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Sadikova E, Soland J, Menezes M, Mazurek M. Impact of adverse childhood experiences and family resilience on sleep duration in autistic children. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:2612-2622. [PMID: 38807297 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241235880] [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] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autistic children are more likely to have sleep difficulties and to experience adverse childhood experiences. Adverse childhood experiences can include parental divorce, bullying, or witnessing violence. We also know that children in families who are resilient (e.g. families who are connected, work together, and help each other) are less impacted by adverse childhood experiences. Our study examined whether there was a relationship between adverse childhood experiences and sleep duration in autistic children. We also wanted to find out whether family resilience protects from the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences on sleep duration. We used data from 3247 parent surveys about their children that we got from the National Survey of Children's Health. We found that children with adverse childhood experiences are more likely to get less sleep. We also found that children with resilient families were more likely to get more sleep. Our results show that family resilience helps weaken the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and sleep, so it is important to help families build resilience.
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Spaargaren KL, Begeer SM, Greaves-Lord K, Riper H, van Straten A. Protocol of a randomized controlled trial into guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in autistic adults (i-Sleep Autism). Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 146:107704. [PMID: 39357740 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/28/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep problems, especially insomnia, are prevalent among autistic adults, affecting about 60 %, and significantly impact their quality of life. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (iCBT-I) could provide accessible and scalable treatment. Given the unique sensory- and information processing, and social challenges at play in autism, a tailored treatment approach may be essential to tackle sleep problems. Yet, interventions developed and tested specifically for autistic adults were scarce. Addressing this gap is crucial to meet the urgent need for effective insomnia treatments in this population. METHODS With this two-arm, parallel, superiority randomized controlled trial, we will assess the effectiveness of a guided iCBT-I intervention for adults (N = 160) with autism and insomnia (i-Sleep Autism). In co-creation, i-Sleep Autism has been adjusted from an existing intervention (i-Sleep). Inclusion criteria are: age ≥ 18, an ASD diagnosis, and at least sub-threshold insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index ≥10). Participants are randomly assigned to either i-Sleep Autism or an information only waitlist control condition (online psychoeducation and sleep hygiene). After 6 weeks, the control group receives the intervention. Insomnia severity is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include pre-sleep arousal, general mental health, depression, anxiety, daily functioning, and quality of life. Assessments will occur at baseline, mid-intervention (3 weeks), post-intervention (6 weeks), and at 6-month follow-up (the intervention group). Linear mixed-effect regression models are employed to evaluate the effectiveness of i-Sleep Autism, alongside exploration of potential moderators and mediators. CONCLUSION This trial can reveal whether autistic adults with insomnia benefit from a guided e-health intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION NL-OMON56692.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten L Spaargaren
- Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sander M Begeer
- Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kirstin Greaves-Lord
- Jonx, Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism, Autism Team Northern-Netherlands, Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Laan Corpus Den Hoorn 102-2, 9728 JR Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology Unit, University of Groningen, Broerstraat 5, 9712 CP Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Heleen Riper
- Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annemieke van Straten
- Department of Clinical, Neuro-, and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Pasca L, Quaranta CA, Grumi S, Zanaboni MP, Tagliabue A, Guglielmetti M, Vitali H, Capriglia E, Varesio C, Toni F, Nobili L, Terzaghi M, De Giorgis V. The effects of ketogenic dietary therapies on sleep: A scoping review. J Sleep Res 2024; 33:e14073. [PMID: 37932966 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Sleep problems are common in neurological conditions for which ketogenic dietary therapies (KDTs) are recognised as an effective intervention (drug-resistant epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and migraine). Given the composite framework of action of ketogenic dietary therapies, the prevalence of sleep disturbance, and the importance of sleep regulation, the present scoping review aimed at identifying and mapping available evidence of the effects of ketogenic dietary therapies on sleep. A comprehensive web-based literature search was performed retrieving publications published to June 2023 using PubMed and Scopus, yielding to 277 records. Twenty papers were finally selected and included in the review. Data were abstracted by independent coders. High variability was identified in study design and sleep outcome evaluation among the selected studies. Several changes in sleep quality and sleep structure under ketogenic dietary therapies were found, namely an improvement of overall sleep quality, improvement in the difficulty falling asleep and nighttime awakenings, improvement in daytime sleepiness and an increase of REM sleep. The relevance and possible physiological explanations of these changes, clinical recommendations, and future directions in the field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Pasca
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Alberto Quaranta
