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Keating CT, Hickman L, Geelhand P, Takahashi T, Leung J, Monk R, Schuster B, Rybicki A, Girolamo TM, Clin E, Papastamou F, Belenger M, Eigsti IM, Cook JL, Kosaka H, Osu R, Okamoto Y, Sowden-Carvalho S. Cross-cultural variation in experiences of acceptance, camouflaging and mental health difficulties in autism: A registered report. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299824. [PMID: 38507392 PMCID: PMC10954134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent findings suggest that stigma and camouflaging contribute to mental health difficulties for autistic individuals, however, this evidence is largely based on UK samples. While studies have shown cross-cultural differences in levels of autism-related stigma, it is unclear whether camouflaging and mental health difficulties vary across cultures. Hence, the current study had two aims: (1) to determine whether significant relationships between autism acceptance, camouflaging, and mental health difficulties replicate in a cross-cultural sample of autistic adults, and (2) to compare these variables across cultures. To fulfil these aims, 306 autistic adults from eight countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States) completed a series of online questionnaires. We found that external acceptance and personal acceptance were associated with lower levels of depression but not camouflaging or stress. Higher camouflaging was associated with elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Significant differences were found across countries in external acceptance, personal acceptance, depression, anxiety, and stress, even after controlling for relevant covariates. Levels of camouflaging also differed across countries however this effect became non-significant after controlling for the covariates. These findings have significant implications, identifying priority regions for anti-stigma interventions, and highlighting countries where greater support for mental health difficulties is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Tom Keating
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lydia Hickman
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Philippine Geelhand
- ACTE (Autism in Context: Theory and Experiment) at LaDisco (Center for Linguistics Research) and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Toru Takahashi
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Joan Leung
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ruth Monk
- Autistic Member of the Autism New Zealand Community Advisory Group, New Zealand/School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bianca Schuster
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Cognition, Emotion and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alicia Rybicki
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Marie Girolamo
- School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Elise Clin
- ACTE (Autism in Context: Theory and Experiment) at LaDisco (Center for Linguistics Research) and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fanny Papastamou
- ACTE (Autism in Context: Theory and Experiment) at LaDisco (Center for Linguistics Research) and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie Belenger
- ACTE (Autism in Context: Theory and Experiment) at LaDisco (Center for Linguistics Research) and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inge-Marie Eigsti
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Louise Cook
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Hirotaka Kosaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Rieko Osu
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Yuko Okamoto
- Waseda Institute for Advanced Study, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sophie Sowden-Carvalho
- Centre for Developmental Science, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Vancappel A, Raysseguier C, Coillot H, Jansen E, Bouyer C, Mangolini A, Barbe PG, Debout-Courtault C, Pierre-le Seac'h M, Kazour F, Courtois R, El-Hage W. Development and validation of the Symptomatic Transdiagnostic Test (S2T). L'ENCEPHALE 2024; 50:32-39. [PMID: 36641268 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The categorical approach in psychiatry has received many criticisms. Modern research tends to develop a transdiagnostic approach. However, transdiagnostic works lack an overall understanding and focus mainly on anxiety and depression. The aim of the present study was to develop an easy to use tool to evaluate multiple dimensions opening the way for further research in the transdiagnostic approach. This will allow researchers to quickly assess the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions on multiple psychopathological dimensions. METHOD First, we identified the main symptoms of psychopathology in a sample of mental healthcare workers. Second, we developed the Symptomatic Transdiagnostic Test (S2T) to assess the main symptoms of psychopathology. Third, we evaluated its psychometric properties (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency) in three non-clinical samples and one clinical sample. RESULTS The 66-item S2T included eleven factors referring to: i) negative thoughts and mood; ii) psycho-traumatic and maladaptive symptoms; iii) addiction symptoms; iv) disturbed eating behavior; v) disturbed perception and behavior; vi) panic and agoraphobia; vii) emotional lability; viii) dejection; ix) neurodevelopmental manifestations; x) anxiety and xi) psychic hyperactivity. We found a high internal consistency for the general scale (α=0.96) and the subscales. We found a good concurrent validity. As expected, we found higher levels of symptoms within the clinical population as compared to the non-clinical samples, except for addiction symptoms and disrupted eating behavior. We found negative associations between the symptomatic dimensions and psychological skills. CONCLUSION The S2T is a relevant tool for clinicians and researchers to assess the psychopathological profile. The main psychopathological symptoms are negatively related to the psychological skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vancappel
- Pôle de psychiatrie-addictologie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France; Département de psychologie, EE 1901 Qualipsy, qualité de vie et santé psychologique, université de Tours, Tours, France; Inserm, UMR 1253, iBrain, université de Tours, Tours, France.
