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Shan X, Uddin LQ, Ma R, Xu P, Xiao J, Li L, Huang X, Feng Y, He C, Chen H, Duan X. Disentangling the Individual-Shared and Individual-Specific Subspace of Altered Brain Functional Connectivity in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:870-880. [PMID: 37741308 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.09.012] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite considerable effort toward understanding the neural basis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using case-control analyses of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data, findings are often not reproducible, largely due to biological and clinical heterogeneity among individuals with ASD. Thus, exploring the individual-shared and individual-specific altered functional connectivity (AFC) in ASD is important to understand this complex, heterogeneous disorder. METHODS We considered 254 individuals with ASD and 295 typically developing individuals from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange to explore the individual-shared and individual-specific subspaces of AFC. First, we computed AFC matrices of individuals with ASD compared with typically developing individuals. Then, common orthogonal basis extraction was used to project AFC of ASD onto 2 subspaces: an individual-shared subspace, which represents altered connectivity patterns shared across ASD, and an individual-specific subspace, which represents the remaining individual characteristics after eliminating the individual-shared altered connectivity patterns. RESULTS Analysis yielded 3 common components spanning the individual-shared subspace. Common components were associated with differences of functional connectivity at the group level. AFC in the individual-specific subspace improved the prediction of clinical symptoms. The default mode network-related and cingulo-opercular network-related magnitudes of AFC in the individual-specific subspace were significantly correlated with symptom severity in social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive behaviors in ASD. CONCLUSIONS Our study decomposed AFC of ASD into individual-shared and individual-specific subspaces, highlighting the importance of capturing and capitalizing on individual-specific brain connectivity features for dissecting heterogeneity. Our analysis framework provides a blueprint for parsing heterogeneity in other prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Shan
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lucina Q Uddin
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Rui Ma
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinming Xiao
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Li
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyue Huang
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Feng
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Changchun He
- College of Blockchain Industry, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Huafu Chen
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xujun Duan
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Ministry of Education Key Lab for Neuroinformation, High-Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
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Martel M, Finos L, Bahmad S, Koun E, Salemme R, Sonié S, Fourneret P, Schmitz C, Roy AC. Motor deficits in autism differ from that of developmental coordination disorder. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:415-432. [PMID: 37226824 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231171980] [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: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT A vast majority of individuals with autism spectrum disorder experience impairments in motor skills. Those are often labelled as additional developmental coordination disorder despite the lack of studies comparing both disorders. Consequently, motor skills rehabilitation programmes in autism are often not specific but rather consist in standard programmes for developmental coordination disorder. Here, we compared motor performance in three groups of children: a control group, an autism spectrum disorder group and a developmental coordination disorder group. Despite similar level of motor skills evaluated by the standard movement assessment battery for children, in a Reach-to-Displace Task, children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental coordination disorder showed specific motor control deficits. Children with autism spectrum disorder failed to anticipate the object properties, but could correct their movement as well as typically developing children. In contrast, children with developmental coordination disorder were atypically slow, but showed a spared anticipation. Our study has important clinical implications as motor skills rehabilitations are crucial to both populations. Specifically, our findings suggest that individuals with autism spectrum disorder would benefit from therapies aiming at improving their anticipation, maybe through the support of their preserved representations and use of sensory information. Conversely, individuals with developmental coordination disorder would benefit from a focus on the use of sensory information in a timely fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Martel
- Laboratoire Dynamique Du Langage, CNRS UMR5596, Université Lyon 2, Lyon, France
| | - Livio Finos
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Salam Bahmad
- Laboratoire Dynamique Du Langage, CNRS UMR5596, Université Lyon 2, Lyon, France
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center CRNL; INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292; ImpAct Team, Lyon, France
- University Lyon 1, France
| | - Eric Koun
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center CRNL; INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292; ImpAct Team, Lyon, France
- University Lyon 1, France
| | - Romeo Salemme
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center CRNL; INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292; ImpAct Team, Lyon, France
- University Lyon 1, France
| | - Sandrine Sonié
- University Lyon 1, France
- Rhône-Alpes Autism Resource Center (CRA-RA), France
- Le Vinatier Hospital Center, France Lyon Neuroscience
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CRNL; INSERM U1028; CNRS UMR5292; COPHY Team, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre Fourneret
- Service Psychopathologie du Développement, HFME, Hospices civils de Lyon, France
| | - Christina Schmitz
- University Lyon 1, France
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, CRNL; INSERM U1028; CNRS UMR5292; COPHY Team, Lyon, France
| | - Alice Catherine Roy
- Laboratoire Dynamique Du Langage, CNRS UMR5596, Université Lyon 2, Lyon, France
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3
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Mukherjee D, Bhavnani S, Lockwood Estrin G, Rao V, Dasgupta J, Irfan H, Chakrabarti B, Patel V, Belmonte MK. Digital tools for direct assessment of autism risk during early childhood: A systematic review. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:6-31. [PMID: 36336996 PMCID: PMC10771029 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221133176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT The challenge of finding autistic children, and finding them early enough to make a difference for them and their families, becomes all the greater in parts of the world where human and material resources are in short supply. Poverty of resources delays interventions, translating into a poverty of outcomes. Digital tools carry potential to lessen this delay because they can be administered by non-specialists in children's homes, schools or other everyday environments, they can measure a wide range of autistic behaviours objectively and they can automate analysis without requiring an expert in computers or statistics. This literature review aimed to identify and describe digital tools for screening children who may be at risk for autism. These tools are predominantly at the 'proof-of-concept' stage. Both portable (laptops, mobile phones, smart toys) and fixed (desktop computers, virtual-reality platforms) technologies are used to present computerised games, or to record children's behaviours or speech. Computerised analysis of children's interactions with these technologies differentiates children with and without autism, with promising results. Tasks assessing social responses and hand and body movements are the most reliable in distinguishing autistic from typically developing children. Such digital tools hold immense potential for early identification of autism spectrum disorder risk at a large scale. Next steps should be to further validate these tools and to evaluate their applicability in a variety of settings. Crucially, stakeholders from underserved communities globally must be involved in this research, lest it fail to capture the issues that these stakeholders are facing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debarati Mukherjee
- Indian Institute of Public Health - Bengaluru, Public Health Foundation of India, India
| | | | | | - Vaisnavi Rao
- Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), Malaysia
| | | | | | | | - Vikram Patel
- Child Development Group, Sangath, India
- Harvard Medical School, USA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA
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Perochon S, Matias Di Martino J, Carpenter KLH, Compton S, Davis N, Espinosa S, Franz L, Rieder AD, Sullivan C, Sapiro G, Dawson G. A tablet-based game for the assessment of visual motor skills in autistic children. NPJ Digit Med 2023; 6:17. [PMID: 36737475 PMCID: PMC9898502 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00762-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that early motor impairments are a common feature of autism. Thus, scalable, quantitative methods for measuring motor behavior in young autistic children are needed. This work presents an engaging and scalable assessment of visual-motor abilities based on a bubble-popping game administered on a tablet. Participants are 233 children ranging from 1.5 to 10 years of age (147 neurotypical children and 86 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder [autistic], of which 32 are also diagnosed with co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [autistic+ADHD]). Computer vision analyses are used to extract several game-based touch features, which are compared across autistic, autistic+ADHD, and neurotypical participants. Results show that younger (1.5-3 years) autistic children pop the bubbles at a lower rate, and their ability to touch the bubble's center is less accurate compared to neurotypical children. When they pop a bubble, their finger lingers for a longer period, and they show more variability in their performance. In older children (3-10-years), consistent with previous research, the presence of co-occurring ADHD is associated with greater motor impairment, reflected in lower accuracy and more variable performance. Several motor features are correlated with standardized assessments of fine motor and cognitive abilities, as evaluated by an independent clinical assessment. These results highlight the potential of touch-based games as an efficient and scalable approach for assessing children's visual-motor skills, which can be part of a broader screening tool for identifying early signs associated with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Perochon
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France
| | - J Matias Di Martino
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kimberly L H Carpenter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Scott Compton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Naomi Davis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Steven Espinosa
- Office of Information Technology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lauren Franz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amber D Rieder
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Connor Sullivan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Guillermo Sapiro
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Geraldine Dawson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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5
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Miller HL, Templin TN, Fears NE, Sherrod GM, Patterson RM, Bugnariu NL. Movement smoothness during dynamic postural control to a static target differs between autistic and neurotypical children. Gait Posture 2023; 99:76-82. [PMID: 36335658 PMCID: PMC10644903 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.10.015] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic children and adults have known differences in motor performance, including postural instability and atypical gross motor control. Few studies have specifically tested dynamic postural control. This is the first study to quantify movement smoothness and its relationship to task performance during lateral dynamic postural control tasks in autism. RESEARCH QUESTION We sought to test the hypothesis that autistic children would have less smooth movements to lateral static targets compared to neurotypical children, and that this difference would relate to specific movement strategies. METHODS We used camera-based motion-capture to measure spatiotemporal characteristics of lateral movement of a marker placed on the C7 vertebrae, and of markers comprising trunk and pelvis segments during a dynamic postural movements to near and far targets administered in an immersive virtual environment. We tested a sample of 15 autistic children and 11 age-matched neurotypical children. We quantified movement smoothness using log dimensionless jerk. RESULTS Autistic children exhibited more medial-lateral pelvic position range of motion compared to neurotypical children, and used a stepping strategy more often compared to neurotypical children. Autistic children also had higher log dimensionless jerk than neurotypical children for motion of the C7 marker. All participants had higher log dimensionless jerk for far targets than for near targets. Autistic children had longer trial durations than neurotypical children, and younger children had longer trial durations than older children across diagnostic groups. SIGNIFICANCE The stepping strategy observed more often in the autistic group likely contributed to log dimensionless jerk and reduced movement smoothness. This strategy is indicative of either an attempt to prevent an impending loss of balance, or an attempt to compensate for and recover from a loss of balance once it is detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haylie L Miller
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA; University of Michigan, 830 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48170, USA.
