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Bled C, Guillon Q, Mottron L, Soulieres I, Bouvet L. Visual mental imagery abilities in autism. Autism Res 2024. [PMID: 38993038 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3192] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
AbstractIn autistic individuals, the role, performance, and autonomy of perceptual functioning are atypical. Overlapping underlying mechanisms of perception and mental imagery predict that the mental imagery abilities of autistic individuals should differ from those of non‐autistic individuals. While enhanced abilities to manipulate mental images have been demonstrated in autism, the other stages of mental imagery (generation, maintenance, inspection) remain to be explored. Forty‐four autistic adults and 42 typical participants performed four tasks to assess different stages of mental imagery: the Image generation task (mentally generating a letter on a grid and indicating whether it passes over a probe located in the grid), the Visual pattern test (maintaining visual patterns in memory), the Image scanning test (inspecting mental images) and the Mental rotation test (mentally manipulating representations of geometric figures). In the image generation task and the mental rotation test, autistic and typical individuals performed equivalently, both in accuracy and response time. The span observed in the visual pattern test was significantly higher in the autistic group, indicating better maintenance of mental images. In the image scanning test, response times were influenced by the distance to mentally inspect in the typical group but not in the autistic group. Autistic participants were equally fast regardless of distance to inspect. Preserved, greater or differently influenced visual mental imagery abilities are in line with an atypical perceptual functioning in autism, possibly reflecting an increased weight of perception‐based information relatively to the top‐down effect of knowledge and language‐based influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bled
- Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès, Laboratoire CERPPS-E.A, Toulouse, France
| | - Q Guillon
- Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès, Laboratoire CERPPS-E.A, Toulouse, France
| | - L Mottron
- Psychiatry Department, Université de Montréal, Montreal, (Quebec), Canada
| | - I Soulieres
- Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, (Quebec), Canada
| | - L Bouvet
- Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès, Laboratoire CERPPS-E.A, Toulouse, France
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Sakamoto N, Oe M, Ozone M. An Exploratory Study of the Associations Between Sensory Processing Patterns and Emotional/Behavioral Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Kurume Med J 2024; 70:47-52. [PMID: 38556271 DOI: 10.2739/kurumemedj.ms7012002] [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: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
AIM In autism spectrum disorder (ASD), abnormal sensory processing patterns are observed in various sensory modalities, including visual, auditory, touch, olfactory, taste, vestibular, and proprioceptive senses. Few studies have examined the relationship between sensory processing patterns and emotions, or their effects on daily life. We investigated the relationship between sensory processing patterns and emotional/behavioral problems in children with ASD. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted. Forty-three children with ASD (33 boys, 10 girls, median age 9 years) in the outpatient clinic of a psychiatric hospital participated; their parent (s) were invited to complete the Sensory Profile 2 (SP2) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) questionnaires. The participants' teachers were invited to complete the Teacher's Report Form (TRF). RESULTS In the correlation analyses, each of the four quadrants of the SP2 (low registration, sensory seeking, hypersensitivity, and sensory avoiding) had significant positive correlations with different types of emotional and behavioral problems measured by the CBCL. Focusing on emotion, 'anxious/depressed' was correlated with low registration (r = 0.41) and sensory avoiding (r = 0.60), while 'withdrawal/depressed' was correlated with sensory avoiding (r = 0.46). Only one significant correlation was revealed between the SP2 and the TRF. CONCLUSION Our results suggest a link between sensory processing patterns and emotional/behavioral problems. In school settings, the relationship between sensory processing patterns and emotional/behavioral problems may be easily overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Misari Oe
- Kurume University Health Service Center
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kurume University School of Medicine
| | - Motohiro Ozone
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kurume University School of Medicine
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3
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Schiano N, Sivori T, Dumont R, Weaver M, Shehadeh A, Ridgway E, Schaaf R. Ayres Sensory Integration® Intervention for Autistic Children: A Telehealth Adaptation. Am J Occup Ther 2024; 78:7804345010. [PMID: 38900915 PMCID: PMC11220782 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2024.050612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Ayres Sensory Integration® is an evidence-based, manualized occupational therapy intervention for autism that is delivered in person. A telehealth adaptation could bridge service gaps for families who may have challenges accessing services. OBJECTIVE To create a telehealth adaptation of the evidence-based manualized protocol of Ayres Sensory Integration using best practice for telehealth guidelines and to obtain input on the adaptation from experts. SETTING Online survey of U.S. telehealth experts and occupational therapy clinicians in fall and winter 2022. PARTICIPANTS Two telehealth experts and six occupational therapy clinicians. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Two Qualtrics surveys focused on perceived feasibility and acceptability, resources included, and clarity of instructions. RESULTS Telehealth experts and occupational therapy clinicians rated the Ayres Sensory Integration telehealth adapted manual as easy to follow, aligned with telehealth best practices, and feasible for remote delivery. Suggestions for additional adaptations included adding resources for technology troubleshooting, intervention planning, rapport building, and continuing education. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Suggested adaptations were made; the manual is ready for feasibility testing. Plain-Language Summary: This report is the first to describe a telehealth adaptation of Ayres Sensory Integration®. The manual provides comprehensive training and resources to support clinicians in delivering sensory integration, telehealth-based interventions to autistic children. Two telehealth experts and six occupational therapy clinicians rated the Ayres Sensory Integration telehealth adapted manual as easy to follow, aligned with telehealth best practices, and feasible for remote delivery. The manual will be available to clinicians after feasibility and pilot testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Schiano
- Natalie Schiano, OTD, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Taylor Sivori
- Taylor Sivori, OTD, OTR/L, is Research Project Manager II, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Rachel Dumont
- Rachel Dumont, MS, OTR/L, is Research Program Manager, Center of Telehealth, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA
| | - Molly Weaver
- Molly Weaver, OTD, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Easterseals of Southeastern Pennsylvania's Approved Private School, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Aseel Shehadeh
- Aseel Shehadeh, OTD, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, PT Solutions, Totowa, NJ
| | - Elizabeth Ridgway
- Elizabeth Ridgway, OTD, OTR/L, C/NDT, is Occupational Therapy Assistant Chief and Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Rose F. Kennedy Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center at Einstein/Montefiore, Bronx, NY
| | - Roseann Schaaf
- Roseann Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Director, Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, and Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA;
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Riboldi EM, Capelli E, Cantiani C, Beretta C, Molteni M, Riva V. Differentiating early sensory profiles in toddlers at elevated likelihood of autism and association with later clinical outcome and diagnosis. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1654-1666. [PMID: 37795823 PMCID: PMC11191663 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231200081] [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: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Early sensory responsiveness may produce cascading effects on later development, but the relation between sensory profiles and autistic diagnosis remains unclear. In a longitudinal sample of toddlers at elevated likelihood for autism, we aimed to characterize sensory subgroups and their association with clinical outcomes later on. Three sensory subgroups were described and early sensory sensitivity plays a significant role in later development and diagnosis. This study supported the importance of examining different levels of sensory patterns to dissect the phenotypic heterogeneity in sensory processing. As sensory differences are associated with later developmental outcomes, these results may be critical when designing intervention needs and support for children at increased likelihood for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Capelli
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Chiara Cantiani
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Carolina Beretta
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Massimo Molteni
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Valentina Riva
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
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Marzolla MC, Thielen H, Hurks P, Borghans L, van Heugten C. Qualitative data on triggers and coping of sensory hypersensitivity in acquired brain injury patients: A proposed model. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2024; 34:802-822. [PMID: 37616553 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2023.2242616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Sensory hypersensitivity (SHS) is a frequently heard complaint after acquired brain injury (ABI) and is related to reduced quality of life and physical and mental health. This study aimed to identify triggers for SHS after ABI and investigate how individuals cope with SHS. Nineteen adults with ABI took part in 45-min individual interviews. Data were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis revealed five themes: (1) A mismatch between resources and demands, (2) Altered experience of ordinary stimuli, (3) It affects all aspects of living, (4) Avoid, approach, accept, (5) It's highly heterogeneous. A model explaining the impact of triggers on subjective SHS after ABI is proposed, which states that SHS arises from a mismatch between the demands of a sensory environment (triggers) and the available biopsychosocial resources of an individual to meet these demands. The elicited SHS can affect and be affected by levels of fatigue, which limits the resources and creates a loop. Coping strategies can act on various stages of this model, i.e., to reduce the mismatch and potentially alter the loop. This model can contribute to the identification of mechanisms behind SHS in ABI patients and other populations, ultimately leading to evidence-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilien C Marzolla
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Limburg Brain Injury Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Hella Thielen
- Department Brain & Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Petra Hurks
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lex Borghans
- School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Caroline van Heugten
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Limburg Brain Injury Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Kamiya C, Iwatani Y, Yoshimoto S, Taniguchi H, Kitabatake Y, Kagitani-Shimono K. Inter-hemispheric somatosensory coherence and parental stress in hypersensitivity at 8 months old: An electroencephalography study. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 163:185-196. [PMID: 38759514 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Infant hypersensitivity affects daily challenges and parental stress. Although the crucial role of tactile sensation in infants' brain function has been highlighted, hypersensitive infants and their families lack support. Electroencephalography may be useful for understanding hypersensitivity traits. We investigated the relationship between infant perceptual hypersensitivity and parental stress, somatosensory-evoked potential (SEP), and magnitude-squared coherence (MSC) in the general population. METHODS Infants aged 8 months (n = 63) were evaluated for hypersensitivity and parental stress using a questionnaire and for cortical activity using electroencephalography. Vibration stimuli were applied to the infant's left foot. SEP components that peaked around 150 ms (N2) and at 200 ms (P2) after stimulus onset were evaluated by amplitude and latency at the midline electrode (Cz) and MSC between the midline electrodes (C3-C4). RESULTS Parental stress was associated with infant hypersensitivity. The latency of Cz was delayed, and C3-C4 delta MSC was high in infants with hypersensitivity. CONCLUSIONS Increasing inter-hemispheric MSC synchrony in the stimulated condition in infants with hypersensitivity suggested atypical somatosensory cortical function. SIGNIFICANCE These findings contribute to identifying, understanding the mechanisms of, and developing effective coping strategies for early-stage hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiori Kamiya
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, 2-2, Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Iwatani
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, 2-2, Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture 565-0871, Japan; Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, 2-2, Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture 565-0871, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-15, Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Yoshimoto
- Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Taniguchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-15, Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, 565-0871, Japan; Izumi Pediatric and Rehabilitation Clinic, 2-1-1, Higashiyama, Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
| | - Yasuji Kitabatake
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-15, Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kuriko Kagitani-Shimono
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, 2-2, Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture 565-0871, Japan; Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, 2-2, Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture 565-0871, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-15, Yamadaoka, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, 565-0871, Japan.