| | - C Raysseguier
- Pôle de psychiatrie-addictologie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - H Coillot
- Département de psychologie, EE 1901 Qualipsy, qualité de vie et santé psychologique, université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - E Jansen
- Pôle de psychiatrie-addictologie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - C Bouyer
- Pôle cardiovasculaire et métabolique, CHU de Cayenne, Cayenne, France
| | - A Mangolini
- Pôle de psychiatrie-addictologie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - P G Barbe
- Pôle de psychiatrie-addictologie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | | | | | - F Kazour
- Pôle de psychiatrie-addictologie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France; Inserm, UMR 1253, iBrain, université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - R Courtois
- Pôle de psychiatrie-addictologie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France; Département de psychologie, EE 1901 Qualipsy, qualité de vie et santé psychologique, université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - W El-Hage
- Pôle de psychiatrie-addictologie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France; Inserm, UMR 1253, iBrain, université de Tours, Tours, France
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Sugiyama M, Fujii S, Mori M. Relationship between autistic traits and letter-recognition under attention to face-likeness: study using a henohenomoheji-type compound stimulus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19031. [PMID: 37923894 PMCID: PMC10624886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46315-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to clarify the relationship between autistic traits and letter information processing, specifically, the components of faces when attention is paid to face-like information. We created a new "henohenomoheji-type compound stimulus," in which letters are placed in positions in such a way as to resemble a face. In Experiment 1, we examined the relationship between autistic traits and the participants' performance in a letter-recognition task in which a henohenomoheji-type compound stimulus was used. The results showed a significant moderate negative correlation between Autism-Spectrum Quotient-Japanese Version (AQ-J) scores and letter-recognition sensitivity when the compound stimuli were arranged like a face. The letter-detection task was employed in Experiment 2 to examine how autistic traits affect tasks' performance with a lower cognitive load than in Experiment 1. We found no correlation between AQ-J scores and letter-detection sensitivity with or without face-like features. These results suggest that paying attention to faces reduces the participants' performance in letter recognition, which represents a higher cognitive load in individuals with higher autistic traits. A major implication of this study is that the henohenomoheji-type compound stimuli can be applied to several cognitive tasks, such as cognitive processing in individuals with autistic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Midori Sugiyama
- Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0882, Japan.
| | - Shinya Fujii
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0882, Japan
| | - Masaki Mori
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0882, Japan
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Walter A, Martz E, Weibel S, Weiner L. Tackling emotional processing in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder + autism spectrum disorder using emotional and action verbal fluency tasks. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1098210. [PMID: 36816409 PMCID: PMC9928945 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1098210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are two neurodevelopmental conditions with neuropsychological, social, emotional, and psychopathological similarities. Both are characterized by executive dysfunction, emotion dysregulation (ED), and psychiatric comorbidities. By focusing on emotions and embodied cognition, this study aims to improve the understanding of overlapping symptoms between ADHD and ASD through the use of verbal fluency tasks. Methods Fifty-two adults with ADHD, 13 adults with ADHD + ASD and 24 neurotypical (NT) participants were recruited in this study. A neuropsychological evaluation, including different verbal fluency conditions (e.g. emotional and action), was proposed. Subjects also completed several self-report questionnaires, such as scales measuring symptoms of ED. Results Compared to NT controls, adults with ADHD + ASD produced fewer anger-related emotions. Symptoms of emotion dysregulation were associated with an increased number of actions verbs and emotions produced in ADHD. Discussion The association between affective language of adults with ADHD and symptoms of emotion dysregulation may reflect their social maladjustment. Moreover, the addition of ADHD + ASD conditions may reflect more severe affective dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélia Walter
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (UPR 3212), Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
| | - Emilie Martz
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1114, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sébastien Weibel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1114, Strasbourg, France
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Luisa Weiner
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Psychologie des Cognitions, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Suspected neurodevelopmental disorders in adult patients of memory clinics: Start at the beginning. GREDEV proposals for clinical practice. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2022; 179:297-307. [PMID: 36424291 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are frequent but underestimated in adult populations, even though the cognitive profile of those affected remains atypical throughout adulthood and the disorders can cause significant impairment in activities of daily living. Retrospective diagnosis in this population is challenging. In this article, the GREDEV (working group for the assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders in adults) proposes a brief screening questionnaire for patients with suspected neurodevelopmental disorders, a checklist to facilitate taking the patient history, a list of self-administered questionnaires, and the different key steps of diagnosing neurodevelopmental disorders in adults.
