1
|
Romanovsky E, Choudhary A, Peles D, Abu-Akel A, Stern S. Uncovering convergence and divergence between autism and schizophrenia using genomic tools and patients' neurons. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02740-0. [PMID: 39237719 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02740-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are highly heritable and result in abnormal repetitive behaviors and impairment in communication and cognitive skills. Previous studies have focused on the genetic correlation between ASDs and other neuropsychiatric disorders, but an in-depth understanding of the correlation to other disorders is required. We conducted an extensive meta-analysis of common variants identified in ASDs by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and compared it to the consensus genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Schizophrenia (SCZ). We found approximately 75% of the GWAS genes that are associated with ASD are also associated with SCZ. We further investigated the cellular phenotypes of neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models in ASD and SCZ. Our findings revealed that ASD and SCZ neurons initially follow divergent developmental trajectories compared to control neurons. However, despite these early diametrical differences, both ASD and SCZ neurons ultimately display similar deficits in synaptic activity as they mature. This significant genetic overlap between ASD and SCZ, coupled with the convergence towards similar synaptic deficits, highlights the intricate interplay of genetic and developmental factors in shaping the shared underlying mechanisms of these complex neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Romanovsky
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ashwani Choudhary
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - David Peles
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ahmad Abu-Akel
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- The Haifa Brain and Behavior Hub, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shani Stern
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vogt K, Kulkarni A, Pandey R, Dehnad M, Konopka G, Greene R. Sleep need driven oscillation of glutamate synaptic phenotype. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.05.578985. [PMID: 38370691 PMCID: PMC10871195 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.05.578985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Sleep loss increases AMPA-synaptic strength and number in the neocortex. However, this is only part of the synaptic sleep loss response. We report increased AMPA/NMDA EPSC ratio in frontal-cortical pyramidal neurons of layers 2-3. Silent synapses are absent, decreasing the plastic potential to convert silent NMDA to active AMPA synapses. These sleep loss changes are recovered by sleep. Sleep genes are enriched for synaptic shaping cellular components controlling glutamate synapse phenotype, overlap with autism risk genes and are primarily observed in excitatory pyramidal neurons projecting intra-telencephalically. These genes are enriched with genes controlled by the transcription factor, MEF2c and its repressor, HDAC4. Thus, sleep genes under the influence of MEF2c and HDAC4, can provide a framework within which motor learning and training occurs mediated by sleep-dependent oscillation of glutamate-synaptic phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K.E. Vogt
- International Institute of Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - A. Kulkarni
- Department of Neuroscience, Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - R. Pandey
- Department of Psychiatry, Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - M. Dehnad
- Department of Psychiatry, Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - G. Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - R.W. Greene
- International Institute of Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Neuroscience, Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abrams G, Jayashankar A, Kilroy E, Butera C, Harrison L, Ring P, Houssain A, Nalbach A, Cermak SA, Aziz-Zadeh L. Differences in Praxis Errors in Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared to Developmental Coordination Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1113-1129. [PMID: 36515853 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05858-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to better understand how autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) differ in types of praxis errors made on the Florida Apraxia Battery Modified (FAB-M) and the potential relationships between praxis errors and social deficits in ASD. The ASD group made significantly more timing sequencing errors in imitation of meaningful gestures, as well as more body-part-for-tool errors during gesture-to-command compared to the other two groups. In the ASD group, increased temporal errors in meaningful imitation were significantly correlated with poorer affect recognition and less repetitive behaviors. Thus, in ASD, aspects of imitation ability are related to socioemotional skills and repetitive behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Abrams
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Aditya Jayashankar
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Emily Kilroy
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Christiana Butera
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Laura Harrison
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Priscilla Ring
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Anusha Houssain
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Alexis Nalbach
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Sharon A Cermak
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Lisa Aziz-Zadeh
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ju X, Liu H, Xu J, Hu B, Jin Y, Lu C. Effect of Yoga Intervention on Problem Behavior and Motor Coordination in Children with Autism. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:116. [PMID: 38392469 PMCID: PMC10886297 DOI: 10.3390/bs14020116] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Children with autism exhibit more pronounced symptoms of both problem behaviors and motor coordination difficulties. Yoga, recognized as an effective intervention modality, can be valuable after assessing its efficacy in addressing problem behaviors and motor coordination challenges, ultimately contributing to symptom alleviation in autism. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) was used to divide 17 children with autism into an intervention group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 8). The intervention group participated in an 8-week yoga intervention training (three sessions/week, 45-50 min/session), and the control group did not participate in yoga training but only in daily program activities. Pre-test, mid-test, post-test, and after delayed test, teachers assessed the effect of yoga intervention on problem behaviors of children with autism through the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) and the effect of yoga intervention on motor coordination through the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition (MABC2). Results show that the yoga intervention is effective in reducing problem behaviors and improving motor coordination in children with autism. Yoga intervention significantly reduces irritability and social withdrawal in children with autism. Yoga intervention had the most significant improvement in ball skills and static and dynamic balance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingda Ju
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130000, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Brain Development, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Huanhuan Liu