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Huang Z, Wang F, Xue L, Zhu H, Zou X. Relationships between Sensory Processing and Executive Functions in Children with Combined ASD and ADHD Compared to Typically Developing and Single Disorder Groups. Brain Sci 2024; 14:566. [PMID: 38928566 PMCID: PMC11201769 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14060566] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing, with a tendency for co-occurrence. Some studies indicate a connection between atypical sensory processing and executive function. This study aims to explore the distinctive etiology of executive function deficits in children with ASD+ADHD by investigating the relationship between sensory processing and executive function, comparing children with ASD, ASD+ADHD, ADHD, and typically developing children (TD). METHOD Sensory Profile 2 (SP-2) and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function 2 (BRIEF-2) were measured in 120 school-aged children. The results of the above scales were compared across these four groups, and correlation and regression analyses between BRIEF2 and SP2 were conducted. RESULTS Our research revealed varying levels of atypical sensory processing and executive function anomalies across the three neurodevelopmental disorder groups compared to the TD group. The ASD+ADHD group showed particularly significant differences. The heightened emotional problems observed in ASD+ADHD children may be associated with more prominent atypical sensory processing. Variance analysis of inhibitory function revealed differences between ASD+ADHD and ADHD children, suggesting distinct etiological mechanisms for attention issues between ASD+ADHD and ADHD. CONCLUSIONS ASD+ADHD represents a phenotype distinct from both ASD and ADHD. Special consideration should be given to interventions for children with ASD+ADHD. The results of this study may offer a new perspective on understanding the occurrence of ASD+ADHD and potential individualized intervention methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xiaobing Zou
- Child Developmental-Behavioral Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600, Tianhe Rd., Guangzhou 510630, China
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Augé P, Maruani A, Humeau E, Ellul P, Cartigny A, Lefebvre A, Dellapiazza F, Delorme R, Peyre H. Global Sensory Features are Linked to Executive and Attentional Impairments in Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06385-4. [PMID: 38761284 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06385-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Sensory features, executive and attentional impairments are frequently reported in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, little is known about their complex relationships. In this study, we aim to examine the executive and attentional difficulties related to distinct sensory profiles. We identified sensory profiles with a Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) based on scores on the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) questionnaire in 95 children with ASD aged 6 to 17 years. Executive and attention functions were assessed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF) questionnaire and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale (ADHD-RS). A three-cluster solution based on raw SSP scores identified a "high'', a "medium" and a "low'' SSP profile. We found a significant relationship between executive functions, attentional skills and the global severity of sensory features, reinforcing findings of previous studies in the literature. A two-cluster solution based on normalized SSP (i.e. equalized for the global severity) identified distinct sensory profiles, mainly discriminated by the score of underresponsive/seeks sensation. We found no significant difference between these two clusters for the BRIEF and ADHD-RS related scores. Our study suggests that the heterogeneity of sensory features in ASD may not be explained by differences in executive and attention functions. Future studies are needed to refine the link between sensory features and executive functions in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Augé
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris-Cité University, Paris, France.
| | - Anna Maruani
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris-Cité University, Paris, France
- Centre de Référence "Déficiences Intellectuelles", Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Elise Humeau
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris-Cité University, Paris, France
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
| | - Pierre Ellul
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris-Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Ariane Cartigny
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris-Cité University, Paris, France
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Laboratory of Psychopathology and Health Process, Université Paris Cité, F92000, Paris, France
| | - Aline Lefebvre
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris-Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Florine Dellapiazza
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Richard Delorme
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris-Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Hugo Peyre
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris-Cité University, Paris, France
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Skocic D, Brown T, Yu ML, Reed K. Convergent validity of two adult self-report sensory scales: Comparing the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and the Sensory Processing Measure 2-Adult Form. Aust Occup Ther J 2024. [PMID: 38738292 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12963] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Occupational therapists use standardised scales and measures to assess an individual's sensory processing factors. To date, few studies have investigated the correlations between the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (A/ASP) and the Sensory Processing Measure 2-Adult Form (SPM-2-Adult). The aim of the project is to investigate the association between the sensory processing factors measured by the A/ASP and SPM-2-Adult when completed by the same group of adult participants, with an additional research question investigating whether any significant differences existed between sensory processing scores based on participants' self-reported gender identity. METHODS Forty-two adults aged 18-30 completed the A/ASP and the SPM-2-Adult. Associations between the A/ASP quadrant and the SPM-2-Adult subscales were examined using Spearman's rho correlation coefficients, and differences between participants based on their self-reported gender identity were investigated using Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS Statistically significant correlations were obtained between the A/ASP Low Registration, Sensory Sensitivity, and Sensation Avoiding quadrant subscales and all nine of the SPM-2-Adult subscales ranging from weak (rho = 0.342, p < 0.027) to strong (rho = 0.790, p < 0.001) correlations. The A/ASP Sensation Seeking quadrant subscale was only significantly correlated with the SPM-2-Adult Social Participation subscale (rho = -0.416, p = 0.006). Three subscales had statistically significant differences based on gender identity: SPM-2-Adult Vision (p = 0.007), SPM-2-Adult Sensory Total (p = 0.048), and A/ASP Sensory Sensitivity (p = 0.043). CONSUMER AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Consumers and community members were not involved in the design, execution, or write-up of the study results. CONCLUSION The A/ASP and the SPM-2-Adult had several subscales that were significantly correlated with one another. Of note, significant associations were achieved between the A/ASP Low Registration, Sensory Sensitivity, and Sensation Avoiding quadrant subscales and all nine of the SPM-2-Adult subscales. These findings make a significant preliminary contribution to the psychometric body of evidence related to the sensory processing assessment of adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Skocic
- Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Program, School of Health & Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University - Waterfront Campus, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ted Brown
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Primary & Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University - Peninsula Campus, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mong-Lin Yu
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Primary & Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University - Peninsula Campus, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirk Reed
- Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Program, School of Health & Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University - Waterfront Campus, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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Keating J, Purcell C, Gerson SA, Vanderwert RE, Jones CRG. Exploring the presence and impact of sensory differences in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 148:104714. [PMID: 38484422 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104714] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) can experience sensory differences. There has been limited exploration of these differences and their impact on children with DCD. AIMS i) To explore the presence and impact of sensory differences in children with DCD compared to children without DCD; ii) To examine whether sensory differences are related to motor ability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or autistic traits. METHOD Parents of children (8-12 years) with (n = 23) and without (n = 33) DCD used standardised questionnaires to report on their children's sensory differences, autistic traits, and ADHD traits. Motor abilities were assessed through the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2. Data were explored both categorically (between-groups) and dimensionally. RESULTS Children with DCD had significantly higher levels of sensory differences than children without DCD. Sensory differences also had a significantly greater impact on daily activities for children with DCD. Higher levels of ADHD and autistic traits, but not motor ability, were significant independent predictors of higher levels of sensory difference. CONCLUSION Children with DCD experience high levels of sensory differences, which impact on their daily lives. These sensory differences may be a marker for additional neurodivergence in children with DCD. Practitioners should consider the sensory needs of children with DCD. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS This paper provides insight into the sensory features of children with DCD and the impact that sensory differences can have on daily living. Using parent-report, we found that children with DCD had increased sensory differences relative to children without DCD. These included increased hyperresponsiveness, increased hyporesponsiveness, and increased sensory interests, repetitions, and seeking behaviours (SIRS). We also found that sensory differences had a greater impact on daily living for children with DCD compared to children without DCD. Across the whole sample, autistic traits predicted hyperresponsivity and hyporesponsivity patterns; whereas traits of hyperactivity and impulsivity predicted SIRS. Motor abilities did not uniquely predict sensory differences, suggesting that other traits of neurodivergence may contribute to the sensory differences in DCD. Taken together, these findings highlight the necessity of considering sensory needs when supporting children with DCD. They also suggest that if sensory differences are identified in children with DCD, it may be due to the presence of co-occurring neurodivergent traits or conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Keating
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Sarah A Gerson
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ross E Vanderwert
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Catherine R G Jones
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Wales Autism Research Centre (WARC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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Radhoe TA, van Rentergem JAA, Torenvliet C, Groenman AP, van der Putten WJ, Geurts HM. Comparison of network structures between autistic and non-autistic adults, and autism subgroups: A focus on demographic, psychological, and lifestyle factors. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1175-1189. [PMID: 37776020 PMCID: PMC11067416 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231198544] [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: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT There are large differences in the level of demographic, psychological, and lifestyle characteristics between autistic and non-autistic adults but also among autistic people. Our goal was to test whether these differences correspond to differences in underlying relationships between these characteristics-also referred to as network structure-to determine which characteristics (and relationships between them) are important. We tested differences in network structure in (1) autistic and non-autistic adults and (2) two previously identified subgroups of autistic adults. We showed that comparing networks of autistic and non-autistic adults provides subtle differences, whereas networks of the autism subgroups were similar. There were also no sex differences in the networks of the autism subgroups. Thus, the previously observed differences in the level of characteristics did not correspond to differences across subgroups in how these characteristics relate to one another (i.e. network structure). Consequently, a focus on differences in characteristics is not sufficient to determine which characteristics (and relationships between them) are of importance. Hence, network analysis provides a valuable tool beyond looking at (sub)group level differences. These results could provide hints for clinical practice, to eventually determine whether psychological distress, cognitive failures, and reduced quality of life in autistic adults can be addressed by tailored support. However, it is important that these results are first replicated before we move toward intervention or support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wikke J van der Putten
- University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Leo Kannerhuis (Youz/Parnassia Groep), The Netherlands
| | - Hilde M Geurts
- University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Leo Kannerhuis (Youz/Parnassia Groep), The Netherlands
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12
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Cakar ME, Okada NJ, Cummings KK, Jung J, Bookheimer SY, Dapretto M, Green SA. Functional connectivity of the sensorimotor cerebellum in autism: associations with sensory over-responsivity. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1337921. [PMID: 38590791 PMCID: PMC10999625 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1337921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum has been consistently shown to be atypical in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, despite its known role in sensorimotor function, there is limited research on its association with sensory over-responsivity (SOR), a common and impairing feature of ASD. Thus, this study sought to examine functional connectivity of the sensorimotor cerebellum in ASD compared to typically developing (TD) youth and investigate whether cerebellar connectivity is associated with SOR. Resting-state functional connectivity of the sensorimotor cerebellum was examined in 54 ASD and 43 TD youth aged 8-18 years. Using a seed-based approach, connectivity of each sensorimotor cerebellar region (defined as lobules I-IV, V-VI and VIIIA&B) with the whole brain was examined in ASD compared to TD youth, and correlated with parent-reported SOR severity. Across all participants, the sensorimotor cerebellum was functionally connected with sensorimotor and visual regions, though the three seed regions showed distinct connectivity with limbic and higher-order sensory regions. ASD youth showed differences in connectivity including atypical connectivity within the cerebellum and increased connectivity with hippocampus and thalamus compared to TD youth. More severe SOR was associated with stronger connectivity with cortical regions involved in sensory and motor processes and weaker connectivity with cognitive and socio-emotional regions, particularly prefrontal cortex. These results suggest that atypical cerebellum function in ASD may play a role in sensory challenges in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melis E. Cakar