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serena Grumi
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Anna Tagliabue
- Human Nutrition and Eating Disorder Research Centre, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Monica Guglielmetti
- Human Nutrition and Eating Disorder Research Centre, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Helene Vitali
- U-VIP: Unit for Visually Impaired People, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Elena Capriglia
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Unit of Sleep Medicine and Epilepsy, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Costanza Varesio
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federico Toni
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lino Nobili
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Child and Maternal Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Michele Terzaghi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Unit of Sleep Medicine and Epilepsy, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina De Giorgis
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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4
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Sadikova E, Mazurek MO. The Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Sleep in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06321-6. [PMID: 38970717 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06321-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder are at higher risk for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). They are also more vulnerable to sleep problems and are less likely to obtain the recommended number of hours of sleep than neurotypical children. In the general population, ACEs have been linked to future sleep difficulties. Despite increased vulnerabilities to both ACEs and sleep problems, no study has examined this association in ASD. Using the National Survey of Children's Health across four cohorts, we examined whether ACEs were a risk factor to obtaining the recommended number of hours of sleep, while accounting for demographic and health factors typically associated with sleep duration. Findings indicate that children with ASD with more ACEs were less likely to get the recommended number of hours of sleep than children with fewer ACEs. Other factors associated with sleep included race, anxiety, autism severity, and overall health. These findings indicate that sleep problems in children with ASD are complex and multifaceted. Among other considerations, it is important for clinicians to screen children with ASD for ACEs and consider the possible impact of ACEs on sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Sadikova
- University of Virginia, 417 Emmet Street South, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA.
| | - Micah O Mazurek
- University of Virginia, 417 Emmet Street South, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
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5
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Schaaf RC, Puts NA, Williams ZJ, Woynaroski T. Forwarding the Science of Sensory Features in Autism and Related Conditions. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:2663-2667. [PMID: 37142906 PMCID: PMC10949906 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05959-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
This editorial accompanies the JADD Special Issue on Sensory Features in Autism and Related Conditions: Developmental Approaches, Mechanisms and Targeted Interventions. The editorial is a commentary on the state of the science in sensory features in autism and related conditions and provides a synopsis of the information contained in the special issue including provocative thoughts about moving the field forward in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roseann C Schaaf
- Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Occupational Therapy, Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Nicolaas A Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Zachary J Williams
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Affiliate, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tiffany Woynaroski
- Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, First Center for Autism and Innovation, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Harris HK, Kook M, Boedeker P, Gusick AG, Lyons-Warren AM, Goin-Kochel RP, Murali C, Berry LN, Storch EA. The Impact of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Sleep Problems in Autistic Children with Co-occurring Anxiety. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06309-2. [PMID: 38557905 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06309-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study seeks to examine the relationship between anxiety-symptom severity and sleep behaviors in autistic children receiving cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). METHODS We conducted a secondary-data analysis from a sample of 93 autistic youth, 4 to 14 years, participating in 24 weeks of CBT. Clinicians completed the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS) and parents completed the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, Abbreviated/Short Form (CSHQ-SF) at baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment and 3 months post-treatment. Mediation analysis evaluated the role of anxiety symptoms in mediating the effect of time in treatment on sleep. RESULTS There was a negative association between time in treatment and scores on the CSHQ-SF (b = - 3.23, SE = 0.493, t = - 6.553, p < 0.001). Increased time in treatment was associated with decreased anxiety (b = - 4.66, SE = 0.405, t = - 11.507, p < 0.001), and anxiety symptoms decreased with CSHQ-SF scores (b = 0.322, SE = 0.112, t = 2.869, p = 0.005). The indirect effect of time in treatment on CSHQ-SF scores through PARS reduction was negative, but not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Increased time in CBT was associated with decreased anxiety severity and improved sleep behaviors. Reductions in anxiety symptoms may mediate improvements in sleep problems, but larger sample sizes are necessary to explore this further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly K Harris
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Autism, 8080 North Stadium Drive, Suite 100, Houston, TX, 77054, USA.