| | - Tylan N Templin
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA; Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Rd., San Antonio, TX 78238, USA
| | - Nicholas E Fears
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA; University of Michigan, 830 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48170, USA; Louisiana State University, School of Kinesiology, 1246 Pleasant Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Gabriela M Sherrod
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA; University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Rita M Patterson
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA
| | - Nicoleta L Bugnariu
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA; University of the Pacific, School of Health Sciences, 3200 Fifth Ave., Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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6
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The effect of learning to drum on behavior and brain function in autistic adolescents. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2106244119. [PMID: 35639696 PMCID: PMC9191342 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106244119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SignificanceThere is an acknowledged need for improved service provision in the context of autism spectrum disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated the positive role drum training can play in improving behavioral outcomes for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral difficulties. However, to date, none of these studies has explored how these behavioral changes translate at the neural level. Our study provides strong evidence that drumming not only reduces hyperactivity and inattention in autistic adolescents but also strengthens functional connectivity in brain regions responsible for inhibitory control and action outcome monitoring.
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7
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Hocking DR, Ardalan A, Abu-Rayya HM, Farhat H, Andoni A, Lenroot R, Kachnowski S. Feasibility of a virtual reality-based exercise intervention and low-cost motion tracking method for estimation of motor proficiency in youth with autism spectrum disorder. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2022; 19:1. [PMID: 34996473 PMCID: PMC8742363 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-021-00978-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Motor impairment is widely acknowledged as a core feature in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which can affect adaptive behavior and increase severity of symptoms. Low-cost motion capture and virtual reality (VR) game technologies hold a great deal of promise for providing personalized approaches to motor intervention in ASD. The present study explored the feasibility, acceptability and potential efficacy of a custom-designed VR game-based intervention (GaitWayXR™) for improving gross motor skills in youth with ASD. Methods Ten children and adolescents (10–17 years) completed six, 20-min VR-based motor training sessions over 2 weeks while whole-body movement was tracked with a low-cost motion capture system. We developed a methodology for using motion tracking data to quantify whole-body movement in terms of efficiency, synchrony and symmetry. We then studied the relationships of the above quantities with standardized measures of motor skill and cognitive flexibility. Results Our results supported our presumption that the VR intervention is safe, with no adverse events and very few minor to moderate side-effects, while a large proportion of parents said they would use the VR game at home, the most prohibitive reasons for adopting the system for home therapy were cost and space. Although there was little evidence of any benefits of the GaitWayXR™ intervention in improving gross motor skills, we showed several positive correlations between the standardized measures of gross motor skills in ASD and our measures of efficiency, symmetry and synchrony from low-cost motion capture. Conclusions These findings, though preliminary and limited by small sample size, suggest that low-cost motion capture of children with ASD is feasible with movement exercises in a VR-based game environment. Based on these preliminary findings, we recommend conducting larger-scale studies with methods for improving adherence to VR gaming interventions over longer periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren R Hocking
- Developmental Neuromotor and Cognition Lab, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Adel Ardalan
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hisham M Abu-Rayya
- School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Doha, Qatar.,School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Hassan Farhat
- Developmental Neuromotor and Cognition Lab, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna Andoni
- HITLAB, Healthcare Innovation & Technology Lab, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rhoshel Lenroot
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Stan Kachnowski
- HITLAB, Healthcare Innovation & Technology Lab, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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8
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Lu SC, Rowe P, Tachtatzis C, Andonovic I, Anzulewicz A, Sobota K, Delafield-Butt J. Swipe kinematic differences in young children with autism spectrum disorders are task- and age-dependent: A smart tablet game approach. BRAIN DISORDERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dscb.2022.100032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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9
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Chua YW, Lu SC, Anzulewicz A, Sobota K, Tachtatzis C, Andonovic I, Rowe P, Delafield-Butt J. Developmental differences in the prospective organisation of goal-directed movement between children with autism and typically developing children: A smart tablet serious game study. Dev Sci 2021; 25:e13195. [PMID: 34800316 PMCID: PMC9287065 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Movement is prospective. It structures self‐generated engagement with objects and social partners and is fundamental to children's learning and development. In autistic children, previous reports of differences in movement kinematics compared to neurotypical peers suggest that its prospective organisation might be disrupted. Here, we employed a smart tablet serious game paradigm to assess differences in the feedforward and feedback mechanisms of prospective action organisation, between autistic and neurotypical preschool children. We analysed 3926 goal‐directed finger movements made during smart‐tablet ecological gameplay, from 28 children with Childhood Autism (ICD‐10; ASD) and 43 neurotypical children (TD), aged 3–6 years old. Using linear and generalised linear mixed‐effect models, we found the ASD group executed movements with longer movement time (MT) and time to peak velocity (TTPV), lower peak velocity (PV), with PV less likely to occur in the first movement unit (MU) and with a greater number of movement units after peak velocity (MU‐APV). Interestingly, compared to the TD group, the ASD group showed smaller increases in PV, TTPV and MT with an increase in age (ASD × age interaction), together with a smaller reduction in MU‐APV and an increase in MU‐APV at shorter target distances (ASD × Dist interaction). Our results are the first to highlight different developmental trends in anticipatory feedforward and compensatory feedback mechanisms of control, contributing to differences in movement kinematics observed between autistic and neurotypical children. These findings point to differences in integration of prospective perceptuomotor information, with implications for embodied cognition and learning from self‐generated action in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wei Chua
- Laboratory for Innovation in Autism, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.,Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Szu-Ching Lu
- Laboratory for Innovation in Autism, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.,Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | | | | | - Christos Tachtatzis
- Laboratory for Innovation in Autism, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.,Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Ivan Andonovic
- Laboratory for Innovation in Autism, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.,Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Philip Rowe
- Laboratory for Innovation in Autism, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Jonathan Delafield-Butt
- Laboratory for Innovation in Autism, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.,Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
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10
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Bäckström A, Johansson AM, Rudolfsson T, Rönnqvist L, von Hofsten C, Rosander K, Domellöf E. Motor planning and movement execution during goal-directed sequential manual movements in 6-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder: A kinematic analysis. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 115:104014. [PMID: 34174471 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypical motor functioning is prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Knowledge of the underlying kinematic properties of these problems is sparse. AIMS To investigate characteristics of manual motor planning and performance difficulties/diversity in children with ASD by detailed kinematic measurements. Further, associations between movement parameters and cognitive functions were explored. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Six-year-old children with ASD (N = 12) and typically developing (TD) peers (N = 12) performed a sequential manual task comprising grasping and fitting a semi-circular peg into a goal-slot. The goal-slot orientation was manipulated to impose different motor planning constraints. Movements were recorded by an optoelectronic system. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS The ASD-group displayed less efficient motor planning than the TD-group, evident in the reach-to-grasp and transport kinematics and less proactive adjustments of the peg to the goal-slot orientations. The intra-individual variation of movement kinematics was higher in the ASD-group compared to the TD-group. Further, in the ASD-group, movement performance associated negatively with cognitive functions. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Planning and execution of sequential manual movements proved challenging for children with ASD, likely contributing to problems in everyday actions. Detailed kinematic investigations contribute to the generation of specific knowledge about the nature of atypical motor performance/diversity in ASD. This is of potential clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bäckström
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | | | - Thomas Rudolfsson
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, University of Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Erik Domellöf
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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11
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Carsone B, Green K, Torrence W, Henry B. Systematic Review of Visual Motor Integration in Children with Developmental Disabilities. Occup Ther Int 2021; 2021:1801196. [PMID: 34381323 PMCID: PMC8321716 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1801196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Original research articles regarding visual motor integration skills in children with developmental disabilities and the impact of occupational therapy were identified, appraised, and synthesized. Twenty-four articles were chosen for this review. Themes were noted during the critique of articles. Three themes emerged: "age," "gender," and "diagnosis." Regarding the impact on visual motor integration, there was strong evidence for age, moderate evidence for gender, and strong evidence for diagnosis. Future research investigating visual motor integration in children should control for age and diagnosis.
