1
|
Dastamooz S, Tham CCY, Yam JCS, Li M, Wong SHS, Sit CHP. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the ocular characteristics in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19397. [PMID: 37938638 PMCID: PMC10632382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46206-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ocular characteristics. Systematic review with meta-analysis. Six databases (PubMed, Scopus, APA PsycInfo, Embase, EBSCOhost, and Cochrane library) were selected for a systematic literature search from database inception to July 2022. The observational studies assessing and reporting at least one outcome regarding ocular characteristics in children and adolescents with ADHD or ASD aged 6-17 were included. Studies in languages other than English, studies of adult or elderly human populations, and animal studies were excluded. The results were analyzed following the PRISMA guideline 2020. The findings of 15 studies, including 433 participants with ADHD, 253 participants with ASD, and 514 participants with typical development (TD), revealed that there were no significant differences in retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell complex, and macular thickness between the ADHD group and the TD group. In subgroup analysis, significant differences in inferior ganglion cell (MD = - 3.19; 95% CI = [- 6.06, - 0.31], p = 0.03) and nasal macular thickness (MD = 5.88; 95% CI = [- 0.01, 11.76], p = 0.05) were detected between the ADHD group and the TD group. A significant difference in pupillary light reflex (PLR) was also observed between the ASD group and the TD group (MD = 29.7; 95% CI = [18.79, 40.63], p < 0.001). Existing evidence suggests a possible association between children and adolescents with ADHD or ASD and ocular characteristics. Given the limited number of studies, further research on a larger cohort is necessary to claim a possible diagnosis of ADHD or ASD through ocular characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sima Dastamooz
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Clement C Y Tham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jason C S Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Minghui Li
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephen H S Wong
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cindy H P Sit
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jin YR, Sung YS, Koh CL, Chu SY, Yang HC, Lin LY. Efficacy of Motor Interventions on Functional Performance Among Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Occup Ther 2023; 77:7706205020. [PMID: 37992052 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2023.050283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Motor ability plays an important role in overall developmental profiles. Preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at risk of motor skills deficits and delays. However, evidence of the efficacy of different motor interventions for the identification of optimal treatment types is lacking, especially for preschool children with ASD. OBJECTIVE To examine the efficacy of the Motor Skill Occupational Therapy Intervention ON ASD (MOTION-ASD) and Cognitive Orientation Exercise (CO-EXC) programs to improve motor skills performance, self-care performance, and adaptive behaviors among preschool children with ASD. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial, two-group, triple-blinded, repeated-measures design Setting: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Thirteen preschool children with ASD (M age = 4.91 yr). OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Second Edition, Brief Form, Assessment of Motor and Process Skills, and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Third Edition. RESULTS Children in the MOTION-ASD group showed significantly greater improvements in manual coordination and overall gross and fine manual skills than those in the CO-EXC group immediately after the intervention. Significant improvements in fine manual control, body coordination, overall motor skills, and self-care performance were made throughout both interventions and were retained at the posttest and the 4-wk follow-up. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings provide supporting evidence that motor skills interventions involving fundamental skills and cognitive training may be a viable therapeutic option for treating children with ASD. The results also suggest that practitioners may consider providing structured and strategic motor skills interventions for preschool children with ASD. What This Article Adds: This study's rigorous tests of motor skills interventions support ways to manage motor difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An intervention based on motor learning theory could benefit preschool children with ASD, especially in terms of manual coordination ability and overall gross and fine motor skills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ru Jin
- Yu-Ru Jin, MS, is Doctoral Student, Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. At the time this research was conducted, Jin was Graduate Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shan Sung
- Yi-Shan Sung, PhD, was PhD Candidate, Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, at the time this research was conducted
| | - Chia-Lin Koh
- Chia-Lin Koh, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shin Ying Chu
- Shin Ying Chu, PhD, is Associate Professor, Head, Speech Sciences Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-CARE), National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hsiu-Ching Yang
- Hsiu-Ching Yang, MS, is Occupational Therapist, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Yi Lin
- Ling-Yi Lin, ScD, is Department Chair and Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, and Professor, Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
De Francesco S, Morello L, Fioravanti M, Cassaro C, Grazioli S, Busti Ceccarelli S, Nobile M, Molteni M, Crippa A. A multimodal approach can identify specific motor profiles in autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Autism Res 2023; 16:1550-1560. [PMID: 37530700 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2989] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