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Keating CT, Hickman L, Geelhand P, Takahashi T, Leung J, Schuster B, Rybicki A, Girolamo TM, Clin E, Papastamou F, Belenger M, Eigsti IM, Cook JL, Kosaka H, Osu R, Okamoto Y, Sowden S. Global perspectives on autism acceptance, camouflaging behaviours and mental health in autism spectrum disorder: A registered report protocol. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261774. [PMID: 34969045 PMCID: PMC8718008 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Connor Tom Keating
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lydia Hickman
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Philippine Geelhand
- ACTE (Autism in Context: Theory and Experiment) at LaDisco (Center for Linguistics Research) and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Toru Takahashi
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Joan Leung
- School of Psychology, University of Aukland, Aukland, New Zealand
| | - Bianca Schuster
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alicia Rybicki
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Marie Girolamo
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Mansfield, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Elise Clin
- ACTE (Autism in Context: Theory and Experiment) at LaDisco (Center for Linguistics Research) and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fanny Papastamou
- ACTE (Autism in Context: Theory and Experiment) at LaDisco (Center for Linguistics Research) and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie Belenger
- ACTE (Autism in Context: Theory and Experiment) at LaDisco (Center for Linguistics Research) and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inge-Marie Eigsti
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Mansfield, Connecticut, United States of America
| | | | - Hirotaka Kosaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Rieko Osu
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Yuko Okamoto
- Waseda Institue for Advanced Study, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sophie Sowden
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Ronis ST, Byers ES, Brotto LA, Nichols S. Beyond the Label: Asexual Identity Among Individuals on the High-Functioning Autism Spectrum. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:3831-3842. [PMID: 34661809 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-01969-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Researchers have suggested that asexuality, which has been conceptualized traditionally as a persistent lack of sexual attraction to others, may be more common among individuals with autism spectrum disorder than in the neurotypical population. However, no studies to date have considered how these individuals understand and conceptualize their sexual identity. The aim of this study was to provide a more nuanced understanding of asexuality among individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HF-ASD) than has been done in the past. Individuals with ASD, 21-72 years old (M = 34.04 years, SD = 10.53), were recruited from online communities that serve adults with ASD and Amazon's Mechanical Turk to complete an online survey of sexual and gender identity. Overall, 17 (5.1%) participants who met study criteria (N = 332) self-identified as asexual. However, 9 of the 17 people identifying as asexual expressed at least some sexual attraction to others. In addition, based on open-ended responses, some participants linked their asexual identity more with a lack of desire or perceived skill to engage in interpersonal relations than a lack of sexual attraction. Results suggest that researchers should be cautious in attributing higher rates of asexuality among individuals with ASD than in the general population to a narrow explanation and that both researchers and professionals working with individuals with ASD should consider multiple questions or approaches to accurately assess sexual identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott T Ronis
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, 38 Dineen Drive, Keirstead Hall, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3, Canada.