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12
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The Association among Autistic Traits, Interactional Synchrony and Typical Pattern of Motor Planning and Execution in Neurotypical Individuals. Symmetry (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sym13061034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in interactional synchrony and motor performance, but little is known about the association between them. The current study investigated the association among aberrant interactional synchrony (as measured by interactors’ symmetry in the form of the hand at each time-point along movement’s execution), motor functioning and the level of Autistic traits. In this study, autistic traits were evaluated by the Autistic Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Two tasks were used: (1) an interactional synchrony task where participants and the research assistant were instructed to move their hands together; and (2) a motor planning task which allows for continuous monitoring of natural hand movements. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant association between lower communication skills (i.e., higher AQ communication scores) and lower intentional synchrony rates. In addition, lower communication skills were found associated with typical patterns of motor planning and execution characterized by shorter time to start the movement and higher value of max speed. Mediator analyses supported the notion that aberrant intentional synchrony in individuals with low communication skills is partially mediated through typical patterns of motor planning and execution. These results suggest typical patterns of motor functions may account for intentional synchrony difficulties.
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13
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Simeoli R, Milano N, Rega A, Marocco D. Using Technology to Identify Children With Autism Through Motor Abnormalities. Front Psychol 2021; 12:635696. [PMID: 34113283 PMCID: PMC8186533 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.635696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically assessed and diagnosed through observational analysis of behavior. Assessment exclusively based on behavioral observation sessions requires a lot of time for the diagnosis. In recent years, there is a growing need to make assessment processes more motivating and capable to provide objective measures of the disorder. New evidence showed that motor abnormalities may underpin the disorder and provide a computational marker to enhance assessment and diagnostic processes. Thus, a measure of motor patterns could provide a means to assess young children with autism and a new starting point for rehabilitation treatments. In this study, we propose to use a software tool that through a smart tablet device and touch screen sensor technologies could be able to capture detailed information about children's motor patterns. We compared movement trajectories of autistic children and typically developing children, with the aim to identify autism motor signatures analyzing their coordinates of movements. We used a smart tablet device to record coordinates of dragging movements carried out by 60 children (30 autistic children and 30 typically developing children) during a cognitive task. Machine learning analysis of children's motor patterns identified autism with 93% accuracy, demonstrating that autism can be computationally identified. The analysis of the features that most affect the prediction reveals and describes the differences between the groups, confirming that motor abnormalities are a core feature of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Simeoli
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Milano
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Rega
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Neapolisanit S.R.L. Rehabilitation Center, Ottaviano, Italy
| | - Davide Marocco
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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14
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Bertelsen N, Landi I, Bethlehem RAI, Seidlitz J, Busuoli EM, Mandelli V, Satta E, Trakoshis S, Auyeung B, Kundu P, Loth E, Dumas G, Baumeister S, Beckmann CF, Bölte S, Bourgeron T, Charman T, Durston S, Ecker C, Holt RJ, Johnson MH, Jones EJH, Mason L, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Moessnang C, Oldehinkel M, Persico AM, Tillmann J, Williams SCR, Spooren W, Murphy DGM, Buitelaar JK, Baron-Cohen S, Lai MC, Lombardo MV. Imbalanced social-communicative and restricted repetitive behavior subtypes of autism spectrum disorder exhibit different neural circuitry. Commun Biol 2021; 4:574. [PMID: 33990680 PMCID: PMC8121854 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02015-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Social-communication (SC) and restricted repetitive behaviors (RRB) are autism diagnostic symptom domains. SC and RRB severity can markedly differ within and between individuals and may be underpinned by different neural circuitry and genetic mechanisms. Modeling SC-RRB balance could help identify how neural circuitry and genetic mechanisms map onto such phenotypic heterogeneity. Here, we developed a phenotypic stratification model that makes highly accurate (97-99%) out-of-sample SC = RRB, SC > RRB, and RRB > SC subtype predictions. Applying this model to resting state fMRI data from the EU-AIMS LEAP dataset (n = 509), we find that while the phenotypic subtypes share many commonalities in terms of intrinsic functional connectivity, they also show replicable differences within some networks compared to a typically-developing group (TD). Specifically, the somatomotor network is hypoconnected with perisylvian circuitry in SC > RRB and visual association circuitry in SC = RRB. The SC = RRB subtype show hyperconnectivity between medial motor and anterior salience circuitry. Genes that are highly expressed within these networks show a differential enrichment pattern with known autism-associated genes, indicating that such circuits are affected by differing autism-associated genomic mechanisms. These results suggest that SC-RRB imbalance subtypes share many commonalities, but also express subtle differences in functional neural circuitry and the genomic underpinnings behind such circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Bertelsen
- Laboratory for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto, TN, Italy
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Isotta Landi
- Laboratory for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | | | - Jakob Seidlitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elena Maria Busuoli
- Laboratory for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto, TN, Italy
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Veronica Mandelli
- Laboratory for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto, TN, Italy
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Eleonora Satta
- Laboratory for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Stavros Trakoshis
- Laboratory for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto, TN, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Bonnie Auyeung
- Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology, and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Prantik Kundu
- Brain Mapping Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eva Loth
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Guillaume Dumas
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Baumeister
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christian F Beckmann
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sven Bölte
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
- Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Tony Charman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Durston
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christine Ecker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Rosemary J Holt
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark H Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, Henry Wellcome Building, London, UK
| | - Luke Mason
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, Henry Wellcome Building, London, UK
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Carolin Moessnang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marianne Oldehinkel
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Antonio M Persico
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Gaetano Martino University Hospital, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Julian Tillmann
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Applied Psychology: Health, Development, Enhancement, and Intervention, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steve C R Williams
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Will Spooren
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Declan G M Murphy
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- The Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health, Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Michael V Lombardo
- Laboratory for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto, TN, Italy.
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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15
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Ramos-Sánchez CP, Kortekaas D, Van Biesen D, Vancampfort D, Van Damme T. The Relationship between Motor Skills and Intelligence in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:1189-1199. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05022-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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16
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Characterization of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) subtypes based on the relationship between motor skills and social communication abilities. Hum Mov Sci 2021; 77:102802. [PMID: 33894651 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2021.102802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Motor abnormalities are generally observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and motor difficulties are certainly evident during the early years of life and may thus precede social-communication impairments. The main aim of the present study was to examine ASD subtypes based on the relationship between motor skills and social communication abilities. Motor skills and social communication abilities were evaluated through the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Version and the Psychoeducational Profile-Third Edition. In addition, social communication abilities were classified according to the Autism Classification System of Functioning: Social Communication-ACSF:SC criteria. We found that children with ASD presented poorer motor skills than their TD peers, and motor impairments correlated with poorer social communication abilities in children with ASD. In addition, children with lower social and communication functioning showed a more prominent impairment in manual dexterity and fine motor skills than children with better social and communication functioning. In conclusion, we suggest that stratifying children with ASD based on motor and social endophenotypes may be useful to understand the neurobiological mechanisms of ASD and lead to new types of treatment.
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17
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Elliott D, Lyons J, Hayes SJ, Burkitt JJ, Hansen S, Grierson LEM, Foster NC, Roberts JW, Bennett SJ. The multiple process model of goal-directed aiming/reaching: insights on limb control from various special populations. Exp Brain Res 2020; 238:2685-2699. [PMID: 33079207 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-020-05952-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Several years ago, our research group forwarded a model of goal-directed reaching and aiming that describes the processes involved in the optimization of speed, accuracy, and energy expenditure Elliott et al. (Psychol Bull 136:1023-1044, 2010). One of the main features of the model is the distinction between early impulse control, which is based on a comparison of expected to perceived sensory consequences, and late limb-target control that involves a spatial comparison of limb and target position. Our model also emphasizes the importance of strategic behaviors that limit the opportunity for worst-case or inefficient outcomes. In the 2010 paper, we included a section on how our model can be used to understand atypical aiming/reaching movements in a number of special populations. In light of a recent empirical and theoretical update of our model Elliott et al. (Neurosci Biobehav Rev 72:95-110, 2017), here we consider contemporary motor control work involving typical aging, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and tetraplegia with tendon-transfer surgery. We outline how atypical limb control can be viewed within the context of the multiple-process model of goal-directed reaching and aiming, and discuss the underlying perceptual-motor impairment that results in the adaptive solution developed by the specific group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Digby Elliott
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.