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nana J. Okada
- Department of Psychology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kaitlin K. Cummings
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jiwon Jung
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Susan Y. Bookheimer
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mirella Dapretto
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Shulamite A. Green
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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13
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Jordan A, Parchment A, Gauntlett-Gilbert J, Jones A, Donaghy B, Wainwright E, Connell H, Walden J, Moore DJ. Understanding the impacts of chronic pain on autistic adolescents and effective pain management: a reflexive thematic analysis adolescent-maternal dyadic study. J Pediatr Psychol 2024; 49:185-194. [PMID: 38324735 PMCID: PMC10954305 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsae004] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sensory elements are core features in chronic pain and autism, yet knowledge of the pain experience in autistic adolescents is limited. Little is known regarding how autistic adolescents experience chronic pain, manage their pain and perceive psychological treatment for their chronic pain. METHODS Ten autistic adolescents (6 female, 3 male, and 1 self-identified as agender) with chronic pain and their mothers (n = 10) participated in semistructured interviews concerning their perceptions of living with chronic pain. Participants were recruited from U.K. pain management services. According to preference, interviews were conducted individually (n = 10) or dyadically (n = 10 participants across 5 dyads). Data were analyzed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Two themes were generated. Theme 1, "overstimulated and striving for control" described how adolescents' experience of heightened sensitivity enhanced adolescents' levels of anxiety and subsequent pain, illustrating a reciprocal relationship between anxiety, pain, and sensory elements. Theme 2, "not everyone fits the mold" captured how autistic adolescents positioned themselves as distinct from others due to the unique nature of being autistic and living with pain. This sense of difference negatively impacted adolescents' ability to engage with and benefit from the standard treatment for chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that autistic adolescents living with pain experience pain and face barriers to effective pain treatment. Our results identify the need for educational resources to facilitate clinicians to better understand the experience of autistic adolescents living with pain. In turn, such understanding may improve treatment and outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbie Jordan
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Amelia Parchment
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy Gauntlett-Gilbert
- Bath Centre for Pain Services, Royal United Hospitals Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Centre for Health and Clinical Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail Jones
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany Donaghy
- Research Centre for Brain & Behaviour, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Wainwright
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Aberdeen Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health (Epidemiology Group), School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Connell
- Bath Centre for Pain Services, Royal United Hospitals Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Joseline Walden
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - David J Moore
- Research Centre for Brain & Behaviour, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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14
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Hantman RM, Johnston EB, Tager-Flusberg H. Parental Perspectives: How Sensory Sensitivities Impact the Transition to Adulthood in Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:544-562. [PMID: 36402934 PMCID: PMC9676764 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05815-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Sensory sensitivities are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and impact daily life, but research has largely focused on children, neglecting older individuals. Likewise, while there is research regarding parental concerns for their autistic children's transition to adulthood, little is known about the role of sensory sensitivities. To address this gap, 66 parents of autistic adolescents and young adults were interviewed and their responses were qualitatively analyzed. All parents believed their children's sensory sensitivities impacted their transition to adulthood, primary developmentally/psychologically, interpersonally/socially, and managerially. These beliefs did not significantly differ by child characteristics, such as age and ASD severity. Parent perceptions were modality and context specific. Given these findings, transition planning should consider individual's specific sensory sensitivities to optimize independence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Hantman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
| | - Emily B Johnston
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Helen Tager-Flusberg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Feldman JI, Garla V, Dunham K, Markfeld JE, Bowman SM, Golden AJ, Daly C, Kaiser S, Mailapur N, Raj S, Santapuram P, Suzman E, Augustine AE, Muhumuza A, Cascio CJ, Williams KL, Kirby AV, Keceli-Kaysili B, Woynaroski TG. Longitudinal Relations Between Early Sensory Responsiveness and Later Communication in Infants with Autistic and Non-autistic Siblings. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:594-606. [PMID: 36441431 PMCID: PMC9707174 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05817-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Early differences in sensory responsiveness may contribute to difficulties with communication among autistic children; however, this theory has not been longitudinally assessed in infants at increased familial versus general population-level likelihood for autism (Sibs-autism vs. Sibs-NA) using a comprehensive battery of sensory responsiveness and communication. In a sample of 40 infants (20 Sibs-autism, of whom six were later diagnosed with autism; 20 Sibs-NA), we tested (a) associations between sensory responsiveness at 12-18 months and communication 9 months later and (b) evaluated whether such associations were moderated by sibling group, autism diagnosis, or age. We found negative zero-order correlations between sensory responsiveness (i.e., caregiver reported hyperresponsiveness and hyporesponsiveness; an observational measure of hyperresponsiveness) and later communication. Additionally, caregiver reported sensory seeking was negatively associated with later expressive communication only in Sibs-NA. Limitations include our relatively small sample size of infants diagnosed with autism. Implications for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob I Feldman
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 8310 South Tower, 1215 21St Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Frist Center for Autism & Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Varsha Garla
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kacie Dunham
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer E Markfeld
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sarah M Bowman
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 8310 South Tower, 1215 21St Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alexandra J Golden
- Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Claire Daly
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sophia Kaiser
- Cognitive Studies Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nisha Mailapur
- Economics Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sweeya Raj
- Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Pooja Santapuram
- Vanderbilt School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evan Suzman
- Master's Program in Biomedical Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, University of Texas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ashley E Augustine
- Biological Sciences Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Aine Muhumuza
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Carissa J Cascio
- Frist Center for Autism & Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kathryn L Williams
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
| | - Anne V Kirby
- Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bahar Keceli-Kaysili
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 8310 South Tower, 1215 21St Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Tiffany G Woynaroski
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 8310 South Tower, 1215 21St Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Frist Center for Autism & Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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16
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Chen YJ, Sideris J, Watson LR, Crais ER, Baranek GT. Early developmental profiles of sensory features and links to school-age adaptive and maladaptive outcomes: A birth cohort investigation. Dev Psychopathol 2024; 36:291-301. [PMID: 36579629 PMCID: PMC10307924 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422001195] [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: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Sensory-based subtypes among autistic children have been well documented, but little is known about longitudinal sensory subtypes beyond autistic populations. This prospective study aimed to identify subtypes based on trajectories of parent-reported sensory features measured at 6-19 months, 3-4, and 6-7 years of age among a community-based birth cohort (N = 1,517), and to examine their associations with school-age clinical and adaptive/maladaptive outcomes on a subset sample (N = 389). Latent class growth analysis revealed five trajectory subtypes varying in intensity and change rates across three sensory domains. In contrast to an Adaptive-All Improving subtype (35%) with very low sensory features and overall better school-age outcomes, an Elevated-All Worsening subtype (3%), comprised of more boys and children of parents with less education, was associated with most elevated autistic traits and poorest adaptive/maladaptive outcomes. Three other subtypes (62% in total) were generally characterized by stable or improving patterns of sensory features at mild to moderate levels, and challenges in certain outcome domains. Our findings indicate that characterizing children based on early sensory trajectories may contribute to earlier detection of subgroups of children with sensory challenges who are more likely to experience developmental challenges by school age, followed by early targeted interventions for improved long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ju Chen
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Program for Early Autism Research, Leadership and Service (PEARLS), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - John Sideris
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Program for Early Autism Research, Leadership and Service (PEARLS), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Linda R Watson
- Program for Early Autism Research, Leadership and Service (PEARLS), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Crais
- Program for Early Autism Research, Leadership and Service (PEARLS), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Grace T Baranek
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Program for Early Autism Research, Leadership and Service (PEARLS), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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17
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Dwyer P, Vukusic S, Williams ZJ, Saron CD, Rivera SM. "Neural Noise" in Auditory Responses in Young Autistic and Neurotypical Children. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:642-661. [PMID: 36434480 PMCID: PMC10209352 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05797-4] [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: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Elevated "neural noise" has been advanced as an explanation of autism and autistic sensory experiences. However, functional neuroimaging measures of neural noise may be vulnerable to contamination by recording noise. This study explored variability of electrophysiological responses to tones of different intensities in 127 autistic and 79 typically-developing children aged 2-5 years old. A rigorous data processing pipeline, including advanced visualizations of different signal sources that were maximally independent across different time lags, was used to identify and eliminate putative recording noise. Inter-trial variability was measured using median absolute deviations (MADs) of EEG amplitudes across trials and inter-trial phase coherence (ITPC). ITPC was elevated in autism in the 50 and 60 dB intensity conditions, suggesting diminished (rather than elevated) neural noise in autism, although reduced ITPC to soft 50 dB sounds was associated with increased loudness discomfort. Autistic and non-autistic participants did not differ in MADs, and indeed, the vast majority of the statistical tests examined in this study yielded no significant effects. These results appear inconsistent with the neural noise account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dwyer
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | | | - Zachary J Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Clifford D Saron
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Susan M Rivera
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
- College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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18
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Pettersson E, Christensen BM, Berglund IG, Nylander E, Huus K. Children with autism spectrum disorder in high technology medicine environments; a qualitative systematic review of parental perspectives. Syst Rev 2024; 13:34. [PMID: 38238824 PMCID: PMC10795331 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02440-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with autism spectrum disorders are frequent visitors to high technology environments, and their needs may differ from those of their typically developed peers. Procedures in high technology environments can constitute a challenge for these children and their parents since the environment presents many challenges relevant to the child's impairments. This systematic review aimed to explore the experiences of children with autism spectrum disorders and their parents during procedures in a high technology environment. METHODS The following sources were searched for this systematic review: Cochrane CENTRAL Trials, CINAHL, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection. The search terms included variants of the following concepts: (1) children with autism spectrum disorder and/or their parents and (2) anesthesia or radiographic departments. Publications were not limited by date or study design. RESULT Out of 13,389 bibliographic records, nine studies were eligible for synthesis. After another search in October 2022, one additional study was eligible for synthesis.None of the studies reported children's experiences, and all ten reported their parents' experiences. Only one study was conducted in a radiographic context. Parents' experiences were both positive and negative and were categorized into two main categories: (1) challenges in a new environment and (2) health care professionals' approaches. CONCLUSION Studies describing children's experiences with procedures in high technology environments are lacking. The parents described a need for health care professionals to work in structured ways with their child and to be able to make suitable adaptations. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION This systematic review was registered in advance on the Open Science Framework, https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5TXWJ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Emelie Pettersson
- CHILD Research Group, Nursing Department, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, P.O. Box 1026, 551 11, Jönköping, Sweden.
