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Wang SH, Zhou Q, Chen KY, Ceng CQ, Zhan GD, You C, Xing Y, Zou YY, Deng HZ. Cognitive-adaptive Functioning Gap and Mediating Factors that Impact Adaptive Functioning in Chinese Preschool-aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:3107-3121. [PMID: 37326789 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06029-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the gap between adaptive functioning and cognitive functioning, especially verbal and nonverbal intelligence quotient (IQ) in Chinese children with ASD. We systematically explored cognitive functioning, ASD severity, early signs of developmental abnormalities, and socioeconomic factors as mediating factors of adaptive functioning. We enrolled 151 children (age: 2.5?6 years) with ASD and categorized them into one group with IQ ≥ 70 and another with IQ < 70. The two groups were calibrated for age, age at diagnosis, and IQ, and the relationship of adaptive skills with vocabulary acquisition index (VAI) and nonverbal index (NVI) were separately analyzed. Results show that the gap between IQ and adaptive functioning was significant in children with ASD having IQ ≥ 70, with both VAI and NVI showing statistically significant differences (all P < 0.001). VAI correlated positively with scores for overall adaptive skills and specific domains, whereas NVI had no significant correlations with adaptive skill scores. Age of first walking unaided had an independent positive correlation (all P < 0.05) with scores of adaptive skills and specific domains. IQ-adaptive functioning gap is significant in children with ASD having IQ ≥ 70, suggesting that defining "high-functioning autism" merely on the basis of IQ is not appropriate. Verbal IQ and early signs of motor development are specific and possible predictors of adaptive functioning in children with ASD, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Huan Wang
- Child Developmental and Behavioral Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No.600, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Nursing, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China
| | - Kai-Yun Chen
- Child Developmental and Behavioral Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No.600, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Chao-Qun Ceng
- Child Developmental and Behavioral Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No.600, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Guo-Dong Zhan
- Child Developmental and Behavioral Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No.600, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Cong You
- Child Developmental and Behavioral Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No.600, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yu Xing
- Child Developmental and Behavioral Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No.600, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Zou
- Child Developmental and Behavioral Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No.600, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Hong-Zhu Deng
- Child Developmental and Behavioral Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No.600, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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Wang YC, Tai YM, Wu YY, Chiu YN, Tsai WC, Gau SSF. A follow-up study of peer relationships in autistic and non-autistic youths: Mediating effects from autistic, emotional and behavioral symptoms. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 151:104768. [PMID: 38870673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104768] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about how clinical features prospectively influence peer relationships in autistic populations. AIMS This study investigated the clinical symptoms mediating the link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis and peer relationships at follow-up, i.e. the second time evaluation of this study. METHODS The sample consisted of 366 autistic youths and 134 non-autistic comparisons. The autistic traits and emotional/behavioral problems were measured at baseline by Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The interactions and problems with peers were assessed by the Social Adjustment Inventory for Children and Adolescents (SAICA) at follow-up. RESULTS Each subscore of SRS and CBCL showed significant mediation effects. Multiple mediation analyses showed atypical social communication, social awareness problems, and delinquent behaviors mediated the link from ASD to less active peer interactions after controlling for sex, age, and IQ. Moreover, atypical social communication, social-emotional problems, and attention difficulties predicted problems with peers. After considering these mediation effects, the diagnosis of ASD still demonstrated a significantly direct effect on peer relationships at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings support that social-related autistic features, attention problems, and delinquent behaviors mediated a link between ASD and peer relationships. These mediators are potential measures for improving interactions and decreasing difficulties with peers in the autistic population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Chin Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Ming Tai
- Department of Psychiatry, Beitou Branch, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yu Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Nan Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Che Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan.
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Pardo-Salamanca A, Paoletti D, Pastor-Cerezuela G, De Stasio S, Berenguer C. Executive Functioning Profiles in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Parent-Child Outcomes. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:909. [PMID: 39201844 PMCID: PMC11352683 DOI: 10.3390/children11080909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit more executive function (EF) deficits compared to typically developing (TD) peers. EF deficits are linked to various impairments in daily functioning and increased parental stress. The first aim of the present study is to investigate EFs in children with ASD and ADHD compared to their TD peers. The second aim is to explore profiles of executive functions in children with ASD and ADHD and, finally, to determine the differences of EF profiles in relation to parental stress and children's functional impairments. METHODS The sample comprised 30 TD children, 47 children with ASD, and 34 children with ADHD, aged 8 to 12 years. Parents completed questionnaires of parenting stress, and children's social and daily-life functioning. Parents and teachers reported information about children's EF. RESULTS The results indicated significantly greater impairment of EFs in the clinical groups compared to the TD group. Moreover, three distinct clusters of functioning were identified based on the severity of reported EF difficulties. The significant findings showed that children with more severe EF profiles were associated with greater daily impairment and higher levels of perceived parental stress. CONCLUSIONS Given the impact of EF deficits on the lives of children with ASD and ADHD and their families, it is crucial that studies like this enhance our understanding and inspire future interventions aimed at improving executive functions in children with ASD and ADHD. Such interventions could help reduce parental stress and improve daily functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Pardo-Salamanca
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universitat de València, Avda Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Daniela Paoletti
- Department of Human Studies, LUMSA University, 00193 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (S.D.S.)
| | - Gemma Pastor-Cerezuela
- Department of Basic Psychology, Universitat de València, Avda Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Simona De Stasio
- Department of Human Studies, LUMSA University, 00193 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (S.D.S.)
| | - Carmen Berenguer
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Universitat de València, Avda Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
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Braverman Y, Edmunds SR, Hastedt I, Faja S. Mind the Gap: Executive Function Is Associated with the Discrepancy Between Cognitive and Adaptive Functioning in Autistic Children Without Cognitive Delay. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06354-x. [PMID: 38778001 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06354-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Adaptive functioning is central to autistic individuals' independence and well-being. However, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with poor adaptive functioning, even in the absence of cognitive delays or deficits. This study examined how age and executive function associate with adaptive functioning-particularly the gap between cognitive and adaptive functioning. We addressed our research questions separately for a school-age (N = 101 ages 7-12) cohort and a preschool (N = 48 ages 2 and 4) cohort of autistic children without cognitive delays. Both cohorts of parents reported on their children's adaptive and executive functioning skills. The difference between adaptive and cognitive skills was computed for each participant. For each cohort, we evaluated whether adaptive skills decline with age. Next, we measured, in each cohort, whether children's executive function corresponded with this gap between their adaptive and cognitive skills. Adaptive functioning did not decline relative to cognitive ability in the younger cohort, but the gap was present in the school-age cohort. Yet, reduced executive function consistently corresponded with a greater cognitive-adaptive gap in socialization domains for both preschool and school-age children. Targeting EF, specifically emotional control, during preschool years may support both adaptive functioning and social connectedness for autistic children without cognitive delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Braverman
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah R Edmunds
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology & Department of Educational Studies, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Ingrid Hastedt
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan Faja
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience, Boston Children's Hospital, Two Brookline Place, Brookline, MA, 0244, USA.
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Skaletski EC, Cardona SC, Travers BG. The relation between specific motor skills and daily living skills in autistic children and adolescents. Front Integr Neurosci 2024; 18:1334241. [PMID: 38841108 PMCID: PMC11150622 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2024.1334241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Motor skill difficulties are common in autistic children and are related to daily living skills (DLS). However, it remains unclear which specific motor tasks are most likely to impact overall DLS. This study sought to fill this gap. Methods and results In 90 autistic children and adolescents (ages 6-17 years), we found that fine/manual motor tasks, like drawing or folding, demonstrated significant medium-sized relations with DLS, even after accounting for IQ and sensory features, whereas tasks in the areas of bilateral coordination, upper-limb coordination, and balance only related to DLS (small effect sizes) prior to accounting for IQ and sensory features. When looking at an overall balance score, we found that IQ significantly interacted on the relation between overall balance and DLS. Discussion These results further demonstrate the particular importance of fine/manual motor skills for DLS in autistic youth, even when accounting for IQ and sensory features. Indeed, accounting for sensory features strengthened the relations between fine/manual motor skills and DLS. Our findings provide evidence of the impact of cognitive factors on the relation between balance and DLS, indicating that it may be that autistic individuals with lower IQs experience relations between balance and DLS that are different than their peers with higher IQs. Our findings support the benefit of considering individual motor skills rather than domain-level information when assessing ways to promote DLS in autistic youth. The results further shed light on the importance of fine motor skills, as well as the unique relationship of balance and DLS in autistic individuals with lower IQs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C. Skaletski
- Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Sailery Cortes Cardona
- Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Brittany G. Travers
- Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Lemay KR, Kogan CS, Rebello T, Keeley JW, Bhargava R, Buono S, Cooray S, Ginige P, Kishore MT, Kommu JVS, Recupero M, Roy A, Sharan P, Reed GM. Implementation of the International Classification of Diseases 11th revision behavioural indicators for disorders of intellectual development with co-occurring autism spectrum disorder. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2024. [PMID: 38733333 DOI: 10.1111/jir.13146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The classification of mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases 11th revision (ICD-11) includes a comprehensive set of behavioural indicators (BIs) within the neurodevelopmental disorders grouping. BIs can be used to assess the severity of disorders of intellectual development in situations in which standardised measures of intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviours are not available or feasible. This international study examines the implementation characteristics of the BIs and compares them to standardised measures for assessing the severity of intellectual impairment and adaptive behaviours in disorders of intellectual development and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The clinical utility of the ICD-11 and the fidelity of its application in international clinical settings were also assessed. METHODS A total of 116 children and adolescents (5-18 years old) with a suspected or established diagnosis of disorders of intellectual development were included across four sites [Italy (n = 18), Sri Lanka (n = 19) and two sites in India (n = 79)]. A principal component analysis was conducted to evaluate the application of the ICD-11 guidance for combining severity levels. RESULTS Assessment using the BIs showed a higher proportion of individuals classified with mild severity, whereas the standardised measures indicated a higher proportion of severe ratings. Additionally, individuals with co-occurring ASD tended to have more severe impairments compared with those without ASD, as indicated by both BIs and standardised measures. Overall, the BIs were considered clinically useful, although more time and consideration were required when applying the guidelines for individuals with a co-occurring disorder of intellectual development and ASD. The principal component analysis revealed one principal component representing overall disorders of intellectual development severity levels. CONCLUSIONS The ICD-11 BIs can be implemented as intended in international clinical settings for a broad range of presentations of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Use of the BIs results in similar severity diagnoses to those made using standardised measures. The BIs are expected to improve the reliability of severity assessments in settings where appropriate standardised measures for intellectual and adaptive behaviours are not available or feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Lemay
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - C S Kogan
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - T Rebello
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
| | - J W Keeley
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - R Bhargava
- Department of Psychiatry and National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - S Buono
- Department of Psychology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - S Cooray
- Faculty of Psychiatry of Learning Disability, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
| | - P Ginige
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - M T Kishore
- Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - J V S Kommu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - M Recupero
- Department of Psychology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - A Roy
- Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - P Sharan
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - G M Reed
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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Blume J, Dhanasekara CS, Kahathuduwa CN, Mastergeorge AM. Central Executive and Default Mode Networks: An Appraisal of Executive Function and Social Skill Brain-Behavior Correlates in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1882-1896. [PMID: 36988766 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05961-4] [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] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Atypical connectivity patterns have been observed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), particularly across the triple-network model. The current study investigated brain-behavior relationships in the context of social skills and executive function profiles for ASD youth. We calculated connectivity measures from diffusion tensor imaging using Bayesian estimation and probabilistic tractography. We replicated prior structural equation modeling of behavioral measures with total default mode network (DMN) connectivity to include comparisons with central executive network (CEN) connectivity and CEN-DMN connectivity. Increased within-CEN connectivity was related to metacognitive strengths. Our findings indicate behavior regulation difficulties in youth with ASD may be attributable to impaired connectivity between the CEN and DMN and social skill difficulties may be exacerbated by impaired within-DMN connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Blume
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Texas Tech University, P.O. Box 41230, Lubbock, TX, 79409-1230, USA.