| | - James Lyons
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Spencer J Hayes
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Steve Hansen
- School of Physical and Health Education, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Lawrence E M Grierson
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Nathan C Foster
- Cognition, Motion and Neuroscience Unit, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - James W Roberts
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Simon J Bennett
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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18
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Hudry K, Chetcuti L, Hocking DR. Motor functioning in developmental psychopathology: A review of autism as an example context. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2020; 105:103739. [PMID: 32712240 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor development research has seen substantial recent growth. However, much remains to be understood about the nature and extent of motor impairments in neurodevelopmental disorders, including their potential as early markers and/or causal determinants of downstream functioning in other domains. AIMS AND METHODS In this narrative review, drawing primarily on the autism literature by way of example, we review current accounts of the nature and consequences of motor functioning. We consider conventional approaches to measurement and study design, and current limited approaches to tackling heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We argue that ongoing adherence to traditional diagnostic outcome classification stands in the face of mounting evidence that characteristics of neurodevelopmental disorders lie on a continuum with variability in the general population, and that three broad research avenues stand to offer a better understanding of motor functioning: The use of technology and advanced statistical methods for a more nuanced understanding of motor abilities; exploiting the prospective longitudinal tracking of at-risk infants to understand developmental consequences of early motor difference; and employing randomized controlled trials to test the utility of motor therapies whilst also testing causal hypotheses about the role of motor functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristelle Hudry
- Department of Psychology and Counseling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia.
| | - Lacey Chetcuti
- Department of Psychology and Counseling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia.
| | - Darren R Hocking
- Developmental Neuromotor and Cognition Lab, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia.
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19
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Lidstone DE, Miah FZ, Poston B, Beasley JF, Mostofsky SH, Dufek JS. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Show Impairments During Dynamic Versus Static Grip-force Tracking. Autism Res 2020; 13:2177-2189. [PMID: 32830457 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Impairments in visuomotor integration (VMI) may contribute to anomalous development of motor, as well as social-communicative, skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it is relatively unknown whether VMI impairments are specific to children with ASD versus children with other neurodevelopmental disorders. As such, this study addressed the hypothesis that children with ASD, but not those in other clinical control groups, would show greater deficits in high-VMI dynamic grip-force tracking versus low-VMI static presentation. Seventy-nine children, aged 7-17 years, participated: 22 children with ASD, 17 children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), 18 children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and 22 typically developing (TD) children. Two grip-force tracking conditions were examined: (1) a low-VMI condition (static visual target) and (2) a high-VMI condition (dynamic visual target). Low-frequency force oscillations <0.5 Hz during the visuomotor task were also examined. Two-way ANCOVAs were used to examine group x VMI and group x frequency effects (α = 0.05). Children with ASD showed a difficulty, above that seen in the ADHD/FASD groups, tracking dynamic, but not static, visual stimuli as compared to TD children. Low-frequency force oscillations <0.25 Hz were also significantly greater in the ASD versus the TD group. This study is the first to report VMI deficits during dynamic versus static grip-force tracking and increased proportion of force oscillations <0.25 Hz during visuomotor tracking in the ASD versus TD group. Dynamic VMI impairments may be a core psychophysiologic feature that could contribute to impaired development of motor and social-communicative skills in ASD. LAY SUMMARY: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show difficulties using dynamic visual stimuli to guide their own movements compared to their typically developing (TD) peers. It is unknown whether children without a diagnosis of ASD, but with other neurological disorders, show similar difficulties processing dynamic visual stimuli. In this study, we showed that children with ASD show a difficulty using dynamic, but not static, visual stimuli to guide movement that may explain atypical development of motor and social skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Lidstone
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Faria Z Miah
- Univerisity of Nevada, Las Vegas Medicine Ackerman Autism Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Brach Poston
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Julie F Beasley
- Univerisity of Nevada, Las Vegas Medicine Ackerman Autism Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Stewart H Mostofsky
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Janet S Dufek
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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20
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Gong L, Liu Y, Yi L, Fang J, Yang Y, Wei K. Abnormal Gait Patterns in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Correlations with Social Impairments. Autism Res 2020; 13:1215-1226. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.2302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Gong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, School of Psychological and Cognitive SciencesPeking University Beijing China
- Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education)Peking University Beijing China
| | - Yajie Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, School of Psychological and Cognitive SciencesPeking University Beijing China
- Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education)Peking University Beijing China
| | - Li Yi
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, School of Psychological and Cognitive SciencesPeking University Beijing China
- Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education)Peking University Beijing China
| | - Jing Fang
- Qingdao Autism Research Institute Qingdao Shangdong China
| | - Yisheng Yang
- Qingdao Autism Research Institute Qingdao Shangdong China
| | - Kunlin Wei
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, School of Psychological and Cognitive SciencesPeking University Beijing China
- Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education)Peking University Beijing China
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21
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Are early visual behavior impairments involved in the onset of autism spectrum disorders? Insights for early diagnosis and intervention. Eur J Pediatr 2020; 179:225-234. [PMID: 31901981 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-019-03562-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A correct use of the visual behavior (VB), and its integration with motor function, represents the earliest mean used by infants to explore and act on the social and non-social surrounding environment. The aim of this mini review is to present influential evidence of abnormalities in the VB domain in ASD individuals and to discuss the implication of these findings for early identification and intervention. We analyzed the possible anomalies in oculomotor abilities, visual attention, and visual-motor integration, as parts of a wider visual behavior defect, that could affect children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) since the early stages of development.Conclusion: According to the literature, difficulties in these three areas have been often reported in children with ASD, and the visual-perception deficit could have cascading effects on learning processes and on social development. Despite this evidence of atypical VB in ASD, their investigation is not yet included into diagnostic processes, and they are not yet considered a specific treatment target.What is Known:•Atypical social use of visual behavior is one the first symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorders•Individuals with autism spectrum disorders often show unusual visual exploration of the surrounding environmentWhat is New:•It is possible to hypothesize that early visual behavior abnormalities may affect experiences that permit learning processes and social and communicative development in infants•An early assessment of visual behavior, as a core symptom of ASD, might improve the diagnostic processes and might help to developing more individualized treatments.
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22
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Assessing Social Communication and Collaboration in Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Intelligent Collaborative Virtual Environments. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 50:199-211. [PMID: 31583625 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04246-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Existing literature regarding social communication outcomes of interventions in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) depends upon human raters, with limited generalizability to real world settings. Technological innovation, particularly virtual reality (VR) and collaborative virtual environments (CVE), could offer a replicable, low cost measurement platform when endowed with intelligent agent technology and peer-based interactions. We developed and piloted a novel collaborative virtual environment and intelligent agent (CRETA) for the assessment of social communication and collaboration within system and peer interactions. The system classified user statements with moderate to high accuracies. We found moderate to high agreement in displayed communication and collaboration skills between human-human and human-agent interactions. CRETA offers a promising avenue for future development of autonomous measurement systems for ASD research.
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23
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Chen LC, Su WC, Ho TL, Lu L, Tsai WC, Chiu YN, Jeng SF. Postural Control and Interceptive Skills in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Phys Ther 2019; 99:1231-1241. [PMID: 31187124 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzz084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence shows common motor deficits associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that can relate to impaired planning and control processes of the sensorimotor system. Catching is a fundamental motor skill that requires coordination between vision, posture, and arm movements. Although postural control and ball catching have been shown to be impaired in children with ASD, previous studies have not investigated how these components are integrated. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the sensorimotor control of arm movements and postural adjustments during ball catching in children with and without ASD. DESIGN This study employed a cross-sectional design. METHODS Fifteen children with ASD (mean [SD] age = 8.8 [1.2] years; 12 boys) and 15 age- and sex-matched typically developing children participated in this study. Children were asked to catch a ball rolling down a ramp in 6 test conditions in which visual inputs and ramp direction were manipulated to provide different sensory conditions and postural demands. RESULTS Compared with their typically developing peers, children with ASD had increased difficulties catching balls, especially those from lateral directions. They less often used visual information to plan for catching motion, demonstrated fewer and delayed anticipatory postural adjustments, and exhibited increased corrective control. LIMITATIONS The sample excluded children with intellectual disability and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders that might reduce the generalizability to the whole ASD population. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that motor difficulties present in children with ASD can result from compromised sensorimotor integration in planning and control of movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Chiou Chen
- Department of Physical Therapy, Fooyin University, 151 Jinxue Road, Daliao District, Kaohsiung City 83102, Taiwan; and School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chun Su
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University
| | - Tzu-Lin Ho
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Che Tsai
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Nan Chiu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Suh-Fang Jeng
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University; and Physical Therapy Center, National Taiwan University Hospital
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24
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Being misunderstood in autism: The role of motor disruption in expressive communication, implications for satisfying social relations. Behav Brain Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x1800242x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractJaswal & Akhtar's outstanding target article identifies the necessary social nature of the human mind, even in autism. We agree with the authors and present significant contributory origins of this autistic isolation in disruption of purposeful movement made social from infancy. Timing differences in expression can be misunderstood in embodied engagement, and social intention misread. Sensitive relations can repair this.
