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Bagheri S, Yu JC, Gallucci J, Tan V, Oliver LD, Dickie EW, Rashidi AG, Foussias G, Lai MC, Buchanan RW, Malhotra AK, Voineskos AN, Ameis SH, Hawco C. Transdiagnostic Neurobiology of Social Cognition and Individual Variability as Measured by Fractional Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuation in Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorders. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.02.601737. [PMID: 39005278 PMCID: PMC11245004 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.02.601737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) is a validated measure of resting-state spontaneous brain activity. Previous fALFF findings in autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (ASDs and SSDs) have been highly heterogeneous. We aimed to use fALFF in a large sample of typically developing control (TDC), ASD and SSD participants to explore group differences and relationships with inter-individual variability of fALFF maps and social cognition. fALFF from 495 participants (185 TDC, 68 ASD, and 242 SSD) was computed using functional magnetic resonance imaging as signal power within two frequency bands (i.e., slow-4 and slow-5), normalized by the power in the remaining frequency spectrum. Permutation analysis of linear models was employed to investigate the relationship of fALFF with diagnostic groups, higher-level social cognition, and lower-level social cognition. Each participant's average distance of fALFF map to all others was defined as a variability score, with higher scores indicating less typical maps. Lower fALFF in the visual and higher fALFF in the frontal regions were found in both SSD and ASD participants compared with TDCs. Limited differences were observed between ASD and SSD participants in the cuneus regions only. Associations between slow-4 fALFF and higher-level social cognitive scores across the whole sample were observed in the lateral occipitotemporal and temporoparietal junction. Individual variability within the ASD and SSD groups was also significantly higher compared with TDC. Similar patterns of fALFF and individual variability in ASD and SSD suggest some common neurobiological deficits across these related heterogeneous conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroush Bagheri
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ju-Chi Yu
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia Gallucci
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vinh Tan
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lindsay D. Oliver
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erin W. Dickie
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ayesha G. Rashidi
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - George Foussias
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Research Institute, and Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Robert W. Buchanan
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anil K. Malhotra
- Division of Psychiatry Research, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Division of Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
- The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Department of Psychiatry, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Centre for Psychiatric Neuroscience, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Aristotle N. Voineskos
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie H. Ameis
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Research Institute, and Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Colin Hawco
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Tan V, Downar J, Nestor S, Vila-Rodriguez F, Daskalakis ZJ, Blumberger DM, Hawco C. Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on individual variability of resting-state functional connectivity in major depressive disorder. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2024; 49:E172-E181. [PMID: 38729664 PMCID: PMC11090631 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.230135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), but substantial heterogeneity in outcomes remains. We examined a potential mechanism of action of rTMS to normalize individual variability in resting-state functional connectivity (rs-fc) before and after a course of treatment. METHODS Variability in rs-fc was examined in healthy controls (baseline) and individuals with MDD (baseline and after 4-6 weeks of rTMS). Seed-based connectivity was calculated to 4 regions associated with MDD: left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), right subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC), bilateral insula, and bilateral precuneus. Individual variability was quantified for each region by calculating the mean correlational distance of connectivity maps relative to the healthy controls; a higher variability score indicated a more atypical/idiosyncratic connectivity pattern. RESULTS We included data from 66 healthy controls and 252 individuals with MDD in our analyses. Patients with MDD did not show significant differences in baseline variability of rs-fc compared with controls. Treatment with rTMS increased rs-fc variability from the right sgACC and precuneus, but the increased variability was not associated with clinical outcomes. Interestingly, higher baseline variability of the right sgACC was significantly associated with less clinical improvement (p = 0.037, uncorrected; did not survive false discovery rate correction).Limitations: The linear model was constructed separately for each region of interest. CONCLUSION This was, to our knowledge, the first study to examine individual variability of rs-fc related to rTMS in individuals with MDD. In contrast to our hypotheses, we found that rTMS increased the individual variability of rs-fc. Our results suggest that individual variability of the right sgACC and bilateral precuneus connectivity may be a potential mechanism of rTMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinh Tan
