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Woolard A, Benders T, Campbell LE, Whalen OM, Mallise C, Karayanidis F, Barker D, Murphy VE, Tait J, Gibson P, Korostenski L, Lane AE. The relationship between pitch contours in infant-directed speech and early signs of autism in infancy. Infant Behav Dev 2023; 72:101860. [PMID: 37478500 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2023.101860] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mother-infant interactions during the first year of life are crucial to healthy infant development. The infant-directed speech (IDS), and specifically pitch contours, used by mothers during interactions are associated with infant language and social development. However, little research has examined pitch contours towards infants with socio-communication and language differences, such as those displaying early signs of autism spectrum disorder (autism). This study aimed to explore the association of infant autism signs and pitch contours used by mothers with their 12-month-old infants. METHOD Mother-infant dyads (n = 109) were recruited from the University of Newcastle BabyLab. Parent-infant dyads completed a 15-min interaction, from which a total of 36,128 pitch contours were measured and correlated with infant autism signs. Infant autism signs were assessed via parent-report (First Year Inventory; Reznick et al., 2007). A subset of high-risk infants (admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit, n = 29) also received an observation-based assessment (Autism Detection in Early Childhood; Young & Nah, 2016). RESULTS Mothers used fewer sinusoidal contours when they rated their infant as displaying more autism signs (rs = - .30, p = .004) and more autism-related sensory regulation issues (rs = - .31, p = .001). Mothers used fewer flat contours if their infant displayed more researcher-rated autism signs (r2 = - .39, p = .04). CONCLUSIONS This study provides the early evidence that maternal pitch contours in IDS are related to early autism signs in infancy. If our findings are replicated in follow up studies where infants are followed to diagnosis, maternal IDS may be an important element of future early intervention protocols that focus on communication for infants with risk for autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix Woolard
- Family Interaction and Neurodevelopmental Laboratory, University of Newcastle, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Australia; Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell, University of Newcastle, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia.
| | - Titia Benders
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Department of Linguistics, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Linda E Campbell
- Family Interaction and Neurodevelopmental Laboratory, University of Newcastle, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Australia; Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Olivia M Whalen
- Family Interaction and Neurodevelopmental Laboratory, University of Newcastle, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Australia; Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Carly Mallise
- Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Frini Karayanidis
- School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Australia; Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Daniel Barker
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Vanessa E Murphy
- Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell, University of Newcastle, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Australia; John Hunter Children's Hospital, Australia
| | - Jordan Tait
- Family Interaction and Neurodevelopmental Laboratory, University of Newcastle, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Peter Gibson
- Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell, University of Newcastle, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | | | - Alison E Lane
- Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell, University of Newcastle, Australia; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Onnivello S, Schworer EK, Daunhauer LA, Fidler DJ. Acquisition of cognitive and communication milestones in infants with Down syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2023; 67:239-253. [PMID: 34761472 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the timing of developmental milestones in typical and clinical populations facilitates intervention planning and the early detection of risk for co-occurring conditions. Normative timing of developmental milestone achievement has been established for typically developing children. However, there is little information regarding the timing of cognitive and communication skill acquisition in young children with Down syndrome (DS). The objectives of this study are to (1) provide foundational information regarding the timing of cognitive and communication skill acquisition in infants with DS and (2) facilitate the early identification of infants with risk for co-occurring conditions. METHOD Seventy-four infants with DS (age range: 4-18 months) completed the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III (Bayley 2006). Individual items from the cognitive and communication scales were selected for analysis. Parents provided information regarding their infant's developmental and family history. RESULTS The percentage of infants who attained each skill was calculated within 2-month age bands. For infants who did not show skill acquisition within each age band, the rates of prematurity, heart defects, corrective heart surgery and significant illness were calculated as well. CONCLUSIONS This study provides foundational information that can contribute to the formulation of a developmental schedule for cognitive and language milestone acquisition in infants with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Onnivello
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - E K Schworer
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - L A Daunhauer
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - D J Fidler
