pre-School Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:923-937. [PMID: 33835353 PMCID: PMC8033551 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04973-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated that sleep disturbances are positively correlated with sensory sensitivities in children with ASD. Most of these studies, however, were based on cross-sectional analyses, where the relationship across symptom domains was examined at a single time-point. Here, we examined the development of 103 pre-school children with ASD over a 1–3-year period. The results revealed that spontaneous longitudinal changes in sleep disturbances were specifically correlated with changes in sensory sensitivities and not with changes in other sensory processing domains nor with changes in core ASD symptoms. These finding demonstrate a consistent longitudinal relationship between sleep disturbances and sensory sensitivities, which suggests that these symptoms may be generated by common or interacting underlying physiological mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liora Manelis-Baram
- Psychology Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel. .,National Autism Research Center of Israel, Beer Sheva, Israel. .,The Academic College of Tel-Aviv-Yaffo, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
| | - Gal Meiri
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Beer Sheva, Israel.,Pre-School Psychiatry Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Michal Ilan
- Psychology Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.,National Autism Research Center of Israel, Beer Sheva, Israel.,Pre-School Psychiatry Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Michal Faroy
- Psychology Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.,National Autism Research Center of Israel, Beer Sheva, Israel.,The Academic College of Tel-Aviv-Yaffo, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Pre-School Psychiatry Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Analya Michaelovski
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Beer Sheva, Israel.,Zusman Child Development Center, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Hagit Flusser
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Beer Sheva, Israel.,Zusman Child Development Center, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Idan Menashe
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Beer Sheva, Israel.,Public Health Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Ilan Dinstein
- Psychology Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.,National Autism Research Center of Israel, Beer Sheva, Israel.,Cognitive and Brain Sciences Department, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Oral health knowledge and dental behavior among individuals with autism in Jordan: a case-control study. BMC Oral Health 2021; 21:62. [PMID: 33573642 PMCID: PMC7879629 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01423-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oral care is acknowledged as an integral component of general health and plays an essential role in establishing the desired level of quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Purpose To investigate oral health knowledge and dental behaviors in individuals with ASD in comparison with individuals without ASD in Jordan. Methods A case–control study was carried out among 296 caregivers of individuals with ASD (n = 147) and control (n = 149) groups. A closed ended, validated self-designed questionnaire was distributed. The questionnaire included questions addressing participant’s oral health knowledge and behaviour. Data were analyzed using SPSS® software Version 22 with a 0.05 level of significance. A Chi-square test and contingency-table analysis were performed. Results Individuals with ASD in Jordan were significantly less knowledgeable about different oral health aspects than individuals without ASD (p < 0.05). Fewer individuals in the ASD group brushed their teeth once or twice daily (89%), compared to the control group (93%). Only 15% of the ASD participants could brush their teeth without help. The use of fluoridated toothpaste and the frequency of using mouth rinse demonstrated a significant difference between groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion ASD individuals in Jordan suffer from a significant lack of oral knowledge comparing to their controls, leading to a misunderstanding of the basic and highly important dental health aspects. Indicating that the knowledge was not enough to influence their dental behaviors. Children with ASD and their families should receive appropriate education in special need oral health care given by oral health professionals to reduce the risk of having dental problems and oral disease and enhance their quality of life.