- From the Campbell Family Research Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont. (Tan, Blumberger, Hawco); the Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (Downar, Nestor); the Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (Nestor, Blumberger, Hawco); the Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC (Vila-Rodriguez); the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (Daskalakis); the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont. (Blumberger)
| | - Jonathan Downar
- From the Campbell Family Research Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont. (Tan, Blumberger, Hawco); the Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (Downar, Nestor); the Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (Nestor, Blumberger, Hawco); the Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC (Vila-Rodriguez); the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (Daskalakis); the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont. (Blumberger)
| | - Sean Nestor
- From the Campbell Family Research Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont. (Tan, Blumberger, Hawco); the Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (Downar, Nestor); the Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (Nestor, Blumberger, Hawco); the Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC (Vila-Rodriguez); the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (Daskalakis); the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont. (Blumberger)
| | - Fidel Vila-Rodriguez
- From the Campbell Family Research Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont. (Tan, Blumberger, Hawco); the Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (Downar, Nestor); the Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (Nestor, Blumberger, Hawco); the Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC (Vila-Rodriguez); the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (Daskalakis); the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont. (Blumberger)
| | - Zafiris J Daskalakis
- From the Campbell Family Research Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont. (Tan, Blumberger, Hawco); the Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (Downar, Nestor); the Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (Nestor, Blumberger, Hawco); the Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC (Vila-Rodriguez); the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (Daskalakis); the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont. (Blumberger)
| | - Daniel M Blumberger
- From the Campbell Family Research Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont. (Tan, Blumberger, Hawco); the Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (Downar, Nestor); the Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (Nestor, Blumberger, Hawco); the Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC (Vila-Rodriguez); the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (Daskalakis); the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont. (Blumberger)
| | - Colin Hawco
- From the Campbell Family Research Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont. (Tan, Blumberger, Hawco); the Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (Downar, Nestor); the Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. (Nestor, Blumberger, Hawco); the Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC (Vila-Rodriguez); the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (Daskalakis); the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ont. (Blumberger)
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Seyed-Alipour S, Alaghband-Rad J, Faraji S, Hooshyari Z, Tehranidoost M, Motamed M. Cognitive functioning in adults with autism spectrum disorder. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38635408 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2024.2336201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuropsychological deficits in areas of Executive Functioning (EF), theory of mind, and central coherence have been well-documented among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, there remains a significant gap in knowledge with regards to neuropsychological profile in adults with ASD. This study aims to investigate the intellectual functioning and neuropsychological profiles of a clinical population of adults with ASD. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 40 available autistic individuals referred to an adult developmental disorders clinic at a hospital between 2021 and 2022. All participants were assessed using the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale (SBIS), Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R), and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). RESULTS Individuals with ASD exhibited lower IQ scores across all domains of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, compared to the general population, although the mean IQ scores remained within the normal range. Significant differences were observed in Full Scale IQ, Verbal IQ, Non-Verbal IQ, Fluid Reasoning, Knowledge, Quantitative Reasoning, Visual-Spatial Processing, and Working Memory compared to the general population. Additionally, autistic individuals' performance on verbal knowledge was higher compared to non-verbal knowledge. No significant correlations were found between the total and subscale scores of verbal and nonverbal IQ and AQ, RAADS-R, and SRS scores. CONCLUSION Considering the significant impacts of cognitive and executive function on the social and occupational aspects of autistic adults, further investigations in this area are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajedeh Seyed-Alipour