It is still unclear whether and to what extent the motor difficulties are specific to autism. This study aimed to determine whether a multimodal assessment of motor skills could accurately discriminate autistic children from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and typically developing (TD) peers. Seventy-five children, aged 7-13, equally divided into three groups, were assessed with the developmental coordination disorder questionnaire (DCDQ), the movement assessment battery for children 2 (MABC2), the sensorimotor subtests of NEPSY-II, and the kinematic analysis of a reach-to-drop task. Principal component analysis (PCA) on DCDQ subscales revealed one factor-Caregiver Report-, whereas MABC2/NEPSY-II scores identified three factors-namely, Object Interception and Balance, Motor Imitation, and Fine-Motor Skills-. Lastly, PCA on kinematic variables identified four factors: PC1, loaded by the parameters of velocity and acceleration throughout the task, PC2 and PC3 involved the temporal parameters of the two submovements, and PC4 accounted for the wrist inclination at ball drop. When comparing autistic and TD children, Caregiver Report and Motor Imitation factors predicted membership with 87.2% of accuracy. In the model comparing ADHD and TD groups, Caregiver Report and Fine-Motor Skills predicted membership with an accuracy of 73.5%. In the last model, the Object Interception and Balance factor differentiated autistic children from ADHD with an accuracy of 73.5%. In line with our previous findings, kinematics did not differentiate school-aged autistic children from ADHD and TD peers. The present findings show that specific motor profiles in autism and ADHD can be isolated with a multimodal investigation of motor skills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano De Francesco
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Morello
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Fioravanti
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cassaro
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Silvia Grazioli
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Maria Nobile
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Massimo Molteni
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Travers BG, Lee L, Klans N, Engeldinger A, Taylor D, Ausderau K, Skaletski EC, Brown J. Associations Among Daily Living Skills, Motor, and Sensory Difficulties in Autistic and Nonautistic Children. Am J Occup Ther 2022; 76:23206. [PMID: 35171982 PMCID: PMC9563082 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2022.045955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Motor and sensory challenges are commonly reported among autistic individuals and have been linked to challenges with daily living skills (DLS). To best inform clinical intervention, greater specificity in how sensory and motor challenges relate to DLS is needed. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between combined sensory and motor scores and DLS performance among autistic and nonautistic children and to explore associations between motor scores and performance on specific DLS items. DESIGN Descriptive design. SETTING University research lab. PARTICIPANTS Autistic children, nonautistic children with no family history of or diagnosis related to autism, and nonautistic children with a family history of or diagnosis related to autism (ages 6-10 yr; N = 101). All participants communicated verbally. INTERVENTION None. Outcomes and Measures: Parent-report measures of DLS and sensory features and standardized assessments of motor performance. RESULTS Findings indicated a strong relationship between motor difficulties and all domains of DLS. At the item level, motor skills were associated with occupations of dressing, bathing, health management, cleaning up and organization, meal preparation and clean-up, education, and safety. Combined sensory and motor measures better predicted DLS than sensory or motor measures alone. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Children with motor and sensory challenges are likely to experience challenges with a diversity of occupations, which is important given the prevalence of motor and sensory challenges among autistic children and among children with other neurodevelopmental conditions. Therapeutic interventions that account for or address these motor challenges and associated sensory features are likely to further enhance DLS. What This Article Adds: A combination of motor challenges and sensory features better predict DLS than either motor or sensory challenges alone. In addition, motor challenges in children are most highly associated with DLS challenges in the domains of dressing, bathing, cleaning, education, safety, health, and meal preparation. Occupational therapists can use this information when considering how the results of sensory and motor assessment may guide clinical intervention in autistic and nonautistic children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany G Travers
- Brittany G. Travers, PhD, is Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, and Investigator, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison;
| | - Lucia Lee
- Lucia Lee, MOT, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Nicole Klans
- Nicole Klans, MOT, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Alexandra Engeldinger
- Alexandra Engeldinger, MOT, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Aspire Therapy and Development Services, Madison, WI
| | - Desiree Taylor
- Desiree Taylor, MOT, OTR/L, is Doctoral Student, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Occupational Therapist, Aspire Therapy & Development Services, Madison, WI
| | - Karla Ausderau
- Karla Ausderau, PhD, OTR/L, is Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, and Investigator, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Emily C Skaletski
- Emily C. Skaletski, MOT, OTR/L, is PhD Student, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, and Member, Motor and Brain Development Lab, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Joshua Brown