| | - E Sandra Byers
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, 38 Dineen Drive, Keirstead Hall, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shana Nichols
- ASPIRE Center for Learning and Development, Huntington, NY, USA
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Cetinoglu E, Aras S. The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) Adolescent's Version in Turkey: Factor Structure, Reliability and Validity. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:3260-3270. [PMID: 34460051 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05257-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We assessed the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the autism spectrum quotient (AQ)-adolescent. Three assessment groups of adolescents, aged 11-18, were: 80 with Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism (AS/HFA), 71 with other psychiatric disorders (PDs; 35 major depression, 18 obsessive-compulsive disorder, 18 social phobia), and 249 healthy controls. The scores of the AS/HFA group were significantly higher than the healthy control and PD groups. Cronbach α value was 0.829. Ordinal alpha value was 0.90. We showed the AQ-adolescent four-factor structure in the factor analysis. In the test-retest of AQ-adolescent and subscale scores, "very strong" significant correlation values were detected. A cut-off score of 24 best distinguished the autism group from healthy controls with 0.975 sensitivity and 0.991 specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Cetinoglu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Batman Training and Research Hospital, Batman, Turkey. .,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Sahbal Aras
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
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Picot MC, Michelon C, Bertet H, Pernon E, Fiard D, Coutelle R, Abbar M, Attal J, Amestoy A, Duverger P, Ritvo AR, Ritvo ER, Baghdadli A. The French Version of the Revised Ritvo Autism and Asperger Diagnostic Scale: A Psychometric Validation and Diagnostic Accuracy Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:30-44. [PMID: 32347469 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04518-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The early recognition of ASD in adults is challenging, in particular due to the lack of appropriate and robust diagnostic tools. We performed a psychometric validation and diagnostic accuracy study of the French version of the RAADS-R on a sample of 305 adults: 105 with ASD without ID, 99 with psychiatric disorders, and 103 non-psychiatric control groups. The French version of the RAADS-R demonstrates good reliability and diagnostic validity, suggesting that it can help clinicians during the diagnostic process in adults with ASD without ID. However, the finding that a two-factor structure better fits the results requires further validation. This study point out the need of further study of RAADS in psychiatric disorders group due to the relatively high false positive rate (55.6%) of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Christine Picot
- Clinical Research and Epidemiology Unit, University Hospital (CHU) of Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, 34000, Montpellier, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, "DevPsy", 94807, Villejuif, France
| | - Cécile Michelon
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, University Research and Hospital Center (CHU) of Montpellier, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Héléna Bertet
- Clinical Research and Epidemiology Unit, University Hospital (CHU) of Montpellier, Univ Montpellier, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Eric Pernon
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, University Research and Hospital Center (CHU) of Montpellier, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Dominique Fiard
- Institut du Handicap Psychique (IHP), Centre Hospitalier de Niort, 70600, Niort, France
| | - Romain Coutelle
- INSERM U1114, Hôpitaux de Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mocrane Abbar
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, CHRU Nimes, Nimes, France
| | - Jérome Attal
- INSERM U1088, Neuropsychiatry: Epidemiological and Clinical Research, Montpellier, University Department of Adult Psychiatry, CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Anouck Amestoy
- Hôpital Charles Perrens Bordeaux, Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, 33076, Bordeaux, France
| | - Philippe Duverger
- Service de Psychiatrie de L'Enfant et de L'Adolescent, CRA Pays de la Loire, CHU d'Angers, 49933, Angers, France
| | - Ariella Riva Ritvo
- Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Edward R Ritvo
- Child Psychiatry Department, The Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amaria Baghdadli
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, "DevPsy", 94807, Villejuif, France.
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, University Research and Hospital Center (CHU) of Montpellier, 34000, Montpellier, France.
- School of Medicine, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
- Centre Ressources Autisme, CHU Montpellier, 39 Avenue Charles Flahault, 34295, Montpellier, France.
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Wong PP, Wai VC, Chan RW, Leung CN, Leung PW. Autism-Spectrum Quotient-Child and Autism-Spectrum Quotient-Adolescent in Chinese population: Screening autism spectrum disorder against attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and typically developing peers. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 25:1913-1923. [PMID: 33840205 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211003740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT The Autism-Spectrum Quotient is a 50-item questionnaire developed to assess autistic symptoms in adults, adolescents and children. Its original version and others in different countries are known to be effective tools in identifying individuals with autism spectrum disorder. This study examined whether the Hong Kong Chinese versions of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient-Child and Autism-Spectrum Quotient-Adolescent were effective in identifying autism spectrum disorder children and adolescents. On top of comparing them with their typically developing peers, this study also included a group of children/adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, a disorder with similar social difficulties as autism spectrum disorder. Results showed that both the Autism-Spectrum Quotient questionnaires were effective in differentiating the autism spectrum disorder group from the typically developing and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder groups, separately and jointly. On the contrary, they could not identify the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder group from the typically developing group so that they were not misclassifying attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as autism spectrum disorder. These findings supported that both the Autism-Spectrum Quotient-Child and Autism-Spectrum Quotient-Adolescent were not general measures of child and adolescent psychopathology, but could claim to be specific measures of autism spectrum disorder. Such capability would enormously enhance their utility in clinical practice for identifying autism spectrum disorder children/adolescents from their typically developing peers and from those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This is because, the latter is a common neurodevelopmental disorder frequently presented to child psychiatric clinics alongside with autism spectrum disorder.