| | - Minjee Kook
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter Boedeker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Education, Innovation and Technology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew G Gusick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ariel M Lyons-Warren
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robin P Goin-Kochel
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Autism Program, Meyer Center for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chaya Murali
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Leandra N Berry
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Autism Program, Meyer Center for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eric A Storch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Sommers L, Papadopoulos N, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Sciberras E, McGillivray J, Howlin P, Rinehart N. The Connection Between Sleep Problems and Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties in Autistic Children: A Network Analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06298-2. [PMID: 38526802 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06298-2] [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: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
The interactions between sleep problems, autism symptoms and emotional and behavioural difficulties were explored using network analysis in 240 autistic children (mean age: 8.8 years, range 5-13 years) with moderate to severe sleep problems. Findings revealed a highly connected and interpretable network, with three separate clusters identified of the modelled variables. Depression, anxiety and behavioural difficulties were the most central variables of the network. Depression, anxiety and restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns behaviours (RRBs) were the strongest bridging variables in the network model, transmitting activation both within and between other symptom clusters. The results highlight that depression and anxiety were highly connected symptoms within the network, suggesting support in these areas could be helpful, as well as future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Sommers
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia.
| | - Nicole Papadopoulos
- Monash Krongold Clinic, Faculty of Education, Monash University, 19 Ancora Imparo Way, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Monash University, 19 Ancora Imparo Way, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Emma Sciberras
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jane McGillivray
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Patricia Howlin
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Nicole Rinehart
- Monash Krongold Clinic, Faculty of Education, Monash University, 19 Ancora Imparo Way, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
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8
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Lai MC. Mental health challenges faced by autistic people. Nat Hum Behav 2023; 7:1620-1637. [PMID: 37864080 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01718-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Mental health challenges impede the well-being of autistic people. This Review outlines contributing neurodevelopmental and physical health conditions, rates and developmental trajectories of mental health challenges experienced by autistic people, as well as unique clinical presentations. A framework is proposed to consider four contributing themes to aid personalized formulation: social-contextual determinants, adverse life experiences, autistic cognitive features, and shared genetic and early environmental predispositions. Current evidence-based and clinical-knowledge-informed intervention guidance and ongoing development of support are highlighted for specific mental health areas. Tailored mental health support for autistic people should be neurodivergence-informed, which is fundamentally humanistic and compatible with the prevailing bio-psycho-social frameworks. The personalized formulation should be holistic, considering physical health and transdiagnostic neurodevelopmental factors, intellectual and communication abilities, and contextual-experiential determinants and their interplay with autistic cognition and biology, alongside resilience. Supporting family well-being is integral. Mutual empathic understanding is fundamental to creating societies in which people across neurotypes are all empowered to thrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chuan Lai
- Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health and Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Mammarella V, Orecchio S, Cameli N, Occhipinti S, Marcucci L, De Meo G, Innocenti A, Ferri R, Bruni O. Using pharmacotherapy to address sleep disturbances in autism spectrum disorders. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:1261-1276. [PMID: 37811652 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2267761] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sleep disorders are the second most common medical comorbidity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with effects on daytime behavior and functioning, mood and anxiety, and autism core features. In children with ASD, insomnia also has a negative impact on the whole family's quality of life. Therefore, treatment of sleep disturbances should be considered as a primary goal in the management of ASD patients, and it is important to clarify the scientific evidence to inappropriate treatments. AREAS COVERED The authors review the current literature concerning the pharmacological treatment options for the management of sleep-related disorders in patients with ASD (aged 0-18 years) using the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases with the search terms: autism, autistic, autism spectrum disorder, ASD, drug, drug therapy, drug intervention, drug treatment, pharmacotherapy, pharmacological treatment, pharmacological therapy, pharmacological intervention, sleep, sleep disturbance, and sleep disorder. EXPERT OPINION Currently, clinicians tend to select medications for the treatment of sleep disorders in ASD based on the first-hand experience of psychiatrists and pediatricians as well as expert opinion. Nevertheless, at the present time, the only compound for which there is sufficient evidence is melatonin, although antihistamines, trazodone, clonidine, ramelteon, gabapentin, or suvorexant can also be considered for selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Mammarella
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Orecchio
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Noemi Cameli
