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Wolff B, Franco VR, Magiati I, Pestell CF, Glasson EJ. Neurocognitive and self-reported psychosocial and behavioral functioning in siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions: a study using remote self-administered testing. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2023; 45:513-536. [PMID: 37779193 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2023.2259042] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study compared and explored the neurocognitive profiles of siblings of persons with and without neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) and associations between objective test performance and self-reported psychosocial functioning. METHODS Siblings of persons with and without NDCs (64 NDC and 64 control siblings; mean age 19.88 years, range 11-27 years, 73.44% female, 75.78% White Caucasian) completed self-report questionnaires and self-administered computerized neurocognitive tests of executive functioning (EF). Using Bayesian analyses, we examined cross-sectional associations between self-reported psychosocial functioning and cognitive test performance, and predictors of EF over 15 months. RESULTS NDC siblings had poorer working memory, inhibition, attention, and shifting compared to controls, as measured by experimental paradigms on the backward Corsi span, N-Back 2-back task, Stop Signal Task, Sustained Attention to Response Task, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (effect size δ ranging 0.49 to 0.64). Bayesian cross-sectional networks revealed negative emotion reactivity and working memory difficulties were central to the NDC sibling network. Over 15 months, poorer EF (k low test scores) was predicted by negative emotion reactivity, sleep problems, and anxiety, over and above effects of age and subclinical autistic and ADHD traits. Siblings of autistic individuals and persons with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder had higher rates of neurocognitive and psychiatric difficulties than other NDCs and controls (Bayes factors >20). CONCLUSIONS Neurocognitive difficulties were associated with transdiagnostic vulnerability to poorer wellbeing in NDC siblings. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of remote online cognitive testing and highlight the importance of individualized prevention and intervention for NDC siblings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Wolff
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Iliana Magiati
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Carmela F Pestell
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Emma J Glasson
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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2
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Correa-Ghisays P, Vicent Sánchez-Ortí J, Balanzá-Martínez V, Fuentes-Durá I, Martinez-Aran A, Ruiz-Bolo L, Correa-Estrada P, Ruiz-Ruiz JC, Selva-Vera G, Vila-Francés J, Macias Saint-Gerons D, San-Martín C, Ayesa-Arriola R, Tabarés-Seisdedos R. MICEmi: A method to identify cognitive endophenotypes of mental illnesses. Eur Psychiatry 2022; 65:e85. [PMID: 36440538 PMCID: PMC9807453 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.2348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Characterizing neurocognitive endophenotypes of mental illnesses (MIs) could be useful for identifying at-risk individuals, increasing early diagnosis, improving disease subtyping, and proposing therapeutic strategies to reduce the negative effects of the symptoms, in addition to serving as a scientific basis to unravel the physiopathology of the disease. However, a standardized algorithm to determine cognitive endophenotypes has not yet been developed. The main objective of this study was to present a method for the identification of endophenotypes in MI research. METHODS For this purpose, a 14-expert working group used a scoping review methodology and designed a method that includes a scoring template with five criteria and indicators, a strategy for their verification, and a decision tree. CONCLUSIONS This work is ongoing since it is necessary to obtain external validation of the applicability of the method in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Correa-Ghisays
- Center for Biomedical Research in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.,TMAP Unidad de Evaluación en Autonomía Personal, Dependencia y Trastornos Mentales Graves, Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Joan Vicent Sánchez-Ortí
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.,TMAP Unidad de Evaluación en Autonomía Personal, Dependencia y Trastornos Mentales Graves, Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicent Balanzá-Martínez
- Center for Biomedical Research in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.,TMAP Unidad de Evaluación en Autonomía Personal, Dependencia y Trastornos Mentales Graves, Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Teaching Unit of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Fuentes-Durá
- Center for Biomedical Research in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.,TMAP Unidad de Evaluación en Autonomía Personal, Dependencia y Trastornos Mentales Graves, Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Anabel Martinez-Aran
- Center for Biomedical Research in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,Bipolar Disorders Unit, Neurosciences Institute, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lara Ruiz-Bolo
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Juan Carlos Ruiz-Ruiz
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gabriel Selva-Vera
- Center for Biomedical Research in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.,TMAP Unidad de Evaluación en Autonomía Personal, Dependencia y Trastornos Mentales Graves, Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Teaching Unit of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Joan Vila-Francés
- Intelligent Data Analysis Laboratory (IDAL), University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Diego Macias Saint-Gerons
- Center for Biomedical Research in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.,TMAP Unidad de Evaluación en Autonomía Personal, Dependencia y Trastornos Mentales Graves, Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Constanza San-Martín
- Center for Biomedical Research in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.,TMAP Unidad de Evaluación en Autonomía Personal, Dependencia y Trastornos Mentales Graves, Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rosa Ayesa-Arriola
- Department of Psychiatry, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, IDIVAL, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Rafael Tabarés-Seisdedos