| | | | - Chanaka N Kahathuduwa
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, USA
| | - Ann M Mastergeorge
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Texas Tech University, P.O. Box 41230, Lubbock, TX, 79409-1230, USA
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Pugliese CE, Handsman R, You X, Anthony LG, Vaidya C, Kenworthy L. Probing heterogeneity to identify individualized treatment approaches in autism: Specific clusters of executive function challenges link to distinct co-occurring mental health problems. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241246091. [PMID: 38642028 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241246091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Many autistic people struggle with mental health problems like anxiety, depression, inattention, and aggression, which can be challenging to treat. Executive function challenges, which impact many autistic individuals, may serve as a risk factor for mental health problems or make treating mental health conditions more difficult. While some people respond well to medication or therapy, others do not. This study tried to understand if there are different subgroups of autistic young people who may have similar patterns of executive function strengths and challenges-like flexibility, planning, self-monitoring, and emotion regulation. Then, we investigated whether executive function subgroups were related to mental health problems in autistic youth. We found three different types of executive function subgroups in autistic youth, each with different patterns of mental health problems. This helps us identify specific profiles of executive function strengths and challenges that may be helpful with identifying personalized supports, services, and treatment strategies for mental health conditions.
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Woodhouse E, Hollingdale J, Davies L, Al-Attar Z, Young S, Vinter LP, Agyemang K, Bartlett C, Berryessa C, Chaplin E, Deeley Q, Freckelton I, Gerry F, Gudjonsson G, Maras K, Mattison M, McCarthy J, Mills R, Misch P, Murphy D, Allely C. Identification and support of autistic individuals within the UK Criminal Justice System: a practical approach based upon professional consensus with input from lived experience. BMC Med 2024; 22:157. [PMID: 38609939 PMCID: PMC11015650 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03320-3] [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: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (hereafter referred to as autism) is characterised by difficulties with (i) social communication, social interaction, and (ii) restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours. Estimates of autism prevalence within the criminal justice system (CJS) vary considerably, but there is evidence to suggest that the condition can be missed or misidentified within this population. Autism has implications for an individual's journey through the CJS, from police questioning and engagement in court proceedings through to risk assessment, formulation, therapeutic approaches, engagement with support services, and long-term social and legal outcomes. METHODS This consensus based on professional opinion with input from lived experience aims to provide general principles for consideration by United Kingdom (UK) CJS personnel when working with autistic individuals, focusing on autistic offenders and those suspected of offences. Principles may be transferable to countries beyond the UK. Multidisciplinary professionals and two service users were approached for their input to address the effective identification and support strategies for autistic individuals within the CJS. RESULTS The authors provide a consensus statement including recommendations on the general principles of effective identification, and support strategies for autistic individuals across different levels of the CJS. CONCLUSION Greater attention needs to be given to this population as they navigate the CJS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Woodhouse
- Compass Psychology Services Ltd, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Zainab Al-Attar
- University of Oxford, London, UK
- University College London, London, UK
- Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Susan Young
- Psychology Services Limited, London, UK
- University of Reykjavík, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Luke P Vinter
- Department of Criminology, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | | | | | | | - Eddie Chaplin
- London South Bank University, Institute of Health and Social Care, London, UK
| | - Quinton Deeley
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- National Autism Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ian Freckelton
- Law Faculty and Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Castan Chambers, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Felicity Gerry
- Libertas Chambers, London, UK
- Crockett Chambers, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gisli Gudjonsson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Jane McCarthy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard Mills
- AT-Autism, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - David Murphy
- Broadmoor Hospital, West London NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Clare Allely
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Manchester, UK.
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Ferrara R, Damato F, Iovino L, Marti F, Latina R, Colombi C, Ricci P. ESDM intervention in severe preschool autism: an Italian Case report, psychological and social medicine reflections. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:60. [PMID: 38575971 PMCID: PMC10993588 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01626-9] [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: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of our contribution is to discuss a preschool intervention based on the Early Start Denver Model and the use of the main tools for the detection of adaptive behaviour in cases of autism: Vineland, ABAS. CASE PRESENTATION the work is the presentation of a clinical case that has benefited from an intervention with the Early Start Denver Model methodology for the benefit of a child with socio-cultural and economic disadvantages. This early intervention, in a child of 36 months, which followed the diagnosis, was possible thanks to the intervention of many third-sector organizations which allowed this child, with a serious autism profile, to receive an evidence-based intervention for free. At the beginning of the intervention, the child presented a diagnosis of severe autism with absence of gaze, vocalizations and other communicative impairments. The level of motor clumsiness was also quite high, as were stereotypies. CONCLUSIONS Research has shown the usefulness of intervening in this area with an early assessment and/or diagnosis and immediate intervention; however, public health services are not always able to maintain this pace. Our contribution therefore shows on the one hand the evidence of the improvements achieved by the child despite the low intensity of the treatment, and on the other hand, demonstrates the total versatility and adaptability of the Denver Model to the Italian context. In our conclusions, there are also some reflections on the tools used to measure adaptive behavior which seem to have a number of limitations and criticalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Ferrara
- Department of Anatomy Histology, Legal Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Felice Damato
- Department of Anatomy Histology, Legal Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Flavio Marti
- Department of Health Professions, A.O. San Camillo Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Latina
- Nursing Science, Department of Health Promotion Science, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine, and Medical Specialities (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Ricci
- Department of Anatomy Histology, Legal Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Sohl K, Oberweiser C, Ranum E, Oberweiser C, Cornell W. A Pediatrician's Practical Guide for Navigating Transition to Adulthood with Autistic Youth and Their Caregivers. Pediatr Clin North Am 2024; 71:315-326. [PMID: 38423723 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2024.01.007] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
When pediatricians, autistic people, and their families carefully consider and plan for the transition from pediatric care to adult care, there are better outcomes for patients. Pediatricians see their patients over time and are uniquely positioned to help prepare for the changes that come with the transition through adolescents to adulthood. Although programs such as Got Transition offer some guidance on how to navigate the transition from pediatric care to adult care, there is less information on how to help those on the autism spectrum and their families transition to adulthood in other ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Sohl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri School of Medicine, 400 North Keene Street, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; ECHO Autism Communities, University of Missouri School of Medicine, 400 North Keene Street, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
| | | | - Elly Ranum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri School of Medicine, 400 North Keene Street, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Charles Oberweiser
- Schlief School of Accountancy, Stephen F. Austin State University, 1936 North Street, Nacogdoches, TX, USA
| | - Wendy Cornell
- ECHO Autism Communities, University of Missouri School of Medicine, 400 North Keene Street, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Department of Special Education, College of Education and Human Development, 611 Conley Avenue, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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Chien YL, Tai YM, Chiu YN, Tsai WC, Gau SSF. The mediators for the link between autism and real-world executive functions in adolescence and young adulthood. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:881-895. [PMID: 37522400 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231184733] [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: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Childhood factors that predict real-world executive function in autism spectrum disorder during the transition into adulthood are largely unknown. This study aimed to identify the predictors for the behavioral and cognitive aspects of real-world executive function in late adolescent and young adult autistic populations. We followed up 289 autistic youth (mean age 11.6 years) and 203 non-autistic controls (10.7 years) to their ages of 16.9 and 15.8, respectively. The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function scale was used to measure the real-world executive function at late adolescence and young adulthood at follow-up. Potential predictors such as autistic symptoms, inattention or hyperactivity symptoms, peer relationship, emotional symptoms, and parenting styles were assessed in childhood at first enrollment. The results showed that childhood inattention, withdrawn behaviors, social communication difficulties, and child-reported emotion and inattention/hyperactivity may predict real-world lower executive function in late adolescence and young adults with autism. When separating executive function into behavioral and cognitive aspects, we found that oppositional behaviors and peer problems were specific predictors for behavioral regulation and cognitive function, respectively. Our findings suggested that treating common predictors in childhood, such as inattention, may potentially improve real-world executive function in autism during the transition into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yueh-Ming Tai
- Tri-Service General Hospital of National Defense Medical Center, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan
- National Taiwan University, Taiwan
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13
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Yoon N, Kim S, Oh MR, Kim M, Lee JM, Kim BN. Intrinsic network abnormalities in children with autism spectrum disorder: an independent component analysis. Brain Imaging Behav 2024; 18:430-443. [PMID: 38324235 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-024-00858-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant intrinsic brain networks are consistently observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. However, studies examining the strength of functional connectivity across brain regions have yielded conflicting results. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the functional connectivity of the resting brain in children with low-functioning autism, including during the early developmental stages. We explored the functional connectivity of 43 children with autism spectrum disorder and 54 children with typical development aged 2 to 12 years using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data. We used independent component analysis to classify the brain regions into six intrinsic networks and analyzed the functional connectivity within each network. Moreover, we analyzed the relationship between functional connectivity and clinical scores. In children with autism, the under-connectivities were observed within several brain networks, including the cognitive control, default mode, visual, and somatomotor networks. In contrast, we found over-connectivities between the subcortical, visual, and somatomotor networks in children with autism compared with children with typical development. Moderate effect sizes were observed in entire networks (Cohen's d = 0.43-0.77). These network alterations were significantly correlated with clinical scores such as the communication sub-score (r = - 0.442, p = 0.045) and the calibrated severity score (r = - 0.435, p = 0.049) of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. These opposing results observed based on the brain areas suggest that aberrant neurodevelopment proceeds in various ways depending on the functional brain regions in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narae Yoon
- Division of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehakno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sohui Kim
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mee Rim Oh
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minji Kim
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong-Min Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Sanhak-kisulkwan Bldg., #319, 222 Wangsipri-ro, Sungdong-gu, Seoul, 133-791, Republic of Korea.
| | - Bung-Nyun Kim
- Division of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehakno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea.