| | - Berit Møller Christensen
- CHILD Research Group, Department of Natural Science and Biomedicine, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Ingalill Gimbler Berglund
- CHILD Research Group, Nursing Department, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, P.O. Box 1026, 551 11, Jönköping, Sweden
| | | | - Karina Huus
- CHILD Research Group, Nursing Department, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, P.O. Box 1026, 551 11, Jönköping, Sweden
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19
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Campi E, Choi E, Chen YJ, Holland CM, Bristol S, Sideris J, Crais ER, Watson LR, Baranek GT. Sensory Reactivity of Infants at Elevated Likelihood of Autism and Associations with Caregiver Responsiveness. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:270-279. [PMID: 36307744 PMCID: PMC9616418 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05764-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: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Infants at elevated likelihood of developing autism display differences in sensory reactivity, especially hyporeactivity, as early as 7 months of age, potentially contributing to a developmental cascade of autism symptoms. Caregiver responsiveness, which has been linked to positive social communication outcomes, has not been adequately examined with regard to infant sensory reactivity. This study examined the multiplicative impact of infant sensory hypo- and hyperreactivity on caregiver responsiveness to sensory reactivity and regulation cues in 43 infants at elevated likelihood of autism. Sensory hyperreactivity was found to moderate the association between sensory hyporeactivity and caregiver responsiveness, such that caregivers of infants with moderately high sensory hypo- and hyperreactivity demonstrated higher responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Campi
- University of Southern California Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, 1540 Alcazar St, 90033, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Health Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Choi
- University of Southern California Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, 1540 Alcazar St, 90033, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yun-Ju Chen
- University of Southern California Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, 1540 Alcazar St, 90033, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Cristin M Holland
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W 168th St, 10032, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie Bristol
- Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Bondurant Hall, CB #7122, 27599-7122, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - John Sideris
- University of Southern California Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, 1540 Alcazar St, 90033, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Crais
- Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 321 S Columbia St, 27516, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Linda R Watson
- Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 321 S Columbia St, 27516, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Grace T Baranek
- University of Southern California Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, 1540 Alcazar St, 90033, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Sciences, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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20
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Wiggins LD, Overwyk K, Daniels J, Barger B, Crain H, Grzadzinski R, Moody E, Reynolds A, Reyes N, Rosenberg C, Rosenberg S, Pazol K. Risk factors and clinical correlates of sensory dysfunction in preschool children with and without autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2024; 17:162-171. [PMID: 38099402 PMCID: PMC11151776 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3074] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Sensory dysfunction is a common feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The objectives of this analysis were to examine risk factors and clinical correlates of sensory dysfunction in preschool children with and without ASD. Children aged 2-5 years were enrolled in a multi-site case-control study. Data were collected in eight areas across the United States in three phases. Caregivers completed an interview with questions on assisted delivery, maternal alcohol use, maternal anxiety during pregnancy, pregnancy weight gain, neonatal jaundice, preterm birth, and child sensory diagnosis given by a healthcare provider. Caregivers also completed an interview and questionnaires on sensory symptoms and clinical correlates of sensory dysfunction in their child. There were 2059 children classified as ASD, 3139 as other developmental delay or disability (DD), and 3249 as population comparison (POP). Caregivers reported significantly more sensory diagnoses and sensory symptoms in children classified as ASD than DD or POP (23.7%, 8.6%, and 0.8%, respectively, for a sensory diagnosis and up to 78.7% [ASD] vs. 49.6% [DD] for sensory symptoms). Maternal anxiety during pregnancy and neonatal jaundice were significantly associated with a sensory diagnosis and certain sensory symptoms in children with ASD and DD. Children's anxiety, attention deficits/hyperactivity, and sleep problems were significantly albeit subtly correlated with both a sensory diagnosis and sensory symptoms in children with ASD and DD. These findings support sensory dysfunction as a distinguishing symptom of ASD in preschool children and identify risk factors and clinical correlates to inform screening and treatment efforts in those with atypical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D Wiggins
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Katie Overwyk
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julie Daniels
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Hayley Crain
- University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Eric Moody
- University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Ann Reynolds
- Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Nuri Reyes
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Steven Rosenberg
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Karen Pazol
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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21
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Kose S, Turer F, Inal Kaleli I, Calik Senturk HN, Ozuysal Uyar DH, Bildik T. The Relationship Between Social Skills and Sensory Profile, Emotion Regulation, and Empathizing/Systemizing in Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06190-5. [PMID: 38127185 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06190-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the relationship between social skills and sensory features, emotion regulation, and empathy in adolescents on the autism spectrum. One hundred and twenty-three adolescents were included in the study (50 autistic, 73 typically developing-TD adolescents). The participants filled out the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Parents of the participants completed the Child Empathy and Systemizing Quotient (EQ-C/SQ-C) and Autism-Social Skills Profile (ASSP) scales. Social reciprocity, social participation/avoidance, ASSP total scores, empathy and systemizing scores were lower, and detrimental social behaviors, low registration sensory profile scores were higher in the autism spectrum group. While a difference between genders was observed in sensory sensitivity, sensation avoiding, low registration quadrants and empathy scores, no gender and group interaction was found in any domain. Social skill total scores were correlated to sensation seeking and low registration sensory features, empathy, systemizing, and reappraisal emotion regulation scores. A hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was conducted controlling for group and gender, sensation seeking (p = .032, β = 0.138), low registration (p = .012, β = - 0.215) of the AASP, and empathy (p < .001, β = 0.555) and systemizing (p = .033, β = 0.138) scores of the EQ/SQ-C was found to significantly predict social skill total scores. Although emotional regulation strategies may play a role, sensory processing features and empathy and systemizing skills seem to be the more significant contributors to social skills during adolescence. Interventions targeting sensory processing and especially improving empathy and systematization skills may positively affect social skills in adolescents on the autism spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sezen Kose
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Furkan Turer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Corlu State Hospital, Tekirdag, Turkey.
| | - Ipek Inal Kaleli
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hilal Nur Calik Senturk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Damla Hazal Ozuysal Uyar
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tezan Bildik
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
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22
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Schaaf RC, Mailloux Z, Ridgway E, Berruti AS, Dumont RL, Jones EA, Leiby BE, Sancimino C, Yi M, Molholm S. Sensory Phenotypes in Autism: Making a Case for the Inclusion of Sensory Integration Functions. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:4759-4771. [PMID: 36167886 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05763-0] [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: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Sensory features are part of the diagnostic criteria for autism and include sensory hypo/hyper reactivity and unusual sensory interest; however, additional sensory differences, namely differences in sensory integration, have not been routinely explored. This study characterized sensory integration differences in a cohort of children (n = 93) with a confirmed diagnosis of autism (5-9 years) using a standardized, norm-referenced battery. Mean z scores, autism diagnostic scores, and IQ are reported. Participants showed substantial deficits in tactile perception, praxis, balance, visual perception, and visual-motor skills. Relationship with autism diagnostic test scores were weak or absent. Findings suggest additional sensory difficulties that are not typically assessed or considered when characterizing sensory features in autism. These data have implications for a greater understanding of the sensory features in the autism phenotype and the development of personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roseann C Schaaf
- Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Zoe Mailloux
- Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ridgway
- Department of Pediatrics, Rose F. Kennedy Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Alaina S Berruti
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 10461, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Rachel L Dumont
- Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emily A Jones
- Queens College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin E Leiby
- Division of Biostatistics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Catherine Sancimino
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 10461, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Misung Yi
- Division of Biostatistics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 10461, Bronx, NY, USA
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23
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Panerai S, Catania V, Ingoglia S, Ruccella D, Ferri R, Zingale M, Fasciana D, Elia M. Eating and Sensory Features of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Typically Developing Peers. Am J Occup Ther 2023; 77:7706205040. [PMID: 38018651 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2023.050226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Impaired sensory processing is associated with eating problems. There seem to be no previous studies that compare those who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with eating problems (ASD-W) and those with ASD without eating problems (ASD-WO) with typically developing (TD) groups. Comparisons are expected to provide further knowledge to guide the intervention programs. OBJECTIVE To investigate differences among ASD-W, ASD-WO, and TD groups in eating and sensory features; to detect associations between sensory and eating behaviors and any most involved sensory dimensions; and to search for age-related differences in sensory and eating features in ASD. DESIGN Nonrandomized comparison study. SETTING Questionnaires administered as parent interviews. PARTICIPANTS A total of 165 children were recruited: 117 with ASD and 48 TD children. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Standardized questionnaires: the Brief Autism Mealtime Behaviors Inventory for eating problems; the Short Sensory Profile and the Sensory Experience Questionnaire for sensory problems. RESULTS The ASD-W group showed generalized, impaired eating behaviors and turned out to be the most impaired with regard to sensory responsiveness. No differences in feeding behaviors were found between the ASD-WO and TD groups. All children with ASD showed sensory hyper- or hyporesponsiveness. Four main sensory dimensions were found to be associated with eating behaviors in ASD. No age differences were found in the eating and sensory behaviors of children with ASD. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Differing eating and sensory profiles were found between the ASD and TD groups, especially in children with ASD-W. Early eating interventions using sensory stimulations are strongly recommended. What This Article Adds: This study reports novel information derived from the comparisons of children with ASD with eating problems and those with ASD without eating problems with typically developing groups of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonetta Panerai
- Simonetta Panerai, PsyD, is Head Psychologist, Unit of Psychology, Department of Brain Aging, Oasi Research Institute, IRCCS, Troina, Italy;
| | - Valentina Catania
- Valentina Catania, PsyD, is Psychologist, Unit of Psychology, Department of Brain Aging, Oasi Research Institute, IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Sonia Ingoglia
- Sonia Ingoglia, PsyD, is Full Professor, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Ruccella
- Daniela Ruccella, PsyD, is Psychologist, Psychoeducational Service for Children with Autism and Intellectual Disability, Società Cooperativa Sociale "I Corrieri dell'Oasi," Troina, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Raffaele Ferri, MD, is Scientific Director, Oasi Research Institute, IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Marinella Zingale
- Marinella Zingale, PsyD, is Psychologist, Unit of Psychology, Department of Mental Retardation, Oasi Research Institute, IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Daniela Fasciana
- Daniela Fasciana, PsyD, is Coordinator Psychologist, Center for Diagnosis and Early Intensive Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Local Health Authority, Caltanissetta, Italy
| | - Maurizio Elia
- Maurizio Elia, MD, is Director, Unit of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Oasi Research Institute, IRCCS, Troina, Italy
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Lachiewicz AM, Stackhouse TM, Burgess K, Burgess D, Andrews HF, Choo TH, Kaufmann WE, Kidd SA. Sensory Symptoms and Signs of Hyperarousal in Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome: Findings from the FORWARD Registry and Database Multisite Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06135-y. [PMID: 37840096 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06135-y] [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: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to increase our understanding about characteristics and the impact of sensory symptoms (SS) and signs of hyperarousal (HA) in individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) from childhood through early adulthood and by gender. Data derived from the Fragile X Online Registry With Accessible Research Database (FORWARD), a natural history study of FXS, were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate linear and logistic regression models to examine SS and signs of HA, their impact on behavioral regulation and limitations on the subject/family. The sample (N = 933) consisted of 720 males and 213 females. More males were affected with SS (87% vs. 68%) and signs of HA (92% vs. 79%). Subjects who were endorsed as having a strong sensory response had more comorbidities, including behavioral problems. The predominant SS was difficulty with eye gaze that increased with age in both genders. As individuals age, there was less use of non-medication therapies, such as occupational therapy (OT)/physical therapy (PT), but there was more use of psychopharmacological medications and investigational drugs for behaviors. Multiple regression models suggested that endorsing SS and signs of HA was associated with statistically significantly increased ABC-C-I subscale scores and limited participation in everyday activities. This study improves our understanding of SS and signs of HA as well as their impact in FXS. It supports the need for more research regarding these clinical symptoms, especially to understand how they contribute to well-known behavioral concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ave M Lachiewicz
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA.