- Center for Biomedical Research in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.,TMAP Unidad de Evaluación en Autonomía Personal, Dependencia y Trastornos Mentales Graves, Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Teaching Unit of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Mihailescu I, Andrei LE, Frunza AA, Manea M, Rad F. Computer-Based Assessment and Self-Report Measures of Executive Functions in High-Functioning Adults with Autism. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12081069. [PMID: 36009132 PMCID: PMC9405696 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12081069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study analyzes the profile of executive functions (EF) in high-functioning adults with autism (HFA), both in terms of performance on four computer-based tasks, as well as how these functions are perceived by the individuals through self-reporting measures. The study included 64 participants: 32 individuals with HFA, and 32 typically developing controls. Four CANTAB tasks were used (assessing spatial working memory, planning, visual memory, and inhibition), as well as a self-reported measure of executive functions (BDEFS) and a scale for the severity of autism symptoms (RAADS-R). The participants in the ASD group performed significantly lower than the control group on all four computer-based tasks, as measured by the total number of errors made (for the spatial working memory, visual memory, and inhibition tasks) and the number of problems solved at the first choice (for the planning task). No correlation was found in the ASD group between the severity of autism symptoms and the computer-based measures. These findings provide evidence that HFA adults may have various executive functioning impairments, and subsequent daily life problems, but these deficits do not necessarily correlate with the severity of core ASD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilinca Mihailescu
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (I.M.); (L.E.A.); Tel.: +40-726778518 (I.M.); +40-755423922 (L.E.A.)
| | - Lucia Emanuela Andrei
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (I.M.); (L.E.A.); Tel.: +40-726778518 (I.M.); +40-755423922 (L.E.A.)
| | - Alina Alexandra Frunza
- Psychiatry Department, Mina Minovici National Institute of Legal Medicine, 042122 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mirela Manea
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Psychiatry, “Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia” Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florina Rad
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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Seng GJ, Tseng WL, Chiu YN, Tsai WC, Wu YY, Gau SSF. Executive functions in youths with autism spectrum disorder and their unaffected siblings. Psychol Med 2021; 51:2571-2580. [PMID: 32349803 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720001075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Executive dysfunction is one of the main cognitive theories of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite evidence of deficits in executive functions in individuals with ASD, little is known about executive dysfunctions as candidate cognitive endophenotypes for ASD. In this study, we investigated executive functions in youths with ASD, their unaffected siblings and typically developing controls (TDC). METHODS We recruited 240 youths with a clinical diagnosis of ASD (aged 6-18 years), 147 unaffected siblings of ASD youths, and 240 TDC youths. TDC youths were recruited based on the age and sex distribution of the ASD youths. Participants were assessed using the verbal Digit Span test and four executive function tasks from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery, including Intra-dimensional/Extra-dimensional Shift (I/ED), Spatial Span (SSP), Spatial Working Memory (SWM), and Stocking of Cambridge (SoC). RESULTS ASD youths, relative to TDC, performed significantly worse in executive function tasks assessing verbal working memory (forward and backward digit span), set-shifting (I/ED), visuospatial working memory (SSP, SWM), and planning/problem solving (SoC). Furthermore, unaffected siblings, relative to TDC, performed worse in forward and backward digit recalls and made more errors in SWM. These results were independent of the effects of age, sex, IQ, and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support impaired executive functions in youths with ASD. However, unaffected siblings were mostly unimpaired except in the areas of verbal and spatial working memory, which may be potential cognitive endophenotypes for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Jye Seng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ling Tseng
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yen-Nan Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Che Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yu Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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St John T, Woods S, Bode T, Ritter C, Estes A. A review of executive functioning challenges and strengths in autistic adults. Clin Neuropsychol 2021; 36:1116-1147. [PMID: 34499568 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2021.1971767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective: There has been a steady rise in research characterizing executive functioning (EF) impairments in autistic individuals but limited research investigating EF strengths. This review provides a summary of current EF research in autistic adults with a focus on EF challenges and strengths and potential sources of heterogeneity in research findings. New avenues for addressing gaps in our understanding of EF strengths are proposed.Method: A review of the EF literature was conducted. One hundred twenty-four studies of inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility, fluency, planning, decision-making, and subjective measures of EF in autistic adults were included.Results: Autistic adults with average intellectual functioning demonstrate difficulties with cognitive flexibility, phonemic fluency, and working memory. Strengths in planning, decision-making, and semantic verbal fluency were evident in some but not all studies. Findings regarding inhibition are inconclusive. Key findings across each EF domain are discussed and sources of potential heterogeneity across studies were evaluated. The type of measure used appears to contribute to heterogeneous findings. Subjective EF measures revealed more consistent findings of deficits in autistic adults than objective EF measures.Conclusions: Research reveals areas of EF weaknesses as well as strengths in autistic adults. Unlike EF challenges, EF strengths are not well understood. Future research identifying EF strengths is needed to improve services and supports for autistic adults. Further investigation of potential factors that interact with or constrain EF such as comorbid disorders, verbal ability, sensory processing, and other factors specific to autism will be critical to move the field forward and increase understanding of how EF is related to everyday functioning in autistic adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya St John