Collapse
|
43
|
Osório JMA, Rodríguez-Herreros B, Romascano D, Junod V, Habegger A, Pain A, Richetin S, Yu P, Isidor B, Van Maldergem L, Pons L, Manificat S, Chabane N, Jequier Gygax M, Maillard AM. Touch and olfaction/taste differentiate children carrying a 16p11.2 deletion from children with ASD. Mol Autism 2021; 12:8. [PMID: 33546725 PMCID: PMC7863523 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00410-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sensory processing atypicalities are frequent in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Different domains of sensory processing appear to be differentially altered in these disorders. In this study, we explored the sensory profile of two clinical cohorts, in comparison with a sample of typically developing children. Methods Behavioral responses to sensory stimuli were assessed using the Sensory Processing Measure (parent-report questionnaire). We included 121 ASD children, 17 carriers of the 16p11.2 deletion (Del 16p11.2) and 45 typically developing (TD) children. All participants were aged between 2 and 12 years. Additional measures included the Tactile Defensiveness and Discrimination Test-Revised, Wechsler Intelligence Scales and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). Statistical analyses included MANCOVA and regression analyses. Results ASD children score significantly higher on all SPM subscales compared to TD. Del16p11.2 also scored higher than TD on all subscales except for tactile and olfactory/taste processing, in which they score similarly to TD. When assessing sensory modulation patterns (hyper-, hypo-responsiveness and seeking), ASD did not significantly differ from del16p11.2. Both groups had significantly higher scores across all patterns than the TD group. There was no significant association between the SPM Touch subscale and the TDDT-R. Limitations Sensory processing was assessed using a parent-report questionnaire. Even though it captures observable behavior, a questionnaire does not assess sensory processing in all its complexity. The sample size of the genetic cohort and the small subset of ASD children with TDDT-R data render some of our results exploratory. Divergence between SPM Touch and TDDT-R raises important questions about the nature of the process that is assessed. Conclusions Touch and olfaction/taste seem to be particularly affected in ASD children compared to del16p11.2. These results indicate that parent report measures can provide a useful perspective on behavioral expression. Sensory phenotyping, when combined with neurobiological and psychophysical methods, might have the potential to provide a better understanding of the sensory processing in ASD and in other NDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana Maria Almeida Osório
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Borja Rodríguez-Herreros
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Romascano
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Junod
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aline Habegger
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aurélie Pain
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Richetin
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paola Yu
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Laboratory for Investigative Neurophysiology (LINE), Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Lionel Van Maldergem
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.,Unité de recherche en neurosciences intégratives et cognitives EA481, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.,Centre d'investigation clinique 1431, INSERM, Besançon, France
| | - Linda Pons
- Service Génopsy - Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire ADIS, Centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
| | - Sabine Manificat
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Chabane
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marine Jequier Gygax
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne Manuela Maillard
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ayub R, Sun KL, Flores RE, Lam VT, Jo B, Saggar M, Fung LK. Thalamocortical connectivity is associated with autism symptoms in high-functioning adults with autism and typically developing adults. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:93. [PMID: 33536431 PMCID: PMC7859407 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01221-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in sensorimotor functions are common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Such aberrations suggest the involvement of the thalamus due to its key role in modulating sensorimotor signaling in the cortex. Although previous research has linked atypical thalamocortical connectivity with ASD, investigations of this association in high-functioning adults with autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) are lacking. Here, for the first time, we investigated the resting-state functional connectivity of the thalamus, medial prefrontal, posterior cingulate, and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortices and its association with symptom severity in two matched cohorts of HFASD. The principal cohort consisted of 23 HFASD (mean[SD] 27.1[8.9] years, 39.1% female) and 20 age- and sex-matched typically developing controls (25.1[7.2] years, 30.0% female). The secondary cohort was a subset of the ABIDE database consisting of 58 HFASD (25.4[7.8] years, 37.9% female) and 51 typically developing controls (24.4[6.7] years, 39.2% female). Using seed-based connectivity analysis, between-group differences were revealed as hyperconnectivity in HFASD in the principal cohort between the right thalamus and bilateral precentral/postcentral gyri and between the right thalamus and the right superior parietal lobule. The former was associated with autism-spectrum quotient in a sex-specific manner, and was further validated in the secondary ABIDE cohort. Altogether, we present converging evidence for thalamocortical hyperconnectivity in HFASD that is associated with symptom severity. Our results fill an important knowledge gap regarding atypical thalamocortical connectivity in HFASD, previously only reported in younger cohorts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafi Ayub
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kevin L Sun
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ryan E Flores
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Vicky T Lam
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Booil Jo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Manish Saggar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lawrence K Fung