| | | | | | - Debra Burgess
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Howard F Andrews
- Departments of Psychiatry and Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tse-Hwei Choo
- Division of Mental Health Data Science, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sharon A Kidd
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Bang P, Igelström K. Modality-specific associations between sensory differences and autistic traits. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:2158-2172. [PMID: 36802917 PMCID: PMC10504810 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231154349] [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 Sensory symptoms are a major source of distress for many autistic people, causing anxiety, stress, and avoidance. Sensory problems are thought to be passed on genetically together with other autistic characteristics, such as social preferences. This means that people who report cognitive rigidity and autistic-like social function are more likely to suffer from sensory issues. We do not know what role the individual senses, such as vision, hearing, smell, or touch, play in this relationship, because sensory processing is generally measured with questionnaires that target general, multisensory issues. This study aimed to investigate the individual importance of the different senses (vision, hearing, touch, smell, taste, balance, and proprioception) in the correlation with autistic traits. To ensure the results were replicable, we repeated the experiment in two large groups of adults. The first group contained 40% autistic participants, whereas the second group resembled the general population. We found that problems with auditory processing were more strongly predictive of general autistic characteristics than were problems with the other senses. Problems with touch were specifically related to differences in social interaction, such as avoiding social settings. We also found a specific relationship between proprioceptive differences and autistic-like communication preferences. The sensory questionnaire had limited reliability, so our results may underestimate the contribution of some senses. With that reservation in mind, we conclude that auditory differences are dominant over other modalities in predicting genetically based autistic traits and may therefore be of special interest for further genetic and neurobiological studies.
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26
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Williams ZJ, Schaaf R, Ausderau KK, Baranek GT, Barrett DJ, Cascio CJ, Dumont RL, Eyoh EE, Failla MD, Feldman JI, Foss-Feig JH, Green HL, Green SA, He JL, Kaplan-Kahn EA, Keçeli-Kaysılı B, MacLennan K, Mailloux Z, Marco EJ, Mash LE, McKernan EP, Molholm S, Mostofsky SH, Puts NAJ, Robertson CE, Russo N, Shea N, Sideris J, Sutcliffe JS, Tavassoli T, Wallace MT, Wodka EL, Woynaroski TG. Examining the latent structure and correlates of sensory reactivity in autism: a multi-site integrative data analysis by the autism sensory research consortium. Mol Autism 2023; 14:31. [PMID: 37635263 PMCID: PMC10464466 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00563-4] [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] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in responding to sensory stimuli, including sensory hyperreactivity (HYPER), hyporeactivity (HYPO), and sensory seeking (SEEK) have been observed in autistic individuals across sensory modalities, but few studies have examined the structure of these "supra-modal" traits in the autistic population. METHODS Leveraging a combined sample of 3868 autistic youth drawn from 12 distinct data sources (ages 3-18 years and representing the full range of cognitive ability), the current study used modern psychometric and meta-analytic techniques to interrogate the latent structure and correlates of caregiver-reported HYPER, HYPO, and SEEK within and across sensory modalities. Bifactor statistical indices were used to both evaluate the strength of a "general response pattern" factor for each supra-modal construct and determine the added value of "modality-specific response pattern" scores (e.g., Visual HYPER). Bayesian random-effects integrative data analysis models were used to examine the clinical and demographic correlates of all interpretable HYPER, HYPO, and SEEK (sub)constructs. RESULTS All modality-specific HYPER subconstructs could be reliably and validly measured, whereas certain modality-specific HYPO and SEEK subconstructs were psychometrically inadequate when measured using existing items. Bifactor analyses supported the validity of a supra-modal HYPER construct (ωH = .800) but not a supra-modal HYPO construct (ωH = .653), and supra-modal SEEK models suggested a more limited version of the construct that excluded some sensory modalities (ωH = .800; 4/7 modalities). Modality-specific subscales demonstrated significant added value for all response patterns. Meta-analytic correlations varied by construct, although sensory features tended to correlate most with other domains of core autism features and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms (with general HYPER and speech HYPO demonstrating the largest numbers of practically significant correlations). LIMITATIONS Conclusions may not be generalizable beyond the specific pool of items used in the current study, which was limited to caregiver report of observable behaviors and excluded multisensory items that reflect many "real-world" sensory experiences. CONCLUSION Of the three sensory response patterns, only HYPER demonstrated sufficient evidence for valid interpretation at the supra-modal level, whereas supra-modal HYPO/SEEK constructs demonstrated substantial psychometric limitations. For clinicians and researchers seeking to characterize sensory reactivity in autism, modality-specific response pattern scores may represent viable alternatives that overcome many of these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, Medical Center East, South Tower, Room 8310, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Roseann Schaaf
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karla K Ausderau
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Grace T Baranek
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - D Jonah Barrett
- Neuroscience Undergraduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Carissa J Cascio
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rachel L Dumont
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ekomobong E Eyoh
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Jacob I Feldman
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, Medical Center East, South Tower, Room 8310, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer H Foss-Feig
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heather L Green
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shulamite A Green
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jason L He
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Kaplan-Kahn
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bahar Keçeli-Kaysılı
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, Medical Center East, South Tower, Room 8310, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Keren MacLennan
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Zoe Mailloux
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elysa J Marco
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA, USA
| | - Lisa E Mash
- Division of Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth P McKernan
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Rose F. Kennedy Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Stewart H Mostofsky
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicolaas A J Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline E Robertson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Natalie Russo
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Shea
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Division of Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Kaleida Health, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - John Sideris
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James S Sutcliffe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Teresa Tavassoli
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Mark T Wallace
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ericka L Wodka
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tiffany G Woynaroski
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1215 21st Avenue South, Medical Center East, South Tower, Room 8310, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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27
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Blaine RE, Blaine KP, Cheng K, Banuelos C, Leal A. Priorities, barriers, and facilitators for nutrition-related care for autistic children: a qualitative study comparing interdisciplinary health professional and parent perspectives. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1198177. [PMID: 37650046 PMCID: PMC10465129 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1198177] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Children with autism spectrum disorder often face nutrition-related challenges, such as food selectivity, gastrointestinal issues, overweight and obesity, and inadequate nutrient intake. However, the role of routine nutrition-related screening or care by interdisciplinary health professionals is not well understood. This study aimed to compare the beliefs of health professionals with those of parents of autistic children regarding high-priority nutrition-related challenges, barriers and facilitators to care, and desired education and resources related to nutrition for autistic children. Participants Interdisciplinary health professionals (n = 25) (i.e., pediatricians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, board certified behavior analysts, registered dietitians) and parents of autistic children (n = 22). Methods The study used semi-structured phone interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, verified, and double-coded using the Framework Method. Results Thematic analysis of transcripts revealed that while health professionals and parents of autistic children shared some perspectives on nutrition-related challenges and care, they also had distinct viewpoints. Parents emphasized the importance of addressing food selectivity, behavioral eating challenges, sensory issues, and sleep disturbances affecting appetite. Both groups acknowledged the need for tailored support, access to an interdisciplinary care team, and reasonable expectations. Some health professionals perceived parents as lacking motivation or the ability to make changes. In contrast, many parents felt that health professionals lacked the knowledge and motivation to take nutrition or growth concerns seriously. Health professionals acknowledged that their lack of knowledge or capacity to provide nutrition education or referrals was a common barrier to care, particularly given limited community resources. Discussion Health professionals who serve autistic children are motivated to address nutrition-related challenges but lack resources related to nutrition. To promote better health outcomes for autistic children, professionals should identify and support parent motivations around nutrition-related care. Both groups expressed interest in accessing autism-specific resources for education, referral, and screening guidance. Future research could explore the development of healthcare training models that improve the competency of health professionals in providing nutrition care and referral for autistic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Blaine
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University, Long Beach, CA, United States
| | - Kevin P. Blaine
- Research Institute, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Katie Cheng
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University, Long Beach, CA, United States
| | - Cynthia Banuelos
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University, Long Beach, CA, United States
| | - Aaron Leal
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University, Long Beach, CA, United States
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28
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Sapey-Triomphe LA, Dierckx J, Vettori S, van Overwalle J, Wagemans J. A multilevel investigation of sensory sensitivity and responsivity in autistic adults. Autism Res 2023; 16:1299-1320. [PMID: 37272695 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2962] [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] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Atypical sensory processing is a core symptom of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We aimed at better characterizing visual sensitivity and responsivity in ASD at the self-reported, behavioral and neural levels, and at describing the relationships between these levels. We refer to sensory sensitivity as the ability to detect sensory stimuli and to sensory responsivity as an affective response to sensory stimuli. Participants were 25 neurotypical and 24 autistic adults. At the self-reported level, autistic participants had higher scores of sensory sensitivity and responsivity than neurotypicals. The behavioral and neural tasks involved contrast-reversing gratings which became progressively (in)visible as their contrast or spatial frequency evolved. At the behavioral level, autistic participants had higher detection and responsivity thresholds when gratings varied in spatial frequency, but their thresholds did not differ from neurotypicals when gratings varied in contrast. At the neural level, we used fast periodic visual stimulations and electroencephalography to implicitly assess detection thresholds for contrast and spatial frequency, and did not reveal any group difference. Higher self-reported responsivity was associated with higher behavioral responsivity, more intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety, in particular in ASD. At the self-reported level, higher sensitivity was associated with more responsivity in both groups, contrary to the behavioral level where these relationships were not found. These heterogeneous results suggest that sensitivity and responsivity per se are not simply increased in ASD, but may be modulated by other factors such as environmental predictability. Multi-level approaches can shed light on the mechanisms underlying sensory issues in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie-Anne Sapey-Triomphe
- Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joke Dierckx
- Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Vettori
- Institut des Sciences Cognitives - Marc Jeannerod UMR5229, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique & Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, France
| | - Jaana van Overwalle
- Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Wagemans
- Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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29
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Masters EC, Antshel KM, Kates WR, Russo N. Brief Report: Sensory Features Associated with Autism After Controlling for ADHD Symptoms. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06046-y. [PMID: 37393371 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06046-y] [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: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensory processing differences are reported both in children with ADHD and in children with autism. Given the substantial overlap between autism and ADHD, the current study examined which sensory features were uniquely predictive of autistic traits after controlling for ADHD symptoms, age, IQ, and sex in a sample of children and adolescents with autism aged 6-17 years. METHODS The sample included 61 children and adolescents with autism. The Sensory Profile was used to examine Dunn's quadrant model (seeking, sensitivity, avoiding, registration), ADHD symptoms were measured using hyperactivity and attention problems BASC-2 T-scores, and autistic traits were measured using the AQ. RESULTS After controlling for age, IQ, sex, and ADHD symptoms, Dunn's sensitivity quadrant predicted autistic traits. CONCLUSIONS Findings provide insight into the phenotype of autism and ADHD. Sensory sensitivity may be unique to autism over and above elevated ADHD symptoms that are commonly seen in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen C Masters
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244 2340, USA
| | - Kevin M Antshel
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244 2340, USA
| | - Wendy R Kates
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York at Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Natalie Russo
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 430 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244 2340, USA.