- Roozbeh Hospital, Faculty of Psychiatry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Alaghband-Rad
- Roozbeh Hospital, Faculty of Psychiatry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Faraji
- Roozbeh Hospital, Faculty of Psychiatry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Hooshyari
- Ziaeian Hospital, Faculty of Psychiatry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Tehranidoost
- Roozbeh Hospital, Faculty of Psychiatry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahtab Motamed
- Roozbeh Hospital, Faculty of Psychiatry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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St. John T, Estes AM, Hazlett HC, Marrus N, Burrows CA, Donovan K, Torres Gomez S, Grzadzinski RL, Parish-Morris J, Smith R, Styner M, Garic D, Pandey J, Lee CM, Schultz RT, Botteron KN, Zwaigenbaum L, Piven J, Dager SR. Association of Sex With Neurobehavioral Markers of Executive Function in 2-Year-Olds at High and Low Likelihood of Autism. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2311543. [PMID: 37140923 PMCID: PMC10160873 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.11543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Children with autism and their siblings exhibit executive function (EF) deficits early in development, but associations between EF and biological sex or early brain alterations in this population are largely unexplored. Objective To investigate the interaction of sex, autism likelihood group, and structural magnetic resonance imaging alterations on EF in 2-year-old children at high familial likelihood (HL) and low familial likelihood (LL) of autism, based on having an older sibling with autism or no family history of autism in first-degree relatives. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective cohort study assessed 165 toddlers at HL (n = 110) and LL (n = 55) of autism at 4 university-based research centers. Data were collected from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2013, and analyzed between August 2021 and June 2022 as part of the Infant Brain Imaging Study. Main Outcomes and Measures Direct assessments of EF and acquired structural magnetic resonance imaging were performed to determine frontal lobe, parietal lobe, and total cerebral brain volume. Results A total of 165 toddlers (mean [SD] age, 24.61 [0.95] months; 90 [54%] male, 137 [83%] White) at HL for autism (n = 110; 17 diagnosed with ASD) and LL for autism (n = 55) were studied. The toddlers at HL for autism scored lower than the toddlers at LL for autism on EF tests regardless of sex (mean [SE] B = -8.77 [4.21]; 95% CI, -17.09 to -0.45; η2p = 0.03). With the exclusion of toddlers with autism, no group (HL vs LL) difference in EF was found in boys (mean [SE] difference, -7.18 [4.26]; 95% CI, 1.24-15.59), but EF was lower in HL girls than LL girls (mean [SE] difference, -9.75 [4.34]; 95% CI, -18.32 to -1.18). Brain-behavior associations were examined, controlling for overall cerebral volume and developmental level. Sex differences in EF-frontal (B [SE] = 16.51 [7.43]; 95% CI, 1.36-31.67; η2p = 0.14) and EF-parietal (B [SE] = 17.68 [6.99]; 95% CI, 3.43-31.94; η2p = 0.17) associations were found in the LL group but not the HL group (EF-frontal: B [SE] = -1.36 [3.87]; 95% CI, -9.07 to 6.35; η2p = 0.00; EF-parietal: B [SE] = -2.81 [4.09]; 95% CI, -10.96 to 5.34; η2p = 0.01). Autism likelihood group differences in EF-frontal (B [SE] = -9.93 [4.88]; 95% CI, -19.73 to -0.12; η2p = 0.08) and EF-parietal (B [SE] = -15.44 [5.18]; 95% CI, -25.86 to -5.02; η2p = 0.16) associations were found in girls not boys (EF-frontal: B [SE] = 6.51 [5.88]; 95% CI, -5.26 to 18.27; η2p = 0.02; EF-parietal: B [SE] = 4.18 [5.48]; 95% CI, -6.78 to 15.15; η2p = 0.01). Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study of toddlers at HL and LL of autism suggests that there is an association between sex and EF and that brain-behavior associations in EF may be altered in children at HL of autism. Furthermore, EF deficits may aggregate in families, particularly in girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya St. John
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle
- University of Washington Autism Center, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Annette M. Estes
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Washington, Seattle
- University of Washington Autism Center, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Heather C. Hazlett
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, Carrboro, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill
| | - Natasha Marrus
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Kevin Donovan
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Santiago Torres Gomez