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Sapey-Triomphe LA, Reversat J, Lesca G, Chatron N, Bussa M, Mazoyer S, Schmitz C, Sonié S, Edery P. A de novo frameshift pathogenic variant in TBR1 identified in autism without intellectual disability. Hum Genomics 2020; 14:32. [PMID: 32948248 PMCID: PMC7501624 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-020-00281-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In order to be able to provide accurate genetic counseling to patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is crucial to identify correlations between heterogeneous phenotypes and genetic alterations. Among the hundreds of de novo pathogenic variants reported in ASD, single-nucleotide variations and small insertions/deletions were reported in TBR1. This gene encodes a transcription factor that plays a key role in brain development. Pathogenic variants in TBR1 are often associated with severe forms of ASD, including intellectual disability and language impairment. Methods Adults diagnosed with ASD but without intellectual disability (diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, according to the DSM-IV) took part in a genetic consultation encompassing metabolic assessments, a molecular karyotype and the screening of a panel of 268 genes involved in intellectual disability, ASD and epilepsy. In addition, the patient reported here went through a neuropsychological assessment, structural magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements. Results Here, we report the case of a young adult male who presents with a typical form of ASD. Importantly, this patient presents with no intellectual disability or language impairment, despite a de novo heterozygous frameshift pathogenic variant in TBR1, leading to an early premature termination codon (c.26del, p.(Pro9Leufs*12)). Conclusion Based on this case report, we discuss the role of TBR1 in general brain development, language development, intellectual disability and other symptoms of ASD. Providing a detailed clinical description of the individuals with such pathogenic variants should help to understand the genotype-phenotype relationships in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie-Anne Sapey-Triomphe
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Brain Dynamics and Cognition team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France.,Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Reversat
- Lyon Hospitals, Genetics Service and National Reference Centre for Developmental Anomalies, Lyon, France
| | - Gaëtan Lesca
- Lyon Hospitals, Genetics Service and National Reference Centre for Developmental Anomalies, Lyon, France.,Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Genetics of Neurodevelopment team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Chatron
- Lyon Hospitals, Genetics Service and National Reference Centre for Developmental Anomalies, Lyon, France.,Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Genetics of Neurodevelopment team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
| | - Marina Bussa
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Rhône-Alpes, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France.,Hôpital Saint-Jean-de-Dieu, Lyon, France
| | - Sylvie Mazoyer
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Genetics of Neurodevelopment team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
| | - Christina Schmitz
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Brain Dynamics and Cognition team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France.