- Joshua Brown, OTD, OTR/L, is Clinical Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin- Madison
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Seernani D, Ioannou C, Damania K, Hill H, Foulsham T, Smyrnis N, Biscaldi M, Klein C. Social and non-social gaze cueing in autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and a comorbid group. Biol Psychol 2021; 162:108096. [PMID: 33891995 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2021.108096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Recent trends in literature, along with the changes to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), make it imperative to study Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) together, in order to better understand potential aetiological commonalities between these highly comorbid disorders. The present study examines social cueing, a highly studied construct in ASD, and intra-subject variability (ISV), a potential endophenotype of ADHD, in four groups of typically developing (TD), ADHD, ASD- (ASD without ADHD), ASD+ (ASD with ADHD) participants (N = 85) aged 10-13 years. Results showed that social cueing is intact in the 'pure' ASD group when task expectations are clear. The ADHD group showed faster saccadic reaction times, no increased ISV and a pattern of viewing comparable to the TD group. However, the ASD + group showed a differences in processing style and ISV. A secondary analysis gives evidence of non-additive effects of the ASD and ADHD factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Seernani
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - C Ioannou
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - H Hill
- Institute of Sports and Sports Sciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
| | - T Foulsham
- Department of Psychology, University of Essex, UK
| | - N Smyrnis
- 2nd Psychiatry Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, University General Hospital "ATTIKON", Athens, Greece
| | - M Biscaldi
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - C Klein
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Germany; 2nd Psychiatry Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, University General Hospital "ATTIKON", Athens, Greece; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Surgent OJ, Walczak M, Zarzycki O, Ausderau K, Travers BG. IQ and Sensory Symptom Severity Best Predict Motor Ability in Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:243-254. [PMID: 32410096 PMCID: PMC7665981 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04536-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Motor challenges are commonly reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, there is substantial heterogeneity in motor ability within ASD, and it is unknown what behavioral characteristics best explain individual differences in motor ability in ASD and related conditions. This observational study examined motor ability as a function of sensory features, attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms, ASD symptoms, and IQ in 110 children with ASD, typical development, or an intermediate behavioral profile. While motor challenges were more prevalent in the ASD group compared to other groups, sensory symptom severity and IQ across all individuals best predicted motor performance above-and-beyond group status. Therefore, motor challenges may be best characterized by individual variation in sensory features and cognitive abilities rather than diagnostic group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia J Surgent
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Matthew Walczak
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Occupational Therapy Program in the Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Oskar Zarzycki
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Karla Ausderau
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Occupational Therapy Program in the Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Brittany G Travers
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- Occupational Therapy Program in the Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Room 435, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Seernani D, Damania K, Ioannou C, Penkalla N, Hill H, Foulsham T, Kingstone A, Anderson N, Boccignone G, Bender S, Smyrnis N, Biscaldi M, Ebner-Priemer U, Klein C. Visual search in ADHD, ASD and ASD + ADHD: overlapping or dissociating disorders? Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 30:549-562. [PMID: 32314021 PMCID: PMC8041680 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01535-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Recent debates in the literature discuss commonalities between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at multiple levels of putative causal networks. This debate requires systematic comparisons between these disorders that have been studied in isolation in the past, employing potential markers of each disorder to be investigated in tandem. The present study, choose superior local processing, typical to ASD, and increased Intra-Subject Variability (ISV), typical to ADHD, for a head-to-head comparison of the two disorders, while also considering the comorbid cases. It directly examined groups of participants aged 10-13 years with ADHD, ASD with (ASD+) or without (ASD-) comorbid ADHD and a typically developing (TD) group (total N = 85). A visual search task consisting of an array of paired words was designed. The participants needed to find the specific pair of words, where the first word in the pair was the cue word. This visual search task was selected to compare these groups on overall search performance and trial-to-trial variability of search performance (i.e., ISV). Additionally, scanpath analysis was also carried out using Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA) and the Multi-Match Model. Results show that only the ASD- group exhibited superior search performance; whereas, only the groups with ADHD symptoms showed increased ISV. These findings point towards a double dissociation between ASD and ADHD, and argue against an overlap between ASD and ADHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D. Seernani