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30
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Zeisel A, Thiel T, Gaigg SB, Roessner V, Ring M. Validation of the German Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire and replication of sensory processing differences in students with higher and lower Autism-Spectrum Quotient. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:426. [PMID: 37316778 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04903-9] [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: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire (GSQ) gives insight into sensory processing differences (hypo- and hyper-sensitivity across modalities), which is a clinically defining characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Because there is no validated German version of this instrument, this study aimed at validating the German GSQ. Further, a replication of the GSQ's sensory processing differences was intended. METHODS University students of Technische Universität or Universitätsklinikum in Dresden, Germany, were recruited via email distribution or the university homepage and 297 German-speaking students completed the online survey, comprising the German GSQ, Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and Symptom-Checklist (SCL-90). For validation of the German GSQ, confirmatory factor analyses followed by exploratory factor analyses were applied. RESULTS The German GSQ has moderate to low validity, good to acceptable reliability, and a different internal structure from the original GSQ. Replicating the sensory processing differences in students with higher and lower AQ was not successful. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that the GSQ, developed especially for individuals with ASD, is less informative for the general population if there are not enough individuals with higher AQ scores in the sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalena Zeisel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tobias Thiel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sebastian B Gaigg
- Autism Research Group, Department of Psychology, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Veit Roessner
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Melanie Ring
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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31
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Kiep M, Spek A, Ceulemans E, Noens I. Sensory Processing and Executive Functioning in Autistic Adults. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06008-4. [PMID: 37171766 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06008-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE One of the core features that can be experienced by adults on the autism spectrum is hyper- and hyporeactivity to sensory stimuli. Research suggests that executive functioning (EF) impairments are related to sensory issues. In this study the relationship between sensory processing issues and EF was investigated. We expected sensory processing issues to predict EF impairments. METHODS Thirty men and 30 women on the autism spectrum, 20 men and 24 women without autism were included and matched on intelligence and age. Group comparisons were conducted to determine if groups differed regarding self-reported sensory processing issues (GSQ-NL) and self-reports on EF (BRIEF-A). Correlational and regression analyses were carried out to investigate the relationship between self-reports on GSQ-NL and BRIEF-A. RESULTS We found significant differences between men and women on the spectrum with regard to sensory processing issues and EF. Hyporeactivity to sensory information explained most of the EF problems. CONCLUSION Clinicians should be aware of differences in sensory experiences between adults on the spectrum and non-autistic adults and differences between men and women during assessment and subsequent counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Kiep
- Autisme Expertise Centrum, Eemnes, Netherlands.
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Leuven Autism Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | - Eva Ceulemans
- Quantative Psychology and Inaffiliationidual Differences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilse Noens
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Alsaedi RH, Carrington S, Watters JJ. Caregivers' Assessment of the Sensory Processing Patterns Exhibited by Children with Autism in the Gulf Region. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-05937-4. [PMID: 37171762 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05937-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the nature, prevalence, and developmental profiles of sensory processing disorders among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The participants comprised 119 children with ASD and 30 typically developing children and their parents. The Child Sensory Profile-2 was used to assess the children's sensory processing characteristics. The children with ASD exhibited elevated sensory processing difficulties. Deficits were observed in all the sensory modalities among the children with ASD, except the visual processing modality. Age-related improvements were observed in most sensory processing domains, although non-significant differences were noted in three domains. These findings should enhance understanding of the sensory challenges faced by children with ASD and contribute to the development of individually tailored, targeted, and age-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehab H Alsaedi
- Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia.
- The Department of Special Education, Taibah University, Janadah Bin Umayyah Road, Madinah, 41477, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Suzanne Carrington
- Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - James J Watters
- Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
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33
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Schaaf RC, Puts NA, Williams ZJ, Woynaroski T. Forwarding the Science of Sensory Features in Autism and Related Conditions. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-05959-y. [PMID: 37142906 PMCID: PMC10949906 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05959-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
This editorial accompanies the JADD Special Issue on Sensory Features in Autism and Related Conditions: Developmental Approaches, Mechanisms and Targeted Interventions. The editorial is a commentary on the state of the science in sensory features in autism and related conditions and provides a synopsis of the information contained in the special issue including provocative thoughts about moving the field forward in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roseann C Schaaf
- Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, Department of Occupational Therapy, Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Nicolaas A Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Zachary J Williams
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Affiliate, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tiffany Woynaroski
- Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, First Center for Autism and Innovation, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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He JL, Williams ZJ, Harris A, Powell H, Schaaf R, Tavassoli T, Puts NAJ. A working taxonomy for describing the sensory differences of autism. Mol Autism 2023; 14:15. [PMID: 37041612 PMCID: PMC10091684 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00534-1] [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: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals on the autism spectrum have been long described to process sensory information differently than neurotypical individuals. While much effort has been leveraged towards characterizing and investigating the neurobiology underlying the sensory differences of autism, there has been a notable lack of consistency in the terms being used to describe the nature of those differences. MAIN BODY We argue that inconsistent and interchangeable terminology-use when describing the sensory differences of autism has become problematic beyond mere pedantry and inconvenience. We begin by highlighting popular terms that are currently being used to describe the sensory differences of autism (e.g. "sensitivity", "reactivity" and "responsivity") and discuss why poor nomenclature may hamper efforts towards understanding the aetiology of sensory differences in autism. We then provide a solution to poor terminology-use by proposing a hierarchical taxonomy for describing and referring to various sensory features. CONCLUSION Inconsistent terminology-use when describing the sensory features of autism has stifled discussion and scientific understanding of the sensory differences of autism. The hierarchical taxonomy proposed was developed to help resolve lack of clarity when discussing the sensory differences of autism and to place future research targets at appropriate levels of analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason L He
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Zachary J Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ashley Harris
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Helen Powell
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Roseann Schaaf
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Teresa Tavassoli
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AL, UK
| | - Nicolaas A J Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
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Characterizing Interoceptive Differences in Autism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Case-control Studies. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:947-962. [PMID: 35819587 PMCID: PMC9832174 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05656-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Interoception, the body's perception of its own internal states, is thought to be altered in autism, though results of empirical studies have been inconsistent. The current study systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the extant literature comparing interoceptive outcomes between autistic (AUT) and neurotypical (NT) individuals, determining which domains of interoception demonstrate robust between-group differences. A three-level Bayesian meta-analysis compared heartbeat counting performance, heartbeat discrimination performance, heartbeat counting confidence ratings, and self-reported interoceptive attention between AUT and NT groups (15 studies; nAUT = 467, nNT = 478). Autistic participants showed significantly reduced heartbeat counting performance [g = - 0.333, CrI95% (- 0.535, - 0.138)] and higher confidence in their heartbeat counting abilities [g = 0.430, CrI95% (0.123, 0.750)], but groups were equivalent on other meta-analyzed outcomes. Implications for future interoception research in autism are discussed.
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Unwin KL, Barbaro J, Uljarevic M, Hussain A, Chetcuti M, Lane AE. The Sensory Observation Autism Rating Scale (SOAR): Developed using the PROMIS® framework. Autism Res 2023; 16:617-629. [PMID: 36565256 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2881] [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: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Autistic people experience the sensory world differently, impacting behavior. First-hand accounts and group-based research have found that sensory differences impact a range of things including family life, anxiety, participation, and daily living. Early sensory differences are widely reported to be associated with a cascade of developmental difference, suggesting that early autism diagnosis and sensory mapping could enable the provision of supports to facilitate flourishing. However, appropriate measurement tools are not available as all rely on proxy report or are observation measures which include limited modalities or domains and require the administration of stimuli. Therefore, following the gold-standard recommendations for measurement development outlined by the PROMIS® framework, we created the Sensory Observation Autism Rating scale (SOAR). We identified sensory behaviors across all primary domains and modalities through an extensive autism-sensory literature review and from focus groups with autism stakeholders. The initial item bank was then refined by an expert panel and through video coding five-minutes of free play from Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule assessments of 105 age- and gender-matched autistic and developmentally delayed children (aged 13-36 months; 38 female). An additional 25% of the sample were double coded to investigate interrater reliability. Observational data and expert review supported the reduction of the item bank to 37 items. We propose that the refined SOAR has excellent face and ecological validity, along with interrater reliability (Intraclass correlation = 0.87-0.99). Following further data collection and refinement, SOAR has promise to fully characterize sensory behaviors in autistic children and indicate useful supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy L Unwin
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mirko Uljarevic
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Azul Hussain
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Madison Chetcuti
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alison E Lane
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Isralowitz EB, Sideris J, Stein Duker LI, Baranek GT, Cermak SA. Comparing sensory processing in children with Down syndrome to a mental age matched sample of children with autism, other developmental disabilities, and typically developing children. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 134:104421. [PMID: 36638671 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypical sensory processing impacts children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Research has focused on SP in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); comparatively, little has been written regarding individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and IDDs. AIMS We compared patterns of sensory processing in children with DS to children with ASD, other IDDs, and typically developing (TD) peers examining the relationship among different sensory processing measures. METHODS AND PROCEDURES We analyzed cross-sectional data using two caregiver questionnaires (SP, SEQ) and one observational measure (SPA). Groups were compared on three sensory processing patterns: hyporesponsiveness; hyperresponsiveness; and sensory interests, repetitions, and seeking (SIRS) via ANOVA. We assessed concordance through correlations. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Children with DS, IDD, and ASD demonstrated more atypical sensory processing behaviors than TD peers. Children with ASD exhibited the most atypical responses across all measures, significantly more than DS children on all but one subscale. The IDD and DS groups differed on several measures. Measurement concordance was higher between caregiver-report versus observational assessment. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Differences between three clinical groups indicate that sensory processing features may differ across clinical populations regardless of cognitive functioning. Lower concordance between caregiver-report and observation measures highlights the need to understand sensory processing expression across different tasks and environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth B Isralowitz
- Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar St., CHP-133, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9003, USA.