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,University of Washington Autism Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sara Woods
- University of Washington Autism Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Cassidy Ritter
- College of Education, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Annette Estes
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,University of Washington Autism Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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6
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Kuo SS, Wojtalik JA, Mesholam-Gately RI, Keshavan MS, Eack SM. Transdiagnostic validity of the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery across the autism-schizophrenia spectrum. Psychol Med 2020; 50:1623-1632. [PMID: 31298174 PMCID: PMC9812023 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719001582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia are neurodevelopmental disorders which share substantial overlap in cognitive deficits during adulthood. However, treatment evaluation in ASD and treatment comparisons across ASD and schizophrenia are limited by a dearth of empirical work establishing the validity of a standard cognitive battery across ASD and schizophrenia. Promisingly, the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) has been validated in schizophrenia and encompasses cognitive domains that are impacted in ASD. Thus, this study aimed to establish MCCB's generalizability from schizophrenia to ASD. METHODS Community-residing adults with schizophrenia (N = 100) and ASD (N = 113) underwent MCCB assessment. Using multigroup confirmatory factor analysis, MCCB's transdiagnostic validity was evaluated by examining whether schizophrenia and ASD demonstrate the same configuration, magnitude, and directionality of relationships within and among measures and their underlying cognitive domains. RESULTS Across schizophrenia and ASD, the same subsets of MCCB measures inform three cognitive domains: processing speed, attention/working memory, and learning. Except for group means in category fluency, continuous performance, and spatial span, both groups show vastly comparable factor structures and characteristics. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this study is the first to establish the validity of a standard cognitive battery in adults with ASD and furthermore the first to establish a cognitive battery's comparability across ASD and schizophrenia. Cognitive domain scores can be compared across new samples using weighted sums of MCCB scores resulting from this study. These findings highlight MCCB's applicability to ASD and support its utility for standardizing treatment evaluation of cognitive outcomes across the autism-schizophrenia spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan S. Kuo
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Raquelle I. Mesholam-Gately
- Massachusetts Mental Health Center Public Psychiatry Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matcheri S. Keshavan
- Massachusetts Mental Health Center Public Psychiatry Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shaun M. Eack
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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7
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Behavioral and Neuropsychological Evaluation of Executive Functions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Gulf Region. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10020120. [PMID: 32098341 PMCID: PMC7071509 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10020120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the executive functioning abilities and development profiles of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The participants were 119 children with ASD and 30 typically developing children (age range: 6–12 years) who were recruited from three Gulf states. The findings revealed executive functioning deficits in the ASD population when compared to the normative data or to those children without ASD. However, not all the forms of executive functioning were found to be impaired. Age-related differences in the patterns of performance on the utilized measures of executive functioning were also identified. The overall findings provide valuable information regarding the different components of the executive functions, which may prove useful in relation to the development of assessment protocols for ASD.
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8
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Semino S, Ring M, Bowler DM, Gaigg SB. The Influence of task Demands, Verbal Ability and Executive Functions on Item and Source Memory in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 48:184-197. [PMID: 28921058 PMCID: PMC5760601 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3299-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is generally associated with difficulties in contextual source memory but not single item memory. There are surprising inconsistencies in the literature, however, that the current study seeks to address by examining item and source memory in age and ability matched groups of 22 ASD and 21 comparison adults. Results show that group differences in source memory are moderated by task demands but not by individual differences in verbal ability, executive function or item memory. By contrast, unexpected group differences in item memory could largely be explained by individual differences in source memory. These observations shed light on the factors underlying inconsistent findings in the memory literature in ASD, which has important implications for theory and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Semino
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso A. Podesta, 2, 16128, Genoa, Italy
| | - Melanie Ring
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of the Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dermot M Bowler
- Autism Research Group, Department of Psychology, City, University of London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK
| | - Sebastian B Gaigg
- Autism Research Group, Department of Psychology, City, University of London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK.