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25
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Hannant P, Cassidy S, Renshaw D, Joyce A. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised-designed GABA tea study in children diagnosed with autism spectrum conditions: a feasibility study clinical trial registration: ISRCTN 72571312. Nutr Neurosci 2019; 24:45-61. [PMID: 31060476 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2019.1588486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The research has shown an association with sensorimotor integration and symptomology of Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). Specific areas of the brain that are involved in sensorimotor integration, such as the cerebellum and basal ganglia, are pathologically different in individuals with ASC in comparison to typically developing (TD) peers. These brain regions contain GABAergic inhibitory neurons that release an inhibitory neurotransmitter, γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). Brain GABA levels are decreased in ASC. This study explored the effect of introducing a non-invasive GABA substitute, in the form of GABA Oolong tea, on sensorimotor skills, ASC profiles, anxieties and sleep of children with ASC. Methods: Nine children took part: (5 male, 4 female). Each child participated in three tea conditions: high GABA, high L-Theanine (a compound that increases GABA), placebo with low GABA. A double-blind, repeated measures design was employed. Measures were taken after each tea condition. Sensory and ASC profiles were scored using parental questionnaires. Motor skills were assessed using a gold standard coordination assessment. Sleep was monitored using an actiwatch and anxiety measured through cortisol assays. Subjective views were sought from parents on 'best' tea. Results: The results showed significant improvement in manual dexterity and some large individual improvements in balance, sensory responsivity, DSM-5 criteria and cortisol levels with GABA tea. Improvements were also seen in the L-Theanine condition although they were more sporadic. Conclusions: These results suggest that sensorimotor abilities, anxiety levels and DSM-5 symptomology of children with ASC can benefit from the administration of GABA in the form of Oolong tea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Hannant
- Centre for Innovative Research Across the Life Course, Coventry University, Coventry, UK.,School of Education, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sarah Cassidy
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Derek Renshaw
- Centre for Applied Biological & Exercise Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Anna Joyce
- Centre for Innovative Research Across the Life Course, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
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26
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Xavier J, Guedjou H, Anzalone SM, Boucenna S, Guigon E, Chetouani M, Cohen D. Toward a motor signature in autism: Studies from human-machine interaction. Encephale 2019; 45:182-187. [PMID: 30503684 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders which core symptoms are impairments in socio-communication and repetitive symptoms and stereotypies. Although not cardinal symptoms per se, motor impairments are fundamental aspects of ASD. These impairments are associated with postural and motor control disabilities that we investigated using computational modeling and developmental robotics through human-machine interaction paradigms. METHOD First, in a set of studies involving a human-robot posture imitation, we explored the impact of 3 different groups of partners (including a group of children with ASD) on robot learning by imitation. Second, using an ecological task, i.e. a real-time motor imitation with a tightrope walker (TW) avatar, we investigated interpersonal synchronization, motor coordination and motor control during the task in children with ASD (n=29), TD children (n=39) and children with developmental coordination disorder (n=17, DCD). RESULTS From the human-robot experiments, we evidenced that motor signature at both groups' and individuals' levels had a key influence on imitation learning, posture recognition and identity recognition. From the more dynamic motor imitation paradigm with a TW avatar, we found that interpersonal synchronization, motor coordination and motor control were more impaired in children with ASD compared to both TD children and children with DCD. Taken together these results confirm the motor peculiarities of children with ASD despite imitation tasks were adequately performed. DISCUSSION Studies from human-machine interaction support the idea of a behavioral signature in children with ASD. However, several issues need to be addressed. Is this behavioral signature motoric in essence? Is it possible to ascertain that these peculiarities occur during all motor tasks (e.g. posture, voluntary movement)? Could this motor signature be considered as specific to autism, notably in comparison to DCD that also display poor motor coordination skills? We suggest that more work comparing the two conditions should be implemented, including analysis of kinematics and movement smoothness with sufficient measurement quality to allow spectral analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Xavier
- Département de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France; Sorbonne université, institut des systèmes intelligents et de robotique, CNRS UMR 7222, Paris, France.
| | - H Guedjou
- Sorbonne université, institut des systèmes intelligents et de robotique, CNRS UMR 7222, Paris, France
| | - S M Anzalone
- Laboratoire CHArt-THIM, EA4004, université Paris 8, 93000 Saint-Denis, France
| | - S Boucenna
- Sorbonne université, institut des systèmes intelligents et de robotique, CNRS UMR 7222, Paris, France
| | - E Guigon
- Sorbonne université, institut des systèmes intelligents et de robotique, CNRS UMR 7222, Paris, France
| | - M Chetouani
- Sorbonne université, institut des systèmes intelligents et de robotique, CNRS UMR 7222, Paris, France
| | - D Cohen
- Département de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Paris, France; Sorbonne université, institut des systèmes intelligents et de robotique, CNRS UMR 7222, Paris, France
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27
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The Impact of Different Movement Types on Motor Planning and Execution in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Motor Control 2019; 23:398-417. [PMID: 30696348 DOI: 10.1123/mc.2017-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Although there are consistent reports that motor skills are affected in individuals with autism, the details are still debated; specifically, why individuals spend more time preparing movements and whether or not movement execution takes longer. The present study investigated if the conflicting reports were related to: (a) differences in movement type and (b) if longer reaction times were related to the time for motor planning or for force-generation processes. Participants performed three different movement types. People with autism had longer premotor reaction times and movement times for the three-dimensional movements only. We suggest individuals with autism have difficulty planning and executing unconstrained reaching movements specifically. The present results are consistent with evidence that autistic individuals have more difficulty effectively using visual feedback but can use tactile feedback to execute reaching movements efficiently and accurately.
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28
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Rodgers RA, Travers BG, Mason AH. Bimanual Reach to Grasp Movements in Youth With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychol 2019; 9:2720. [PMID: 30705654 PMCID: PMC6344405 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reaching and grasping (prehension) is one of the earliest developing motor skills in humans, but continued prehension development in childhood and adolescence enables the performance of increasingly complex manual tasks. In individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) atypical unimanual reaching and grasping has been reported, but to date, no studies have investigated discrete bimanual movements. We examined unimanual and bimanual reach to grasp tasks in youth with ASD to better understand how motor performance might change with increasing complexity. Twenty youth with ASD (10.1 ± 2.4 years) and 17 youth with typical development (TD) (9.6 ± 2.6 years) were instructed to reach and grasp cubes that became illuminated. Participants were asked to reach out with the right and/or left hands to grasp and lift targets located at near (18 cm) and/or far (28 cm) distances. For the unimanual (simplest) condition, participants grasped one illuminated cube (with either the left or right hand). For the bimanual conditions, participants grasped two illuminated cubes located at the same distance from the start position (bimanual symmetric condition) or two illuminated cubes located at different distances (bimanual asymmetric condition). Significant interactions among diagnostic group, task complexity, and age were found for initiation time (IT) and movement time (MT). Specifically, the older children in both groups initiated and performed their movements faster in the unimanual condition than in the bimanual conditions, although the older children with ASD produced slower ITs and MTs compared to typically developing peers across all three conditions. Surprisingly, the younger children with ASD had similar ITs and MTs as their peers for the unimanual condition but did not considerably slow these times to adjust for the complexity of the bimanual tasks. We hypothesize that they chose to re-use the motor plans that were generated for the unimanual trials rather than generate more appropriate motor plans for the bimanual tasks. An atypical spatiotemporal relationship between MT and peak aperture (PA) was also found in the ASD group. Together, our results suggest deficits in motor planning that result in subtle effects on performance in younger children with ASD that become more pronounced with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Rodgers
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Brittany G Travers
- Occupational Therapy Program in the Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Andrea H Mason
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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29