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 8, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - C. Ioannou
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 8, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - N. Penkalla
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 8, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - H. Hill
- Institute of Sports and Sports Sciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - T. Foulsham
- Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - A. Kingstone
- Brain, Attention and Reality Lab, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - N. Anderson
- Brain, Attention and Reality Lab, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - G. Boccignone
- Department of Computer Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - S. Bender
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - N. Smyrnis
- Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - M. Biscaldi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 8, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Klein
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 8, 79104, Freiburg, Germany. .,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. .,Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Seernani D, Ioannou C, Damania K, Spindler K, Hill H, Foulsham T, Smyrnis N, Bender S, Fleischhaker C, Biscaldi M, Ebner-Priemer U, Klein C. Studying global processing in autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with gaze movements: The example of a copying task. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0224186. [PMID: 32497045 PMCID: PMC7272031 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent discussions in the literature, along with the revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) (American Psychiatric Association 2013), suggest aetiological commonalities between the highly comorbid Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Addressing this discussion requires studying these disorders together by comparing constructs typical to each of them. In the present study, we investigate global processing, known to be difficult for participants with ASD, and Intra-Subject Variability (ISV), known to be consistently increased in participants with ADHD, in groups, aged 10–13 years, with ADHD (n = 25), ASD without comorbid ADHD (ASD-) (n = 13) and ASD with ADHD (ASD+) (n = 18) in comparison with a typically developing group (n = 22). A Copying task, typically requiring global processing and in this case particularly designed using equally complex stimuli to also measure ISV across trials, was selected. Oculomotor measures in this task proved to be particularly sensitive to group differences. While increased ISV was not observed in the present task in participants with ADHD, both ASD groups looked longer on the figure to be drawn, indicating that global processing takes longer in ASD. However, the ASD+ group fixated on the figure only between drawing movements, whereas the ASD- group did this throughout the drawing process. The present study provides evidence towards ASD and ADHD being separate, not-overlapping, disorders. Since the pure ASD- group was affected more by central coherence problems than the ASD+ group, it may suggest that neuropsychological constructs interact differently in different clinical groups and sub-groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D. Seernani
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - C. Ioannou
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - K. Damania
- Independent Researcher, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - K. Spindler
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - H. Hill
- Institute of Sports and Sports Sciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - T. Foulsham
- Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Colchester, England, United Kingdom
| | - N. Smyrnis
- Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - S. Bender
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Köln, Germany
| | - C. Fleischhaker
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - M. Biscaldi
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - U. Ebner-Priemer
- Institute of Sports and Sports Sciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - C. Klein
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Köln, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gowen E, Vabalas A, Casson AJ, Poliakoff E. Instructions to attend to an observed action increase imitation in autistic adults. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2019; 24:730-743. [PMID: 31752526 DOI: 10.1177/1362361319882810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated whether reduced visual attention to an observed action might account for altered imitation in autistic adults. A total of 22 autistic and 22 non-autistic adults observed and then imitated videos of a hand producing sequences of movements that differed in vertical elevation while their hand and eye movements were recorded. Participants first performed a block of imitation trials with general instructions to imitate the action. They then performed a second block with explicit instructions to attend closely to the characteristics of the movement. Imitation was quantified according to how much participants modulated their movement between the different heights of the observed movements. In the general instruction condition, the autistic group modulated their movements significantly less compared to the non-autistic group. However, following instructions to attend to the movement, the autistic group showed equivalent imitation modulation to the non-autistic group. Eye movement recording showed that the autistic group spent significantly less time looking at the hand movement for both instruction conditions. These findings show that visual attention contributes to altered voluntary imitation in autistic individuals and have implications for therapies involving imitation as well as for autistic people's ability to understand the actions of others.