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14
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Li W, Song C, Hu L, Wu L, Zhu Z. Influence of parental education on the intelligence quotient profiles and socially adaptive behavior of school-age children with autism spectrum disorder in eastern China. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38423538 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2300354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Intelligence quotient (IQ) and adaptive behavior are the influencing factors of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children entering mainstream schools. This study explored the association between parental education level, IQ, and adaptive behavior in ASD groups. A total of 257 school-age ASD children were enrolled in our study from January 2017 to June 2021. Their parents completed a standard demographic form, including age at autism diagnosis, gender, school placement, and parents' educational background. The Chinese version of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) was completed by a certified assessor for each enrolled child. Parents were interviewed on adaptive behavior using the Chinese version of the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Second Edition (ABAS-II). The average IQ of school-age ASD children was 76.88 (standard deviation (SD)=22.62) and boys had higher IQ levels than girls. The IQ was positively correlated with age. The General Adaptive Composite (GAC) score was 82.47 (SD=15.86) and adaptive behavior did not increase with age. ASD children who attended mainstream schools had better adaptive behavior profiles than other children. The mother's education level showed a significant correlation with the IQ and adaptive behavior of autistic children, while the father's education level did not. Consequently, better training and support for parents may help autistic children enter mainstream schools, with adaptive training being the most urgently required skill for parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Li
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Chao Song
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Lifei Hu
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhu
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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15
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Wang X, Ling Z, Luo T, Zhou Q, Zhao G, Li B, Xia K, Li J. Severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms Associated with de novo Variants and Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:749-764. [PMID: 36445517 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05824-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Genetic factors, particularly, de novo variants (DNV), and an environment factor, exposure to pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), were reported to be associated with risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, how they jointly affect the severity of ASD symptom is unclear. We assessed the severity of core ASD symptoms affected by functional de novo variants or PIH. We selected phenotype data from Simon's Simplex Collection database, used genotypes from previous studies, and created linear regression models. We found that ASD patients carrying DNV with PIH exposure had increased adaptive and cognitive ability, decreased social problems, and enhanced repetitive behaviors; however, there was no difference in patients without DNV between those with or without PIH exposure. In addition, the DNV genes carried by patients exposed to PIH were enriched in ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic processes, highlighting how candidate genes in pathways and environments interact. The results indicate the joint contribution of DNV and PIH to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 41008, Hunan, China
- Centre for Medical Genetics, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 41008, Hunan, China
| | - Zhengbao Ling
- Centre for Medical Genetics, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 41008, Hunan, China
| | - Tengfei Luo
- Centre for Medical Genetics, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 41008, Hunan, China
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 41008, Hunan, China
- Bioinformatics Center, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guihu Zhao
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 41008, Hunan, China
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Bioinformatics Center, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 41008, Hunan, China
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Bioinformatics Center, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Centre for Medical Genetics, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 41008, Hunan, China.
- University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.
| | - Jinchen Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 41008, Hunan, China.
- Centre for Medical Genetics, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 41008, Hunan, China.
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Bioinformatics Center, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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16
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Pollak RM, Burrell TL, Cubells JF, Klaiman C, Murphy MM, Saulnier CA, Walker EF, White SP, Mulle JG. Adaptive behaviour deficits in individuals with 3q29 deletion syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2024; 68:113-127. [PMID: 37740553 PMCID: PMC10843465 DOI: 10.1111/jir.13094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 3q29 deletion syndrome (3q29del) is associated with a significantly increased risk for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Mild to moderate intellectual disability (ID) is common in this population, and previous work by our team identified substantial deficits in adaptive behaviour. However, the full profile of adaptive function in 3q29del has not been described nor has it been compared with other genomic syndromes associated with elevated risk for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric phenotypes. METHODS Individuals with 3q29del (n = 32, 62.5% male) were evaluated using the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, Third Edition, Comprehensive Parent/Caregiver Form (Vineland-3). We explored the relationship between adaptive behaviour and cognitive function, executive function, and neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric comorbidities in our 3q29del study sample, and we compared subjects with 3q29del with published data on fragile X syndrome, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and 16p11.2 deletion and duplication syndromes. RESULTS Individuals with 3q29del had global deficits in adaptive behaviour that were not driven by specific weaknesses in any given domain. Individual neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diagnoses had a small effect on adaptive behaviour, and the cumulative number of comorbid diagnoses was significantly negatively associated with Vineland-3 performance. Both cognitive ability and executive function were significantly associated with adaptive behaviour, and executive function was a better predictor of Vineland-3 performance than cognitive ability. Finally, the severity of adaptive behaviour deficits in 3q29del was distinct from previously published data on comparable genomic disorders. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with 3q29del have significant deficits in adaptive behaviour, affecting all domains assessed by the Vineland-3. Executive function is a better predictor of adaptive behaviour than cognitive ability in this population and suggests that interventions targeting executive function may be an effective therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Pollak
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - T L Burrell
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J F Cubells
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - C Klaiman
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M M Murphy
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - C A Saulnier
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - E F Walker
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - S P White
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J G Mulle
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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17
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Troxel M, Kraper C, Verbalis A, Safer-Lichtenstein J, Seese S, Ratto A, Myrick Y, Armour AC, Pugliese CE, Strang JF, Ba C, Martucci J, Biel MG, Jackson V, Hardy KK, Mandell D, Goode TD, Anthony BJ, Kenworthy L, Anthony LG. Reaching "The Other Half": Teacher Referral Increases Inclusivity in Intervention Research for Neurodivergent School-Age Children. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38270579 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2024.2303723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Researchers employed two recruitment strategies in a school-based comparative effectiveness trial for students with a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism. This study assessed the: 1) effectiveness of school-based referrals for identifying students meeting diagnostic criteria and 2) impact of eliminating requirements for existing diagnoses on recruitment, sample characteristics, and intervention response. METHOD Autistic students and students with ADHD in schools serving underresourced communities were recruited for an executive functioning (EF) intervention trial over 2 years. In Year 1, school staff nominated students with previous diagnoses. In Year 2, school staff nominated students demonstrating EF challenges associated with ADHD or autism; previous diagnosis was not required. Study staff then confirmed diagnoses. RESULTS More students were included in Year 2 (N = 106) than Year 1 (N = 37). In Year 2, 96% of students referred by school staff met diagnostic criteria for ADHD or autism, 53% of whom were not previously diagnosed. Newly identified students were less likely than previously diagnosed students to be receiving services and, for those with ADHD, were more likely to speak primarily Spanish at home. Previously diagnosed and newly identified students did not differ on other demographic variables or intervention response. Caregivers of previously diagnosed students reported more symptoms than caregivers of newly identified students for both diagnostic groups. Previously diagnosed students with ADHD had more researcher-rated symptoms than newly identified students. CONCLUSIONS Recruitment for an intervention study using behavior-based referrals from school staff enhanced enrollment without compromising the sample's diagnostic integrity and engaged children who otherwise would have been excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Troxel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, and Pediatric Mental Health Institute, Children's Hospital of Colorado
| | - Catherine Kraper
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital
| | - Alyssa Verbalis
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital
| | - Jonathan Safer-Lichtenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, and Pediatric Mental Health Institute, Children's Hospital of Colorado
| | - Sydney Seese
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital
| | - Allison Ratto
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital
| | - Yetta Myrick
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital
| | - A Chelsea Armour
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital
| | - Cara E Pugliese
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital
| | - John F Strang
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital
| | - Caroline Ba
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital
| | - Jillian Martucci
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital
| | - Matthew G Biel
- Department of Psychiatry, Georgetown University Medical Center
| | - Vivian Jackson
- Center for Child and Human Development, Georgetown University
| | - Kristina K Hardy
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital
- Center for Child and Human Development, Georgetown University
| | - David Mandell
- Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
| | - Tawara D Goode
- Center for Child and Human Development, Georgetown University
- National Center for Cultural Competence, Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical Center
| | - Bruno J Anthony
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, and Pediatric Mental Health Institute, Children's Hospital of Colorado
- Department of Psychiatry, Georgetown University Medical Center
- Center for Child and Human Development, Georgetown University
| | - Lauren Kenworthy
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital
| | - Laura Gutermuth Anthony
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, and Pediatric Mental Health Institute, Children's Hospital of Colorado
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Hospital
- National Center for Cultural Competence, Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical Center
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18
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Nejati V, Khankeshlooyee N, Pourshahriar H. Remediation of theory of mind in children with autism spectrum disorders: Effectiveness and transferability of training effects to behavioral symptoms. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 29:259-273. [PMID: 37857358 DOI: 10.1177/13591045231208580] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) struggle with impaired theory of mind. We aimed to evaluate the effect of remediation of theory of mind on theory of mind, face perception, and behavioral symptoms in children with ASD. METHODS Thirty children with ASD were randomly assigned to two equal groups of theory of mind training and active control group. Attentive remediation of theory of mind (ARTOM) and story-telling sessions were used for intervention in the groups. Theory of mind and facial emotion recognition tests as well as Gilliam autism rating scale (GARS) were used for assessment in three baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up sessions. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used for analysis. RESULTS The results showed improvement in facial emotion recognition and theory of mind in intervention group. The behavioral symptoms, measured by GARS, were ameliorated in the intervention group. The training effects lasted until follow-up session. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest remediation of basic components of theory of mind, without direct intervention on theory of mind, improves theory of mind skill. The results also suggest that the remediation of basic components of theory of mind improves social and communicational performance and ameliorates stereotypes symptoms in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Nejati
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Velenjak, Iran
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19
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Al-Jawahiri R, Stokes L, Smith H, McNeill A, Freeth M. Short report: Behavioural characterisation of SOX11 syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 143:104623. [PMID: 37924570 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104623] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SOX11 syndrome is a rare condition caused by deletions or de novo point mutations of the SOX11 gene. SOX11 is a transcription factor gene that plays an important role in brain development. AIMS The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the behavioural profiles of individuals with SOX11 syndrome. METHODS AND PROCEDURES The Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales 3 (VABS-3) and the Social Responsiveness Scale 2 (SRS-2) were completed by parents of 21 children and young adults with SOX11 syndrome. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Most were found to have borderline (33 %) or mild (39 %) impairment in adaptive behaviour, with more difficulties in communication and daily living than socialisation in the cohort overall. Most (90 %) were found to exhibit clinically relevant levels of autistic traits, with 62 % scoring in the "severe" range, though social motivation was observed to be a relative strength in the cohort overall. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study presents the first standardised evaluation of adaptive behaviour and autistic traits of individuals with SOX11 syndrome. This will improve clinicians, educators and parents' understanding of SOX11 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louis Stokes
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Harriet Smith
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | | | - Megan Freeth
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom.