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Jing Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Bo Hu
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Yunlei Jin
- Children's Hospital of Changchun, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Chang Lu
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130000, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Brain Development, Changchun 130000, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lee M, Lee S, Sohn JW, Kim KW, Choi HJ. Assessment Methods for Problematic Eating Behaviors in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Soa Chongsonyon Chongsin Uihak 2024; 35:57-65. [PMID: 38204745 PMCID: PMC10774564 DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.230065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be associated with eating problems. However, currently, there is a lack of established guidelines for assessing and addressing eating behaviors in individuals with ASD. This gap in research exists due to the challenges associated with using traditional assessment methods, which may lead to discrepancies in responses and unintentional potential biases from caregivers. In this review, we provided a comprehensive overview of various eating behaviors commonly observed in individuals with ASD. These behaviors include 1) food neophobia, 2) selective eating, 3) binge eating, 4) food avoidance, 5) chewing and swallowing problems, 6) pica, 7) rumination, 8) rituals, and 9) problematic behaviors. Furthermore, we provide a perspective of utilizing digital tools: 1) augmentative and alternative communication; 2) ecological momentary assessment; and 3) video analysis, behavioral analysis, and facial expression analysis. This review explores existing assessment methods and suggests novel assessment aiding together.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miji Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seolha Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Woo Sohn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ki Woo Kim
- Division of Physiology, Departments of Oral Biology and Applied Life Science, BK21 Four, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyung Jin Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Wide River Institute of Immunology, Seoul National University, Hongcheon, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cording KR, Bateup HS. Altered motor learning and coordination in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1270489. [PMID: 38026686 PMCID: PMC10663323 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1270489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with increasing prevalence. Over 1,000 risk genes have now been implicated in ASD, suggesting diverse etiology. However, the diagnostic criteria for the disorder still comprise two major behavioral domains - deficits in social communication and interaction, and the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior (RRBs). The RRBs associated with ASD include both stereotyped repetitive movements and other motor manifestations including changes in gait, balance, coordination, and motor skill learning. In recent years, the striatum, the primary input center of the basal ganglia, has been implicated in these ASD-associated motor behaviors, due to the striatum's role in action selection, motor learning, and habit formation. Numerous mouse models with mutations in ASD risk genes have been developed and shown to have alterations in ASD-relevant behaviors. One commonly used assay, the accelerating rotarod, allows for assessment of both basic motor coordination and motor skill learning. In this corticostriatal-dependent task, mice walk on a rotating rod that gradually increases in speed. In the extended version of this task, mice engage striatal-dependent learning mechanisms to optimize their motor routine and stay on the rod for longer periods. This review summarizes the findings of studies examining rotarod performance across a range of ASD mouse models, and the resulting implications for the involvement of striatal circuits in ASD-related motor behaviors. While performance in this task is not uniform across mouse models, there is a cohort of models that show increased rotarod performance. A growing number of studies suggest that this increased propensity to learn a fixed motor routine may reflect a common enhancement of corticostriatal drive across a subset of mice with mutations in ASD-risk genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Cording
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Helen S. Bateup
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Konrad J, Marrus N, Lang CE. A Feasibility Study of Bilateral Wrist Sensors for Measuring Motor Traits in Children With Autism. Percept Mot Skills 2022; 129:1709-1735. [PMID: 36065830 PMCID: PMC9974780 DOI: 10.1177/00315125221125275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Direct, quantitative measures of hyperactivity and motor coordination, two motor characteristics associated with impairment in autism, are limited. Wearable sensors can objectively index real-world movement variables that may relate to these behaviors. Here, we explored the feasibility of bilateral wrist accelerometers for measuring upper limb activity in 3-10-year-olds with autism (n = 22; 19 boys, 3 girls; M age = 5.64, SD = 2.73 years) and without autism (n = 26; 15 boys, 11 girls; M age = 6.26, SD = 2.47 years). We investigated the relationships between movement characteristics related to duration, intensity, complexity, and symmetry on the one hand and parent-reported hyperactivity and motor coordination on the other. Participants with and without autism wore the sensors for 12-hour periods. Sensor variables varied by age but not sex, with movement intensity and complexity moderately related to motor coordination. These findings lend preliminary support to wearable sensors as a means of providing ecologically-valid metrics of motor characteristics that impact adaptive function in children with autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Konrad
- Program in Physical Therapy, 12275Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Natasha Marrus
- Department of Psychiatry, 12275Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Catherine E Lang
- Program in Physical Therapy, 12275Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Program in Occupational Therapy, 12275Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Neurology, 12275Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cahart MS, Amad A, Draper SB, Lowry RG, Marino L, Carey C, Ginestet CE, Smith MS, Williams SCR. The effect of learning to drum on behavior and brain function in autistic adolescents. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2106244119. [PMID: 35639696 PMCID: PMC9191342 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106244119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This current study aimed to investigate the impact of drum training on behavior and brain function in autistic adolescents with no prior drumming experience. Thirty-six autistic adolescents were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups. The drum group received individual drum tuition (two lessons per week over an 8-wk period), while the control group did not. All participants attended a testing session before and after the 8-wk period. Each session included a drumming assessment, an MRI scan, and a parent completing questionnaires relating to the participants’ behavioral difficulties. Results showed that improvements in drumming performance were associated with a significant reduction in hyperactivity and inattention difficulties in drummers compared to controls. The fMRI results demonstrated increased functional connectivity in brain areas responsible for inhibitory control, action outcomes monitoring, and self-regulation. In particular, seed-to-voxel analyses revealed an increased functional connectivity in the right inferior frontal gyrus and the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. A multivariate pattern analysis demonstrated significant changes in the medial frontal cortex, the left and right paracingulate cortex, the subcallosal cortex, the left frontal pole, the caudate, and the left nucleus accumbens. In conclusion, this study investigates the impact of a drum-based intervention on neural and behavioral outcomes in autistic adolescents. We hope that these findings will inform further research and trials into the potential use of drum-based interventions in benefitting clinical populations with inhibition-related disorders and emotional and behavioral difficulties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Amad