- McGill Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rebecca L. Grzadzinski
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, Carrboro, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill
| | - Julia Parish-Morris
- Center for Autism Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
| | - Rachel Smith
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, Carrboro, North Carolina
| | - Martin Styner
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, Carrboro, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill
| | - Dea Garic
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, Carrboro, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill
| | - Juhi Pandey
- Center for Autism Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
| | - Chimei M. Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Robert T. Schultz
- Center for Autism Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia
| | - Kelly N. Botteron
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, Missouri
| | - Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joseph Piven
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, Carrboro, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill
| | - Stephen R. Dager
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle
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Li Q, Zhao W, Palaniyappan L, Guo S. Atypical hemispheric lateralization of brain function and structure in autism: a comprehensive meta-analysis study. Psychol Med 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37014101 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723000181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Characteristic changes in the asymmetric nature of the human brain are associated with neurodevelopmental differences related to autism. In people with autism, these differences are thought to affect brain structure and function, although the structural and functional bases of these defects are yet to be fully characterized. METHODS We applied a comprehensive meta-analysis to resting-state functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging datasets from 370 people with autism and 498 non-autistic controls using seven datasets of the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange Project. We studied the meta-effect sizes based on standardized mean differences and standard deviations (s.d.) for lateralization of gray matter volume (GMV), fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF), and regional homogeneity (ReHo). We examined the functional correlates of atypical laterality through an indirect annotation approach followed by a direct correlation analysis with symptom scores. RESULTS In people with autism, 85, 51, and 51% of brain regions showed a significant diagnostic effect for lateralization in GMV, fALFF, and ReHo, respectively. Among these regions, 35.7% showed overlapping differences in lateralization in GMV, fALFF, and ReHo, particularly in regions with functional annotations for language, motor, and perceptual functions. These differences were associated with clinical measures of reciprocal social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. A meta-analysis based on s.d. showed that people with autism had lower variability in structural lateralization but higher variability in functional lateralization. CONCLUSION These findings highlight that atypical hemispheric lateralization is a consistent feature in autism across different sites and may be used as a neurobiological marker for autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Li
- MOE-LCSM, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Applied Statistics and Data Science, College of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410006, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhao
- MOE-LCSM, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Applied Statistics and Data Science, College of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410006, P. R. China
| | - Lena Palaniyappan
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shuixia Guo
- MOE-LCSM, School of Mathematics and Statistics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Applied Statistics and Data Science, College of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410006, P. R. China
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Desaunay P, Guillery B, Moussaoui E, Eustache F, Bowler DM, Guénolé F. Brain correlates of declarative memory atypicalities in autism: a systematic review of functional neuroimaging findings. Mol Autism 2023; 14:2. [PMID: 36627713 PMCID: PMC9832704 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00525-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The long-described atypicalities of memory functioning experienced by people with autism have major implications for daily living, academic learning, as well as cognitive remediation. Though behavioral studies have identified a robust profile of memory strengths and weaknesses in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), few works have attempted to establish a synthesis concerning their neural bases. In this systematic review of functional neuroimaging studies, we highlight functional brain asymmetries in three anatomical planes during memory processing between individuals with ASD and typical development. These asymmetries consist of greater activity of the left hemisphere than the right in ASD participants, of posterior brain regions-including hippocampus-rather than anterior ones, and presumably of the ventral (occipito-temporal) streams rather than the dorsal (occipito-parietal) ones. These functional alterations may be linked to atypical memory processes in ASD, including the pre-eminence of verbal over spatial information, impaired active maintenance in working memory, and preserved relational memory despite poor context processing in episodic memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Desaunay