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Occhipinti
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Marcucci
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuliano De Meo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Innocenti
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Oliviero Bruni
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Lewis S, Papadopoulos N, Mantilla A, Hiscock H, Whelan M, McGillivray J, Rinehart N. The impact of COVID-19 on sleep for autistic children: A systematic review. RESEARCH IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 2023; 102:102110. [PMID: 36713069 PMCID: PMC9868385 DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2023.102110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Up to 80% of children with autism experience behavioural sleep problems, predominantly relating to bedtime resistance, sleep anxiety, sleep dysregulation, and shorter duration, which are associated with increased autistic symptom expression and emotional and behavioural difficulties. Researchers predicted the COVID-19 pandemic would worsen sleep and behavioural difficulties for autistic children, due to their need for routine and certainty. This systematic review is the first to focus on delineating the role of sleep disturbance in exacerbating autistic symptoms and internalising and externalising behaviours during the pandemic. Method In this PROSPERO registered systematic review, we aggregated and synthesised findings from empirical studies from 2020 onwards that included children with autism and examined sleep outcomes, using narrative and framework synthesis due to the variety of methods and designs employed. We identified additional relevant themes through inductive thematic analysis. Results Seventy-one studies met the search criteria, and we selected seventeen for review following screening and quality assessment. These studies reported mixed findings; with strongest support for worsening of sleep problems typically experienced by autistic children, including difficulties with sleep regulation and shorter sleep duration. Further, sleep problems were associated with increased expression of autistic characteristics. Conclusions Preliminary findings of worsening sleep and increased autistic characteristics for autistic children throughout the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the need for ongoing, accessible and flexible service provision during exposure to environmental stressors. We propose that behavioural sleep interventions are well suited to telehealth adaptation and play an important role in supporting families when in-person treatment for sleep problems is not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Lewis
- Krongold Clinic, School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Monash University, 19 Ancora-Imparo Way, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Nicole Papadopoulos
- Krongold Clinic, School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Monash University, 19 Ancora-Imparo Way, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Ana Mantilla
- Krongold Clinic, School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Monash University, 19 Ancora-Imparo Way, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Harriet Hiscock
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Moira Whelan
- Krongold Clinic, School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Monash University, 19 Ancora-Imparo Way, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Jane McGillivray
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Nicole Rinehart
- Krongold Clinic, School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Monash University, 19 Ancora-Imparo Way, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Favole I, Davico C, Marcotulli D, Sodero R, Svevi B, Amianto F, Ricci FS, Arduino GM, Vitiello B. Sleep disturbances and emotional dysregulation in young children with autism spectrum, intellectual disability, or global developmental delay. Sleep Med 2023; 105:45-52. [PMID: 36963320 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2023.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sleep disturbance and emotional dysregulation (ED) are common and often functionally impairing in young children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). This study investigated the relationship between sleep disturbance and ED in a sample of preschoolers with ASD, intellectual disability, or global developmental delay, and examined possible predictors of their persistence over time. METHODS All children under 6 years of age clinically referred between July 2018 and May 2022 to two neuropsychiatric specialized centers for NDD received a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, including the Child Behavior Checklist 1.5-5 (CBCL), the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2), and standardized tests of cognitive and global development. Sleep disturbances were assessed with the CBCL-sleep score, and ED with the CBCL Attention, Aggression, and Anxious/Depressed scales (CBCL-AAA). A reassessment of sleep and ED was conducted after 6 months or longer, including the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Multivariate analyses and mixed linear regression models were conducted. RESULTS A total of 136 children, 75.7% male, median age 38.27 months, IQR 15.39, 41.2% with global developmental disorder (GDD) or intellectual disability (ID) participated in the study. Of them, 64.7% were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 35.3% with other NDD (w/o ASD). Sleep disturbances (CBCL-Sleep) and ED (CBCL-AAA) were positively correlated (p < 0.001), after accounting for age, ID/GDD and autism symptom severity, in both the entire sample and separately in each diagnostic group (ASD and NDD w/o ASD). Seventy-five children (55%) were reassessed a mean 17.2 months afterwards. There was persistence of the positive correlation between sleep problems and ED (p < 0.001) in both the entire sample and each diagnostic group. The longitudinal mixed linear model showed that ED at follow-up was predicted by baseline sleep problems (p = 0.008), ED (p < 0.001), and ASD severity (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS Sleep disturbances are significantly associated with ED in young children with NDD, either with or without ASD, both cross-sectionally and prospectively over time. Sleep problems represent an important comorbidity and a potential treatment target for improving emotional stability in NDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Favole
- Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Davico
- Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniele Marcotulli
- Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Roberta Sodero
- Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Barbara Svevi
- Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Amianto
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 10100, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica S Ricci
- Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - G Maurizio Arduino
- Autism Center, Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology, ASL CN1, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Benedetto Vitiello
- Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
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12
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Xu B, Ho Y, Fasolino M, Medina J, O’Brien WT, Lamonica JM, Nugent E, Brodkin ES, Fuccillo MV, Bucan M, Zhou Z. Allelic contribution of Nrxn1α to autism-relevant behavioral phenotypes in mice. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010659. [PMID: 36848371 PMCID: PMC9997995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Copy number variations (CNVs) in the Neurexin 1 (NRXN1) gene, which encodes a presynaptic protein involved in neurotransmitter release, are some of the most frequently observed single-gene variants associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To address the functional contribution of NRXN1 CNVs to behavioral phenotypes relevant to ASD, we carried out systematic behavioral phenotyping of an allelic series of Nrxn1 mouse models: one carrying promoter and exon 1 deletion abolishing Nrxn1α transcription, one carrying exon 9 deletion disrupting Nrxn1α protein translation, and one carrying an intronic deletion with no observable effect on Nrxn1α expression. We found that homozygous loss of Nrxn1α resulted in enhanced aggression in males, reduced affiliative social behaviors in females, and significantly altered circadian activities in both sexes. Heterozygous or homozygous loss of Nrxn1α affected the preference for social novelty in male mice, and notably, enhanced repetitive motor skills and motor coordination in both sexes. In contrast, mice bearing an intronic deletion of Nrxn1 did not display alterations in any of the behaviors assessed. These findings demonstrate the importance of Nrxn1α gene dosage in regulating social, circadian, and motor functions, and the variables of sex and genomic positioning of CNVs in the expression of autism-related phenotypes. Importantly, mice with heterozygous loss of Nrxn1, as found in numerous autistic individuals, show an elevated propensity to manifest autism-related phenotypes, supporting the use of models with this genomic architecture to study ASD etiology and assess additional genetic variants associated with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Xu
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation and Nephrosis, Shandong Institute of Nephrology, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yugong Ho
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Maria Fasolino
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Joanna Medina
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - William Timothy O’Brien
- Preclinical Models Core, Intellectual and Developmental Disability Research Center (IDDRC) Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Janine M. Lamonica
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Erin Nugent
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Edward S. Brodkin
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Marc V. Fuccillo
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Maja Bucan
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Zhaolan Zhou
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Preclinical Models Core, Intellectual and Developmental Disability Research Center (IDDRC) Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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13
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Lopes LT, Rodrigues JM, Baccarin C, Oliveira K, Abreu M, Ribeiro V, Anastácio ZC, Machado JP. Autism Spectrum as an Etiologic Systemic Disorder: A Protocol for an Umbrella Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10112200. [PMID: 36360541 PMCID: PMC9690003 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder with a huge prevalence increasing every year (1/44 children). Still diagnosed as a mental disorder, the last 10 years of research found possible causes, risks, genetics, environmental triggers, epigenetics, metabolic, immunological, and neurophysiological unbalances as relevant aetiology. Umbrella methodology is the highest level of scientific evidence, designed to support clinical and political decisions. A literature search for autism aetiology, pathophysiology, or causes, conducted in the last 10 years, at PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and the Web of Science, resulted in six umbrella reviews. Nevertheless, only one quantitative analysis reported risk factors and biomarkers but excluded genetics, experiments on animal models, and post-mortem studies. We grouped ASD’s multi-factorial causes and risks into five etiological categories: genetic, epigenetic, organic, psychogenic, and environmental. Findings suggest that autism might be evaluated as a systemic disorder instead of only through the lens of mental and behavioural. The overview implications of included studies will be qualitatively analysed under ROBIS and GRADE tools. This umbrella review can provide a rational basis for a new urgent health policy to develop better and adequate integrated care services for ASD. The methodological protocol has the register CRD42022348586 at PROSPERO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Teixeira Lopes
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4099-030 Porto, Portugal
- Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4200-355 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Celeste Baccarin
- Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4200-355 Porto, Portugal
| | - Kevin Oliveira
- Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4200-355 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuela Abreu
- Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4200-355 Porto, Portugal
| | - Victor Ribeiro
- Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4200-355 Porto, Portugal
| | - Zélia Caçador Anastácio
- Research Center on Child Studies, Institute of Education, University of Minho, 4804-533 Braga, Portugal
| | - Jorge Pereira Machado
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4099-030 Porto, Portugal
- Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4200-355 Porto, Portugal
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