- Neuroimaging Department, Kings College London, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition Department, University of Lille, INSERM U1172, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Lille, Lille, F-59000 France
| | - Stephen B. Draper
- Department of Sport, Hartpury University, Gloucester GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth G. Lowry
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Essex CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Luigi Marino
- Department of Sport, Hartpury University, Gloucester GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - Cornelia Carey
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin 2 D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Cedric E. Ginestet
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Kings College London, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | - Marcus S. Smith
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester PO19 6PE, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Blancas M, Maffei G, Sánchez-Fibla M, Vouloutsi V, Verschure PFMJ. Collaboration Variability in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:559793. [PMID: 33132875 PMCID: PMC7573250 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.559793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper addresses how impairments in prediction in young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) relate to their behavior during collaboration. To assess it, we developed a task where participants play in collaboration with a synthetic agent to maximize their score. The agent's behavior changes during the different phases of the game, requiring participants to model the agent's sensorimotor contingencies to play collaboratively. Our results (n = 30, 15 per group) show differences between autistic and neurotypical individuals in their behavioral adaptation to the other partner. Contrarily, there are no differences in the self-reports of that collaboration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Blancas
- Synthetic Perceptive Emotive Cognitive Systems (SPECS) Laboratory, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Information and Communication Technology, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Giovanni Maffei
- Synthetic Perceptive Emotive Cognitive Systems (SPECS) Laboratory, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martí Sánchez-Fibla
- Department of Information and Communication Technology, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vasiliki Vouloutsi
- Synthetic Perceptive Emotive Cognitive Systems (SPECS) Laboratory, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paul F M J Verschure
- Synthetic Perceptive Emotive Cognitive Systems (SPECS) Laboratory, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gong L, Liu Y, Yi L, Fang J, Yang Y, Wei K. Abnormal Gait Patterns in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Correlations with Social Impairments. Autism Res 2020; 13:1215-1226. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.2302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Gong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, School of Psychological and Cognitive SciencesPeking University Beijing China
- Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education)Peking University Beijing China
| | - Yajie Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, School of Psychological and Cognitive SciencesPeking University Beijing China
- Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education)Peking University Beijing China
| | - Li Yi
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, School of Psychological and Cognitive SciencesPeking University Beijing China
- Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education)Peking University Beijing China
| | - Jing Fang
- Qingdao Autism Research Institute Qingdao Shangdong China
| | - Yisheng Yang
- Qingdao Autism Research Institute Qingdao Shangdong China
| | - Kunlin Wei
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, School of Psychological and Cognitive SciencesPeking University Beijing China
- Key Laboratory of Machine Perception (Ministry of Education)Peking University Beijing China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Quinde-Zlibut JM, Okitondo CD, Williams ZJ, Weitlauf A, Mash LE, Heflin BH, Woodward ND, Cascio CJ. Elevated Thresholds for Light Touch in Children With Autism Reflect More Conservative Perceptual Decision-Making Rather Than a Sensory Deficit. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:122. [PMID: 32317953 PMCID: PMC7154145 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often behaviorally hyper-reactive to light touch, but it is unclear to what degree this arises from a fundamental sensory difference vs. higher order systems for attention or emotion processing. Thus far, experimental findings for light touch detection are mixed, and few previous studies have independently considered sensitivity (the ability to discriminate signal from noise) and decision criterion (the overall response bias or tendency to answer “yes” or “no” in a detection task). We tested a large sample of children, adolescents, and adults with ASD (n = 88) and with neurotypical (NT) development (n = 59) using von Frey filaments to derive light touch thresholds at the palm. We calculated signal detection metrics for sensitivity (Az) and response criterion (c) from hit and false alarm rates. Both metrics exhibited significant group differences, such that the ASD group was less sensitive, but had a much more conservative response criterion. We used a best subset model selection procedure in three separate ordinal regressions for the whole group, adults, and children/adolescents. In all selected models, c was by far the most significant predictor of threshold, supplanting effects of diagnostic group that were significant in the baseline models. In contrast, Az was not a significant predictor of threshold in any of the models. Mean values of c were similar for adults with and without autism and for children/adolescents with ASD, but lower (more liberal) in neurotypical children/adolescents. This suggests that children with ASD exhibit a conservatism in their perceptual decision-making that differs from their NT peers but resembles that of adults. Across the sample, the value of c was significantly and positively correlated with age and with autism symptoms (SRS-2 total score), in addition to thresholds. The results of this study suggest that, rather than a sensory difference in detection of light touch, there is a difference in response bias such that children with ASD are more conservative/likely to report “no” if unsure, than their young NT peers. Future work should consider the implications of conservative response criterion in ASD for commonly used forced-choice psychophysical paradigms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian D Okitondo