| | - John Sideris
- Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar St., CHP-133, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9003, USA
| | - Leah I Stein Duker
- Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar St., CHP-133, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9003, USA
| | - Grace T Baranek
- Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar St., CHP-133, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9003, USA
| | - Sharon A Cermak
- Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar St., CHP-133, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9003, USA
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Positive Healthcare Encounters for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Accommodations During Surgical Procedures. J Perianesth Nurs 2023; 38:6-11. [PMID: 35970662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2022.05.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder have unique needs during medical procedures involving anesthesia. However, with early patient identification, provider champions can adapt their practice to better serve this population, thereby improving patient satisfaction and outcomes. This article describes a novel protocol developed by an anesthesia resource center to modify care for children with autism spectrum disorder and their families. This information serves as a template for perianesthesia nurses and advanced care providers to implement practice accommodations. Two case examples, based on parent interviews and chart review, are presented to exemplify this protocol.
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Lefebvre A, Tillmann J, Cliquet F, Amsellem F, Maruani A, Leblond C, Beggiato A, Germanaud D, Amestoy A, Ly-Le Moal M, Umbricht D, Chatham C, Murtagh L, Bouvard M, Leboyer M, Charman T, Bourgeron T, Delorme R, Dumas G. Tackling hypo and hyper sensory processing heterogeneity in autism: From clinical stratification to genetic pathways. Autism Res 2023; 16:364-378. [PMID: 36464763 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As an integral part of autism spectrum symptoms, sensory processing issues including both hypo and hyper sensory sensitivities. These sensory specificities may result from an excitation/inhibition imbalance with a poorly understood of their level of convergence with genetic alterations in GABA-ergic and glutamatergic pathways. In our study, we aimed to characterize the hypo/hyper-sensory profile among autistic individuals. We then explored its link with the burden of deleterious mutations in a subset of individuals with available whole-genome sequencing data. To characterize the hypo/hyper-sensory profile, the differential Short Sensory Profile (dSSP) was defined as a normalized and centralized hypo/hypersensitivity ratio from the Short Sensory Profile (SSP). Including 1136 participants (533 autistic individuals, 210 first-degree relatives, and 267 controls) from two independent study samples (PARIS and LEAP), we observed a statistically significant dSSP mean difference between autistic individuals and controls, driven mostly by a high dSSP variability, with an intermediated profile represented by relatives. Our genetic analysis tended to associate the dSSP and the hyposensitivity with mutations of the GABAergic pathway. The major limitation was the dSSP difficulty to discriminate subjects with a similar quantum of hypo- and hyper-sensory symptoms to those with no such symptoms, resulting both in a similar ratio score of 0. However, the dSSP could be a relevant clinical score, and combined with additional sensory descriptions, genetics and endophenotypic substrates, will improve the exploration of the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of sensory processing differences in autism spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Lefebvre
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.,Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3571 CNRS, University Paris Diderot, Paris, France.,CHS Fondation Vallée, Gentilly, France
| | - Julian Tillmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Freddy Cliquet
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3571 CNRS, University Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Frederique Amsellem
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.,Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3571 CNRS, University Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Anna Maruani
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.,Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3571 CNRS, University Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Claire Leblond
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3571 CNRS, University Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Anita Beggiato
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.,Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3571 CNRS, University Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - David Germanaud
- Rare Disease Reference Center for Intellectual Disability, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert-Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Anouck Amestoy
- Autism Expert Centre, Charles Perrens Hospital, Bordeaux, France.,Fondation FondaMental, French National Science Foundation, Créteil, France
| | | | - Daniel Umbricht
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christopher Chatham
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lorraine Murtagh
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Bouvard
- Autism Expert Centre, Charles Perrens Hospital, Bordeaux, France.,Fondation FondaMental, French National Science Foundation, Créteil, France
| | - Marion Leboyer
- Fondation FondaMental, French National Science Foundation, Créteil, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Psychiatrie Translationnelle, Créteil, France.,Department of Adult Psychiatry, Henri Mondor and Albert Chenevier Hospital, Créteil, France
| | - Tony Charman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3571 CNRS, University Paris Diderot, Paris, France.,Fondation FondaMental, French National Science Foundation, Créteil, France
| | - Richard Delorme
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.,Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3571 CNRS, University Paris Diderot, Paris, France.,Fondation FondaMental, French National Science Foundation, Créteil, France
| | - Guillaume Dumas
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3571 CNRS, University Paris Diderot, Paris, France.,Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montreal, CHU Ste Justine Hospital, Montreal, Canada
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Gunderson J, Worthley E, Byiers B, Symons F, Wolff J. Self and caregiver report measurement of sensory features in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review of psychometric properties. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:5. [PMID: 36698071 PMCID: PMC9875408 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09473-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unusual responses to sensory stimuli are considered a diagnostic symptom of autism spectrum disorder with mounting research efforts put towards understanding, characterizing, and treating such symptoms. METHODS This paper examines self and caregiver report tools used to measure sensory features in ASD through a systematic review of the psychometric evidence for their use. A total of 31 empirical papers were reviewed across 20 assessment tools. Substantial differences were identified in the specific sensory features defined across assessment tools. Sensory assessment questionnaires were evaluated against quality psychometric evidence criteria to provide a use recommendation. RESULTS Five assessments were identified to be "appropriate with conditions," while no sensory assessment tools were identified to have sufficient quality psychometric evidence to provide a recommendation of "Appropriate" for measuring sensory features in ASD. CONCLUSION Evidence from this review highlights potentially significant shortcomings among the current methods used to measure sensory features in ASD and suggests the need for more efforts in developing psychometrically sound sensory assessment tools for use in ASD populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn Gunderson
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Educational Psychology, Educational Sciences Building College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, 56 River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA ,grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1St Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55902 USA
| | - Emma Worthley
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Educational Psychology, Educational Sciences Building College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, 56 River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Breanne Byiers
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Educational Psychology, Educational Sciences Building College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, 56 River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Frank Symons
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Educational Psychology, Educational Sciences Building College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, 56 River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Jason Wolff
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Educational Psychology, Educational Sciences Building College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, 56 River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
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Williams ZJ, Schaaf R, Ausderau KK, Baranek GT, Barrett DJ, Cascio CJ, Dumont RL, Eyoh EE, Failla MD, Feldman JI, Foss-Feig JH, Green HL, Green SA, He JL, Kaplan-Kahn EA, Keçeli-Kaysılı B, MacLennan K, Mailloux Z, Marco EJ, Mash LE, McKernan EP, Molholm S, Mostofsky SH, Puts NAJ, Robertson CE, Russo N, Shea N, Sideris J, Sutcliffe JS, Tavassoli T, Wallace MT, Wodka EL, Woynaroski TG. Examining the Latent Structure and Correlates of Sensory Reactivity in Autism: A Multi-site Integrative Data Analysis by the Autism Sensory Research Consortium. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2447849. [PMID: 36712092 PMCID: PMC9882639 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2447849/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Differences in responding to sensory stimuli, including sensory hyperreactivity (HYPER), hyporeactivity (HYPO), and sensory seeking (SEEK) have been observed in autistic individuals across sensory modalities, but few studies have examined the structure of these "supra-modal" traits in the autistic population. Methods Leveraging a combined sample of 3,868 autistic youth drawn from 12 distinct data sources (ages 3-18 years and representing the full range of cognitive ability), the current study used modern psychometric and meta-analytic techniques to interrogate the latent structure and correlates of caregiver-reported HYPER, HYPO, and SEEK within and across sensory modalities. Bifactor statistical indices were used to both evaluate the strength of a "general response pattern" factor for each supra-modal construct and determine the added value of "modality-specific response pattern" scores (e.g., Visual HYPER). Bayesian random-effects integrative data analysis models were used to examine the clinical and demographic correlates of all interpretable HYPER, HYPO and SEEK (sub)constructs. Results All modality-specific HYPER subconstructs could be reliably and validly measured, whereas certain modality-specific HYPO and SEEK subconstructs were psychometrically inadequate when measured using existing items. Bifactor analyses unambiguously supported the validity of a supra-modal HYPER construct (ω H = .800), whereas a coherent supra-modal HYPO construct was not supported (ω H = .611), and supra-modal SEEK models suggested a more limited version of the construct that excluded some sensory modalities (ω H = .799; 4/7 modalities). Within each sensory construct, modality-specific subscales demonstrated substantial added value beyond the supra-modal score. Meta-analytic correlations varied by construct, although sensory features tended to correlate most strongly with other domains of core autism features and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms. Certain subconstructs within the HYPO and SEEK domains were also associated with lower adaptive behavior scores. Limitations: Conclusions may not be generalizable beyond the specific pool of items used in the current study, which was limited to parent-report of observable behaviors and excluded multisensory items that reflect many "real-world" sensory experiences. Conclusion Psychometric issues may limit the degree to which some measures of supra-modal HYPO/SEEK can be interpreted. Depending on the research question at hand, modality-specific response pattern scores may represent a valid alternative method of characterizing sensory reactivity in autism.