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20
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Teh SE, Vo LTV, Bal VH. Factors that Influence the Daily Living Skills of Autistic Adults: The Importance of Opportunity. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06154-9. [PMID: 37914836 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06154-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
While existing literature has demonstrated that Daily Living Skills (DLS) performance of autistic individuals is lower than what is expected of their age and cognitive abilities, limited studies have examined DLS in autistic adults. This study aimed to understand the influence of intellectual function (IQ) and contextual factors (i.e., provision of opportunities) on autistic individuals' DLS performance. Participants included 33 autistic individuals ranging in age from 16 to 35 years. Their caregivers were administered the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 3rd edition's (Vineland-3) caregiver interview form. A novel coding system was developed to capture the frequency of reasons for participants' non-performance of DLS tasks, based on caregiver's report. "Target" scores reflecting expected possible score if reasons for nonperformance could be addressed were computed. Qualitative analysis of parental responses indicated that, for adults with average or higher IQ, lack of opportunity to learn and/or implement the skill was the most frequent reason for not performing DLS. Lack of opportunity was also the second most common reason provided for adults with NVIQ below 85, following cognitive ability. Taking into account reasons for nonperformance, "Target" scores were, on average, 7.65 points higher for the NVIQ ≥ 85 group. These findings highlight a need for multi-dimensional assessment to go beyond individual strengths and difficulties to also include contextual factors that may influence adults' skill acquisition and performance. It is essential that clinicians ensure that adequate opportunities for learning and performance are available to promote acquisition of important DLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Er Teh
- Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Le Thao Vy Vo
- Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Western New England University, Springfield, MA, USA
- Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Vanessa H Bal
- Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
- Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
- Applied Psychology, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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Howard J, Herold B, Major S, Leahy C, Ramseur K, Franz L, Deaver M, Vermeer S, Carpenter KLH, Murias M, Huang WA, Dawson G. Associations between executive function and attention abilities and language and social communication skills in young autistic children. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:2135-2144. [PMID: 36802865 PMCID: PMC10439258 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231154310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Executive functioning describes a set of cognitive processes that affect thinking and behavior. Past research has shown that autistic individuals often have delays in the acquisition of executive function abilities. Our study explored how differences in executive function and attention abilities relate to social abilities and communication/language in 180 young autistic children. Data were gathered via caregiver report (questionnaires/interviews) and an assessment of vocabulary skills. The ability to sustain attention to a dynamic video was measured via eye tracking. We found that children with higher levels of executive function skills demonstrated lower levels of social pragmatic problems, a measure of having difficulties in social contexts. Furthermore, children who were able to sustain their attention longer to the video displayed higher levels of expressive language. Our results emphasize the importance of executive function and attention skills across multiple areas of functioning in autistic children, in particular those that involve language and social communication.
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22
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Kalvin CB, Jordan R, Rowley S, Weis AL, Ibrahim K, Sukhodolsky DG. Aggression Is Associated With Social Adaptive Functioning in Children With ASD and Anxiety. FOCUS ON AUTISM AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 38:168-176. [PMID: 38469453 PMCID: PMC10927274 DOI: 10.1177/10883576231165265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Social adaptive functioning is notably compromised and may be further impaired by aggressive behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study examined the association between aggressive behavior and social adaptive skills in children with ASD and the contribution of aggressive behavior to social adaptive skills in a combined sample of children with and without ASD. Participants consisted of children, ages 8 to 15 years, with ASD (n = 52) and who were typically developing (n = 29). Results indicate that aggressive behavior is negatively associated with social adaptive skills in children with ASD and that it contributes to reduced social adaptive functioning above and beyond ASD diagnosis. Findings underscore the importance of considering the role of aggressive behavior when evaluating and promoting social functioning in children with ASD.
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23
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Faja S, Sabatos-DeVito M, Sridhar A, Kuhn JL, Nikolaeva JI, Sugar CA, Webb SJ, Bernier RA, Sikich L, Hellemann G, Senturk D, Naples AJ, Shic F, Levin AR, Seow HA, Dziura JD, Jeste SS, Chawarska K, Nelson CA, Dawson G, McPartland JC. Evaluation of clinical assessments of social abilities for use in autism clinical trials by the autism biomarkers consortium for clinical trials. Autism Res 2023; 16:981-996. [PMID: 36929131 PMCID: PMC10192100 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Clinical trials in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often rely on clinician rating scales and parent surveys to measure autism-related features and social behaviors. To aid in the selection of these assessments for future clinical trials, the Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials (ABC-CT) directly compared eight common instruments with respect to acquisition rates, sensitivity to group differences, equivalence across demographic sub-groups, convergent validity, and stability over a 6-week period. The sample included 280 children diagnosed with ASD (65 girls) and 119 neurotypical children (36 girls) aged from 6 to 11 years. Full scale IQ for ASD ranged from 60 to 150 and for neurotypical ranged from 86 to 150. Instruments measured clinician global assessment and autism-related behaviors, social communication abilities, adaptive function, and social withdrawal behavior. For each instrument, we examined only the scales that measured social or communication functioning. Data acquisition rates were at least 97.5% at T1 and 95.7% at T2. All scales distinguished diagnostic groups. Some scales significantly differed by participant and/or family demographic characteristics. Within the ASD group, most clinical instruments exhibited weak (≥ |0.1|) to moderate (≥ |0.4|) intercorrelations. Short-term stability was moderate (ICC: 0.5-0.75) to excellent (ICC: >0.9) within the ASD group. Variations in the degree of stability may inform viability for different contexts of use, such as identifying clinical subgroups for trials versus serving as a modifiable clinical outcome. All instruments were evaluated in terms of their advantages and potential concerns for use in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Faja
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School. Boston MA. USA
- Boston Children’s Hospital. Boston MA. USA
| | - Maura Sabatos-DeVito
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University. Durham NC. USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University. Durham NC. USA
| | | | - Jocelyn L. Kuhn
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine. Boston MA. USA
| | - Julia I. Nikolaeva
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University. Evanston IL. USA
| | - Catherine A. Sugar
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles CA. USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles CA. USA
| | - Sara Jane Webb
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute. Seattle WA. USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, University of Washington School of Medicine. Seattle WA. USA
| | - Raphael A. Bernier
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, University of Washington School of Medicine. Seattle WA. USA
| | - Linmarie Sikich
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University. Durham NC. USA
| | - Gerhard Hellemann
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Birmingham AB. USA
| | - Damla Senturk
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles CA. USA
| | - Adam J. Naples
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University. New Haven CT. USA
| | - Frederick Shic
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute. Seattle WA. USA
- Department of General Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Seattle WA. USA
| | - April R. Levin
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital. Boston MA. USA
- Harvard Medical School. Boston MA. USA
| | - Helen A. Seow
- Yale Center for Clinical Investigation, Yale University. New Haven CT. USA
| | - James D. Dziura
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University. New Haven CT. USA
| | - Shafali S. Jeste
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles. Los Angeles CA. USA
- USC Keck School of Medicine. Los Angeles CA. USA
| | | | - Charles A. Nelson
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School. Boston MA. USA
- Boston Children’s Hospital. Boston MA. USA
- Graduate School of Education, Harvard University. Boston MA. USA
| | - Geraldine Dawson
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University. Durham NC. USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University. Durham NC. USA
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Kourtesis P, Kouklari EC, Roussos P, Mantas V, Papanikolaou K, Skaloumbakas C, Pehlivanidis A. Virtual Reality Training of Social Skills in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Examination of Acceptability, Usability, User Experience, Social Skills, and Executive Functions. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13040336. [PMID: 37102850 PMCID: PMC10136366 DOI: 10.3390/bs13040336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Poor social skills in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are associated with reduced independence in daily life. Current interventions for improving the social skills of individuals with ASD fail to represent the complexity of real-life social settings and situations. Virtual reality (VR) may facilitate social skills training in social environments and situations similar to those in real life; however, more research is needed to elucidate aspects such as the acceptability, usability, and user experience of VR systems in ASD. Twenty-five participants with ASD attended a neuropsychological evaluation and three sessions of VR social skills training, which incorporated five social scenarios with three difficulty levels. Participants reported high acceptability, system usability, and user experience. Significant correlations were observed between performance in social scenarios, self-reports, and executive functions. Working memory and planning ability were significant predictors of the functionality level in ASD and the VR system's perceived usability, respectively. Yet, performance in social scenarios was the best predictor of usability, acceptability, and functionality level. Planning ability substantially predicted performance in social scenarios, suggesting an implication in social skills. Immersive VR social skills training in individuals with ASD appears to be an appropriate service, but an errorless approach that is adaptive to the individual's needs should be preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Kourtesis
- Department of Psychology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 84 Athens, Greece
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AD, UK
| | - Evangelia-Chrysanthi Kouklari
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Roussos
- Department of Psychology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 84 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasileios Mantas
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Papanikolaou
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Skaloumbakas
- Department of Child Psychiatry, P. & A. Kyriakou Children's Hospital, 115 28 Athens, Greece
- Habilis, R&D Team, 141 22 Athens, Greece
| | - Artemios Pehlivanidis
- 1st Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
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Kim JH, Song DY, Han HS, Yoon NH, Cho HB, Lee HB, Choi KH, Chae PK, Bong G, Ahn S, Yoo HJ. Improving adaptive behaviors for autistic adults without intellectual disability through executive function training. Asian J Psychiatr 2023; 84:103579. [PMID: 37043906 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Executive functioning (EF) is a cognitive process used to perform various daily activities throughout one's lifespan. Autistic adults without intellectual disabilities (ID) also experience difficulties with EF, which is closely associated with adaptive behaviors. For this reason, it is important to improve adaptive behaviors through enhanced use of EF for autistic adults to transition into adulthood successfully. This study aims to conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a newly developed and modified intervention program. Thirty autistic adults without ID were randomly assigned to the treatment or waitlist group. The participants and caregivers completed various assessments and self-report questionnaires to measure everyday EF and adaptive behaviors. We performed linear mixed-effect modeling to compare the two groups. Data collected at pre-, middle, post-, and follow-up based on participants who completed the program were used to explore changes across time. While there were significant differences in the EF utility-scale (F=5.46, p = .027) between the treatment and waitlist groups, no group x time interactions were detected in other measures. Everyday EF and adaptive behaviors improved when comparing measurements at different time points (p < .001). Our program is Korea's first evidence-based intervention to improve everyday EF and adaptive behaviors for autistic adults without ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea
| | - Da-Yea Song
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea
| | - Hye Sun Han
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, South Korea
| | - Nan-He Yoon
- Division of Social Welfare & Health Administration, Wonkwang University, South Korea
| | - Hwi Bin Cho
- Department of Psychiatry, Konkuk University Medical Center, South Korea
| | - Han Bit Lee
- Center for Campus Life & Culture, Seoul National University, South Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea
| | | | - Guiyoung Bong
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea
| | - Soyeon Ahn
- Division of Statistics, Medical Research Collaborating Center, Seoul National Unversity Bundang Hospital, South Korea
| | - Hee Jeong Yoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea; Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea.