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Velikonja T, Fett AK, Velthorst E. Patterns of Nonsocial and Social Cognitive Functioning in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry 2019; 76:135-151. [PMID: 30601878 PMCID: PMC6439743 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.3645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Many studies have investigated impairments in cognitive domains in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, to date, a comprehensive overview on the patterns of cognitive functioning is lacking. OBJECTIVE To provide an overview of nonsocial and social cognitive functioning in various domains in adults with ASD, allowing for comparison of the severity of deficits between different domains. DATA SOURCES A literature search performed in an academic medical setting was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and Medline databases with the combination of the following free-text and Medical Subject Headings where applicable: [cogniti* OR neurocogniti* OR neuropsycholog* OR executive function* OR IQ OR intelligence quotient OR social cognition OR emotion perception OR affect perception OR emotion recognition OR attribution OR ToM OR mentalising OR mentalizing OR prosody OR social knowledge OR mind reading OR social cue OR social judgment] AND [autis* OR ASD OR Asperger OR Asperger's OR PDD OR pervasive developmental disorder]. The search was further limited to studies published between 1980 (first inclusion of autism diagnosis in the DSM-III) and July 2018. STUDY SELECTION Studies included were published as a primary peer-reviewed research article in English, included individuals with ASD 16 years or older, and assessed at least 1 domain of neurocognitive functioning or social cognition using standard measures. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Of 9892 articles identified and screened, 75 met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review and meta-analysis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Hedges g effect sizes were computed, and random-effects models were used for all analyses. Moderators of between-study variability in effect sizes were assessed using meta-regressions. RESULTS The systematic review and meta-analysis included 75 studies, with a combined sample of 3361 individuals with ASD (mean [SD] age, 32.0 [9.3] years; 75.9% male) and 5344 neurotypical adults (mean [SD] age, 32.3 [9.1] years; 70.1% male). Adults with ASD showed large impairments in theory of mind (g = -1.09; 95% CI, -1.25 to -0.92; number of studies = 39) and emotion perception and processing (g = -0.80; 95% CI, -1.04 to -0.55; n = 18), followed by medium impairments in processing speed (g = -0.61; 95% CI, -0.83 to -0.38; n = 21) and verbal learning and memory (g = -0.55; 95% CI, -0.86 to -0.25; n = 12). The least altered cognitive domains were attention and vigilance (g = -0.30; 95% CI, -0.81 to 0.21; n = 5) and working memory (g = -0.23; 95% CI, -0.47 to 0.01; n = 19). Meta-regressions confirmed robustness of the results. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that adults with ASD show impairments in social cognitive domains and in specific nonsocial cognitive domains. These findings contribute to the understanding of the patterns of cognitive functioning in adults with ASD and may assist in the identification of targets for cognitive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjasa Velikonja
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York,The Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Anne-Kathrin Fett
- Department of Psychology, City University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Velthorst
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York,The Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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10
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Robillard M, Roy-Charland A, Cazabon S. The Role of Cognition on Navigational Skills of Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2018; 61:1579-1590. [PMID: 29933432 DOI: 10.1044/2018_jslhr-s-17-0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined the role of cognition on the navigational process of a speech-generating device (SGD) among individuals with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The objective was to investigate the role of various cognitive factors (i.e., cognitive flexibility, sustained attention, categorization, fluid reasoning, and working memory) on the ability to navigate an SGD with dynamic paging and taxonomic grids in individuals with ASD. METHOD Twenty individuals aged 5 to 20 years with ASD were assessed using the Leiter International Performance Scale-Revised (Roid & Miller, 1997) and the Automated Working Memory Assessment (Alloway, 2007). They also completed a navigational task using an iPad 4 (Apple, 2017; taxonomic organization). RESULTS Significant correlations between all of the cognitive factors and the ability to navigate an SGD were revealed. A stepwise linear regression suggested that cognitive flexibility was the best predictor of navigational ability with this population. CONCLUSION The importance of cognition in the navigational process of an SGD with dynamic paging in children and adolescents with ASD has been highlighted by the results of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Robillard
- Speech-Language Pathology School, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - Annie Roy-Charland
- Department of Psychology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sylvie Cazabon
- Speech-Language Pathology School, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
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Protein Kinase A Deregulation in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Impairs Working Memory in Murine Oligophrenin-1 Deficiency. J Neurosci 2017; 37:11114-11126. [PMID: 29030432 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0351-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical and systems genetics have identified wide networks of genes associated with cognitive and neurodevelopmental diseases. In parallel to deciphering the role of each of these genes in neuronal or synaptic function, evaluating the response of neuronal and molecular networks to gene loss of function could reveal some pathophysiological mechanisms potentially accessible to nongenetic therapies. Loss of function of the Rho-GAP oligophrenin-1 is associated with cognitive impairments in both human and mouse. Upregulation of both PKA and ROCK has been reported in Ophn1-/y mice, but it remains unclear whether kinase hyperactivity contributes to the behavioral phenotypes. In this study, we thoroughly characterized a prominent perseveration phenotype displayed by Ophn1-deficient mice using a Y-maze spatial working memory (SWM) test. We report that Ophn1 deficiency in the mouse generated severe cognitive impairments, characterized by both a high occurrence of perseverative behaviors and a lack of deliberation during the SWM test. In vivo and in vitro pharmacological experiments suggest that PKA dysregulation in the mPFC underlies cognitive dysfunction in Ophn1-deficient mice, as assessed using a delayed spatial alternation task results. Functionally, mPFC neuronal networks appeared to be affected in a PKA-dependent manner, whereas hippocampal-PFC projections involved in SWM were not affected in Ophn1-/y mice. Thus, we propose that discrete gene mutations in intellectual disability might generate "secondary" pathophysiological mechanisms, which are prone to become pharmacological targets for curative strategies in adult patients.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Here we report that Ophn1 deficiency generates severe impairments in performance at spatial working memory tests, characterized by a high occurrence of perseverative behaviors and a lack of decision making. This cognitive deficit is consecutive to PKA deregulation in the mPFC that prevents Ophn1 KO mice to exploit a correctly acquired rule. Functionally, mPFC neuronal networks appear to be affected in a PKA-dependent manner, whereas behaviorally important hippocampal projections were preserved by the mutation. Thus, we propose that discrete gene mutations in intellectual disability can generate "secondary" pathophysiological mechanisms prone to become pharmacological targets for curative strategies in adults.