- Graduate Program in Biostatistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Zachary J Williams
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States.,Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Amy Weitlauf
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Lisa E Mash
- San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Brynna H Heflin
- Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Neil D Woodward
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Carissa J Cascio
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.,Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Baillin F, Lefebvre A, Pedoux A, Beauxis Y, Engemann DA, Maruani A, Amsellem F, Kelso JAS, Bourgeron T, Delorme R, Dumas G. Interactive Psychometrics for Autism With the Human Dynamic Clamp: Interpersonal Synchrony From Sensorimotor to Sociocognitive Domains. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:510366. [PMID: 33324246 PMCID: PMC7725713 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.510366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The human dynamic clamp (HDC) is a human-machine interface designed on the basis of coordination dynamics for studying realistic social interaction under controlled and reproducible conditions. Here, we propose to probe the validity of the HDC as a psychometric instrument for quantifying social abilities in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurotypical development. To study interpersonal synchrony with the HDC, we derived five standardized scores following a gradient from sensorimotor and motor to higher sociocognitive skills in a sample of 155 individuals (113 participants with ASD, 42 typically developing participants; aged 5 to 25 years; IQ > 70). Regression analyses were performed using normative modeling on global scores according to four subconditions (HDC behavior "cooperative/competitive," human task "in-phase/anti-phase," diagnosis, and age at inclusion). Children with ASD had lower scores than controls for motor skills. HDC motor coordination scores were the best candidates for stratification and diagnostic biomarkers according to exploratory analyses of hierarchical clustering and multivariate classification. Independently of phenotype, sociocognitive skills increased with developmental age while being affected by the ongoing task and HDC behavior. Weaker performance in ASD for motor skills suggests the convergent validity of the HDC for evaluating social interaction. Results provided additional evidence of a relationship between sensorimotor and sociocognitive skills. HDC may also be used as a marker of maturation of sociocognitive skills during real-time social interaction. Through its standardized and objective evaluation, the HDC not only represents a valid paradigm for the study of interpersonal synchrony but also offers a promising, clinically relevant psychometric instrument for the evaluation and stratification of sociomotor dysfunctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florence Baillin
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Aline Lefebvre
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Amandine Pedoux
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Yann Beauxis
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Denis A Engemann
- Parietal Project-Team, INRIA Saclay - Île de France, Palaiseau, France
| | - Anna Maruani
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Amsellem
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | - J A Scott Kelso
- Human Brain and Behavior Laboratory, Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States.,Intelligent Systems Research Centre, University of Ulster, Derry Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Richard Delorme
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Dumas
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Human Brain and Behavior Laboratory, Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,CHU Sainte-Justine Centre de Recherche, Precision Psychiatry and Social Physiology Laboratory, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kaur M, Bhat A. Creative Yoga Intervention Improves Motor and Imitation Skills of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Phys Ther 2019; 99:1520-1534. [PMID: 31765484 PMCID: PMC7325451 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzz115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence for motor impairments in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including poor gross and fine motor performance, poor balance, and incoordination. However, there is limited evidence on the effects of motor interventions for this population. OBJECTIVE In the present study, the effects of a physical therapy intervention using creative yoga on the motor and imitation skills of children with ASD were evaluated. DESIGN This study had a pretest-posttest control group design. METHODS Twenty-four children with ASD aged between 5 and 13 years received 8 weeks of a physical therapist-delivered yoga or academic intervention. Children were tested before and after the intervention using a standardized motor measure, the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Performance-2nd Edition (BOT-2). The imitation skills of children using familiar training-specific actions (ie, poses for the yoga group and building actions for the academic group) were also assessed. RESULTS After the intervention, children in the yoga group improved gross motor performance on the BOT-2 and displayed fewer imitation/praxis errors when copying training-specific yoga poses. In contrast, children in the academic group improved their fine motor performance on the BOT-2 and performed fewer imitation errors while completing the training-specific building actions. LIMITATIONS The study limitations include small sample size and lack of long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Overall, creative interventions, such as yoga, are promising tools for enhancing the motor and imitation skills of children with ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maninderjit Kaur
- M. Kaur, PT, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Anjana Bhat
- A. Bhat, PT, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy, Biomechanics and Movement Sciences Program, University of Delaware, 540 S College Avenue, Newark, DE 19713 (USA) and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Behavioral Neuroscience program, University of Delaware