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Song C, Wu L, Hong Y, Chen X, Zhu Z. Factors affecting knowledge of autism spectrum disorder among pediatric residents in eastern China: a cross-sectional study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:699. [PMID: 36192723 PMCID: PMC9528050 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03770-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a global increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early identification of ASD in children and intervention are key aspects in the management of ASD. However, early identification is partly dependent on knowledge on ASD among pediatricians. This study analyzed the extent of ASD knowledge and its underlying factors among pediatric residents in eastern China, to provide a reference for medical education reforms. METHODS The study employed the Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Health Workers questionnaire. A total of 138 pediatric residents participated in the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic characteristics and the four domains of the questionnaire. Univariate analysis was employed to assess impacts of the demographic characteristics on the questionnaire scores. On the other hand, multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the participants' demographic characteristics and the questionnaire scores. RESULTS The average ASD cognitive score of 138 respondents was 13.38 ± 4.48. The ASD cognitive scores in female pediatric residents were higher compared to that in males (p < 0.05). Residents who had obtained professional doctor qualification certificate were more than those without professional doctor qualification certificate (p < 0.05). The ASD knowledge in the group which did not have rotation in both departments was lower than in the group which had rotation in both departments (p < 0.05) as well as the group that had rotation in developmental and behavioral pediatrics department only (p < 0.05). Our multivariate linear regression model demonstrated significant statistical differences (p < 0.05), and showed that gender and systematic exposure to ASD knowledge had significant effects on cognitive scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Most participants had relatively low levels of awareness and knowledge about ASD, especially on ASD comorbidities and age of onset. Women, systematic learning of ASD knowledge in medical school, successful passing of the physician examination, and rotation in the developmental and behavioral pediatrics (DBP) department significantly influence the levels of ASD awareness and knowledge. It is, therefore, important to strengthen ASD education in medical students at the university level and make rotation in the DBP department a requisite for pediatric trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Song
- Department of Developmental and behavioral Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Lingling Wu
- Department of Developmental and behavioral Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunxia Hong
- Education Office, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaoyang Chen
- Department of Developmental and behavioral Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhu
- Department of Developmental and behavioral Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
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Chen YJ, Sideris J, Watson LR, Crais ER, Baranek GT. Developmental trajectories of sensory patterns from infancy to school age in a community sample and associations with autistic traits. Child Dev 2022; 93:e446-e459. [PMID: 35238019 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This prospective study examined the latent growth trajectories of sensory patterns among a North Carolina birth cohort (N = 1517; 49% boys, 87% White) across infancy (6-19 months), preschool (3-4 years), and school years (6-7 years). Change rates of sensory hyper- and hyporesponsiveness better differentiated children with an autism diagnosis or elevated autistic traits from those with other developmental conditions, including non-autistic children with sensory differences. More sensory hyper- and hyporesponsiveness at infancy followed by steeper increases differentially predicted more autistic traits at school age. Further, children of parents with higher education tended to show stable or improving trajectories. These findings highlight the importance of tracking sensory patterns from infancy for facilitating early identification of associated challenges and tailored support for families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ju Chen
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - John Sideris
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Linda R Watson
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Crais
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Grace T Baranek
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Whiteley P, Carr K, Shattock P. Research, Clinical, and Sociological Aspects of Autism. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:481546. [PMID: 33995134 PMCID: PMC8116543 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.481546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of autism continues to evolve. Not only have the central diagnostic criteria that define autism evolved but understanding of the label and how autism is viewed in research, clinical and sociological terms has also changed. Several key issues have emerged in relation to research, clinical and sociological aspects of autism. Shifts in research focus to encompass the massive heterogeneity covered under the label and appreciation that autism rarely exists in a diagnostic vacuum have brought about new questions and challenges. Diagnostic changes, increasing moves towards early diagnosis and intervention, and a greater appreciation of autism in girls and women and into adulthood and old age have similarly impacted on autism in the clinic. Discussions about autism in socio-political terms have also increased, as exemplified by the rise of ideas such as neurodiversity and an increasingly vocal dialogue with those diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Such changes are to be welcomed, but at the same time bring with them new challenges. Those changes also offer an insight into what might be further to come for the label of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Whiteley
- ESPA Research, Unit 133i Business Innovation Centre, The Robert Luff Laboratory, Education & Services for People With Autism Research, Sunderland, United Kingdom
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Deviations from Typical Developmental Trajectories Detectable at 9 Months of Age in Low Risk Children Later Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 48:2854-2869. [PMID: 29594925 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3549-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to track the developmental trajectory, during the first 24 months of life, of 335 low-risk infants later diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and identify early deviations observed in routine Well Care checkups. We compared their achievements to typically developing children and to children later diagnosed with non-autistic developmental impairments. The results show that in the first 6 months, the children with autism showed normal acquisition of milestones, whereas by 9 months of age they began to fail the language/communication, as well as motor items when compared to typical and delayed non-autistic children. Regular check-up visits may be useful in detecting early failure in achieving milestones, leading to earlier referral for further evaluation and treatment.