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12
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Ibrahim GM, Morgan BR, Vogan VM, Leung RC, Anagnostou E, Taylor MJ. Mapping the Network of Neuropsychological Impairment in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Graph Theoretical Analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 46:3770-3777. [PMID: 27696182 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-2929-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit social-communicative impairments. Less is known about the neuropsychological profile of ASD, although cognitive and neuropsychological deficits are evident. We modelled neuropsychological function in 20 children with ASD and 20 sex, age and IQ matched typically-developing controls (ages 7-14) as a network of interacting parameters. Graph theoretical analysis was applied to identify critical topographic regions within this network. Two areas were significantly stronger hubs in typically-developing children, the ability to shift attention (p < 0.001) and overall executive function (p < 0.001). Planning/organization was a stronger hub in the cognitive networks of children with ASD (p = 0.001). We show that ASD is not only characterized by impairments in various neurocognitive domains, but also alterations in their interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- George M Ibrahim
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Suite 1403, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.
| | - Benjamin R Morgan
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vanessa M Vogan
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel C Leung
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Division of Neurology, Holland Bloodview Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Margot J Taylor
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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13
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Van Eylen L, Boets B, Cosemans N, Peeters H, Steyaert J, Wagemans J, Noens I. Executive functioning and local-global visual processing: candidate endophenotypes for autism spectrum disorder? J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2017; 58:258-269. [PMID: 27804132 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heterogeneity within autism spectrum disorder (ASD) hampers insight in the etiology and stimulates the search for endophenotypes. Endophenotypes should meet several criteria, the most important being the association with ASD and the higher occurrence rate in unaffected ASD relatives than in the general population. We evaluated these criteria for executive functioning (EF) and local-global (L-G) visual processing. METHODS By administering an extensive cognitive battery which increases the validity of the measures, we examined which of the cognitive anomalies shown by ASD probands also occur in their unaffected relatives (n = 113) compared to typically developing (TD) controls (n = 100). Microarrays were performed, so we could exclude relatives from probands with a de novo mutation in a known ASD susceptibility copy number variant, thus increasing the probability that genetic risk variants are shared by the ASD relatives. An overview of studies investigating EF and L-G processing in ASD relatives was also provided. RESULTS For EF, ASD relatives - like ASD probands - showed impairments in response inhibition, cognitive flexibility and generativity (specifically, ideational fluency), and EF impairments in daily life. For L-G visual processing, the ASD relatives showed no anomalies on the tasks, but they reported more attention to detail in daily life. Group differences were similar for siblings and for parents of ASD probands, and yielded larger effect sizes in a multiplex subsample. The group effect sizes for the comparison between ASD probands and TD individuals were generally larger than those of the ASD relatives compared to TD individuals. CONCLUSIONS Impaired cognitive flexibility, ideational fluency and response inhibition are strong candidate endophenotypes for ASD. They could help to delineate etiologically more homogeneous subgroups, which is clinically important to allow assigning ASD probands to different, more targeted, interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Van Eylen
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Boets
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UPC-KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nele Cosemans
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, University Hospital Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hilde Peeters
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Center for Human Genetics, University Hospital Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean Steyaert
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UPC-KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Wagemans
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Brain & Cognition, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilse Noens
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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14