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hannant P, Cassidy S, Renshaw D, Joyce A. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised-designed GABA tea study in children diagnosed with autism spectrum conditions: a feasibility study clinical trial registration: ISRCTN 72571312. Nutr Neurosci 2019; 24:45-61. [PMID: 31060476 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2019.1588486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The research has shown an association with sensorimotor integration and symptomology of Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). Specific areas of the brain that are involved in sensorimotor integration, such as the cerebellum and basal ganglia, are pathologically different in individuals with ASC in comparison to typically developing (TD) peers. These brain regions contain GABAergic inhibitory neurons that release an inhibitory neurotransmitter, γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). Brain GABA levels are decreased in ASC. This study explored the effect of introducing a non-invasive GABA substitute, in the form of GABA Oolong tea, on sensorimotor skills, ASC profiles, anxieties and sleep of children with ASC. Methods: Nine children took part: (5 male, 4 female). Each child participated in three tea conditions: high GABA, high L-Theanine (a compound that increases GABA), placebo with low GABA. A double-blind, repeated measures design was employed. Measures were taken after each tea condition. Sensory and ASC profiles were scored using parental questionnaires. Motor skills were assessed using a gold standard coordination assessment. Sleep was monitored using an actiwatch and anxiety measured through cortisol assays. Subjective views were sought from parents on 'best' tea. Results: The results showed significant improvement in manual dexterity and some large individual improvements in balance, sensory responsivity, DSM-5 criteria and cortisol levels with GABA tea. Improvements were also seen in the L-Theanine condition although they were more sporadic. Conclusions: These results suggest that sensorimotor abilities, anxiety levels and DSM-5 symptomology of children with ASC can benefit from the administration of GABA in the form of Oolong tea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Hannant
- Centre for Innovative Research Across the Life Course, Coventry University, Coventry, UK.,School of Education, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sarah Cassidy
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Derek Renshaw
- Centre for Applied Biological & Exercise Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Anna Joyce
- Centre for Innovative Research Across the Life Course, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mash LE, Linke AC, Olson LA, Fishman I, Liu TT, Müller RA. Transient states of network connectivity are atypical in autism: A dynamic functional connectivity study. Hum Brain Mapp 2019; 40:2377-2389. [PMID: 30681228 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
There is ample evidence of atypical functional connectivity (FC) in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, transient relationships between neural networks cannot be captured by conventional static FC analyses. Dynamic FC (dFC) approaches have been used to identify repeating, transient connectivity patterns ("states"), revealing spatiotemporal network properties not observable in static FC. Recent studies have found atypical dFC in ASDs, but questions remain about the nature of group differences in transient connectivity, and the degree to which states persist or change over time. This study aimed to: (a) describe and relate static and dynamic FC in typical development and ASDs, (b) describe group differences in transient states and compare them with static FC patterns, and (c) examine temporal stability and flexibility between identified states. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were collected from 62 ASD and 57 typically developing (TD) children and adolescents. Whole-brain, data-driven regions of interest were derived from group independent component analysis. Sliding window analysis and k-means clustering were used to explore dFC and identify transient states. Across all regions, static overconnnectivity and increased variability over time in ASDs predominated. Furthermore, significant patterns of group differences emerged in two transient states that were not observed in the static FC matrix, with group differences in one state primarily involving sensory and motor networks, and in the other involving higher-order cognition networks. Default mode network segregation was significantly reduced in ASDs in both states. Results highlight that dynamic approaches may reveal more nuanced transient patterns of atypical FC in ASDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E Mash
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California.,Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Annika C Linke
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Lindsay A Olson
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California.,Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Inna Fishman
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Thomas T Liu
- Center for Functional MRI, Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Ralph-Axel Müller
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California.,Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Müller RA, Fishman I. Brain Connectivity and Neuroimaging of Social Networks in Autism. Trends Cogn Sci 2018; 22:1103-1116. [PMID: 30391214 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Impairments in social communication (SC) predominate among the core diagnostic features of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Neuroimaging has revealed numerous findings of atypical activity and connectivity of 'social brain' networks, yet no consensus view on crucial developmental causes of SC deficits has emerged. Aside from methodological challenges, the deeper problem concerns the clinical label of ASD. While genetic studies have not comprehensively explained the causes of nonsyndromic ASDs, they highlight that the clinical label encompasses many etiologically different disorders. The question of how potential causes and etiologies converge onto a comparatively narrow set of SC deficits remains. Only neuroimaging designs searching for subtypes within ASD cohorts (rather than conventional group level designs) can provide translationally informative answers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ralph-Axel Müller
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, SDSU Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Inna Fishman
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, SDSU Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Insights from perceptual, sensory, and motor functioning in autism and cerebellar primary disturbances: Are there reliable markers for these disorders? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 95:263-279. [PMID: 30268434 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The contribution of cerebellar circuitry alterations in the pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been widely investigated in the last decades. Yet, experimental studies on neurocognitive markers of ASD have not been attentively compared with similar studies in patients with cerebellar primary disturbances (e.g., malformations, agenesis, degeneration, etc). Addressing this neglected issue could be useful to underline unexpected areas of overlap and/or underestimated differences between these sets of conditions. In fact, ASD and cerebellar primary disturbances (notably, Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome, CCAS) can share atypical manifestations in perceptual, sensory, and motor functions, but neural subcircuits involved in these anomalies/difficulties could be distinct. Here, we specifically deal with this issue focusing on four paradigmatic neurocognitive functions: visual and biological motion perception, multisensory integration, and high stages of the motor hierarchy. From a research perspective, this represents an essential challenge to more deeply understand neurocognitive markers of ASD and of cerebellar primary disturbances/CCAS. Although we cannot assume definitive conclusions, and beyond phenotypical similarities between ASD and CCAS, clinical and experimental evidence described in this work argues that ASD and CCAS are distinct phenomena. ASD and CCAS seem to be characterized by different pathophysiological mechanisms and mediated by distinct neural nodes. In parallel, from a clinical perspective, this characterization may furnish insights to tackle the distinction between autistic functioning/autistic phenotype (in ASD) and dysmetria of thought/autistic-like phenotype (in CCAS).