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Bernard Paulais MA, Mazetto C, Thiébaut E, Nassif MC, Costa Coelho De Souza MT, Stefani AP, Blanc R, Gattegno MP, Aïad F, Sam N, Belal L, Fekih L, Kaye K, Contejean Y, Wendland J, Barthélémy C, Bonnet-Brilhault F, Adrien JL. Heterogeneities in Cognitive and Socio-Emotional Development in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Intellectual Disability as a Comorbidity. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:508. [PMID: 31396112 PMCID: PMC6662559 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Intellectual disability (ID) is frequently associated as a comorbidity in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study investigated a) how similar the heterogeneity in the cognitive and socio-emotional developmental profiles was for children with ASD and ID, b) the difference between the subjects' profiles and those of typically developing children (TD) matched for developmental levels, c) the skills existing with the lowest and highest developmental levels, and d) the relationship between developmental profiles in ASD and the severity of autism, ID, and the overall developmental level. Participants: The sample was comprised of 119 children (101 boys and 18 girls) who ranged in chronological age (CA) from 21 months to 14 years (M = 5 years 2 months; SD = 2 years 6 months) with developmental levels lower than 24 months. They came from three countries (France = 40, Brazil = 40, and Algeria = 39). The control group was comprised of 40 TD children from these same countries who ranged in CA from 4 to 24 months (M = 1 year 3 months; SD = 5 months). The ASD diagnosis was carried out according to International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems-10th Edition (ICD-10), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th ed (DSM-5) criteria and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Measures: Children were tested using the Social Cognitive Evaluation Battery (SCEB; Adrien, 2007) by trained psychologists from public and private institutions specialized in the diagnosis of autism and interventions in this field. The SCEB explores 16 functional abilities, in both cognitive and socio-emotional areas, and allows the calculation of domain and area developmental levels and heterogeneity indices for the global, cognitive, and socio-emotional areas. Results: Children with ASD developmental profiles show very high heterogeneity as opposed to TD children. Regardless of the country of origin, there are similarities between the heterogeneous cognitive and socio-emotional developmental profiles of the children with ASD, whose profiles are characterized by lower developmental levels of language and vocal imitation skills, and a relationship between these developmental heterogeneities and the degree of severity of autistic symptomatology, intellectual disability, and overall development level. The implications of this study are presented for clinical assessment and intervention purposes in ASD and ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Anna Bernard Paulais
- Laboratory of Psychopathology and Health Processes (EA n°4057), Institute of Psychology, University of Paris, Paris, France.,Psychology Office ESPAS-IDDEES, Pont-Ste-Maxence and Bordeaux, France
| | - Camilla Mazetto
- Laboratory of Psychopathology and Health Processes (EA n°4057), Institute of Psychology, University of Paris, Paris, France.,CARI Psichology and Education, São Paulo, Brazil.,Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eric Thiébaut
- Lorrain Laboratory of Psychology and Neurosciences of Behaviors' Dynamics (2LPN), University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | | | | | | | - Romuald Blanc
- Laboratory of Psychopathology and Health Processes (EA n°4057), Institute of Psychology, University of Paris, Paris, France.,UMR 1253, iBrain, University of Tours, INSERM, Tours, France
| | - Maria Pilar Gattegno
- Laboratory of Psychopathology and Health Processes (EA n°4057), Institute of Psychology, University of Paris, Paris, France.,Psychology Office ESPAS-IDDEES, Bordeaux, France
| | - Fethia Aïad
- Language, Cognition and Interaction Laboratory, University of Blida 2 Lounici Ali, Blida, Algeria
| | - Nadia Sam
- Language, Cognition and Interaction Laboratory, University of Blida 2 Lounici Ali, Blida, Algeria
| | - Lina Belal
- Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University Abdelhamid Ibn Badis, Mostaganem, Algeria
| | - Laid Fekih
- Laboratory of Psychometric and Its Applications, University Abou Beker Belkaid, Tlemcen, Algeria
| | - Kelley Kaye
- Child Psychiatry Department of Sainte Anne Hospital, CREDAT, Paris, France
| | - Yves Contejean
- Child Psychiatry Department of Sainte Anne Hospital, CREDAT, Paris, France
| | - Jaqueline Wendland
- Laboratory of Psychopathology and Health Processes (EA n°4057), Institute of Psychology, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Jean-Louis Adrien
- Laboratory of Psychopathology and Health Processes (EA n°4057), Institute of Psychology, University of Paris, Paris, France
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30
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Altered Connectivity Between Cerebellum, Visual, and Sensory-Motor Networks in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results from the EU-AIMS Longitudinal European Autism Project. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2018; 4:260-270. [PMID: 30711508 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging-based studies on functional connectivity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have generated inconsistent results. Interpretation of findings is further hampered by small samples and a focus on a limited number of networks, with networks underlying sensory processing being largely underexamined. We aimed to comprehensively characterize ASD-related alterations within and between 20 well-characterized resting-state networks using baseline data from the EU-AIMS (European Autism Interventions-A Multicentre Study for Developing New Medications) Longitudinal European Autism Project. METHODS Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data was available for 265 individuals with ASD (7.5-30.3 years; 73.2% male) and 218 typically developing individuals (6.9-29.8 years; 64.2% male), all with IQ > 70. We compared functional connectivity within 20 networks-obtained using independent component analysis-between the ASD and typically developing groups, and related functional connectivity within these networks to continuous (overall) autism trait severity scores derived from the Social Responsiveness Scale Second Edition across all participants. Furthermore, we investigated case-control differences and autism trait-related alterations in between-network connectivity. RESULTS Higher autism traits were associated with increased connectivity within salience, medial motor, and orbitofrontal networks. However, we did not replicate previously reported case-control differences within these networks. The between-network analysis did reveal case-control differences showing on average 1) decreased connectivity of the visual association network with somatosensory, medial, and lateral motor networks, and 2) increased connectivity of the cerebellum with these sensory and motor networks in ASD compared with typically developing subjects. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate ASD-related alterations in within- and between-network connectivity. The between-network alterations broadly affect connectivity between cerebellum, visual, and sensory-motor networks, potentially underlying impairments in multisensory and visual-motor integration frequently observed in ASD.
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31
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Xavier J, Gauthier S, Cohen D, Zahoui M, Chetouani M, Villa F, Berthoz A, Anzalone S. Interpersonal Synchronization, Motor Coordination, and Control Are Impaired During a Dynamic Imitation Task in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1467. [PMID: 30233439 PMCID: PMC6129607 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Impairments in imitation abilities have been commonly described in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). How motricity in interpersonal coordination impacts imitation, during long lasting semi-ecological conditions, has not been carefully investigated. Methods: Eighty-five children and adolescents (39 controls with typical development, TD; 29 patients with ASD; 17 patients with developmental coordination disorder, DCD), aged 6 to 20 years, participated to a behavioral paradigm in which participants, standing and moving, interacted with a virtual tightrope walker standing and moving as well. During the protocol, we measured automatically and continuously bodily postures and movements from RGB sensor recording to assess participants' behavioral imitation. Results: We show that (1) interpersonal synchronization (as evidenced by the synchrony between the participant's and the tightrope walker's bars) and (2) motor coordination (as evidenced by the synchrony between the participant's bar and its own head axis) increased with age and were more impaired in patients with ASD. Also, motor control as evidenced by the movement angle standard deviations of participants' bar and head were significantly impaired in ASD compared to TD or DCD. Conclusion: Interpersonal synchronization and motor coordination during ecological interaction show both subtle impairment in children with ASD as compared to children with TD or DCD. These results questioned how motricity mature in terms of motor control and proprioception in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Xavier
- Département de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique, CNRS UMR 7222, Paris, France
| | - Soizic Gauthier
- Département de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,CRPMS, EA 3522, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Equipe Berthoz, Collège de France, Paris, France
| | - David Cohen
- Département de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique, CNRS UMR 7222, Paris, France
| | | | - Mohamed Chetouani
- Sorbonne Université, Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique, CNRS UMR 7222, Paris, France
| | - François Villa
- CRPMS, EA 3522, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
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32
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Fulceri F, Tonacci A, Lucaferro A, Apicella F, Narzisi A, Vincenti G, Muratori F, Contaldo A. Interpersonal motor coordination during joint actions in children with and without autism spectrum disorder: The role of motor information. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2018; 80:13-23. [PMID: 29879613 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2018.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kinematics plays a key role in action prediction, imitation and joint action coordination. Despite people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show a failure to use kinematic cues during observation and imitation, there is a paucity of studies exploring the role of this dysfunction during joint actions in children with ASD. AIM To evaluate the interpersonal motor coordination of children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children during a joint action task. METHOD Twenty-two participants performed two cooperative tasks. In the first one (Clear End-Point), children were provided with a priori information on movement end-point. In the second one (Unclear End-Point), the end-point was unknown and children had to use kinematic cues to accomplish the shared goal. RESULTS We found no between-group differences in the first task, even if children with ASD displayed greater reaction time variability. In the second task, they showed less accurate and slower movements than TD children. Moreover, their movement features did not differ between the two tasks, whereas TD children showed reduced reaction time variability and number of errors in the second task. CONCLUSION Children with ASD were impaired in joint action coordination when they had to rely only on kinematic information. They were not able to pay more attention to the kinematic cues in absence of a visual goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fulceri
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56018, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tonacci
- Clinical Physiology Institute, National Research Council of Italy (IFC-CNR), Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Lucaferro
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Caruso, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Apicella
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56018, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Narzisi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56018, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Vincenti
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56018, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Muratori
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56018, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Annarita Contaldo
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56018, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy.