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26
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Pollak RM, Burrell TL, Cubells JF, Klaiman C, Murphy MM, Saulnier CA, Walker EF, White SP, Mulle JG. Adaptive behavior deficits in individuals with 3q29 deletion syndrome. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.03.31.23288022. [PMID: 37066139 PMCID: PMC10104221 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.31.23288022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Background 3q29 deletion syndrome (3q29del) is associated with a significantly increased risk for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Mild to moderate intellectual disability (ID) is common in this population, and previous work by our team identified substantial deficits in adaptive behavior. However, the full profile of adaptive function in 3q29del has not been described, nor has it been compared to other genomic syndromes associated with elevated risk for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Methods Individuals with 3q29del (n=32, 62.5% male) were evaluated using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition, Comprehensive Parent/Caregiver Form (Vineland-3). We explored the relationship between adaptive behavior and cognitive function, executive function, and neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric comorbidities in our 3q29del study sample, and we compared subjects with 3q29del to published data on Fragile X syndrome, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, and 16p11.2 deletion and duplication syndromes. Results Individuals with 3q29del had global deficits in adaptive behavior that were not driven by specific weaknesses in any given domain. Individual neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diagnoses had a small effect on adaptive behavior, and the cumulative number of comorbid diagnoses was significantly negatively associated with Vineland-3 performance. Both cognitive ability and executive function were significantly associated with adaptive behavior, and executive function was a better predictor of Vineland-3 performance than cognitive ability. Finally, the severity of adaptive behavior deficits in 3q29del was distinct from previously published data on comparable genomic disorders. Conclusions Individuals with 3q29del have significant deficits in adaptive behavior, affecting all domains assessed by the Vineland-3. Executive function is a better predictor of adaptive behavior than cognitive ability in this population and suggests that interventions targeting executive function may be an effective therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Pollak
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University
| | | | - Joseph F Cubells
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, School of Medicine, Emory University
| | - Cheryl Klaiman
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University
| | | | - Celine A Saulnier
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University
- Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services
| | | | - Stormi Pulver White
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University
| | - Jennifer G Mulle
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University
- Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University
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Hatherly K, Stienwandt S, Salisbury MR, Roos LE, Fisher PA. Routines as a Protective Factor for Emerging Mental Health and Behavioral Problems in Children with Neurodevelopmental Delays. ADVANCES IN NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2023; 7:35-45. [PMID: 39398327 PMCID: PMC11469585 DOI: 10.1007/s41252-022-00260-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Children with neurodevelopmental delays show higher levels of externalizing behavioral problems, resulting in increased parental stress. This study aims to determine if the frequency of family routines moderates children's externalizing problems and associated parental stress based on children's cognitive ability longitudinally. Methods Children with neurodevelopmental delays and caregivers (N = 202) participated in assessments that included the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Forth Edition, Child Behavior Checklist, Parent Daily Report, and Family Routines Inventory. Child participants were 28 to 72 months old (M = 48.00, SD = 10.652) and predominantly male (69.3%). Results Frequency of family routines at baseline (b = - .375, SE = .112, p = .001) was associated with lower child externalizing behaviours at baseline (b = - .104, SE = .047, p = .031). Frequency of family routines moderated parental stress for children with average (i.e., at the mean; b = - .211, SE = .119, p = .08) and above average (i.e., 1SD above mean; b = - .436, SE = .177, p = .02) nonverbal skills. Longitudinally, increased frequency of family routines (b = - .193, SE = .092, p = .04) was associated with less child externalizing behaviors. Conclusions Findings demonstrate that routines may reduce parental stress, but the use of routines alone may be less practical for children with lower verbal skills. Additionally, the importance of routines for minimizing behavioral problems in children was significant for children with average or higher nonverbal skills at baseline, suggesting that nonverbal skills are protective for these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Hatherly
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Western Ontario, 1201 Western Road, London, ONCA N6A 3K7, USA
| | - Shaelyn Stienwandt
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Cir, Winnipeg, MBCA R3T 2N2, USA
| | - Marlee R. Salisbury
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele St, North York, ON M3J 1P3, USA
| | - Leslie E. Roos
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Cir, Winnipeg, MBCA R3T 2N2, USA
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, 715 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MBCA R3E 3P4, USA
| | - Philip A. Fisher
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, University of Oregon, 1227, Eugene, OR 97402, USA
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28
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Wulff RA, Iosif AM, Krug MK, Harvey PD, Solomon M. Piloting a Novel Daily Living Skills Assessment in Autistic Adolescents and Young Adults. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2023; 5:86-92. [PMID: 36941860 PMCID: PMC10024265 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2021.0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background There are a few ecologically valid measurements of Daily Living Skills (DLS)-a critical component of adaptive functioning (AF)-for autistic adolescents and young adults. This is particularly important given that DLS predict outcomes as autistic adolescents transition to adulthood. Methods We pilot-tested the assessment section of two modules of the Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training program (CFSAT) in 25 autistic (n = 4 female) and 25 non-autistic (n = 6 female) adolescents and young adults to evaluate preliminary feasibility in an autistic sample. Tasks involved using an ATM and ticket-buying machine. We also assessed AF and DLS with a well-validated self-report questionnaire. We examined group differences in performance and relationships between performance on CFSAT and an existing measure of AF and DLS. We also conducted regression analyses to investigate the associations between age, IQ, executive functioning (EF), and CFSAT task performance. Results All but one autistic participant were able to complete the CFSAT tasks. Autistic participants made more errors, but did not take longer to complete the task, than non-autistic participants. Performance correlated strongly with self-reported AF generally and DLS specifically. The regression analyses revealed that task performance was associated with EF in the autistic group, but not the non-autistic group. Conclusions These results provide preliminary support for the use of a new performance-based ecologically valid assessment of DLS in an autistic population. Two CFSAT modules were well-tolerated and detected differences in DLS ability. Strong correlations with an existing measure of AF suggest evidence of construct validity. The EF was associated with CFSAT task performance in autistic individuals. Such a tool could help identify individuals who would benefit from a DLS intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Wulff
- Department of Psychiatry, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis. Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Ana-Maria Iosif
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis. Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Marie K. Krug
- Department of Psychiatry, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis. Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Philip D. Harvey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Marjorie Solomon
- Department of Psychiatry, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis. Sacramento, California, USA
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O’Hearn K, Lynn A. Age differences and brain maturation provide insight into heterogeneous results in autism spectrum disorder. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 16:957375. [PMID: 36819297 PMCID: PMC9934814 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.957375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies comparing individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to typically developing (TD) individuals have yielded inconsistent results. These inconsistencies reflect, in part, atypical trajectories of development in children and young adults with ASD compared to TD peers. These different trajectories alter group differences between children with and without ASD as they age. This paper first summarizes the disparate trajectories evident in our studies and, upon further investigation, laboratories using the same recruiting source. These studies indicated that cognition improves into adulthood typically, and is associated with the maturation of striatal, frontal, and temporal lobes, but these age-related improvements did not emerge in the young adults with ASD. This pattern - of improvement into adulthood in the TD group but not in the group with ASD - occurred in both social and non-social tasks. However, the difference between TD and ASD trajectories was most robust on a social task, face recognition. While tempting to ascribe this uneven deficit to the social differences in ASD, it may also reflect the prolonged typical development of social cognitive tasks such as face recognition into adulthood. This paper then reviews the evidence on age-related and developmental changes from other studies on ASD. The broader literature also suggests that individuals with ASD do not exhibit the typical improvements during adolescence on skills important for navigating the transition to adulthood. These skills include execution function, social cognition and communication, and emotional recognition and self-awareness. Relatedly, neuroimaging studies indicate arrested or atypical brain maturation in striatal, frontal, and temporal regions during adolescence in ASD. This review not only highlights the importance of a developmental framework and explicit consideration of age and/or stage when studying ASD, but also the potential importance of adolescence on outcomes in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten O’Hearn
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States,*Correspondence: Kirsten O’Hearn,
| | - Andrew Lynn
- Department of Special Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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Kaminski A, You X, Flaharty K, Jeppsen C, Li S, Merchant JS, Berl MM, Kenworthy L, Vaidya CJ. Cingulate-Prefrontal Connectivity During Dynamic Cognitive Control Mediates Association Between p Factor and Adaptive Functioning in a Transdiagnostic Pediatric Sample. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2023; 8:189-199. [PMID: 35868485 PMCID: PMC10152206 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Covariation among psychiatric symptoms is being actively pursued for transdiagnostic dimensions of psychopathology with predictive utility. A superordinate dimension, the p factor, reflects overall psychopathology burden and has support from genetic and neuroimaging correlates. However, the neurocognitive correlates that link an elevated p factor to maladaptive outcomes are unknown. We tested the mediating potential of dynamic adjustments in cognitive control rooted in functional connections anchored by the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) in a transdiagnostic pediatric sample. METHODS A multiple mediation model tested the association between the p factor (derived by principal component analysis of Child Behavior Checklist syndrome scales) and outcome measured with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-II in 89 children ages 8 to 13 years (23 female) with a variety of primary neurodevelopmental diagnoses who underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during a socioaffective Stroop-like task with eye gaze as distractor. Mediators included functional connectivity of frontoparietal- and salience network-affiliated dACC seeds during conflict adaptation. RESULTS Higher p factor scores were related to worse adaptive functioning. This effect was partially mediated by conflict adaptation-dependent functional connectivity between the frontoparietal network-affiliated dACC seed and the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Post hoc follow-up indicated that the p factor was related to all Vineland Adaptive Behaviors Scale-II domains; the association was strongest for socialization followed by daily living skills and then communication. Mediation results remained significant for socialization only. CONCLUSIONS Higher psychopathology burden was associated with worse adaptive functioning in early adolescence. This association was mediated by weaker dACC-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex functional connectivity underlying modulation of cognitive control in response to contextual contingencies. Our results contribute to the identification of transdiagnostic and developmentally relevant neurocognitive endophenotypes of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Kaminski
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C..
| | - Xiaozhen You
- Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C
| | - Kathryn Flaharty
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C
| | - Charlotte Jeppsen
- Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C
| | - Sufang Li
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C
| | | | - Madison M Berl
- Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C
| | - Lauren Kenworthy
- Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C
| | - Chandan J Vaidya
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.; Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C..