Collapse
|
18
|
Moseley RL, Pulvermüller F. What can autism teach us about the role of sensorimotor systems in higher cognition? New clues from studies on language, action semantics, and abstract emotional concept processing. Cortex 2018; 100:149-190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2017.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
19
|
Kaur M, M Srinivasan S, N Bhat A. Comparing motor performance, praxis, coordination, and interpersonal synchrony between children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2018; 72:79-95. [PMID: 29121516 PMCID: PMC5743591 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2017.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have basic motor impairments in balance, gait, and coordination as well as autism-specific impairments in praxis/motor planning and interpersonal synchrony. Majority of the current literature focuses on isolated motor behaviors or domains. Additionally, the relationship between cognition, symptom severity, and motor performance in ASD is unclear. We used a comprehensive set of measures to compare gross and fine motor, praxis/imitation, motor coordination, and interpersonal synchrony skills across three groups of children between 5 and 12 years of age: children with ASD with high IQ (HASD), children with ASD with low IQ (LASD), and typically developing (TD) children. We used the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency and the Bilateral Motor Coordination subtest of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests to assess motor performance and praxis skills respectively. Children were also examined while performing simple and complex rhythmic upper and lower limb actions on their own (solo context) and with a social partner (social context). Both ASD groups had lower gross and fine motor scores, greater praxis errors in total and within various error types, lower movement rates, greater movement variability, and weaker interpersonal synchrony compared to the TD group. In addition, the LASD group had lower gross motor scores and greater mirroring errors compared to the HASD group. Overall, a variety of motor impairments are present across the entire spectrum of children with ASD, regardless of their IQ scores. Both, fine and gross motor performance significantly correlated with IQ but not with autism severity; however, praxis errors (mainly, total, overflow, and rhythmicity) strongly correlated with autism severity and not IQ. Our study findings highlight the need for clinicians and therapists to include motor evaluations and interventions in the standard-of-care of children with ASD and for the broader autism community to recognize dyspraxia as an integral part of the definition of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maninderjit Kaur
- Physical Therapy Department & The Biomechanics & Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Sudha M Srinivasan
- Physical Therapy Department & The Biomechanics & Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA
| | - Anjana N Bhat
- Physical Therapy Department & The Biomechanics & Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19713, USA; Physical Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schuetze M, Park MTM, Cho IYK, MacMaster FP, Chakravarty MM, Bray SL. Morphological Alterations in the Thalamus, Striatum, and Pallidum in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:2627-37. [PMID: 27125303 PMCID: PMC5026732 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with cognitive, motor, and emotional symptoms. The thalamus and basal ganglia form circuits with the cortex supporting all three of these behavioral domains. Abnormalities in the structure of subcortical regions may suggest atypical development of these networks, with implications for understanding the neural basis of ASD symptoms. Findings from previous volumetric studies have been inconsistent. Here, using advanced surface-based methodology, we investigated localized differences in shape and surface area in the basal ganglia and thalamus in ASD, using T1-weighted anatomical images from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (373 male participants aged 7-35 years with ASD and 384 typically developing). We modeled effects of diagnosis, age, and their interaction on volume, shape, and surface area. In participants with ASD, we found expanded surface area in the right posterior thalamus corresponding to the pulvinar nucleus, and a more concave shape in the left mediodorsal nucleus. The shape of both caudal putamen and pallidum showed a relatively steeper increase in concavity with age in ASD. Within ASD participants, restricted, repetitive behaviors were positively associated with surface area in bilateral globus pallidus. We found no differences in overall volume, suggesting that surface-based approaches have greater sensitivity to detect localized differences in subcortical structure. This work adds to a growing body of literature implicating corticobasal ganglia-thalamic circuits in the pathophysiology of ASD. These circuits subserve a range of cognitive, emotional, and motor functions, and may have a broad role in the complex symptom profile in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Schuetze
- Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Department of Neuroscience, University of Calgary, c/o Glenda Maru, 4th Floor, C4-100-07, Alberta Children's Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB, Canada T3B 6A8, Tel: +1 403 955 2966, Fax: +1 403 955 2772, E-mail:
| | - Min Tae M Park
- Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada,Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ivy YK Cho
- Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Frank P MacMaster
- Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada,Strategic Clinical Network for Addictions and Mental Health, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - M Mallar Chakravarty
- Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada,Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Signe L Bray
- Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Departments of Pediatrics and Radiology, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hannant P, Cassidy S, Tavassoli T, Mann F. Sensorimotor Difficulties Are Associated with the Severity of Autism Spectrum Conditions. Front Integr Neurosci 2016; 10:28. [PMID: 27582694 PMCID: PMC4987345 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2016.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Present diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum conditions (ASC) include social communication and interaction difficulties, repetitive behavior and movement, and atypical sensory responsivity. Few studies have explored the influence of motor coordination and sensory responsivity on severity of ASC symptoms. In the current study, we explore whether sensory responsivity and motor coordination differences can account for the severity of autistic behaviors in children with ASC. Thirty-six children participated: 18 (13 male, 5 female) with ASC (ages 7-16: mean age = 9.93 years) and 18 (7 male, 11 female) typically developing (TD) children (ages 6-12; mean age = 9.16 years). Both groups completed a battery of assessments that included motor coordination, sensory responsivity, receptive language, non-verbal reasoning and social communication measures. Children with ASC also completed the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). Results showed that children with ASC scored significantly lower on receptive language, coordination, sensory responsivity and a sensorimotor subscale, Modulation of Activity (MoA) compared to the TD group. In the ASC group, MoA significantly predicted ASC severity across all ASC measures; receptive language and sensory responsivity significantly predicted parental reported autism measures; and coordination significantly predicted examiner observed reported scores. Additionally, specific associations were found between the somatosensory perceptive modalities and ASC severity. The results show that sensorimotor skills are associated with severity of ASC symptoms; furthering the need to research sensorimotor integration in ASC and also implying that diagnosis of ASC should also include the assessment of both coordination deficit and atypical sensory responsivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Hannant