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Schwarzlose RF, Tillman R, Hoyniak CP, Luby JL, Barch DM. Sensory Over-responsivity: A Feature of Childhood Psychiatric Illness Associated With Altered Functional Connectivity of Sensory Networks. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:92-101. [PMID: 36357217 PMCID: PMC10308431 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensory over-responsivity (SOR) is recognized as a common feature of autism spectrum disorder. However, SOR is also common among typically developing children, in whom it is associated with elevated levels of psychiatric symptoms. The clinical significance and neurocognitive bases of SOR in these children remain poorly understood and actively debated. METHODS This study used linear mixed-effects models to identify psychiatric symptoms and network-level functional connectivity (FC) differences associated with parent-reported SOR in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, a large community sample (9 to 12 years of age) (N = 11,210). RESULTS Children with SOR constituted 18% of the overall sample but comprised more than half of the children with internalizing or externalizing scores in the clinical range. Controlling for autistic traits, both mild and severe SOR were associated with greater concurrent symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Controlling for psychiatric symptoms and autistic traits, SOR predicted increased anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and prodromal psychosis symptoms 1 year later and was associated with FC differences in brain networks supporting sensory and salience processing in datasets collected 2 years apart. Differences included reduced FC within and between sensorimotor networks, enhanced sensorimotor-salience FC, and altered FC between sensory networks and bilateral hippocampi. CONCLUSIONS SOR is a common, clinically relevant feature of childhood psychiatric illness that provides unique predictive information about risk. It is associated with differences in brain networks that subserve tactile processing, implicating a neural basis for sensory differences in affected children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca F Schwarzlose
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | - Rebecca Tillman
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Caroline P Hoyniak
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joan L Luby
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Deanna M Barch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
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Wada M, Hayashi K, Seino K, Ishii N, Nawa T, Nishimaki K. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of self-reported sensory issues in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1077542. [PMID: 36846233 PMCID: PMC9948627 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1077542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and specific learning disorders (SLD) have various types of sensory characteristics. METHODS This study investigated sensory issues in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders using a web-based questionnaire for qualitative and quantitative analysis, categorized the contents of their three most distressful sensory issues, and evaluated their order of priority. RESULTS Auditory problems were reported as the most distressing sensory issue among the participants. In addition to auditory problems, individuals with ASD frequently reported more tactile problems, and individuals with SLD reported more visual problems. Among the individual sensory issues, in addition to aversion to sudden, strong, or specific stimuli, some participants reported confusions regarding multiple stimuli presenting concurrently. Additionally, the sensory issues related to foods (i.e., taste) was relatively more common in the minor group. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the diversity of sensory issues experienced should be carefully considered when aiding persons with neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Wada
- Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Katsuya Hayashi
- Information and Support Center for Persons With Developmental Disorders, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Kai Seino
- Psychological Experiment Section, Department of Social Rehabilitation, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Naomi Ishii
- Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Taemi Nawa
- Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Kengo Nishimaki
- Information and Support Center for Persons With Developmental Disorders, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan.,Hospital of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons With Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
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Possible Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sensory Over-Responsivity in Individuals with ASD. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40474-022-00257-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Interventions for Sensory Over-Responsivity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9101584. [PMID: 36291519 PMCID: PMC9601143 DOI: 10.3390/children9101584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit sensory over-responsivity (SOR), which is characterized by an overwhelmingly negative reaction to or avoidance of sensory stimulation. Despite the detrimental effects of SOR on people’s personal and social lives, the knowledge of and interventions for the issue remain limited. This paper collates and reviews studies on SOR and information on the potential for effective interventions for people with ASD. This review reveals evidence that SOR has a close relationship with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and family life impairment and an underlying mechanism related to SOR. Four interventions and their theoretical bases in sensory-motor processing are discussed in this paper, namely, physical activity (PA), sensory integration therapy (SIT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These interventions focus on establishing coping strategies for regulating the emotional response to sensory information, and they have been found to be effective and to have the potential to help children with ASD reduce their SOR behaviors. This paper provides guidance for selecting appropriate interventions and for further investigation of more effective interventions in the future.
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Derakhshanrad SA, Piven E, Zeynalzadeh Ghoochani B. The relationship between sensory experiences and social functioning in children with autism spectrum disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 70:632-640. [PMID: 38983486 PMCID: PMC11229742 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2022.2128553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Objective: This study was undertaken to substantiate the connection between sensory experiences and social functioning among 142 children ages 4-10 years with autism spectrum disorder. Methods: Using an online cross-sectional survey, mothers' perceptions of sensory and social characteristics of their children on parent-reported measures of sensory experiences and social functioning were collected. Findings: Using SPSS software to follow the related descriptive statistics and correlational analysis, the results indicated that children had different levels of challenging sensory experiences and social interaction difficulties. It was revealed that higher intensities of sensory issues were associated with lower levels of functioning and greater social interaction difficulties. Further analysis revealed that less awkward, unpleasant experiences in the auditory and tactile sensory functioning correlated with less social difficulties. Conclusions: Given that no causal relationship could be drawn in this study, the findings complemented those of earlier studies, which suggest engagement in social interactions may be correlated with sensory response patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Alireza Derakhshanrad
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Emily Piven
- Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, St Augustine, FL, USA
| | - Bahareh Zeynalzadeh Ghoochani
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Park-Cardoso J, Silva APSD. Insistence on sameness for food space appropriation: An exploratory study on Brazilians with autism (self-)diagnosis in adulthood. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 27:938-951. [PMID: 36086806 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221121417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Insistence on Sameness has been pathologized as a subtype of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, in autism. We examined the meanings of Insistence on Sameness for autistic adults through the lens of critical autism studies and environmental psychology, exploring their foodways and experiences of food environments, in relation to eating out and grocery shopping, and their experiences of autism (self-)diagnosis. Data were collected from earlier individual email interviews with Brazilian adults on the autism spectrum ( N = 16), either formally diagnosed in adulthood ( n = 10) or self-diagnosed ( n = 6). Our thematic analysis generated the following three themes: (1) Insistence on Sameness behaviors in food space as participants’ efforts for human–environment optimization—reducing uncertainty, uncontrollability, and exposure to unwanted sensory stimuli and social interaction; (2) suppressed Insistence on Sameness behaviors for being considered weird habits; and (3) realization of Insistence on Sameness as an authentically autistic way of coping when self-knowledge deepens through autism (self-)diagnosis. Our findings suggest autistic adults’ insistence on sameness is an authentically autistic way to appropriate space and exercise their right to comfortably co-exist and live as human beings and as themselves. Lay abstract Insistence on sameness is common in autistic individuals and continues into adulthood. Research shows it may be a way to cope with environments because of their sensory sensitivity, intolerance to uncertainty, and anxiety. Understanding the reasons for insistence on sameness from the perspective of autistic adults is important. To study the meanings of insistence on sameness for autistic adults, we interviewed 16 Brazilian autistic adults. All 10 formally diagnosed participants were diagnosed in adulthood. Six participants identified as being on the autism spectrum without formal diagnosis. During the interviews by email, we first asked about participants’ experiences with autism diagnosis, either formal diagnosis or self-diagnosis. Then, we asked about their experiences in places for eating out and grocery shopping. We found they tended to always go to the same places and use protective accessories to eat or shop comfortably. But their such behaviors were considered weird habits, first by other people and later by themselves. While trying to control their weird habits because of social pressure, they often suffered anxiety and meltdowns. When they finally learned of their autism in adulthood, they began to better understand who they are and why they experience the environment differently from others. This new understanding taught them that their so-called weird habits are actually part of their authentically autistic ways to cope with the weirder world. This study suggests that autistic adults’ insistence on sameness is an authentically autistic way to exercise their right to comfortably co-exist and live as human beings and as themselves.
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Roan C, Mailloux Z, Carroll A, Schaaf RC. A Parent Guidebook for Occupational Therapy Using Ayres Sensory Integration®. Am J Occup Ther 2022; 76:23874. [PMID: 35900366 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2022.049419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) is an evidence-based intervention that includes parent education and participation to support outcomes. However, guidelines for this parent component have not been published. OBJECTIVE To obtain input from stakeholders on a revised guidebook for parent education during ASI intervention. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey design. SETTING Online surveys. PARTICIPANTS Experts in ASI, occupational therapy practitioners who use this approach, and parents of children with autism who received occupational therapy using this intervention. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Surveys designed and vetted to obtain input on content and usability. RESULTS Experts rated the guidebook as consistent with ASI principles, practitioners rated it as clinically useful, and parents rated it as useful and clear. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The parent guidebook for ASI is ready for further testing and use. What This Article Adds: This report adds knowledge translation and best practice strategies in parent education to the parent guidebook for ASI and provides evidence that it is acceptable by experts, parents, and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Roan
- Cecilia Roan, OTD, OTR/L, is Advanced Clinical Specialist, Department of Rehabilitation, College of Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Zoe Mailloux
- Zoe Mailloux, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Amy Carroll
- Amy Carroll, OTD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Roseann C Schaaf
- Roseann C. Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Director, Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence, and Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA;
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Piccardi ES, Gliga T. Understanding sensory regulation in typical and atypical development: The case of sensory seeking. DEVELOPMENTAL REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2022.101037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Valagussa G, Purpura G, Nale A, Pirovano R, Mazzucchelli M, Grossi E, Perin C. Sensory Profile of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Tip-Toe Behavior: Results of an Observational Pilot Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9091336. [PMID: 36138645 PMCID: PMC9497722 DOI: 10.3390/children9091336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Atypical sensory processing is frequently reported in persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and it is one of the described diagnostic criteria for ASD. There is also mounting literature supporting the presence of motor impairments in individuals with ASD. Among these motor signs, tip-toe behavior (TTB) is a possible clinical finding, but its etiology is not clearly understood. It is suggested that TTB in ASD could be a sign of a sensory modulation impairment, but evidence is lacking and controversial. The main aim of this pilot study is to explore sensory features in a sample (4 females; 28 males) of children and adolescents with ASD (age range: 7-18). All participants also presented Intellectual Disability. Participants were divided in two groups, matched for age and gender, on the basis of the presence or absence of TTB (16 ASD TTB group vs. 16 ASD NO-TTB group) and then evaluated by using the Short Sensory Profile. We found that both ASD groups tend to significantly present sensory-related behavioral symptoms, but ASD TTB individuals more frequently showed the specific pattern of "under responsive/seeks sensation" than ASD NO-TTB individuals. These preliminary findings support that sensory-motor features might be taken into consideration when rehabilitation for TTB in children and adolescents with ASD is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Valagussa
- Autism Research Unit, Villa S. Maria Foundation, Tavernerio, 22100 Como, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Giulia Purpura
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Alessandra Nale
- Autism Research Unit, Villa S. Maria Foundation, Tavernerio, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Rita Pirovano
- Autism Research Unit, Villa S. Maria Foundation, Tavernerio, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Miryam Mazzucchelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Enzo Grossi
- Autism Research Unit, Villa S. Maria Foundation, Tavernerio, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Cecilia Perin
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- Correspondence:
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