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang YX, Lu GB, Ge P, Ou P, Liu GH, Qian QF, Li GK, Huang Y, Xie YQ, Wang ZQ, Yu QJ. [Clinical efficacy of interactive group sandplay versus individual sandplay in the treatment of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2019; 21:342-347. [PMID: 31014426 PMCID: PMC7389223 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the clinical efficacy of interactive group sandplay versus individual sandplay in the treatment of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS A total of 80 ASD children, aged 4-6 years, were enrolled and randomly divided into experimental and control groups, with 40 children in each group. The children in the experimental group joined group sandplay with normal children at a ratio of 1: 3, and those in the control group were treated with individual sandplay. The Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) and Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) were used to evaluate the treatment outcome after three months of intervention. RESULTS There were 33 children in the experimental group and 28 in the control group. After three months of intervention, the experimental group had significant reductions in the scores of irritability, social withdrawal, and stereotypic behavior and the total score of the ABC scale (P<0.05), and the control group had significant reductions in the scores of behavior and inappropriate speech and the total score of the ABC scale (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly greater improvements in the score of social withdrawal and the total score of the ABC scale after three months of intervention (P<0.05). After three months of intervention, the experimental group had significant reductions in the scores of sociability, sensory and cognitive awareness, and physical/health behavior and the total score of the ATEC scale (P<0.05), and the control group had significant reductions in the scores of speech, sociability, and physical/health behavior and the total score of the ATEC scale (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly greater improvements in the scores of speech, sociability, and sensory and cognitive awareness and the total score of the ATEC scale after intervention (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the experimental group also had significantly greater improvements in eye contact and sand stereotyped arrangement (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Both interactive group sandplay and individual sandplay are effective in the treatment of ASD in preschool children. Interactive group sandplay is better than individual sandplay in the treatment of ASD, with significant improvements in sociability, emotion and stereotypic behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Xia Wang
- Child Health Center, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children's Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sanz-Cervera P, Pastor-Cerezuela G, González-Sala F, Tárraga-Mínguez R, Fernández-Andrés MI. Sensory Processing in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the Home and Classroom Contexts. Front Psychol 2017; 8:1772. [PMID: 29075217 PMCID: PMC5641858 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders often show impairments in sensory processing (SP) and higher functions. The main objective of this study was to compare SP, praxis and social participation (SOC) in four groups of children: ASD Group (n = 21), ADHD Group (n = 21), ASD+ADHD Group (n = 21), and Comparison Group (n = 27). Participants were the parents and teachers of these children who were 5-8 years old (M = 6.32). They completed the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) to evaluate the sensory profile, praxis and SOC of the children in both the home and classroom contexts. In the home context, the most affected was the ASD+ADHD group. The ADHD group obtained higher scores than the ASD group on the Body Awareness (BOD) subscale, indicating a higher level of dysfunction. The ASD group, however, did not obtain higher scores than the ADHD group on any subscale. In the classroom context, the most affected were the two ASD groups: the ASD+ADHD group obtained higher scores than the ADHD group on the Hearing (HEA) and Social Participation (SOC) subscales, and the ASD group obtained higher scores than the ADHD group on the SOC subscale. Regarding sensory modalities, difficulties in proprioception seem to be more characteristic to the ADHD condition. As for higher-level functioning, social difficulties seem to be more characteristic to the ASD condition. Differences between the two contexts were only found in the ASD group, which could be related to contextual hyperselectivity, an inherent autistic feature. Despite possible individual differences, specific intervention programs should be developed to improve the sensory challenges faced by children with different diagnoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Sanz-Cervera