- grid.411149.80000 0004 0472 0160Service de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, CHU de Caen Normandie, 27 rue des compagnons, 14000 Caen, France ,grid.412043.00000 0001 2186 4076EPHE, INSERM, U1077, Pôle des Formations et de Recherche en Santé, CHU de Caen Normandie, GIP Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, 2 rue des Rochambelles, 14032 Caen Cedex CS, France
| | - Bérengère Guillery
- grid.412043.00000 0001 2186 4076EPHE, INSERM, U1077, Pôle des Formations et de Recherche en Santé, CHU de Caen Normandie, GIP Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, 2 rue des Rochambelles, 14032 Caen Cedex CS, France
| | - Edgar Moussaoui
- grid.411149.80000 0004 0472 0160Service de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, CHU de Caen Normandie, 27 rue des compagnons, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Francis Eustache
- grid.412043.00000 0001 2186 4076EPHE, INSERM, U1077, Pôle des Formations et de Recherche en Santé, CHU de Caen Normandie, GIP Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, 2 rue des Rochambelles, 14032 Caen Cedex CS, France
| | - Dermot M. Bowler
- grid.28577.3f0000 0004 1936 8497Autism Research Group, City University of London, DG04 Rhind Building, Northampton Square, EC1V 0HB London, UK
| | - Fabian Guénolé
- grid.411149.80000 0004 0472 0160Service de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, CHU de Caen Normandie, 27 rue des compagnons, 14000 Caen, France ,grid.412043.00000 0001 2186 4076EPHE, INSERM, U1077, Pôle des Formations et de Recherche en Santé, CHU de Caen Normandie, GIP Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, 2 rue des Rochambelles, 14032 Caen Cedex CS, France ,grid.412043.00000 0001 2186 4076Faculté de Médecine, Pôle des Formation et de Recherche en Santé, Université de Caen Normandie, 2 rue des Rochambelles, 14032 Caen cedex CS, France
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Gallucci J, Pomarol-Clotet E, Voineskos AN, Guerrero-Pedraza A, Alonso-Lana S, Vieta E, Salvador R, Hawco C. Longer illness duration is associated with greater individual variability in functional brain activity in Schizophrenia, but not bipolar disorder. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 36:103269. [PMID: 36451371 PMCID: PMC9723315 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with schizophrenia exhibit greater inter-patient variability in functional brain activity during neurocognitive task performance. Some studies have shown associations of age and illness duration with brain function; however, the association of these variables with variability in brain function activity is not known. In order to better understand the progressive effects of age and illness duration across disorders, we examined the relationship with individual variability in brain activity. METHODS Neuroimaging and behavioural data were extracted from harmonized datasets collectively including 212 control participants, 107 individuals with bipolar disorder, and 232 individuals with schizophrenia (total n = 551). Functional activity in response to an N-back working memory task (2-back vs 1-back) was examined. Individual variability was quantified via the correlational distance of fMRI activity between participants; mean correlational distance of one participant in relation to all others was defined as a 'variability score'. RESULTS Greater individual variability was found in the schizophrenia group compared to the bipolar disorder and control groups (p = 1.52e-09). Individual variability was significantly associated with aging (p = 0.027), however, this relationship was not different across diagnostic groups. In contrast, in the schizophrenia sample only, a longer illness duration was associated with increased variability (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION An increase in variability was observed in the schizophrenia group related to illness duration, beyond the effects of normal aging, implying illness-related deterioration of cognitive networks. This has clinical implications for considering long-term trajectories in schizophrenia and progressive neural and cognitive decline which may be amiable to novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Gallucci
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edith Pomarol-Clotet
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Aristotle N. Voineskos
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amalia Guerrero-Pedraza
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain,Benito Menni Complex Assistencial en Salut Mental, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Silvia Alonso-Lana
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain,Research Centre and Memory Clinic, Fundació ACE Institut Català de Neurociències Aplicades – Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain,Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Raymond Salvador
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Colin Hawco
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Corresponding authors at: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, Spain.