| | - Sandrine Sonié
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Brain Dynamics and Cognition team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France.,Centre de Ressource Autisme Rhône-Alpes, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France.,Hôpital Saint-Jean-de-Dieu, Lyon, France
| | - Patrick Edery
- Lyon Hospitals, Genetics Service and National Reference Centre for Developmental Anomalies, Lyon, France.,Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Genetics of Neurodevelopment team, INSERM UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
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12
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Hohn VD, de Veld DMJ, Mataw KJS, van Someren EJW, Begeer S. Insomnia Severity in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder is Associated with sensory Hyper-Reactivity and Social Skill Impairment. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:2146-2155. [PMID: 30737588 PMCID: PMC6483941 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-03891-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Insomnia is a common source of distress in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Two characteristics of ASD could be relevant to insomnia complaints by hampering the entrainment of a circadian sleep-wake rhythm. First, sensory hyper-reactivity could lead to bright light avoidance and thus affect photoperiodic input to the circadian system. Second, impaired social skills complicate the establishment of a social interactions and thus affect scheduled social-behavioral input to the circadian system. We investigated the association of insomnia severity with sensory reactivity and social skills in 631 adults (18-65 years) with ASD. Results revealed positive associations of insomnia severity with general and visual sensory hyper-reactivity and with impairment of social skills. The findings warrant further studies which (1) directly assess whether a suboptimal functioning of the biological clock underlies these associations and (2) identify other factors that could contribute to observed sleep problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa D Hohn
- Section Clinical Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Danielle M J de Veld
- Section Clinical Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kawita J S Mataw
- Section Clinical Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eus J W van Someren
- Department of Sleep and Cognition, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Departments of Psychiatry and Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universtiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Departments of Integrative Neurophysiology and Psychiatry, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University and Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Begeer
- Section Clinical Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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13
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Sun F, Dai M, Lin L, Sun X, Murray AL, Auyeung B, Jing J. Psychometric properties of the chinese version of autism spectrum quotient-children's version: A sex-specific analysis. Autism Res 2018; 12:303-315. [PMID: 30592171 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2053] [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: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A Simplified Chinese translation of the Autism Spectrum Quotient-Children's Version (AQ-C) is needed for research in mainland China. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that differs in presentation and prevalence by sex. Thus, evaluating the psychometric validity of the AQ-C in males and females is an important step in its validation. The present study aims to develop a Chinese translation of the parent-report AQ-C, and test its psychometric properties among Mandarin Chinese speaking boys and girls. A total of 1,020 non-clinical children and 134 children with ASD were assessed. Factor analyses were performed for the whole sample, as well as for girls and boys separately. A 30-item, 5-factor model (the Chinese AQ-C) showed adequate goodness of fit (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.037; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.907; Tucker-Lewis index [TLI] = 0.901) for the whole sample. According to parents' reports, non-clinical boys had significantly higher scores than non-clinical girls on the Chinese AQ-C. Sex-specific factor structures were identified resulting in a 4-factor model with 32 items for girls (the Chinese AQ-Girls), and a 4-factor model with 34 items for boys (the Chinese AQ-Boys). The cut-off scores of the Chinese AQ-C, AQ-Girls, and AQ-Boys were 44.5, 42.5, and 46.5, respectively. These three Chinese versions of the AQ-C all showed satisfactory internal consistency (α = 0.786-0.840) and concurrent validity with the Social Responsiveness Scale (r = 0.789-0.814) for the total scale. Differences have been found in the sex-specific factor structures of the AQ-C which would be more reliable to use for future research when measuring autistic traits in the general population. Autism Res 2019, 12: 303-315 © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: This study developed Chinese versions of the Autism Spectrum Quotient-Children's Version (AQ-C) in Chinese boys and girls together and separately. The AQ-C showed good psychometric properties in boys and girls together and separately. There were differences in sex-specific factor structures of the AQ-C. These results suggest that the sex-specific Chinese versions of the AQ-C provide reliable and valid measurement of autistic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Sun
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meixia Dai
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lizi Lin
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Sun
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, California.,Psychology Department, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.,Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Aja Louise Murray
- Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Psychology Department, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Bonnie Auyeung
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Psychology Department, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jin Jing
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Differences of Symptom Distribution Across Adult Age in High Functioning Individuals on the Autism Spectrum Using Subscales of the Autism Spectrum Quotient. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 48:3939-3944. [PMID: 29971654 PMCID: PMC6182716 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3657-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the distribution of symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across the lifespan. In this cross-sectional study, we examined differences between subscales of the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) between different age groups. 654 Subjects referred to an outpatient University Clinic with specialized expertise in ASD were included. Data collection, including self-report and report by spouses, was performed from 2008 to 2014. Results show no significant differences between the different age groups. AQ scores based on self-report corresponded remarkably well with those from their spouses. In conclusion, the main traits of an ASD appear stable between the different age groups. Also, the results show that using the AQ, patients have largely the same appreciation of symptoms as their spouses.