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Westwood H, Stahl D, Mandy W, Tchanturia K. The set-shifting profiles of anorexia nervosa and autism spectrum disorder using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2016; 46:1809-1827. [PMID: 27109830 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291716000581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Difficulties in set-shifting are commonly reported in both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and anorexia nervosa (AN) populations. Despite this, it is not known whether this cognitive profile persists across different ages, or whether the profiles seen in ASD and AN are comparable. This systematic review and meta-analyses aimed to compare the set-shifting profiles, as measured by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) in adults and younger people with either ASD or AN, relative to healthy controls (HCs) and to statistically compare performance on the WCST between ASD and AN. In all, 24 studies on ASD and 22 studies on AN were identified. In ASD, there were significant differences between the clinical group and HCs, with the ASD group making significantly more perseverative errors, indicating greater difficulty in set-shifting [pooled effect size of d = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53-0.81, p ⩽ 0.001]. This effect was consistent across the age span. For AN studies, there was a significant difference between adults with AN and HCs (d = 0.52, 95% CI 0.36-0.68, p ⩽ 0.001) but a non-significant effect in child studies (d = 0.25, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.55, z = 1.66, p = 0.096). Meta-regression indicated no effect of diagnosis (AN or ASD) on performance in adult studies but there was a non-significant trend (p = 0.053) towards children with ASD performing worse than children with AN. While difficulties with set-shifting appear to be stable in ASD, there may be differences between children and adults with AN, which warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Westwood
- Psychological Medicine,King's College London,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,London,UK
| | - D Stahl
- Department of Biostatistics,King's College London,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,London,UK
| | - W Mandy
- University College London,Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology,London,UK
| | - K Tchanturia
- Psychological Medicine,King's College London,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,London,UK
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15
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Chen SF, Chien YL, Wu CT, Shang CY, Wu YY, Gau SS. Deficits in executive functions among youths with autism spectrum disorders: an age-stratified analysis. Psychol Med 2016; 46:1625-1638. [PMID: 26997535 PMCID: PMC4873936 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291715002238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impaired executive function (EF) is suggested to be one of the core features in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); however, little is known about whether the extent of worse EF in ASD than typically developing (TD) controls is age-dependent. We used age-stratified analysis to reveal this issue. METHOD We assessed 111 youths with ASD (aged 12.5 ± 2.8 years, male 94.6%) and 114 age-, and sex-matched TD controls with Digit Span and four EF tasks of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB): Spatial Span (SSP), Spatial Working Memory (SWM), Stockings of Cambridge (SOC), and Intradimensional/Extradimensional Shift Test (I/ED). RESULTS Compared to TD controls, youths with ASD performed poorer on the Digit Span, SWM, SOC, and I/ED tasks. The performance of all the tasks improved with age for both groups. Age-stratified analyses were conducted due to significant age × group interactions in visuospatial planning (SOC) and set-shifting (I/ED) and showed that poorer performance on these two tasks in ASD than TD controls was found only in the child (aged 8-12 years) rather than the adolescent (aged 13-18 years) group. By contrast, youths with ASD had impaired working memory, regardless of age. The increased magnitude of group difference in visuospatial planning (SOC) with increased task demands differed between the two age groups but no age moderating effect on spatial working memory. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support deficits in visuospatial working memory and planning in youths with ASD; however, worse performance in set-shifting may only be demonstrated in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- S.-F. Chen
- Department of Psychiatry,
National Taiwan University Hospital & College of
Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry,
Taipei Tzu Chi General Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi
Medical Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Occupational Therapy,
College of Medicine, National Taiwan
University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Y.-L. Chien
- Department of Psychiatry,
National Taiwan University Hospital & College of
Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine,
College of Medicine, National Taiwan
University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C.-T. Wu
- Department of Psychiatry,
National Taiwan University Hospital & College of
Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Occupational Therapy,
College of Medicine, National Taiwan
University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C.-Y. Shang
- Department of Psychiatry,
National Taiwan University Hospital & College of
Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Y.-Y. Wu
- Department of Psychiatry,
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou,
Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - S. S. Gau
- Department of Psychiatry,
National Taiwan University Hospital & College of
Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Occupational Therapy,
College of Medicine, National Taiwan
University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine,
College of Medicine, National Taiwan
University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology,
Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, Graduate
Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National
Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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16
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Brukner-Wertman Y, Laor N, Golan O. Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder and Its Relation to the Autism Spectrum: Dilemmas Arising From the DSM-5 Classification. J Autism Dev Disord 2016; 46:2821-2829. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-2814-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriane Landry
- School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, 3550, Australia.