- Centre for Research in Psychology, Behaviour and Achievement, Coventry UniversityCoventry, UK
| | - Sarah Cassidy
- Centre for Research in Psychology, Behaviour and Achievement, Coventry UniversityCoventry, UK
| | - Teresa Tavassoli
- Seaver Autism Centre, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount SinaiNew York, NY, USA
| | - Francesca Mann
- School of Education, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hannant P, Tavassoli T, Cassidy S. The Role of Sensorimotor Difficulties in Autism Spectrum Conditions. Front Neurol 2016; 7:124. [PMID: 27559329 PMCID: PMC4978940 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2016.00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to difficulties in social communication, current diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum conditions (ASC) also incorporate sensorimotor difficulties, repetitive motor movements, and atypical reactivity to sensory input (1). This paper explores whether sensorimotor difficulties are associated with the development and maintenance of symptoms in ASC. First, studies have shown difficulties coordinating sensory input into planning and executing movement effectively in ASC. Second, studies have shown associations between sensory reactivity and motor coordination with core ASC symptoms, suggesting these areas each strongly influence the development of social and communication skills. Third, studies have begun to demonstrate that sensorimotor difficulties in ASC could account for reduced social attention early in development, with a cascading effect on later social, communicative and emotional development. These results suggest that sensorimotor difficulties not only contribute to non-social difficulties such as narrow circumscribed interests, but also to the development of social behaviors such as effectively coordinating eye contact with speech and gesture, interpreting others' behavior, and responding appropriately. Further research is needed to explore the link between sensory and motor difficulties in ASC and their contribution to the development and maintenance of ASC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Hannant
- Centre for Research in Psychology, Behaviour and Achievement, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Teresa Tavassoli
- Seaver Autism Centre, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Cassidy
- Centre for Research in Psychology, Behaviour and Achievement, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
- Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wong CT, Ussyshkin N, Ahmad E, Rai-Bhogal R, Li H, Crawford DA. Prostaglandin E2promotes neural proliferation and differentiation and regulates Wnt target gene expression. J Neurosci Res 2016; 94:759-75. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine T. Wong
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Neuroscience Graduate Diploma Program; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Netta Ussyshkin
- Department of Biology; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Eizaaz Ahmad
- Neuroscience Graduate Diploma Program; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Biology; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Ravneet Rai-Bhogal
- Neuroscience Graduate Diploma Program; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Biology; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Hongyan Li
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Dorota A. Crawford
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Neuroscience Graduate Diploma Program; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Biology; York University; Toronto Ontario Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bishop SL, Thurm A, Farmer C, Lord C. Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, and Delayed Walking. Pediatrics 2016; 137:e20152959. [PMID: 26908679 PMCID: PMC5098697 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-2959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Delayed onset of independent walking is common in intellectual disability (ID). However, in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), delayed walking has not been reported as frequently, despite the high rate of concurrent ID in ASD. This study directly examined the relationship between delayed walking and severity of ID in children with ASD versus other non-ASD diagnoses. METHOD Participants were 1185 individuals (ASD, n = 903; non-ASD, n = 282) who received an assessment at age 4 to 12 years (6.89 ± 2.25) that yielded an estimate of nonverbal IQ (NVIQ) and retrospectively reported age of walking from the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. The relationship between diagnostic group and delayed walking (defined as occurring at ≥16 months) as a function of NVIQ was explored using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS Children with ASD were less likely to exhibit delayed walking than those with non-ASD diagnoses, and this difference was larger at lower levels of NVIQ (P = .002). For example, rates of delayed walking for ASD and non-ASD were 13% and 19%, respectively, in those with NVIQ >85 but 31% and 60% in children with NVIQ <70. CONCLUSIONS Although lower IQ scores were associated with increased rates of late walking in both ASD and non-ASD groups, children with low IQ were more likely to show delayed walking in the absence of ASD. This raises the possibility of separate etiological pathways to ID in children with and without ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Somer L. Bishop
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California;,Address correspondence to Somer L. Bishop, 401 Parnassus Ave, Langley Porter, San Francisco, CA 94143. E-mail:
| | - Audrey Thurm
- Pediatrics and Developmental Neuroscience Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Cristan Farmer
- Pediatrics and Developmental Neuroscience Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Green RR, Bigler ED, Froehlich A, Prigge MBD, Travers BG, Cariello AN, Anderson JS, Zielinski BA, Alexander A, Lange N, Lainhart JE. Beery VMI performance in autism spectrum disorder. Child Neuropsychol 2015; 22:795-817. [PMID: 26292997 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2015.1056131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have examined the visuomotor integration (VMI) abilities of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An all-male sample consisting of 56 ASD participants (ages 3-23 years) and 36 typically developing (TD) participants (ages 4-26 years) completed the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery VMI) as part of a larger neuropsychological battery. Participants were also administered standardized measures of intellectual functioning and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), which assesses autism and autism-like traits. The ASD group performed significantly lower on the Beery VMI and on all IQ measures compared to the TD group. VMI performance was significantly correlated with full scale IQ (FSIQ), performance IQ (PIQ), and verbal IQ (VIQ) in the TD group only. However, when FSIQ was taken into account, no significant Beery VMI differences between groups were observed. Only one TD participant scored 1.5 standard deviations (SDs) below the Beery VMI normative sample mean, in comparison to 21% of the ASD sample. As expected, the ASD group was rated as having significantly higher levels of social impairment on the SRS compared to the TD group across all major domains. However, level of functioning on the SRS was not associated with Berry VMI performance. These findings demonstrate that a substantial number of individuals with ASD experience difficulties compared to TD in performing VMI-related tasks, and that VMI is likely affected by general cognitive ability. The fact that lowered Beery VMI performance occurred only within a subset of individuals with ASD and did not correlate with SRS would indicate that visuomotor deficits are not a core feature of ASD, even though they present at a higher rate of impairment than observed in TD participants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan R Green