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15
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The Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire: Validation of a French Language Version and Refinement of Sensory Profiles of People with High Autism-Spectrum Quotient. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 48:1549-1565. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3422-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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16
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Kempenaers C, Braun S, Delvaux N, Linkowski P. The assessment of autistic traits with the Autism Spectrum Quotient: Contribution of the French version to its construct validity. EUROPEAN REVIEW OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.erap.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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17
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Zhang L, Sun Y, Chen F, Wu D, Tang J, Han X, Ye J, Wang K. Psychometric properties of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient in both clinical and non-clinical samples: Chinese version for mainland China. BMC Psychiatry 2016; 16:213. [PMID: 27388335 PMCID: PMC4936315 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-016-0915-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is widely used to quantify autistic traits, which have been evaluated in the parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and in the general population. This paper's objective was to investigate the AQ's psychometric properties of the Chinese version for mainland China and to establish whether the pattern of sex differences in the quantity of autistic traits exists. We also examined the usefulness of the AQ in differentiating between individuals with ASD, schizophrenia (SCH), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and healthy controls (HC). METHODS In this study, the psychometric properties of the AQ were assessed in 1037 parents of children with ASD and in 1040 parents of typically developing children (TDC). Additionally, 32 participants with ASD, 37 patients with SCH, 38 OCD patients and 38 healthy controls (matched for age, gender and IQ) were assessed with the AQ. RESULTS The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the AQ and AQ subscales were within an acceptable range. Parents of ASD children scored higher than TDC parents on total AQ and AQ subscales, and TDC parents scored more than parents of ASD children on 2 items of 50. Fathers scored higher than did mothers on total AQ and four subscales, with the sole exception being the subscale attention to detail. The total AQ score of the ASD group was higher than that of the SCH, OCD and HC groups, and the total AQ score of the HC group was significantly lower than that of the SCH and OCD groups, with no differences being observed between the SCH and OCD groups. CONCLUSIONS The Mandarin AQ demonstrated promising psychometric properties and was a reliable instrument for quantifying autistic traits in both clinical and non-clinical samples in mainland China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China ,Collaborative Innovation Center for Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yaoting Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China ,Collaborative Innovation Center for Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fangfang Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - De Wu
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiulai Tang
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaopeng Han
- Department of Psychology of Anhui provincial hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Jianguo Ye
- Psychological Consultation Center of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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18
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Husarova VM, Lakatosova S, Pivovarciova A, Babinska K, Bakos J, Durdiakova J, Kubranska A, Ondrejka I, Ostatnikova D. Plasma Oxytocin in Children with Autism and Its Correlations with Behavioral Parameters in Children and Parents. Psychiatry Investig 2016; 13:174-83. [PMID: 27081377 PMCID: PMC4823192 DOI: 10.4306/pi.2016.13.2.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oxytocin (OT) has been implicated to play an important role in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) etiology. We aimed to find out the differences in plasma OT levels between children with autism and healthy children, the associations of OT levels with particular autism symptoms and the associations of particular parental autistic traits with their ASD children OT levels. METHODS We included 19 boys with autism and 44 healthy age-matched boys. OT levels were analyzed by ELISA method. Children with autism were scored by Childhood Autism Rating Scale and Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI), adjusted research version. Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Systemizing Quotient (SQ) and Empathizing Quotient were completed by parents of children with autism. RESULTS Children with autism had significantly lower plasma OT levels than controls. OT levels positively correlated with ADI Reciprocal Interaction and Communication scores. AQ and SQ of fathers positively correlated with children plasma OT level. CONCLUSION Our results support the hypothesis of OT deficiency in autism. The "paradoxical" associations of OT levels and social skills in children with autism indicate disturbances at various levels of OT system. We first reported associations of OT levels in children with autism and behavioral measures in fathers indicating that OT abnormalities stay between parental autistic traits and autism symptoms in their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Marcincakova Husarova
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Martin University Hospital and Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Silvia Lakatosova
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Anna Pivovarciova
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Babinska
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Bakos
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jaroslava Durdiakova
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Aneta Kubranska
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Igor Ondrejka
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Martin University Hospital and Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Ostatnikova
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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19