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Möricke E, Greven CU, Visser JC, Oosterling IJ, Buitelaar JK, Rommelse NNJ. Social-communicative and attention problems in infancy and toddlerhood as precursors of preschool autistic traits. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 11:113-122. [DOI: 10.1007/s12402-018-00284-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Ammitzbøll J, Thygesen LC, Holstein BE, Andersen A, Skovgaard AM. Predictive validity of a service-setting-based measure to identify infancy mental health problems: a population-based cohort study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2018; 27:711-723. [PMID: 29052014 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-017-1069-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Measures to identify infancy mental health problems are essential to guide interventions and reduce the risk of developmental psychopathology in early years. We investigated a new service-setting-based measure the Copenhagen Infant Mental Health Screening (CIMHS) within the general child health surveillance by community health nurses (CHN). The study population of 2973 infants was assessed by CIMHS at age 9-10 months. A subsample of 416 children was examined at age 1½ years, using parent interviews including the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL 1½-5), Check List of Autism and Toddlers (CHAT), Infant-Toddler Symptom Checklist (ITSCL), and the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID) and observations of behavior, communication, and interaction. Child mental disorders were diagnosed according to ICD-10 and parent-child relationship disorders according to DC:0-3R. Statistical analyses included logistic regression analyses adjusted and weighted to adjust for sampling and bias. CIMHS problems of sleep, feeding and eating, emotions, attention, communication, and language were associated with an up to fivefold increased risk of child mental disorders across the diagnostic spectrum of ICD-10 diagnoses. Homo-type continuity was seen in problems of sleep and feeding and eating being associated with a threefold increased risk of disorders within the same area, OR 3.0 (95% CI 1.6-5.4) and OR 2.7 (95% CI 1.7-4.2), respectively. The sensitivity at high CIMHS problem scores was 32% and specificity 86%. In summary, CIMHS identify a broad range of infants' mental health problems that are amenable to guide intervention within the general child health surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janni Ammitzbøll
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, 2., 1353, Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Lau Caspar Thygesen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, 2., 1353, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Bjørn E Holstein
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, 2., 1353, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Anette Andersen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, 2., 1353, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Skovgaard
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, 2., 1353, Copenhagen K, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark
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Zauche LH, Darcy Mahoney AE, Higgins MK. Predictors of Co-occurring Neurodevelopmental Disabilities in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Pediatr Nurs 2017; 35:113-119. [PMID: 28728761 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Co-occurring neurodevelopmental disabilities (including cognitive and language delays and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) affect over half of children with ASD and may affect later behavioral, language, and cognitive outcomes beyond the ASD diagnosis. However, no studies have examined predictors of co-occurring neurodevelopmental disabilities in children with ASD. This study investigated whether maternal sociodemographic, perinatal and neonatal factors are associated with co-occurring disabilities. DESIGN AND METHODS This study involved a retrospective analysis of medical records for children diagnosed with ASD between 2009 and 2010 at an Autism Center in the southeast United States. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of co-occurring neurodevelopmental disabilities. RESULTS Of the 385 children in the sample, 61% had a co-occurring neurodevelopmental disability. Children whose mothers had less education (OR: 0.905), had never been married (OR: 1.803), or had bleeding during pregnancy (OR: 2.233) were more likely to have a co-occurring neurodevelopmental disability. Both preterm birth and African American race were associated with bleeding during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Several maternal and perinatal risk factors for ASD were found to put children at risk for further diagnoses of co-occurring neurodevelopmental disabilities. While prematurity, a well-established risk factor for ASD, as well as maternal ethnicity was not found to increase the risk of a co-occurring disability, this study suggests that bleeding during pregnancy may moderate these relationships. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Understanding maternal, perinatal, and neonatal risk factors may inform healthcare provider screening for ASD and co-occurring neurodevelopmental disabilities by helping providers recognize infants who present with multiple risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Head Zauche
- Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, 1520 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
| | - Ashley E Darcy Mahoney
- George Washington University, Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, 2121 Eye Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20052, United States
| | - Melinda K Higgins
- Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, 1520 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
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Darcy-Mahoney A, Minter B, Higgins M, Guo Y, Zauche LH, Hirst J. Maternal and Neonatal Birth Factors Affecting the Age of ASD Diagnosis. NEWBORN AND INFANT NURSING REVIEWS : NAINR 2016; 16:340-347. [PMID: 28989330 PMCID: PMC5630129 DOI: 10.1053/j.nainr.2016.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) enables early intervention that improves long term functioning of children with ASD but is often delayed until age of school entry. Few studies have identified factors that affect timely diagnosis. This study addressed how maternal education, race, age, marital status as well as neonatal birth factors affect the age at which a child is diagnosed with ASD. This study involved a retrospective analysis of 664 records of children treated at one of the largest autism treatment centers in the United States from March 1, 2009 to December 30, 2010. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to identify maternal and neonatal factors associated with age of diagnosis. Infant gender, maternal race, marital status, and maternal age were identified as significant factors for predicting the age of ASD diagnosis. In the Cox proportional hazards regression model, only maternal race and marital status were included. Median survival age till diagnosis of children born to married mothers was 53.4 months compared to 57.8 months and 63.7 months of children born to single and divorced or widowed mothers respectively. Median survival age till diagnosis for children of African American mothers was 53.8 months compared to 57.2 months for children of Caucasian mothers. No statistically significant difference of timing of ASD diagnosis was found for children of varying gestational age. Children born to older or married mothers and mothers of minority races were more likely to have an earlier ASD diagnosis. No statistically significant differences in timing of ASD diagnosis were found for children born at varying gestational ages. Identification of these factors has the potential to inform public health outreach aimed at promoting timely ASD diagnosis. This work could enhance clinical practice for timelier diagnoses of ASD by supporting parents and clinicians around the world in identifying risk factors beyond gender and SES and developing strategies to recognize earlier signs of ASD and contribute to improved development outcomes in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bonnie Minter
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Marcus Autism Center, Atlanta, GA 30329
| | - Melinda Higgins
- Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Ying Guo
- Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Lauren Head Zauche
- Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Jessica Hirst
- Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA 30322
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Schaaf RC, Lane AE. Toward a Best-Practice Protocol for Assessment of Sensory Features in ASD. J Autism Dev Disord 2015; 45:1380-95. [PMID: 25374136 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2299-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Sensory difficulties are a commonly occurring feature of autism spectrum disorders and are now included as one manifestation of the 'restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities' diagnostic criteria of the DSM5 necessitating guidelines for comprehensive assessment of these features. To facilitate the development of such guidelines, this paper provides an overview of the literature on sensory features in autism spectrum disorder. We summarize the literature pertaining to: terminology, current assessment practices, sensory development, and the relationship of sensory features to core symptoms of autism. The paper concludes with recommendations for clinical assessment of sensory features in Autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roseann C Schaaf
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of the Farber Institute of Neuroscience, Jefferson School of Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, 901 Walnut Street, Suite 605, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA,
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Asperger syndrome and nonverbal learning difficulties in adult males: self- and parent-reported autism, attention and executive problems. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2015; 24:969-77. [PMID: 25399237 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-014-0646-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A specific overlap between Asperger syndrome (AS) and nonverbal learning difficulties (NLD) has been proposed, based on the observation that, as a group, people with AS tend to have significantly higher verbal IQ (VIQ) than performance IQ (PIQ), one of the core features of NLD. The primary aim was to assess the longer term outcome of NLD--broken down into persistent and transient forms. The present study of 68 individuals was performed in the context of a larger prospective longitudinal study to late adolescence/early adult life of 100 boys with AS. Using self- and parent-report measures, we studied the longer term outcome of the NLD (defined as VIQ > PIQ by 15 points) as regards social communication, repetitive behaviour, attention, and executive function (EF) was studied. Three subgroups were identified: (1) Persistent NLD (P-NLD), (2) Childhood "only" NLD (CO-NLD) and (3) Never NLD (NO-NLD). The P-NLD group had the worst outcome overall. The CO-NLD group had better reported EF scores than the two other AS subgroups. There were no differences between the subgroups regarding social communication, repetitive behaviour, or attentional skills. Low PIQ increased the risk of ADHD symptoms. In the context of AS in males, P-NLD carries a relatively poor outcome, particularly with regard to self-reported EF. However, CO-NLD appears to entail a significantly better outcome. The results underscore the importance of analysing the cognitive profile both at diagnosis and after several years, so as to be able to formulate a realistic prognosis.
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Einspieler C, Sigafoos J, Bölte S, Bratl-Pokorny KD, Landa R, Marschik PB. Highlighting the first 5 months of life: General movements in infants later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or Rett Syndrome. RESEARCH IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 2014; 8:286-291. [PMID: 29770159 PMCID: PMC5951269 DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2013.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
We review literature identifying an association between motor abnormality in the first 5 months of infancy and later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Rett syndrome (RTT). The assessment of the quality of early spontaneous movements (also known as the assessment of general movements; GMs) is a diagnostic tool that has repeatedly proven to be valuable in detecting early markers for neurodevelopmental disorders. Even though the rate of occurrence of abnormal GMs is exceedingly high in infants later diagnosed with ASD, we endorse further studies using this method either based on family videos or its prospective implementation in high-risk sibling studies to evaluate the power of GM assessment as one potential marker for early maldevelopment in this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa Einspieler
- Research Unit iDN – interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- School of Educational Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Sven Bölte
- Dept. of Women’s and Children’s Health, Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katrin D. Bratl-Pokorny
- Research Unit iDN – interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Rebecca Landa
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Baltimore, USA
| | - Peter B. Marschik
- Research Unit iDN – interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
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