| | - Shems Al-Taie
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behavior, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
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18
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Harris H, Israeli D, Minshew N, Bonneh Y, Heeger DJ, Behrmann M, Sagi D. Perceptual learning in autism: over-specificity and possible remedies. Nat Neurosci 2015; 18:1574-6. [PMID: 26436903 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Inflexible behavior is a core characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but its underlying cause is unknown. Using a perceptual learning protocol, we observed initially efficient learning in ASD that was followed by anomalously poor learning when the location of the target was changed (over-specificity). Reducing stimulus repetition eliminated over-specificity. Our results indicate that inflexible behavior may be evident ubiquitously in ASD, even in sensory learning, but can be circumvented by specifically designed stimulation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hila Harris
- Department of Neurobiology/Brain Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - David Israeli
- Jerusalem Center for Mental Health, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nancy Minshew
- Center for Excellence in Autism Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yoram Bonneh
- Department of Neurobiology/Brain Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.,Department of Human Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - David J Heeger
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marlene Behrmann
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dov Sagi
- Department of Neurobiology/Brain Research, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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19
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Jin Y, Wee CY, Shi F, Thung KH, Ni D, Yap PT, Shen D. Identification of infants at high-risk for autism spectrum disorder using multiparameter multiscale white matter connectivity networks. Hum Brain Mapp 2015; 36:4880-96. [PMID: 26368659 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.22957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a wide range of disabilities that cause life-long cognitive impairment and social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Early diagnosis and medical intervention are important for improving the life quality of autistic patients. However, in the current practice, diagnosis often has to be delayed until the behavioral symptoms become evident during childhood. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of using machine learning techniques for identifying high-risk ASD infants at as early as six months after birth. This is based on the observation that ASD-induced abnormalities in white matter (WM) tracts and whole-brain connectivity have already started to appear within 24 months after birth. In particular, we propose a novel multikernel support vector machine classification framework by using the connectivity features gathered from WM connectivity networks, which are generated via multiscale regions of interest (ROIs) and multiple diffusion statistics such as fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and average fiber length. Our proposed framework achieves an accuracy of 76% and an area of 0.80 under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), in comparison to the accuracy of 70% and the AUC of 70% provided by the best single-parameter single-scale network. The improvement in accuracy is mainly due to the complementary information provided by multiparameter multiscale networks. In addition, our framework also provides the potential imaging connectomic markers and an objective means for early ASD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jin
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Chong-Yaw Wee
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Feng Shi
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kim-Han Thung
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Dong Ni
- The Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University, China
| | - Pew-Thian Yap
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Dinggang Shen
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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20
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Carmo JC, Duarte E, Pinho S, Filipe CN, Marques JF. Preserved Proactive Interference in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2540-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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21
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Pisula E, Ziegart-Sadowska K. Broader Autism Phenotype in Siblings of Children with ASD--A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:13217-58. [PMID: 26068453 PMCID: PMC4490493 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160613217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although less pronounced, social, cognitive, and personality characteristics associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may be present in people who do not meet ASD diagnostic criteria, especially in first-degree relatives of individuals with ASD. Research on these characteristics, referred to as broader autism phenotype (BAP), provides valuable data on potential expressions of autism-specific deficits in the context of family relations. This paper offers a review of research on BAP in siblings of individuals with ASD, focusing on reports regarding social, communication, and cognitive deficits, published from 1993 to 2014. The studies are divided into two groups based on participants’ age: papers on preschool and older siblings of individuals with ASD; and publications on infants at risk for ASD. On the basis of this review, suggestions are offered for further research and its significance for our understanding of the genetic determinants of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Pisula
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Stawki 5/7, 00-183 Warsaw, Poland.
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22
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Leung RC, Vogan VM, Powell TL, Anagnostou E, Taylor MJ. The role of executive functions in social impairment in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Child Neuropsychol 2015; 22:336-44. [DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2015.1005066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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23
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McLean RL, Johnson Harrison A, Zimak E, Joseph RM, Morrow EM. Executive function in probands with autism with average IQ and their unaffected first-degree relatives. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2014; 53:1001-9. [PMID: 25151423 PMCID: PMC4144046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2014.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to characterize executive function (EF) in pedigrees of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and average IQ. The authors examined the hypothesis that deficits in EF relate to lower levels of adaptive functioning, and they assessed evidence for a cognitive extended phenotype in unaffected relatives in a large, well-characterized sample. METHOD Proband EF was assessed by parent-report questionnaires (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning [BRIEF], n = 109) and child neuropsychological tests (Delis-Kaplan Executive Functioning System [D-KEFS], n = 35). EF also was examined in parents (D-KEFS, n = 335) and unaffected siblings (BRIEF, n = 114; D-KEFS, n = 57). Adaptive functioning was assessed by the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-II (n = 155). All data were obtained from the Autism Consortium Clinical Genetics Database. RESULTS Individuals with ASD showed important EF weaknesses. Multiple regression analyses showed that parent-reported EF deficits were related to profound decreases in adaptive functioning even after controlling for age, IQ, and severity of ASD symptoms. Parent-reported EF also was related to adaptive skills in preschoolers. First-degree unaffected relatives did not demonstrate difficulties with EF compared with normative data. CONCLUSION In this study, EF impairments do not appear to relate to broad familial risk factors for ASD but may be associated with factors relevant to the expression of ASD in probands. Results support the benefits of EF assessment as a way to identify potential therapeutic targets that could lead to improved adaptive behavior in children with ASD and average IQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L McLean
- Developmental Disorders Genetics Research Program, Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, Brown University Medical School, and the Neurodevelopmental Center, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island
| | - Ashley Johnson Harrison
- Developmental Disorders Genetics Research Program, Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, and Brown University Medical School
| | - Eric Zimak
- Developmental Disorders Genetics Research Program, Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, and Brown University Medical School
| | - Robert M Joseph
- Boston University School of Medicine and the Autism Consortium
| | - Eric M Morrow
- Developmental Disorders Genetics Research Program, Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, Brown University Medical School, the Brown Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, and the Autism Consortium.