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Gilani SZ, Tan DW, Russell-Smith SN, Maybery MT, Mian A, Eastwood PR, Shafait F, Goonewardene M, Whitehouse AJO. Sexually dimorphic facial features vary according to level of autistic-like traits in the general population. J Neurodev Disord 2015; 7:14. [PMID: 25901187 PMCID: PMC4404287 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-015-9109-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a recent study, Bejerot et al. observed that several physical features (including faces) of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were more androgynous than those of their typically developed counterparts, suggesting that ASD may be understood as a 'gender defiant' disorder. These findings are difficult to reconcile with the hypermasculinisation account, which proposes that ASD may be an exaggerated form of cognitive and biological masculinity. The current study extended these data by first identifying six facial features that best distinguished males and females from the general population and then examining these features in typically developing groups selected for high and low levels of autistic-like traits. METHODS In study 1, three-dimensional (3D) facial images were collected from 208 young adult males and females recruited from the general population. Twenty-three facial distances were measured from these images and a gender classification and scoring algorithm was employed to identify a set of six facial features that most effectively distinguished male from female faces. In study 2, measurements of these six features were compared for groups of young adults selected for high (n = 46) or low (n = 66) levels of autistic-like traits. RESULTS For each sex, four of the six sexually dimorphic facial distances significantly differentiated participants with high levels of autistic-like traits from those with low trait levels. All four features were less masculinised for high-trait males compared to low-trait males. Three of four features were less feminised for high-trait females compared to low-trait females. One feature was, however, not consistent with the general pattern of findings and was more feminised among females who reported more autistic-like traits. Based on the four significantly different facial distances for each sex, discriminant function analysis correctly classified 89.7% of the males and 88.9% of the females into their respective high- and low-trait groups. CONCLUSIONS The current data provide support for Bejerot et al.'s androgyny account since males and females with high levels of autistic-like traits generally showed less sex-typical facial features than individuals with low levels of autistic-like traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Zulqarnain Gilani
- />School of Computer Science and Software Engineering, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009 Perth, WA Australia
| | - Diana Weiting Tan
- />Neurocognitive Development Unit, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009 Perth, WA Australia
- />Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, 100 Roberts Road, Subiaco, 6008 Perth, WA Australia
| | - Suzanna N Russell-Smith
- />Neurocognitive Development Unit, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009 Perth, WA Australia
| | - Murray T Maybery
- />Neurocognitive Development Unit, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009 Perth, WA Australia
| | - Ajmal Mian
- />School of Computer Science and Software Engineering, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009 Perth, WA Australia
| | - Peter R Eastwood
- />School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009 Perth, WA Australia
| | - Faisal Shafait
- />School of Computer Science and Software Engineering, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009 Perth, WA Australia
| | - Mithran Goonewardene
- />School of Dentistry/Oral Health Centre of Western Australia, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009 Perth, WA Australia
| | - Andrew JO Whitehouse
- />Neurocognitive Development Unit, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, 6009 Perth, WA Australia
- />Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, 100 Roberts Road, Subiaco, 6008 Perth, WA Australia
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20
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Byers ES, Nichols S. Sexual Satisfaction of High-Functioning Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11195-014-9351-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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21
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Mandy W, Charman T, Puura K, Skuse D. Investigating the cross-cultural validity of DSM-5 autism spectrum disorder: Evidence from Finnish and UK samples. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2013; 18:45-54. [DOI: 10.1177/1362361313508026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–Fifth Edition ( DSM-5) reformulation of autism spectrum disorder has received empirical support from North American and UK samples. Autism spectrum disorder is an increasingly global diagnosis, and research is needed to discover how well it generalises beyond North America and the United Kingdom. We tested the applicability of the DSM-5 model to a sample of Finnish young people with autism spectrum disorder (n = 130) or the broader autism phenotype (n = 110). Confirmatory factor analysis tested the DSM-5 model in Finland and compared the fit of this model between Finnish and UK participants (autism spectrum disorder, n = 488; broader autism phenotype, n = 220). In both countries, autistic symptoms were measured using the Developmental, Diagnostic and Dimensional Interview. Replicating findings from English-speaking samples, the DSM-5 model fitted well in Finnish autism spectrum disorder participants, outperforming a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–Fourth Edition ( DSM-IV) model. The DSM-5 model fitted equally well in Finnish and UK autism spectrum disorder samples. Among broader autism phenotype participants, this model fitted well in the United Kingdom but poorly in Finland, suggesting that cross-cultural variability may be greatest for milder autistic characteristics. We encourage researchers with data from other cultures to emulate our methodological approach, to map any cultural variability in the manifestation of autism spectrum disorder and the broader autism phenotype. This would be especially valuable given the ongoing revision of the International Classification of Diseases–11th Edition, the most global of the diagnostic manuals.
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