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Aasen J, Galaaen K, Nilsson F, Sørensen T, Lien L, Leonhardt M. Promoting Social Participation and Recovery with Virtual Reality Based Interventions among people with Mental Health and Substance Use disorders: A Qualitative study (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e46136. [PMID: 37104000 PMCID: PMC10176145 DOI: 10.2196/46136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with mental health disorders (MHDs) and substance use disorders (SUDs) are a highly vulnerable group, particularly affected by social exclusion, marginalization, and disconnectedness. Virtual reality technology holds a potential for simulating social environments and interactions to mitigate the social barriers and marginalization faced by people recovering from MHDs and SUDs. However, it is still unclear how we can harness the greater ecological validity of virtual reality-based interventions targeting social and functional impairments in individuals with MHDs and SUDs. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper was to explore how service providers in community-based MHD and SUD health care services perceive the barriers to social participation among adults recovering from MHDs and SUDs to provide a broader understanding of how learning experiences can be modeled to promote social participation in virtual reality environments. METHODS Two semistructured, open-ended, and dual-moderator focus group interviews were conducted with participants representing different community-based MHD and SUD health care services. Service providers were recruited from their MHD and SUD services in our collaborating municipality in Eastern Norway. We recruited the first participant group at a municipal MHD and SUD assisted living facility for service users with ongoing excessive substance use and severe social dysfunctionality. We recruited the second participant group at a community-based follow-up care service aimed at clients with a broad range of MHDs and SUDs and various levels of social functioning. The qualitative data extracted in the interviews were analyzed, using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS The analysis of the service providers' perceptions of the barriers to social participation among clients with MHDs and SUDs revealed the following five main themes: challenging or lacking social connections, impaired cognitive functions, negative self-perception, impaired personal functioning, and insufficient social security. The barriers identified are interrelated in a cluster of cognitive, socioemotional, and functional impairments, leading to a severe and diverse complex of barriers to social participation. CONCLUSIONS Social participation relies on people's capability to use their present social opportunities. Promoting basic human functioning is key to promoting social participation among people with MHDs and SUDs. The findings in this study indicate a need to address cognitive functioning, socioemotional learning, instrumental skills, and complex social functions to meet the complexity and diversity of the identified barriers to social functioning in our target group. Virtual reality-based interventions for promoting social participation should be sequenced into distinct scenarios dedicated to specific learning goals to build complex learning in a step-by-step process based on successively more complex levels of human and social functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Aasen
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brummundal, Norway
- VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Fredrik Nilsson
- RIO- a Norwegian users' association in the field of alcohol and drugs, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Lars Lien
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brummundal, Norway
- Department of Health and Social Science, Inland Norway University of Applied Science, Elverum, Norway
| | - Marja Leonhardt
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brummundal, Norway
- VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
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Busch RM, Frazier Ii TW, Sonneborn C, Hogue O, Klaas P, Srivastava S, Hardan AY, Martinez-Agosto JA, Sahin M, Eng C. Longitudinal neurobehavioral profiles in children and young adults with PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome and reliable methods for assessing neurobehavioral change. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:3. [PMID: 36641436 PMCID: PMC9840250 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09468-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) demonstrate a distinct neurobehavioral profile suggesting primary disruption of frontal lobe symptoms, with more severe cognitive deficits in those with associated autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that extend to other areas of neurobehavioral function as well (e.g., adaptive behavior, sensory deficits). The current study sought to characterize longitudinal neurobehavioral profiles in individuals with PHTS who completed serial assessments (2-3 evaluations) over a 2-year time period. METHODS Comprehensive neurobehavioral evaluations were conducted on 92 participants (age range 6-21) with PHTS and/or ASD. Spaghetti plots and linear mixed effects models were used to visualize the individual patient profiles and group trends and examine the group differences in cognitive/behavioral test scores over time. Practice-adjusted reliable change indices (RCIs) and standardized regression-based change scores (SRBs) were calculated for those measures in the battery with adequate sample sizes and test-retest reliabilities for future use in assessing neurobehavioral change in children and young adults with PHTS. RESULTS Wide individual differences were observed at baseline across all measures. Encouragingly, baseline differences between patient groups persisted at the same magnitude over a 2-year time period with no differences in longitudinal neurobehavioral profiles within any one group. Test-retest reliabilities were generally high, ranging from 0.62 to 0.97, and group mean change from baseline to 12 months was small (range - 3.8 to 3.7). A Microsoft Excel calculator was created that clinicians and researchers can use to automatically calculate RCI and SRB thresholds at both 80% and 90% confidence intervals using test scores from a given child or young adult with PHTS. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the neurobehavioral phenotypes observed in individuals with PHTS remain relatively stable over time, even in those with ASD. The RCIs and SRBs provided can be used in future research to examine patient outcomes at the individual level as well as to detect negative deviations from the expected trajectory that can be used to inform intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn M Busch
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH, Cleveland, USA
| | - Thomas W Frazier Ii
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH, Cleveland, USA.,Department of Psychology, John Carroll University, University Heights, OH, USA
| | - Claire Sonneborn
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Olivia Hogue
- Center for Neurological Restoration, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Patricia Klaas
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Siddharth Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonio Y Hardan
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charis Eng
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH, Cleveland, USA. .,Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA. .,Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Giambona PJ, Ding Y, Cho SJ, Zhang C, Shen Y. Parent Perceptions of the Effects of Early Intensive Behavioral Interventions for Children with Autism. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:45. [PMID: 36661617 PMCID: PMC9855042 DOI: 10.3390/bs13010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to understand parents' perceptions of the effects of early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) based on the principles of applied behavioral analysis (ABA) and the lasting outcomes for their children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In particular, this study sought to examine parent perceptions of the relationship between the intensity of ABA interventions and current autism symptom severity, adaptive functioning, and school placement. The current study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, which consisted of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and combining both quantitative and qualitative data. Overall, results suggested that the intensity of previous ABA interventions was a unique predictor of current school placement. Additionally, results suggested that the intensity of previous ABA interventions was a unique predictor of adaptive skills, which was supported by parent interviews. However, the intensity of previous ABA interventions was not a unique predictor of current autism severity. Parent responses to interview questions revealed the imperative nature of the interventions and their effect on service delivery for their children with ASD. Overall, this study provided an increased understanding of parents' perceptions of the effectiveness of EIBI, which in turn may be central to understanding service utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yi Ding
- Graduate School of Education, Fordham University, 113 West 60th Street, LL 1008, New York, NY 10023, USA
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Feller C, Ilen L, Eliez S, Schneider M. Characterizing Daily-Life Social Interactions in Adolescents and Young Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Comparison Between Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:245-262. [PMID: 35018586 PMCID: PMC9889413 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05423-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Social impairments are common features of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) allowed access to daily-life information in order to explore the phenomenology of social interactions. 32 individuals with 22q11DS, 26 individuals with ASD and 44 typically developing peers (TD) aged 12-30 were assessed during 6 days 8 times a day using a mobile app. Participants with 22q11DS and ASD did not spend more time alone but showed distinct implication in the social sphere than TD. Distinct profiles emerged between the two conditions regarding the subjective experience of aloneness and the subjective experience of social interactions. This study highlights distinct social functioning profiles in daily-life in 22q11DS and ASD that points towards different therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Feller
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Clinical Psychology Unit for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, 40, Boulevard du Pont-d’Arve, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laura Ilen
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Clinical Psychology Unit for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, 40, Boulevard du Pont-d’Arve, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Eliez
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland ,grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maude Schneider
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Clinical Psychology Unit for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, 40, Boulevard du Pont-d’Arve, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Neurosciences, Center for Contextual Psychiatry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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35
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Yon-Hernández JA, Canal-Bedia R, Wojcik DZ, García-García L, Fernández-Álvarez C, Palacio-Duque S, Franco-Martín MA. Executive functions in daily living skills: A study in adults with autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1109561. [PMID: 37113122 PMCID: PMC10127455 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1109561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adults with autism and adults with schizophrenia show difficulties in adaptive skills, especially those related to daily functioning. Some studies suggest that adaptive skills are associated with deficits in executive functions (EF), while others indicate that intelligence quotient (IQ) might also play a role. Literature suggests that autistic symptoms further affect adaptive skills. The interest of the current study, therefore, was to explore to what extent IQ, EFs as well as core autistic symptoms predict adaptive skills. Methods To do this, 25 controls, 24 adults with autism, and 12 with schizophrenia were assessed on IQ (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale), and executive functioning. The EF was measured with neuropsychological tasks (inhibition, updating, and task switching) and with the Dysexecutive-Spanish Questionnaire (DEX-Sp) which assessed everyday life EF problems. Core ASD symptoms were measured using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, the Autism Spectrum Quotient-Short version (AQ-S), and the Repetitive Behavior Questionnaire - 3 (RBQ-3). Results The results indicated EF difficulties in both, autism and schizophrenia. The IQ explained a high percentage of the variance found in adaptive skills, but only in the autism group. We can conclude, therefore, that high IQ is associated with low adaptive skills levels and EFs affect adaptive functioning in people with autism; however, this does not explain the difficulties in adaptive functioning in the schizophrenia group. Core features of autism assessed with self-report questionnaires (but not the ADOS-2) predicted low scores on the adaptive skills, only in the autism group. Discussion Both EF measures predicted adaptive skills scores in autism, but not in schizophrenia. Our results suggest that different factors affect the adaptive functioning in each disorder. For instance, the EFs should be a central focus for improvement, especially for individuals with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo A. Yon-Hernández
- Instituto Universitario de Integración en la Comunidad, InFoAutismo, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ricardo Canal-Bedia
- Instituto Universitario de Integración en la Comunidad, InFoAutismo, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- *Correspondence: Ricardo Canal-Bedia,
| | - Dominika Z. Wojcik
- Instituto Universitario de Integración en la Comunidad, InFoAutismo, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Clara Fernández-Álvarez
- Instituto Universitario de Integración en la Comunidad, InFoAutismo, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Stefanny Palacio-Duque
- Instituto Universitario de Integración en la Comunidad, InFoAutismo, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel A. Franco-Martín
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Zamora Hospital (Complejo Asistencial de Zamora), Zamora, Spain
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Kedar M, Bauminger-Zviely N. Predictors of individual differences in minimally verbal peer communication exchanges following peer-oriented social intervention. Autism Res 2023; 16:230-244. [PMID: 36373862 PMCID: PMC10100517 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
School-age children on the autism spectrum who are minimally verbal (MVAS) use a limited repertoire of spontaneous communicative spoken words and reveal large heterogeneity in cognitive functioning. Despite the challenges to form peer social engagement posed by their unique social-communicative profile, few interventions have targeted peer interactions in the MVAS population. This study explored predictors of individual differences in treatment response among 54 school-age minimally verbal autistic children (8-16 years) following an RCT "school-based peer social intervention" (S-PSI) that compared two peer-oriented intervention modalities (conversation versus collaboration) versus a waitlisted control group. We examined autistic-symptom severity, age, verbal and nonverbal IQ, executive functions, and sensory-processing profile for their contribution to children's ability to form relevant spontaneous communication exchanges with a peer partner. Main findings revealed that larger deficits in sensory-processing (sensory-avoidance and sensory low-registration) and in executive functions contributed to greater growth in "relevant" (i.e., adequately attuned, participatory, reciprocal) communication following both interventions, but not for the waitlisted controls. Additionally, older participants with lower verbal and nonverbal IQ improved communication's relevancy more after the conversation intervention, whereas the collaboration intervention was more beneficial for younger participants. Lower autistic-symptom severity contributed to larger growth in relevancy for all groups. By identifying individual-level predictors of spontaneous, attuned, participatory, and reciprocal (i.e., "relevant") communication exchanges with peers, we optimized S-PSI personalization for this uniquely nonverbal, heterogeneous MVAS population. These new channels for tailoring peer interventions to better meet individuals' needs may result in reduced social isolation and loneliness and enhanced well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maayan Kedar
- Faculty of Education, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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Valenti M, Pino MC, Le Donne I, Vagnetti R, Tiberti S, Attanasio M, Mazza M. Adaptive response of Italian young adults with autism to the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 131:104333. [PMID: 36162352 PMCID: PMC9464572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has represented a hazardous situation for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. The difficulties, following the COVID-19-derived lockdown, have involved working from home or loss of employment, and the demands of looking after their children without the daily support of specialists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adaptive behaviour of young adult participants with ASD after the enforcement of lockdown measures in March 2020 in a specialised centre in central Italy, by administering the Italian form of the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales Second Edition (VABS-II), at baseline as well as 6 months and 1 year after the lockdown. Participants with ASD who were not able to access their normal, in-person care - they were only followed at a distance (i.e. telehealth) - declined dramatically in their adaptive behaviour during the first months after the lockdown for some VABS-II dimensions such as the socialisation and daily living domains. The effects of the lockdown on adaptive behaviour remained after 1 year. Our results emphasise the need for immediate, continuous and personal support for people with ASD during and after the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to ensure at least partial recovery of adaptive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Valenti
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, L'Aquila 67100, Italy; Reference Regional Centre for Autism, Abruzzo Region Health System, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - M C Pino
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, L'Aquila 67100, Italy.