- Teaching and Scholastic Organization Department, Faculty of Philosophy and Educational Sciences, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gemma Pastor-Cerezuela
- Basic Psychology Department, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco González-Sala
- Developmental and Educational Psychology Department, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Raúl Tárraga-Mínguez
- Teaching and Scholastic Organization Department, Faculty of Philosophy and Educational Sciences, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Anzulewicz A, Sobota K, Delafield-Butt JT. Toward the Autism Motor Signature: Gesture patterns during smart tablet gameplay identify children with autism. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31107. [PMID: 27553971 PMCID: PMC4995518 DOI: 10.1038/srep31107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a developmental disorder evident from infancy. Yet, its clinical identification requires expert diagnostic training. New evidence indicates disruption to motor timing and integration may underpin the disorder, providing a potential new computational marker for its early identification. In this study, we employed smart tablet computers with touch-sensitive screens and embedded inertial movement sensors to record the movement kinematics and gesture forces made by 37 children 3-6 years old with autism and 45 age- and gender-matched children developing typically. Machine learning analysis of the children's motor patterns identified autism with up to 93% accuracy. Analysis revealed these patterns consisted of greater forces at contact and with a different distribution of forces within a gesture, and gesture kinematics were faster and larger, with more distal use of space. These data support the notion disruption to movement is core feature of autism, and demonstrate autism can be computationally assessed by fun, smart device gameplay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Anzulewicz
- Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts, Kraków, Poland; Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Harimata Sp. z.o.o., Kraków, Poland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Antshel KM, Zhang-James Y, Wagner KE, Ledesma A, Faraone SV. An update on the comorbidity of ADHD and ASD: a focus on clinical management. Expert Rev Neurother 2016; 16:279-93. [PMID: 26807870 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2016.1146591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly co-occur. With the DSM-5, clinicians are permitted to make an ASD diagnosis in the context of ADHD. In earlier versions of the DSM, this was not acceptable. Both ASD and ADHD are reported to have had substantial increases in prevalence within the past 10 years. As a function of both the increased prevalence of both disorders as well as the ability to make an ASD diagnosis in ADHD, there has been a significant amount of research focusing on the comorbidity between ADHD and ASD in the past few years. Here, we provide an update on the biological, cognitive and behavioral overlap/distinctiveness between the two neurodevelopmental disorders with a focus on data published in the last four years. Treatment strategies for the comorbid condition as well as future areas of research and clinical need are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Antshel
- a Department of Psychology , Syracuse University , Syracuse , NY , USA.,b Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences , SUNY-Upstate Medical University , Syracuse , NY , USA
| | - Yanli Zhang-James
- b Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences , SUNY-Upstate Medical University , Syracuse , NY , USA
| | - Kayla E Wagner
- a Department of Psychology , Syracuse University , Syracuse , NY , USA
| | - Ana Ledesma
- a Department of Psychology , Syracuse University , Syracuse , NY , USA
| | - Stephen V Faraone
- b Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences , SUNY-Upstate Medical University , Syracuse , NY , USA.,c K.G. Jebsen Centre for Research on Neuropsychiatric Disorders , University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway.,d Department of Neuroscience and Physiology , SUNY-Upstate Medical University , Syracuse , NY , USA
| |
Collapse
|