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Grzadzinski R, Donovan K, Truong K, Nowell S, Lee H, Sideris J, Turner-Brown L, Baranek GT, Watson LR. Sensory Reactivity at 1 and 2 Years Old is Associated with ASD Severity During the Preschool Years. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 50:3895-3904. [PMID: 32157566 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04432-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often display atypical sensory reactivity within the first years of life, prior to a diagnosis. This study examined sensory reactivity patterns at 14 months, changes from 14 to 23 months, and later ASD severity at 3 to 5 years of age in children (n = 87) at elevated likelihood of ASD. Results indicated that observed hyporeactivity at 14 months and increases from 14 to 23 months were related to higher ASD severity during the preschool years. Parent report of hyperreactivity at 14 months was associated with higher ASD severity in the RRB domain during the preschool years. Early hypo and hyperreactivity may predict later severity of ASD and aid in subtyping and developing individualized treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Grzadzinski
- University of North Carolina, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Kevin Donovan
- University of North Carolina, Department of Biostatistics, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kinh Truong
- University of North Carolina, Department of Biostatistics, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sallie Nowell
- University of North Carolina, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Helen Lee
- Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John Sideris
- Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Grace T Baranek
- Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Linda R Watson
- University of North Carolina, Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
A Distinct Three-Factor Structure of Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors in an Epidemiologically Sound Sample of Preschool-Age Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:3456-3468. [PMID: 33387232 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04776-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Prior studies investigating restricted and repetitive behavior (RRB) subtypes within autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have found varied factor structures for symptom groupings, in part, due to variation in symptom measurement and broad sample age ranges. This study examined RRBs among 827 preschool-age children, ages 35 to 71 months, through an exploratory factor analysis of RRB items from the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) collected through the Study to Explore Early Development. The factor structures of RRBs among children with confirmed ASD versus those with non-autism developmental concerns were qualitatively compared. Correlations between RRB factors and participant characteristics were examined in the ASD group. Three conceptually well-defined factors characterized as repetitive sensorimotor behaviors (RSMB), insistence on sameness (IS), and a novel stereotyped speech (SPEECH) factor emerged for the ASD group only. Distinct factors were supported by different clinical correlates. Findings have implications for improving differential diagnosis and understanding of ASD symptomatology in this age range.
Collapse
|
47
|
Lory C, Kadlaskar G, McNally Keehn R, Francis AL, Keehn B. Brief Report: Reduced Heart Rate Variability in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:4183-4190. [PMID: 32219633 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04458-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which can be indexed by heart rate variability (HRV), has been posited to contribute to core features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the relationship between ASD and HRV remains uncertain. We assessed tonic and phasic HRV of 21 children with ASD and 21 age- and IQ-matched typically developing (TD) children and examined (1) group differences in HRV and (2) associations between HRV and ASD symptomatology. Children with ASD showed significantly lower tonic HRV, but similar phasic HRV compared to TD children. Additionally, reduced tonic HRV was associated with atypical attentional responsivity in ASD. Our findings suggest ANS dysregulation is present in ASD and may contribute to atypical attentional responses to sensory stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catharine Lory
- Department of Educational Studies, Purdue University, 100 N University Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Girija Kadlaskar
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Rebecca McNally Keehn
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Alexander L Francis
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Brandon Keehn
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.,Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Feldman JI, Cassidy M, Liu Y, Kirby AV, Wallace MT, Woynaroski TG. Relations between Sensory Responsiveness and Features of Autism in Children. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10110775. [PMID: 33114357 PMCID: PMC7690864 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10110775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition defined by differences in social communication and by the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities (RRBs). Individuals with autism also commonly present with atypical patterns of sensory responsiveness (i.e., hyporesponsiveness, hyperresponsiveness, and sensory seeking), which are theorized to produce cascading effects across other domains of development. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in sensory responsiveness in children with and without autism (ages 8–18 years), as well as relations between patterns of sensory responsiveness and core and related features of autism. Participants were 50 children with autism and 50 non-autistic peers matched on age and sex. A comprehensive clinical battery included multiple measures of sensory responsiveness, core features of autism, adaptive behavior, internalizing behaviors, cognitive ability, and language ability. Groups significantly differed on all three patterns of sensory responsiveness. Some indices of core and related autism features were robustly associated with all three patterns of sensory responsiveness (e.g., RRBs), while others were more strongly associated with discrete patterns of sensory responsiveness (i.e., internalizing problem behaviors and hyperresponsiveness, language and sensory seeking). This study extends prior work to show that differences in sensory responsiveness that are linked with core and related features of autism persist in older children and adolescents on the spectrum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob I. Feldman
- Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (M.T.W.); (T.G.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-615-936-5470
| | - Margaret Cassidy
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (M.C.); (Y.L.)