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8
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Gallucci J, Tan T, Schifani C, Dickie EW, Voineskos AN, Hawco C. Greater individual variability in functional brain activity during working memory performance in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD). Schizophr Res 2022; 248:21-31. [PMID: 35908378 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Heterogeneity has been a persistent challenge in understanding Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD). Traditional case-control comparisons often show variable results, and may not map well onto individuals. To better understand heterogeneity and group differences in SSD compared to typically developing controls (TDC), we examined variability in functional brain activity during a working memory (WM) task with known deficits in SSD. Neuroimaging and behavioural data were extracted from two datasets collectively providing 34 TDC and 56 individuals with SSD (n = 90). Functional activity in response to an N-Back WM task (3-Back vs 1-Back) was examined between and within groups. Individual variability was calculated via the correlational distance of fMRI activity maps between participants; mean correlational distance from one participant to all others was defined as a 'variability score'. Greater individual variability in functional activity was found in SSD compared to TDC (p = 0.00090). At the group level, a case-control comparison suggested SSD had reduced activity in task positive and task negative networks. However, when SSD were divided into high and low variability subgroups, the low variability groups showed no differences relative to TDC while the high variability group showed little activity at the group level. Our results imply prior case-control differences may be driven by a subgroup of SSD who do not show specific impairments but instead show more 'idiosyncratic' activity patterns. In SSD but not TDC, variability was also related to cognitive performance and age. This novel approach focusing on individual variability has important implications for understanding the neurobiology of SSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Gallucci
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas Tan
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christin Schifani
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Erin W Dickie
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aristotle N Voineskos
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Colin Hawco
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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9
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Heller Murray ES, Segawa J, Karahanoglu FI, Tocci C, Tourville JA, Nieto-Castanon A, Tager-Flusberg H, Manoach DS, Guenther FH. Increased Intra-Subject Variability of Neural Activity During Speech Production in People with Autism Spectrum Disorder. RESEARCH IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 2022; 94:101955. [PMID: 35601992 PMCID: PMC9119427 DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2022.101955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Background Communication difficulties are a core deficit in many people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study evaluated neural activation in participants with ASD and neurotypical (NT) controls during a speech production task. Methods Neural activities of participants with ASD (N = 15, M = 16.7 years, language abilities ranged from low verbal abilities to verbally fluent) and NT controls (N = 12, M = 17.1 years) was examined using functional magnetic resonance imaging with a sparse-sampling paradigm. Results There were no differences between the ASD and NT groups in average speech activation or inter-subject run-to-run variability in speech activation. Intra-subject run-to-run neural variability was greater in the ASD group and was positively correlated with autism severity in cortical areas associated with speech. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of understanding intra-subject neural variability in participants with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S. Heller Murray
- Boston University, Department of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215
| | - Jennifer Segawa
- Boston University, Department of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215
| | - F. Isik Karahanoglu
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02215
| | - Catherine Tocci
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02215
| | - Jason A. Tourville
- Boston University, Department of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215
| | - Alfonso Nieto-Castanon
- Boston University, Department of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215
| | - Helen Tager-Flusberg
- Boston University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 64 Cummington Mall Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Dara S. Manoach
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02215
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, 149 13th Street, Room 2618, Charlestown, MA 02129
| | - Frank H. Guenther
- Boston University, Department of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 44 Cummington Mall Boston, MA, 02115
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10