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33
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Grace N, Johnson BP, Rinehart NJ, Enticott PG. Are Motor Control and Regulation Problems Part of the ASD Motor Profile? A Handwriting Study. Dev Neuropsychol 2018; 43:581-594. [PMID: 30124332 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2018.1504948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to kinematically assess how children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) plan and control their handwriting actions. Forty-three boys aged between 8 to 12 years were included in the present analysis; 23 with ASD and 20 typically developing (TD) controls. Sophisticated objective and quantifiable assessment of movement metrics and dynamics was applied across a series of basic cursive handwriting sequences. Children with ASD demonstrated atypical control of handwriting metrics and dynamics, as well as significantly greater neuromotor noise relative to age-matched peers. They also engaged in less regular monitoring and regulation of their movement during the handwriting task. This study provides new insights into the way children with ASD plan and sequence their handwriting movements. Overall, results revealed that even at a basic level, children with ASD appear to have a breakdown in their ability to control and regulate their handwriting movements. This has important implications for the school-aged child who constantly engages in handwriting tasks within the classroom environment and provides insight into possible directions for future intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicci Grace
- a Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences , Monash University , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Beth P Johnson
- b Bellgrove Laboratory, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences , Monash University , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Nicole J Rinehart
- c School of Psychology, Faculty of Health , Deakin University , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Peter G Enticott
- d Cognitive Neuroscience Unit and Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology , Deakin University , Melbourne , Australia
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34
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Cole EJ, Barraclough NE, Enticott PG. Investigating Mirror System (MS) Activity in Adults with ASD When Inferring Others' Intentions Using Both TMS and EEG. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 48:2350-2367. [PMID: 29453710 PMCID: PMC5996018 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3492-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
ASD is associated with mentalizing deficits that may correspond with atypical mirror system (MS) activation. We investigated MS activity in adults with and without ASD when inferring others' intentions using TMS-induced motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and mu suppression measured by EEG. Autistic traits were measured for all participants. Our EEG data show, high levels of autistic traits predicted reduced right mu (8-10 Hz) suppression when mentalizing. Higher left mu (8-10 Hz) suppression was associated with superior mentalizing performances. Eye-tracking and TMS data showed no differences associated with autistic traits. Our data suggest ASD is associated with reduced right MS activity when mentalizing, TMS-induced MEPs and mu suppression measure different aspects of MS functioning and the MS is directly involved in inferring intentions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor J Cole
- The Department of Psychology, The University of York, Heslington, York, North Yorkshire, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Nick E Barraclough
- The Department of Psychology, The University of York, Heslington, York, North Yorkshire, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Faculty of Health, Deakin University Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia
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35
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Hannant P. Receptive language is associated with visual perception in typically developing children and sensorimotor skills in autism spectrum conditions. Hum Mov Sci 2018; 58:297-306. [PMID: 29549746 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A number of studies have evidenced marked difficulties in language in autism spectrum conditions (ASC). Studies have also shown that language and word knowledge are associated with the same area of brain that is also responsible for visual perception in typically developing (TD) individuals. However, in ASC, research suggests word meaning is mapped differently, on to situational sensorimotor components within the brain. Furthermore, motor coordination is associated with communication skills. The current study explores whether motor coordination and visual perception are impaired in children with ASC, and whether difficulties in coordination and visual perception correlate with receptive language levels. 36 children took part: 18 with ASC and 18 TD children, matched on age and non-verbal reasoning. Both groups completed the Movement ABC, Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, British Picture Vocabulary Scale and Matrices (WASI). Results showed that ASC children scored significantly lower on receptive language, coordination and visual motor integration than the TD group. In the TD group receptive language significantly correlated with visual perception; in the ASC group receptive language significantly correlated with balance. These results imply that sensorimotor skills are associated with the understanding of language in ASC and thus the relationship between sensorimotor experiences and language warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Hannant
- Centre for Research in Psychology, Behaviour and Achievement, Coventry University, UK; School of Education, University of Birmingham, UK.
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36
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Hannant P, Cassidy S, Van de Weyer R, Mooncey S. Sensory and motor differences in Autism Spectrum Conditions and developmental coordination disorder in children: A cross-syndrome study. Hum Mov Sci 2018; 58:108-118. [PMID: 29408162 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Recent research has shown that Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) can present with some similar symptomology as Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). This paper therefore explored the similarities and differences in coordination and sensory responsivity between DCD and ASC. 77 children took part: 42 (35 male, 7 female) with ASC (ages 7-21: mean age 12.23 years), 26 (19 male, 7 female) with DCD (ages 7-21; mean age 11.07 years) and 9 (2 male, 7 female) with ASC and DCD (ages 8-15; mean age 12.27). All groups completed a battery of validated parent report measures online that included motor coordination (DCDQ), sensory responsivity (SPC-R) and social communication measures (AQ). Results showed no significant differences in coordination, and some significant differences in sensory responsivity between ASC and DCD (increased visual and auditory responsivity and decreased proprioception). Exploratory analysis showed that these differences showed good validity in identifying the diagnosis of ASC and DCD. These results elucidate the underlying causes of motor coordination difficulties in both conditions. Specifically, ASC coordination difficulties appear linked to visual processing impairments, whilst DCD coordination difficulties appear to be linked to spatial processing. This may aid better diagnosis and intervention for these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny Hannant
- Centre for Innovative Research Across the Life Course, Coventry University, UK.
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37
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Moseley RL, Pulvermüller F. What can autism teach us about the role of sensorimotor systems in higher cognition? New clues from studies on language, action semantics, and abstract emotional concept processing. Cortex 2018; 100:149-190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2017.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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38
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Atypical structural and functional motor networks in autism. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2018; 238:207-248. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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39
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Thye MD, Bednarz HM, Herringshaw AJ, Sartin EB, Kana RK. The impact of atypical sensory processing on social impairments in autism spectrum disorder. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2018; 29:151-167. [PMID: 28545994 PMCID: PMC6987885 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2017.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered sensory processing has been an important feature of the clinical descriptions of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is evidence that sensory dysregulation arises early in the progression of ASD and impacts social functioning. This paper reviews behavioral and neurobiological evidence that describes how sensory deficits across multiple modalities (vision, hearing, touch, olfaction, gustation, and multisensory integration) could impact social functions in ASD. Theoretical models of ASD and their implications for the relationship between sensory and social functioning are discussed. Furthermore, neural differences in anatomy, function, and connectivity of different regions underlying sensory and social processing are also discussed. We conclude that there are multiple mechanisms through which early sensory dysregulation in ASD could cascade into social deficits across development. Future research is needed to clarify these mechanisms, and specific focus should be given to distinguish between deficits in primary sensory processing and altered top-down attentional and cognitive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa D Thye
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
| | - Haley M Bednarz
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
| | - Abbey J Herringshaw
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
| | - Emma B Sartin
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
| | - Rajesh K Kana
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States.
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40
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Kołakowska A, Landowska A, Anzulewicz A, Sobota K. Automatic recognition of therapy progress among children with autism. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13863. [PMID: 29066747 PMCID: PMC5655022 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14209-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The article presents a research study on recognizing therapy progress among children with autism spectrum disorder. The progress is recognized on the basis of behavioural data gathered via five specially designed tablet games. Over 180 distinct parameters are calculated on the basis of raw data delivered via the game flow and tablet sensors - i.e. touch screen, accelerometer and gyroscope. The results obtained confirm the possibility of recognizing progress in particular areas of development. The recognition accuracy exceeds 80%. Moreover, the study identifies a subset of parameters which appear to be better predictors of therapy progress than others. The proposed method - consisting of data recording, parameter calculation formulas and prediction models - might be implemented in a tool to support both therapists and parents of autistic children. Such a tool might be used to monitor the course of the therapy, modify it and report its results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kołakowska
- Gdańsk University of Technology, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Landowska
- Gdańsk University of Technology, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna Anzulewicz
- Harimata Sp. z o.o., Kraków, Poland.,Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts, Kraków, Poland
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41
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Grace N, Enticott PG, Johnson BP, Rinehart NJ. Do Handwriting Difficulties Correlate with Core Symptomology, Motor Proficiency and Attentional Behaviours? J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:1006-1017. [PMID: 28083779 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-3019-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Handwriting is commonly identified as an area of weakness in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but precise deficits have not been fully characterised. Boys with ASD (n = 23) and matched controls (n = 20) aged 8-12 years completed a simple, digitised task to objectively assess handwriting performance using advanced descriptive measures. Moderate to large associations were identified between handwriting performance and attention, ASD symptoms and motor proficiency. The ASD group demonstrated significantly less smooth movements and significantly greater sizing variability and peak velocity relative to controls. These findings provide a clearer indication of the specific nature of handwriting impairments in children with ASD, and suggest a relationship with core clinical symptom severity, attention and motor behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicci Grace
- Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, 18 Innovation Walk, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Peter Gregory Enticott
- Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Beth Patricia Johnson
- Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, 18 Innovation Walk, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Nicole Joan Rinehart
- Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
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42
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Casellato C, Gandolla M, Crippa A, Pedrocchi A. Robotic set-up to quantify hand-eye behavior in motor execution and learning of children with autism spectrum disorder. IEEE Int Conf Rehabil Robot 2017; 2017:953-958. [PMID: 28813944 DOI: 10.1109/icorr.2017.8009372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistence of social and communication impairment, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. However, motor disorders have also been described, but not objectively assessed. Most studies showed inefficient eye-hand coordination and motor learning in children with ASD; in other experiments, mechanisms of acquisition of internal models in self-generated movements appeared to be normal in autism. In this framework, we have developed a robotic protocol, recording gaze and hand data during upper limb tasks, in which a haptic pen-like handle is moved along specific trajectories displayed on the screen. The protocol includes trials of reaching under a perturbing force field and catching moving targets, with or without visual availability of the whole path. We acquired 16 typically-developing scholar-age children and one child with ASD as a case study. Speed-accuracy tradeoff, motor performance, and gaze-hand spatial coordination have been evaluated. Compared to typically developing peers, in the force field sequence, the child with ASD showed an intact but delayed learning, and more variable gazehand patterns. In the catching trials, he showed less efficient movements, but an intact capability of exploiting the available a-priori plan. The proposed protocol represents a powerful tool, easily tunable, for quantitative (longitudinal) assessment, and for subject-tailored training in ASD.