- National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Yupeng Liu
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (M.C.); (Y.L.)
- Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Anne V. Kirby
- Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
| | - Mark T. Wallace
- Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (M.T.W.); (T.G.W.)
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Frist Center for Autism & Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Tiffany G. Woynaroski
- Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (M.T.W.); (T.G.W.)
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Frist Center for Autism & Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Dellapiazza F, Michelon C, Oreve MJ, Robel L, Schoenberger M, Chatel C, Vesperini S, Maffre T, Schmidt R, Blanc N, Vernhet C, Picot MC, Baghdadli A. The Impact of Atypical Sensory Processing on Adaptive Functioning and Maladaptive Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder During Childhood: Results From the ELENA Cohort. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:2142-2152. [PMID: 30868365 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-03970-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Atypical sensory processing is common in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but their role in adaptive difficulties and problem behaviors is poorly understood. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and type of atypical sensory processing in children with ASD and investigate its impact on their adaptive functioning and maladaptive behaviors. We studied a subsample of 197 children rigorously diagnosed with ASD from the ELENA cohort. Children were divided into atypical and typical sensory processing groups and several independent variables were compared, including adaptive functioning and maladaptive behaviors. Overall, 86.8% of the children had at least one atypical sensory pattern and all sensory modalities were disturbed. Atypical sensory processing explained a significant part of the variance of behavioral problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florine Dellapiazza
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, University Research and Hospital Center (CHU) of Montpellier, 34000, Montpellier, France.,Centre de Recherche en Épidémiologie et Santé des Populations, U1178, INSERM, Paris, France.,Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Univ. Montpellier, EPSYLON EA 4556, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Cécile Michelon
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, University Research and Hospital Center (CHU) of Montpellier, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie-Joelle Oreve
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Le Chesnay, France
| | - Laurence Robel
- Service de Pédopsychiatrie, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, AP-HP, Paris V, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Stéphanie Vesperini
- Autism Resources Centre, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, University Hospital CHU-Lenval, Nice, France
| | - Thierry Maffre
- Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital La Grave, Toulouse, France.,Centre de Ressources Autisme Midi-Pyrénées, Hôpital La Grave, Toulouse, France
| | - Richard Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nathalie Blanc
- Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Univ. Montpellier, EPSYLON EA 4556, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Christelle Vernhet
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, University Research and Hospital Center (CHU) of Montpellier, 34000, Montpellier, France.,Centre de Recherche en Épidémiologie et Santé des Populations, U1178, INSERM, Paris, France.,Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Univ. Montpellier, EPSYLON EA 4556, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Amaria Baghdadli
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, University Research and Hospital Center (CHU) of Montpellier, 34000, Montpellier, France. .,Centre de Recherche en Épidémiologie et Santé des Populations, U1178, INSERM, Paris, France. .,School of Medicine, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Gomez IN, Flores JG. Diverse Patterns of Autonomic Nervous System Response to Sensory Stimuli Among Children with Autism. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40474-020-00210-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|