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André N, Gastinger S, Rébillard A. Chronic Fatigue in Cancer, Brain Connectivity and Reluctance to Engage in Physical Activity: A Mini-Review. Front Oncol 2022; 11:774347. [PMID: 34988017 PMCID: PMC8721035 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.774347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A large amount of evidence shows that after a cancer diagnosis, patients significantly reduce their level of physical activity. Usually, this reduction is attributed to cancer-related fatigue. However, to our knowledge, no study has clearly demonstrated that fatigue alters effort-based decision-making in cancer. This mini-review aimed to provide evidence that chronic fatigue in cancer patients causes changes in brain connectivity that impact effort-based decision-making. Indeed, three patterns of activation to compensate for dysfunctional networks have been reported: greater variability in the executive network and hyperactivation in the executive network, which account for less efficient and costly processes in the frontal cortex, and reduced deactivation in the default mode network. Nevertheless, these activation patterns are also observed with other factors, such as anticipatory stressors (worry, rumination or sleep loss), that might also cause reluctance to engage in physical activity. Effort-based decision-making involving weighing costs against benefits and physical activity interventions should increase immediate benefits to facilitate engagement in effortful activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie André
- Research Centre on Cognition and Learning (UMR CNRS 7295), University of Poitiers, Sport Sciences Faculty, Poitiers, France.,Maison des Sciences de l'Homme et de la Société (USR CNRS 3565), Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Steven Gastinger
- M2S-EA7470, University of Rennes, Rennes, France.,APCoSS - Institut de Formation en Education Physique et en Sport (IFEPSA), UCO Angers, Angers, France
| | - Amélie Rébillard
- M2S-EA7470, University of Rennes, Rennes, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
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11
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McPartland JC, Lerner MD, Bhat A, Clarkson T, Jack A, Koohsari S, Matuskey D, McQuaid GA, Su WC, Trevisan DA. Looking Back at the Next 40 Years of ASD Neuroscience Research. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:4333-4353. [PMID: 34043128 PMCID: PMC8542594 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05095-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
During the last 40 years, neuroscience has become one of the most central and most productive approaches to investigating autism. In this commentary, we assemble a group of established investigators and trainees to review key advances and anticipated developments in neuroscience research across five modalities most commonly employed in autism research: magnetic resonance imaging, functional near infrared spectroscopy, positron emission tomography, electroencephalography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Broadly, neuroscience research has provided important insights into brain systems involved in autism but not yet mechanistic understanding. Methodological advancements are expected to proffer deeper understanding of neural circuitry associated with function and dysfunction during the next 40 years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew D Lerner
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Anjana Bhat
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Tessa Clarkson
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Allison Jack
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Sheida Koohsari
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David Matuskey
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Goldie A McQuaid
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Wan-Chun Su
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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12
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Bednarz HM, Stavrinos D, Svancara AM, Sherrod GM, McManus B, Deshpande HD, Kana RK. Executive Function Brain Network Activation Predicts Driving Hazard Detection in ADHD. Brain Topogr 2021; 35:251-267. [PMID: 34716524 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-021-00877-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Drivers with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk of experiencing driving difficulties. An important aspect of driving safety and skill involves hazard detection. This functional magnetic resonance imaging study examined the neural responses associated with driving hazard detection in drivers with ASD, ADHD, and typically developing (TD) drivers. Forty participants (12 ASD, 15 ADHD, 13 TD) ages 16-30 years completed a driving simulator task in which they encountered social and nonsocial hazards; reaction time (RT) for responding to hazards was measured. Participants then completed a similar hazard detection task in the MRI scanner so that neural response to hazards could be measured. Activation of regions of interest considered part of the executive function (EF) and theory of mind (ToM) networks were examined and related to driving simulator behavior. Results showed that stronger activation of the EF network during social hazard processing, including the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and posterior parietal cortex, was associated with faster RT to social hazards among drivers with ADHD, but not among drivers with ASD. This provides the first evidence of a relationship between EF network brain activation and driving skills in ADHD and suggests that alterations in this network may underlie driving behavior. In comparison, the current study did not observe a relationship between ToM network activation and RT to social hazards in any group. This study lays the groundwork for relating neural activation to driving behavior among individuals with NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley M Bednarz
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Despina Stavrinos
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Austin M Svancara
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Gabriela M Sherrod
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Benjamin McManus
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | | | - Rajesh K Kana
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA. .,Department of Psychology & the Center for Innovative Research in Autism, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, USA.
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13
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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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