- a Department of Psychology , Brigham Young University , Provo , UT , USA
| | - Erin D Bigler
- a Department of Psychology , Brigham Young University , Provo , UT , USA.,b Neuroscience Center , Brigham Young University , Provo , UT , USA.,c Department of Psychiatry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - Alyson Froehlich
- c Department of Psychiatry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - Molly B D Prigge
- c Department of Psychiatry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - Brittany G Travers
- d Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior , University of Wisconsin , Madison , WI , USA
| | - Annahir N Cariello
- c Department of Psychiatry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - Jeffrey S Anderson
- e Department of Radiology , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - Brandon A Zielinski
- f Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, School of Medicine , University of Utah , Salt Lake City , UT , USA
| | - Andrew Alexander
- d Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior , University of Wisconsin , Madison , WI , USA.,g Department of Medical Physics , University of Wisconsin , Madison , WI , USA.,h Department of Psychiatry , University of Wisconsin , Madison , WI , USA
| | - Nicholas Lange
- i Departments of Psychiatry and Biostatistics , Harvard University , Boston , MA , USA.,j Neurostatistics Laboratory , McLean Hospital , Belmont , MA , USA
| | - Janet E Lainhart
- d Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior , University of Wisconsin , Madison , WI , USA.,h Department of Psychiatry , University of Wisconsin , Madison , WI , USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Modeling possible effects of atypical cerebellar processing on eyeblink conditioning in autism. COGNITIVE AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2015; 14:1142-64. [PMID: 24590391 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-014-0263-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Autism is unique among other disorders in that acquisition of conditioned eyeblink responses is enhanced in children, occurring in a fraction of the trials required for control participants. The timing of learned responses is, however, atypical. Two animal models of autism display a similar phenotype. Researchers have hypothesized that these differences in conditioning reflect cerebellar abnormalities. The present study used computer simulations of the cerebellar cortex, including inhibition by the molecular layer interneurons, to more closely examine whether atypical cerebellar processing can account for faster conditioning in individuals with autism. In particular, the effects of inhibitory levels on delay eyeblink conditioning were simulated, as were the effects of learning-related synaptic changes at either parallel fibers or ascending branch synapses from granule cells to Purkinje cells. Results from these simulations predict that whether molecular layer inhibition results in an enhancement or an impairment of acquisition, or changes in timing, may depend on (1) the sources of inhibition, (2) the levels of inhibition, and (3) the locations of learning-related changes (parallel vs. ascending branch synapses). Overall, the simulations predict that a disruption in the balance or an overall increase of inhibition within the cerebellar cortex may contribute to atypical eyeblink conditioning in children with autism and in animal models of autism.
Collapse
|
27
|
Graham SA, Abbott AE, Nair A, Lincoln AJ, Müller RA, Goble DJ. The Influence of Task Difficulty and Participant Age on Balance Control in ASD. J Autism Dev Disord 2014. [PMID: 25381191 DOI: 10.1007/s10803‐014‐2303‐7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Impairments in sensorimotor integration are reported in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Poor control of balance in challenging balance tasks is one suggested manifestation of these impairments, and is potentially related to ASD symptom severity. Reported balance and symptom severity relationships disregard age as a potential covariate, however, despite its involvement in balance development. We tested balance control during increasingly difficult balance conditions in children with ASD and typically developing peers, and investigated relationships between balance control and diagnostic/symptom severity metrics for participants with ASD, including age as a covariate. Balance deficits in ASD were exacerbated by stance alterations, but were not related to symptom severity when age was considered. These findings support impaired balance in ASD, especially in challenging conditions, but question a link between balance and symptom severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Graham
- School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-7251, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Graham SA, Abbott AE, Nair A, Lincoln AJ, Müller RA, Goble DJ. The Influence of Task Difficulty and Participant Age on Balance Control in ASD. J Autism Dev Disord 2014; 45:1419-27. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2303-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
29
|
Miller M, Chukoskie L, Zinni M, Townsend J, Trauner D. Dyspraxia, motor function and visual-motor integration in autism. Behav Brain Res 2014; 269:95-102. [PMID: 24742861 PMCID: PMC4072207 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This project assessed dyspraxia in high-functioning school aged children with autism with a focus on Ideational Praxis. We examined the association of specific underlying motor function including eye movement with ideational dyspraxia (sequences of skilled movements) as well as the possible role of visual-motor integration in dyspraxia. We found that compared to IQ-, sex- and age-matched typically developing children, the children with autism performed significantly worse on: Ideational and Buccofacial praxis; a broad range of motor tests, including measures of simple motor skill, timing and accuracy of saccadic eye movements and motor coordination; and tests of visual-motor integration. Impairments in individual children with autism were heterogeneous in nature, although when we examined the praxis data as a function of a qualitative measure representing motor timing, we found that children with poor motor timing performed worse on all praxis categories and had slower and less accurate eye movements while those with regular timing performed as well as typical children on those same tasks. Our data provide evidence that both motor function and visual-motor integration contribute to dyspraxia. We suggest that dyspraxia in autism involves cerebellar mechanisms of movement control and the integration of these mechanisms with cortical networks implicated in praxis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Miller
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - L Chukoskie
- Institute for Neural Computation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - M Zinni
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC-0959, La Jolla, CA 92093-0959, USA
| | - J Townsend
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC-0959, La Jolla, CA 92093-0959, USA.
| | - D Trauner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC-0959, La Jolla, CA 92093-0959, USA
| |
Collapse
|