| | - I Le Donne
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, L'Aquila 67100, Italy; Reference Regional Centre for Autism, Abruzzo Region Health System, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - R Vagnetti
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, L'Aquila 67100, Italy.
| | - S Tiberti
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, L'Aquila 67100, Italy.
| | - M Attanasio
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, L'Aquila 67100, Italy; Reference Regional Centre for Autism, Abruzzo Region Health System, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - M Mazza
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, L'Aquila 67100, Italy.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of profiles of adaptive behavior in autism spectrum disorder and highlight the importance of these everyday skills in optimizing self-sufficiency throughout life. RECENT FINDINGS Research has clearly confirmed that adaptive deficits exist in ASD, particularly in social skills. These impairments are highly associated with co-occurring conditions such as executive functioning impairments, psychiatric conditions, and even psychosis. There tends to be a discrepancy between intellectual capacity and adaptive functioning, particularly in autistic individuals without cognitive and language delays, with this gap widening between childhood and adulthood. Although cognition and language skills are associated with good outcome in ASD, they are insufficient in the absence of intact adaptive behavior. There is a critical need to emphasize the importance of adaptive functioning in diagnostic evaluations and treatment/intervention programs to ensure that every autistic individual has the potential for success.
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Munsell EGS, Orsmond GI, Fulford D, Coster WJ. Self-management of daily life tasks in diploma-track youth with disabilities. Disabil Rehabil 2022; 44:8011-8021. [PMID: 34877919 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.2008524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Youth with disabilities who graduate with a regular high school diploma often continue to have difficulties in their daily functioning that ultimately impact adulthood outcomes. To better understand these functional difficulties and determine how best to address them, it is important to distinguish deficits in discrete skills from difficulty organizing skills to self-manage complex tasks associated with adult roles. The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which challenges in social, executive function and behavior management factors relate to these two aspects of daily functioning. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 funded by the United States Department of Education. The direct and indirect associations between youth underlying factors and self-management of daily life tasks (SMDLT) versus discrete functional skills were modelled using structural equation modelling. RESULTS A model incorporating social skills, communication, and behavior regulation explained 55% of the variance in SMDLT. In contrast, the model predicting discrete functional skills had fewer significant associations and described less variance (37%) in the outcome. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that using measures of SMDLT and designing targeted interventions for SMDLT might help improve participation in independent living and productivity for diploma-track youth with disabilities.Implications for rehabilitationSuccessful transition from high school to adult roles requires the ability to self-manage the daily life tasks required for those roles, such as employment, post-secondary education, and independent living.The ability to self-manage daily tasks is distinct from mastery of discrete functional skills and should be assessed with measures that uniquely examine this domain.Social and communication skills, executive functioning, and behavioral regulation, are important contributors to the ability to self-manage life tasks for diploma-track youth with disabilities and should be incorporated into multifaceted interventions.Interventions to improve self-management of tasks should include teaching strategies and practice coordinating underlying skills in flexible ways that meet the varying demands of tasks and diverse environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G S Munsell
- Occupational Therapy Department, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gael I Orsmond
- Occupational Therapy Department, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Fulford
- Occupational Therapy Department, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wendy J Coster
- Occupational Therapy Department, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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McLeod BD, Wood JJ, Cecilione Herbst J, Dunn D, Kendall PC, Storch EA, Cho AC, Rosenau KA. Treatment Fidelity and Outcome in CBT for Youth with Autism: The MEYA Fidelity Scale. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2022:1-16. [PMID: 36175140 PMCID: PMC10050224 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2022.2124515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assessing treatment fidelity in effectiveness research is critical to interpreting study findings. This paper details the development and initial psychometric evaluation of the Modular Evidence-Based Practices for Youth with Autism Fidelity Scale (MEYA-FS) designed to support the assessment of cognitive-behavioral treatments for youth with autism in effectiveness research. METHOD Recorded treatment sessions (N = 338) were randomly selected from 77 youth (M age = 9.65 years, SD = 1.87; 50.67% White; 85.33% male) who received the Schema, Emotion, and Behavior-Focused Therapy for Children (SEBASTIEN) (n = 51) or Coping Cat (n = 24) program. RESULTS The MEYA-FS Adherence items displayed acceptable interrater reliability, but more than half of the MEYA-FS Competence items did not. The magnitude and pattern of correlations supported the score validity of the MEYA-FS Adherence and Competence items and subscales. However, some corresponding Adherence and Competence items displayed significant overlap. Scores on each Adherence subscale distinguished between the SEBASTIEN and Coping Cat programs, providing support for discriminant validity. Finally, higher Adherence and Competence subscales predicted significant improvements in youth clinical outcomes (adjustment problems in the school setting, social-communication difficulties, restrictive/repetitive behaviors, and externalizing problems), providing initial evidence for predictive validity. CONCLUSIONS The psychometric properties of the MEYA-FS make it appropriate for supporting efforts to evaluate cognitive-behavioral interventions for youth with autism in effectiveness and implementation research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce D. McLeod
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA
| | - Jeffrey J. Wood
- Department of Education, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Danielle Dunn
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA
| | | | - Eric A. Storch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - An Chuen Cho
- Department of Education, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
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Zukerman G, Yahav G, Ben-Itzchak E. Adaptive behavior and psychiatric symptoms in university students with ASD: One-year longitudinal study. Psychiatry Res 2022; 315:114701. [PMID: 35797842 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, more young adults with ASD are attending post-secondary education, and several support programs have been proposed for this population. However, research regarding the long-term effects of university enrollment on outcomes among students with ASD is scarce. This study examined adaptive behavior and psychiatric symptoms during the first semester of two consecutive academic years (T1, T2) among 39 students with ASD, 29 students without ASD and high levels of social anxiety symptoms (High SA), and 32 students without ASD and low levels of SA symptoms (Low SA). Students with ASD participated in a university support program and resided with a peer mentor student without ASD, which encouraged social interaction. At T1, students with ASD reported lower levels of adaptive behavior and higher levels of social anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms compared to the other groups. However, at follow-up (T2), significantly higher conceptual adaptive skill levels (specifically communication skills) and significantly lower depression symptom levels from T1 were reported only among students with ASD. The levels of social anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms at T1 were negatively associated with adaptive functioning a year later (T2). Implications regarding adults with ASD attending university are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Zukerman
- Department of Communication Disorders, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel.
| | - Gili Yahav
- Department of Communication Disorders, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel.
| | - Esther Ben-Itzchak
- The Bruckner Center for Research in Autism, Department of Communication Disorders, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
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Tomaszewski B, Klinger LG, Pugliese CE. Self-Determination in Autistic Transition-Aged Youth without Intellectual Disability. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:4067-4078. [PMID: 34536165 PMCID: PMC8930783 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05280-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Self-determination refers to an individual's capacity and opportunities to act as a causal agent in their own lives to make choices, decisions, and set goals. The current study examined self- and parent-reports of the AIR Self-Determination Scale in transition-aged autistic youth (Based on stakeholder preferences, we use identity-first(autistic) or neutral language (on the autism spectrum) (Bottema-Beutel in JAMA 3:18-29, 2020)). Autistic youth completed depression and executive function measures, and parents rated their child's social-communication and executive function difficulties. Despite differences between youth and parent reports, both youth and their parents reported lower self-determination skills (capacity) than opportunities to practice self-determined behaviors. Both depression and executive function skills were related to self-determination capacity, highlighting potential intervention targets for transition-aged youth to facilitate increased self-determination and potentially improved adult outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne Tomaszewski
- TEACCH Autism Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#7180, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7180, USA.