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Yasuda Y, Hashimoto R, Ohi K, Yamamori H, Fujimoto M, Umeda-Yano S, Fujino H, Takeda M. Cognitive inflexibility in Japanese adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders. World J Psychiatry 2014; 4:42-48. [PMID: 25019056 PMCID: PMC4087155 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v4.i2.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate executive function in Japanese adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) compared to Japanese controls.
METHODS: Thirty-three individuals with ASD and 33 controls participated. The ASD and control groups’ demographic variables were matched for gender (male/female: 20/13 vs 20/13), age (26.1 ± 11.5 vs 26.8 ± 9.6), years of education (13.2 ± 2.9 vs 14.2 ± 1.9), full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) (103.0 ± 16.7 vs 103.7 ± 14.7), performance IQ (96.2 ± 16.1 vs 97.8 ± 15.0), and verbal IQ (107.9 ± 16.3 vs 107.7 ± 14.4). Participants performed the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), which assesses the executive processes involved in problem solving and cognitive flexibility, and the Continuous Performance Test (CPT), which assesses attention and impulsivity. Symptoms were assessed by the Autism-Spectrum Quotient Japanese version (AQ-J). First, we compared the scores of the WCST between the groups using a Mann-Whitney U-test and conducted an analysis of covariance for the variables with the scores of category archives and CPT scores as covariates. Second, we analyzed the correlation between the scores of the WCST and the AQ-J in the ASD group using Pearson’s r.
RESULTS: The total errors (TE) and the percentages of perseverative errors of the Milner type (%PEM) and Nelson type (%PEN) among the TE in the ASD group were significantly worse compared with the control group (ASD vs Control, respectively: TE: 16.0 ± 6.2 vs 12.6 ± 3.5, P = 0.012; %PEM: 11.7 ± 10.7 vs 6.6 ± 8.9, P = 0.037; %PEN: 20.1 ± 14.5 vs 8.7 ± 10.4, P = 0.0011). In contrast, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in the scores of categories achieved on the WCST or the CPT. An analysis of covariance revealed significant differences between the groups in the %PEN scores (P = 0.0062) but not in the TE or the %PEM scores. These results suggest that Japanese adolescents and adults with ASD have cognitive inflexibility. Furthermore, our results suggest that Japanese adolescents and adults with ASD may have difficulties using negative feedback because perseverative errors of the Nelson type indicate persistence in choosing the incorrect reaction. By contrast, there was no significant correlation between the WCST and AQ-J scores.
CONCLUSION: We confirmed the presence of cognitive inflexibility in Japanese adolescents and adults with ASD. Our results also indicated that subjects with ASD may not use negative feedback effectively.
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25
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Leung RC, Zakzanis KK. Brief Report: Cognitive Flexibility in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Quantitative Review. J Autism Dev Disord 2014; 44:2628-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2136-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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26
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Miller HL, Odegard TN, Allen G. Evaluating information processing in Autism Spectrum Disorder: The case for Fuzzy Trace Theory. DEVELOPMENTAL REVIEW 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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27
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Kanakam N, Treasure J. A review of cognitive neuropsychiatry in the taxonomy of eating disorders: state, trait, or genetic? Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2013; 18:83-114. [PMID: 22994309 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2012.682362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A greater understanding of neuropsychological traits in eating disorders may help to construct a more biologically based taxonomy. The aim of this paper is to review the current evidence base of neuropsychological traits in people with eating disorders. Evidence of difficulties in set shifting, weak central coherence, emotional processing difficulties, and altered reward sensitivity is presented for people both in the acute and recovered phase of the illness. These traits are also seen in first degree relatives. At present there is limited research linking these neuropsychological traits with genetic and neuroanatomical measures. In addition to improving the taxonomy of eating disorders, neuropsychological traits may be of value in producing targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Kanakam
- Section of Eating Disorders, Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK.
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Genetic Basis and Neural Mechanism of Autism Spectrum Disorder*. PROG BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2012. [DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1206.2011.00519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Autistic traits below the clinical threshold: re-examining the broader autism phenotype in the 21st century. Neuropsychol Rev 2011; 21:360-89. [PMID: 21989834 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-011-9183-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosis, intervention and support for people with autism can be assisted by research into the aetiology of the condition. Twin and family studies indicate that autism spectrum conditions are highly heritable; genetic relatives of people with autism often show milder expression of traits characteristic for autism, referred to as the Broader Autism Phenotype (BAP). In the past decade, advances in the biological and behavioural sciences have facilitated a more thorough examination of the BAP from multiple levels of analysis. Here, the candidate phenotypic traits delineating the BAP are summarised, including key findings from neuroimaging studies examining the neural substrates of the BAP. We conclude by reviewing the value of further research into the BAP, with an emphasis on deriving heritable endophenotypes which will reliably index autism susceptibility and offer neurodevelopmental mechanisms that bridge the gap between genes and a clinical autism diagnosis.
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