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43
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What is the Nature of Motor Impairments in Autism, Are They Diagnostically Useful, and What Are the Implications for Intervention? CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40474-017-0109-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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44
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Disentangling Neural Sources of the Motor Interference Effect in High Functioning Autism: An EEG-Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:690-700. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-2991-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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45
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Cook J. From movement kinematics to social cognition: the case of autism. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 371:rstb.2015.0372. [PMID: 27069049 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The way in which we move influences our ability to perceive, interpret and predict the actions of others. Thus movements play an important role in social cognition. This review article will appraise the literature concerning movement kinematics and motor control in individuals with autism, and will argue that movement differences between typical and autistic individuals may contribute to bilateral difficulties in reciprocal social cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Cook
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
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46
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Anzulewicz
- Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts, Kraków, Poland; Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Harimata Sp. z.o.o., Kraków, Poland
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47
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Hannant P, Cassidy S, Tavassoli T, Mann F. Sensorimotor Difficulties Are Associated with the Severity of Autism Spectrum Conditions. Front Integr Neurosci 2016; 10:28. [PMID: 27582694 PMCID: PMC4987345 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2016.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Present diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum conditions (ASC) include social communication and interaction difficulties, repetitive behavior and movement, and atypical sensory responsivity. Few studies have explored the influence of motor coordination and sensory responsivity on severity of ASC symptoms. In the current study, we explore whether sensory responsivity and motor coordination differences can account for the severity of autistic behaviors in children with ASC. Thirty-six children participated: 18 (13 male, 5 female) with ASC (ages 7-16: mean age = 9.93 years) and 18 (7 male, 11 female) typically developing (TD) children (ages 6-12; mean age = 9.16 years). Both groups completed a battery of assessments that included motor coordination, sensory responsivity, receptive language, non-verbal reasoning and social communication measures. Children with ASC also completed the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). Results showed that children with ASC scored significantly lower on receptive language, coordination, sensory responsivity and a sensorimotor subscale, Modulation of Activity (MoA) compared to the TD group. In the ASC group, MoA significantly predicted ASC severity across all ASC measures; receptive language and sensory responsivity significantly predicted parental reported autism measures; and coordination significantly predicted examiner observed reported scores. Additionally, specific associations were found between the somatosensory perceptive modalities and ASC severity. The results show that sensorimotor skills are associated with severity of ASC symptoms; furthering the need to research sensorimotor integration in ASC and also implying that diagnosis of ASC should also include the assessment of both coordination deficit and atypical sensory responsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Hannant
- Centre for Research in Psychology, Behaviour and Achievement, Coventry UniversityCoventry, UK
| | - Sarah Cassidy
- Centre for Research in Psychology, Behaviour and Achievement, Coventry UniversityCoventry, UK
| | - Teresa Tavassoli
- Seaver Autism Centre, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount SinaiNew York, NY, USA
| | - Francesca Mann
- School of Education, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK
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48
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Johnson BP, Lum JAG, Rinehart NJ, Fielding J. Ocular motor disturbances in autism spectrum disorders: Systematic review and comprehensive meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 69:260-79. [PMID: 27527824 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
There has been considerable focus placed on how individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) visually perceive and attend to social information, such as facial expressions or social gaze. The role of eye movements is inextricable from visual perception, however this aspect is often overlooked. We performed a series of meta-analyses based on data from 28 studies of eye movements in ASD to determine whether there is evidence for ocular motor dysfunction in ASD. Tasks assessed included visually-guided saccade tasks, gap/overlap, anti-saccade, pursuit tasks and ocular fixation. These analyses revealed evidence for ocular motor dysfunction in ASD, specifically relating to saccade dysmetria, difficulty inhibiting saccades and impaired tracking of moving targets. However there was no evidence for deficits relating to initiating eye movements, or engaging and disengaging from simple visual targets. Characterizing ocular motor abnormalities in ASD may provide insight into the functional integrity of brain networks in ASD across development, and assist our understanding of visual and social attention in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth P Johnson
- Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, 18 Innovation Walk, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Jarrad A G Lum
- Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin Unviersity, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Nicole J Rinehart
- Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, 18 Innovation Walk, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia; Deakin Child Study Centre, School of Psychology, Deakin Unviersity, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Joanne Fielding
- Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Psychological Sciences, 18 Innovation Walk, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
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49
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Hannant P, Tavassoli T, Cassidy S. The Role of Sensorimotor Difficulties in Autism Spectrum Conditions. Front Neurol 2016; 7:124. [PMID: 27559329 PMCID: PMC4978940 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2016.00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to difficulties in social communication, current diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum conditions (ASC) also incorporate sensorimotor difficulties, repetitive motor movements, and atypical reactivity to sensory input (1). This paper explores whether sensorimotor difficulties are associated with the development and maintenance of symptoms in ASC. First, studies have shown difficulties coordinating sensory input into planning and executing movement effectively in ASC. Second, studies have shown associations between sensory reactivity and motor coordination with core ASC symptoms, suggesting these areas each strongly influence the development of social and communication skills. Third, studies have begun to demonstrate that sensorimotor difficulties in ASC could account for reduced social attention early in development, with a cascading effect on later social, communicative and emotional development. These results suggest that sensorimotor difficulties not only contribute to non-social difficulties such as narrow circumscribed interests, but also to the development of social behaviors such as effectively coordinating eye contact with speech and gesture, interpreting others' behavior, and responding appropriately. Further research is needed to explore the link between sensory and motor difficulties in ASC and their contribution to the development and maintenance of ASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Hannant
- Centre for Research in Psychology, Behaviour and Achievement, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Teresa Tavassoli
- Seaver Autism Centre, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Cassidy
- Centre for Research in Psychology, Behaviour and Achievement, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
- Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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50
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Landa RJ, Haworth JL, Nebel MB. Ready, Set, Go! Low Anticipatory Response during a Dyadic Task in Infants at High Familial Risk for Autism. Front Psychol 2016; 7:721. [PMID: 27252667 PMCID: PMC4879330 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) demonstrate a host of motor impairments that may share a common developmental basis with ASD core symptoms. School-age children with ASD exhibit particular difficulty with hand-eye coordination and appear to be less sensitive to visual feedback during motor learning. Sensorimotor deficits are observable as early as 6 months of age in children who later develop ASD; yet the interplay of early motor, visual and social skill development in ASD is not well understood. Integration of visual input with motor output is vital for the formation of internal models of action. Such integration is necessary not only to master a wide range of motor skills, but also to imitate and interpret the actions of others. Thus, closer examination of the early development of visual-motor deficits is of critical importance to ASD. In the present study of infants at high risk (HR) and low risk (LR) for ASD, we examined visual-motor coupling, or action anticipation, during a dynamic, interactive ball-rolling activity. We hypothesized that, compared to LR infants, HR infants would display decreased anticipatory response (perception-guided predictive action) to the approaching ball. We also examined visual attention before and during ball rolling to determine whether attention engagement contributed to differences in anticipation. Results showed that LR and HR infants demonstrated context appropriate looking behavior, both before and during the ball's trajectory toward them. However, HR infants were less likely to exhibit context appropriate anticipatory motor response to the approaching ball (moving their arm/hand to intercept the ball) than LR infants. This finding did not appear to be driven by differences in motor skill between risk groups at 6 months of age and was extended to show an atypical predictive relationship between anticipatory behavior at 6 months and preference for looking at faces compared to objects at age 14 months in the HR group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Landa
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, BaltimoreMD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, BaltimoreMD, USA
| | - Joshua L. Haworth
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, BaltimoreMD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, BaltimoreMD, USA
| | - Mary Beth Nebel
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, BaltimoreMD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, BaltimoreMD, USA
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