| | - Laura G Klinger
- TEACCH Autism Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#7180, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7180, USA
| | - Cara E Pugliese
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Behavioral Sciences & Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine, 15245 Shady Grove Rd., Suite 350, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
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Weyland M, Maes P, Kissine M, Defresne P. Impact of Belgian COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on autistic individuals' socio-communicative behaviors and their parents' quality of life. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273932. [PMID: 36044732 PMCID: PMC9433112 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the spring of 2020, Belgian authorities enforced a full lockdown period to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This lockdown drastically disrupted the daily life of autistic individuals' and that of their families. In the midst of these extraordinary circumstances, we assessed the impact of social restrictions on autistic individuals' behavior and their parents' or caregivers' quality of life; we also sought to identify individual characteristics that may influence such changes. METHODS We designed an online survey targeting caregivers living with an autistic child or adult. The questionnaire included 125 five-point Likert questions which targeted changes in families' quality of life and in autistic individuals' behavior, as well as factors likely to influence the extent and direction of these changes. RESULTS We collected data from 209 French-speaking Belgian respondents. Respondents reported that the lockdown brought about a higher frequency of nonfunctional socio-communicative behaviors, as well as a decrease in families' quality of life. Parents who had less access to respite care experienced a steeper decrease in their quality of life. Autistic individuals with comorbidities, and whose parents had less access to respite care and implemented fewer rules at home during lockdown were more likely to display nonfunctional socio-communicative behaviors. CONCLUSION COVID-19 lockdown restrictions had a negative impact on both autistic individuals and their parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle Weyland
- Service Métrologie et Sciences du Langage, Université de Mons, Mons, Belgium
- ACTE at LaDisco and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pauline Maes
- ACTE at LaDisco and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mikhail Kissine
- ACTE at LaDisco and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Raditha C, Handryastuti S, Pusponegoro HD, Mangunatmadja I. Positive behavioral effect of sensory integration intervention in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Pediatr Res 2022; 93:1667-1671. [PMID: 36030319 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02277-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensory integration occupational therapy (SI-OT) might be useful for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in younger age, according to Pusponegoro. Previous studies were still limited, especially in younger age. This study evaluated the effect of SI-OT in improving positive behaviors of ASD children aged 2-5 years. METHODS Non-randomized controlled trial of SI-OT evaluation, assessed with Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-II. RESULTS A total of 72 subjects were studied. Following SI-OT, communication skills (expressive, receptive), socialization (coping skills), and daily living skills (personal, community) were improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS SI-OT with Ayres theory in 60 min, twice a week for 12 weeks improved positive behaviors. IMPACT To address the effectivity of sensory integration occupational therapy (SI-OT) in improving positive behaviors of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) children aged 2-5 years. The first study to evaluate evidence of SI-OT in ASD younger than 3 years. Non-randomized controlled trial of SI-OT evaluation of ASD in younger children aged 2-5 years with Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-II. SI-OT of Ayres theory in 60 min, twice a week for 12 weeks improves communication domain (expressive, receptive, written) aged 2-4 years, and socialization domain (interpersonal relationship, play, and leisure time) aged 2 years of ASD children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Citra Raditha
- Division of Neurology, Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Salemba Street No. 6, 10430, Jakarta, Indonesia. .,Division of Neurology, Department of Child Health, Harapan Kita National Women and Children Health Center, Letjend. S Parman Street No. 87, 11420, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Setyo Handryastuti
- Division of Neurology, Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Salemba Street No. 6, 10430, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Hardiono D Pusponegoro
- Division of Neurology, Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Salemba Street No. 6, 10430, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Irawan Mangunatmadja
- Division of Neurology, Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Salemba Street No. 6, 10430, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Alfieri P, Scibelli F, Montanaro FAM, Digilio MC, Ravà L, Valeri G, Vicari S. Differences and Similarities in Adaptive Functioning between Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Williams-Beuren Syndrome: A Longitudinal Study. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071266. [PMID: 35886049 PMCID: PMC9324410 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The last decade has seen a growing number of comparative studies on adaptive profiles between individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS), showing shared and syndrome-specific adaptive trajectories. Studies have revealed similarities in global adaptive profiles across conditions, while some differences have been found in preschoolers on the specific sub-domains of communication and socialization. However, the majority of studies that have focused on the differences in adaptive functioning across these two conditions used a cross-sectional design. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies exploring the differences and similarities of adaptive functioning over time. Methods: We compared longitudinal data of adaptive functioning measured by Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) between two samples of children and adolescents with ASD and WBS, matched for chronological age and cognitive/developmental level at the time of the first evaluation. Results and Conclusions: We did not find any difference on the global adaptive level, both at the first evaluation and over time. However, significant differences emerged on the socialization and communication levels at the time of recruitment. Longitudinal data show that only the socialization domain remains different over time, with individuals with WBS having better functioning than those with ASD. The results on shared and distinct patterns of adaptive functioning between disorders are discussed from a developmental perspective, thus contributing to the implementation of age-specific interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Alfieri
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00153 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (F.A.M.M.); (G.V.); (S.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-066-859-4721
| | - Francesco Scibelli
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00153 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (F.A.M.M.); (G.V.); (S.V.)
| | - Federica Alice Maria Montanaro
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00153 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (F.A.M.M.); (G.V.); (S.V.)
| | | | - Lucilla Ravà
- Epidemiology Institute, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Valeri
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00153 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (F.A.M.M.); (G.V.); (S.V.)
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00153 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (F.A.M.M.); (G.V.); (S.V.)
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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46
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Tamm L, Risley SM, Hamik E, Combs A, Jones LB, Patronick J, Yeung TS, Zoromski AK, Duncan A. Improving academic performance through a school-based intervention targeting academic executive functions - a pilot study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 70:549-557. [PMID: 38699503 PMCID: PMC11062275 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2022.2095690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Academic challenges such as losing/not turning in assignments, misplacing materials, and inefficient studying are common in middle-school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without intellectual disability. Deficits in organization, planning, prioritizing, memory/materials management, and studying skills [i.e. academic executive functioning (EF) deficits] contribute to these challenges. Objectives To assess the feasibility, satisfaction, and initial efficacy of the school-based version of the Achieving Independence and Mastery in School (AIMS) intervention in a proof-of-concept trial with 6 students with ASD. Methods 6 middle-schoolers with ASD without ID participated in AIMS. Parents and teachers rated academic EFs and functioning. Results Results suggest high feasibility, youth satisfaction, and improved EF skills and academic behaviors by parent and teacher report. Conclusion These promising results support further intervention development and suggest that academic EF skills are malleable in students with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Tamm
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Hamik
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Angela Combs
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Jamie Patronick
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tat Shing Yeung
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Allison K. Zoromski
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Amie Duncan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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47
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Powell K, Macari S, Brennan-Wydra E, Feiner H, Butler M, Goncalves Fortes D, Boxberger A, Torres-Viso M, Morgan C, Lyons M, Chawarska K. Elevated symptoms of executive dysfunction predict lower adaptive functioning in 3-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2022; 15:1336-1347. [PMID: 35388596 PMCID: PMC9253075 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2715] [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: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Executive functioning (EF) deficits co-occur frequently with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and have a long-term detrimental impact on quality of life of children and their families. Timely identification of risk for EF vulnerabilities may hasten access to early intervention and alleviate their long-term consequences. This study examines (1) if EF deficits are elevated in toddlers with ASD compared to nonautistic siblings of children with ASD, typically developing (TYP) toddlers, and toddlers with atypical developmental presentation; and (2) if EF deficits have a detrimental effect on adaptive functioning in ASD. Participants were recruited between September 2014 and October 2019 and included 73 toddlers with ASD, 33 nonautistic siblings of children with ASD, 35 toddlers with atypical development, and 28 TYP toddlers matched on chronological age (M = 39.01 months, SD = 3.11). EF deficits were measured using the BRIEF-P; adaptive skills were measured using the VABS-II. Whenever appropriate, analyses were controlled for MSEL verbal and nonverbal developmental quotient, ADOS-2 autism severity scores, and sex. Analyses revealed that toddlers with ASD exhibited elevated BRIEF-P scores across all domains compared to each of the three comparison groups. Higher BRIEF-P scores were associated with lower adaptive social, communication, and daily living skills while controlling for symptom severity, verbal and nonverbal functioning, and sex. In conclusion, marked vulnerabilities in EF are already present in 3-year-old toddlers with ASD and are predictive of the level of adaptive functioning in ASD. EF vulnerabilities in toddlers should be targeted for intervention to improve long-term outcomes in ASD. LAY SUMMARY: Many children with autism experience vulnerabilities in executive functioning (EF), which may include challenges with inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and planning. The study shows that these vulnerabilities can already be detected at age three and that their presence is linked with lower social, communication, and daily living skills. Screening children with ASD for EF challenges and helping those who have difficulties may improve their long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Powell
- Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Suzanne Macari
- Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Emma Brennan-Wydra
- Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hannah Feiner
- Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Maureen Butler
- Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Diogo Goncalves Fortes
- Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Alexandra Boxberger
- Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mariana Torres-Viso
- Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Chelsea Morgan
- Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Megan Lyons
- Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Katarzyna Chawarska
- Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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48
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Longhurst P, Clark L. Integrating the Autistic Experience Into Existing Models for Disordered Eating. Front Psychol 2022; 13:926415. [PMID: 35800941 PMCID: PMC9255270 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.926415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Phaedra Longhurst
- British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP), Leicester, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Phaedra Longhurst
| | - Lilli Clark
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Hernández Finch ME, Trammell B, Hulse AR, Finch WH, Wildrick A, Floyd EF, Pittenger J, McIntosh DE. Relationship of executive functioning and memory to autism symptomology and adaptive functioning: Implications for reducing future underemployment. PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pits.22755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Beth Trammell
- Department of Psychology Indiana University East Richmond Indiana USA
| | - Asia R. Hulse
- Department of Educational Psychology Ball State University Muncie Indiana USA
| | - William H. Finch
- Department of Educational Psychology Ball State University Muncie Indiana USA
| | - Aimee Wildrick
- Department of Educational Psychology Ball State University Muncie Indiana USA
| | - Elizabeth F. Floyd
- Department of Educational Psychology Ball State University Muncie Indiana USA
| | - Jenna Pittenger
- Department of Educational Psychology Ball State University Muncie Indiana USA
| | - David E. McIntosh
- Department of Educational Psychology Ball State University Muncie Indiana USA
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50
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Alfieri P, Scibelli F, Montanaro FAM, Caciolo C, Bergonzini P, Dentici ML, Vicari S. A Comparison of Adaptive Functioning Between Children With Duplication 7 Syndrome and Williams-Beuren Syndrome: A Pilot Investigation. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:863909. [PMID: 35599769 PMCID: PMC9120542 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.863909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial deletions of 7q11.23 cause the well-known Williams-Beuren Syndrome (WBS), while duplication of the same region leads to duplication 7 syndrome (Dup7). Children with WBS share a distinct neurobehavioral phenotype including mild to severe intellectual disability, severely impaired visual spatial abilities, relatively preserved verbal expressive skills, anxiety problems, enhanced social motivation (i.e., hypersociable behaviors) and socio-communicative problems. Children with Dup7 syndrome exhibit some "inverted" features when compared to those of individuals with WBS, such as reduced social motivation and impairment of expressive language. Direct comparison of WBS and Dup7 represents a unique opportunity for the neurobehavioral characterization of the 7q11.23 section. However, most of the available data come from qualitative analysis between different studies. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies directly comparing features of two matched samples of individuals with WBS and Dup7 syndromes. In this pilot study, we compare the adaptive functioning - measured with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition - of two relatively small samples of children with molecularly confirmed diagnosis of WBS and Dup7 matched for IQ and chronological age, with a particular attention to socialization domain and expressive subdomain. Contrary to our assumption, we have not found any significant difference on socialization domain and expressive subdomains. This pilot investigation suggests that, when matched for chronological age and cognitive level, children with WBS and Dup7 share more similarities than expected. The inverted features that emerge in clinical settings on expressive language and social motivation seem not to differently interfere with the daily abilities to communicate and socialize with meaningful others during daily lives. Differences highlighted by previous undirected comparisons could be due to general and non-specific factors such as cognitive level, which is more severely impaired in individuals with WBS than Dup7. Implications for assessment and treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Alfieri
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Scibelli
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Alice Maria Montanaro
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Caciolo
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bergonzini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Lisa Dentici
- Medical Genetics Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro di Riabilitazione Casa San Giuseppe, Opera Don Guanella, Rome, Italy
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