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Torenvliet C, Groenman AP, Van der Burg E, Charlton RC, Hamilton CJ, Geurts HM. Memory strategies in autistic and older adults. Autism Res 2024. [PMID: 39005233 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Memory strategies in autistic adults seem to mimic strategies at older age, as both younger autistic and older non-autistic individuals use fewer semantic features in visual memory tasks. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate whether early differences in memory strategies lead to altered age-related effects in autism, particularly whether initial difficulties in strategy use become advantageous at older age (i.e., "protective aging"). A total of 147 participants across four groups (autistic younger/older, non-autistic younger/older) completed an online assessment. This assessment included a recognition version of the Visual Patterns Test (VPT) to evaluate semantic strategy use in visual memory, the Just Noticeable Difference (JND) size task for assessing visual processing, and the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire to evaluate subjective memory functioning and strategy use (MMQ). Unexpectedly, all groups benefited from semantic features on the VPT, although the older groups performed less accurately and slower than the younger groups. The JND Size task showed no group differences. Autistic adults rated their MMQ memory as worse than non-autistic adults, despite reporting greater strategy use. These results indicate that cognitive strategies might be more similar between younger/older and autistic/non-autistic people than previously expected, although notable discrepancies between objective and subjective measures were present. They also substantiate previously reported parallel (i.e., similar) age-related effects between autistic and non-autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Torenvliet
- Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center, Brain & Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A P Groenman
- Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center, Brain & Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Research Institute Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - E Van der Burg
- Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center, Brain & Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - R C Charlton
- GoldAge Lab, Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths University, London, UK
| | - C J Hamilton
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - H M Geurts
- Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center, Brain & Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Leo Kannerhuis, autism clinic (Youz/Parnassia Group), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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2
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Nicholls LAB, Stewart ME. Autistic traits are associated with enhanced working memory capacity for abstract visual stimuli. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2023; 236:103905. [PMID: 37086664 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.103905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We tested whether the association between autistic traits and enhanced performance in visual-perceptual tasks extends to visual working memory capacity. We predicted that any positive effect of autistic traits on visual working memory performance would be greatest during domain-specific tasks, in which visual resources must be relied upon. We used a visual 'matrix' task, involving recall of black-and-white chequered patterns which increased in size, to establish participants' capacity (span). We assessed 144 young adults' (M = 22.0 years, SD = 2.5) performance on abstract, 'low semantic' versus 'high semantic' task versions. The latter offered multimodal coding due to the availability of long-term memory resources that could supplement visual working memory. Participants also completed measures of autistic traits and trait anxiety. Autistic traits, especially Attention to Detail, Attention Switching, and Communication, positively predicted visual working memory capacity, specifically in the low semantic task, which relies on visual working memory resources. Autistic traits are therefore associated with enhanced processing and recall of visual information. The benefit is removed, however, when multimodal coding may be incorporated, emphasising the visual nature of the benefit. Strengths in focused attention to detail therefore appear to benefit domain-specific visual working memory task performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise A Brown Nicholls
- School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, 40 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1QE, UK.
| | - Mary E Stewart
- Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
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Zhao X, Zhu S, Cao Y, Cheng P, Lin Y, Sun Z, Li Y, Jiang W, Du Y. Regional homogeneity of adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder and its association with symptom severity. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2693. [PMID: 35816591 PMCID: PMC9392530 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Previous studies have revealed abnormal regional homogeneity (ReHo) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, there is little consistency across the findings within these studies, partly due to small sample size and great heterogeneity among participants between studies. Additionally, few studies have explored the association between ReHo aberrance and clinical symptoms in individuals with ASD. METHODS Forty-eight adolescents with high-functioning ASD and 63 group-matched typically developing (TD) controls received functional magnetic resonance imaging at rest. Group-level analysis was performed to detect differences in ReHo between ASD and TD. Evaluation of symptom severity in individuals with ASD was based on the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). Voxel-wise correlation analysis was undergone to examine the correlations between the symptom severity and ReHo map in individuals with ASD within brain areas with ReHo abnormalities. RESULTS Compared with the TD controls, individuals with ASD exhibited increased ReHo in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex, left caudate, right posterior cerebellum (cerebellar tonsil), and bilateral brainstem and decreased ReHo in the left precentral gyrus, left inferior parietal lobule, bilateral postcentral gyrus, and right anterior cerebellum (culmen). The correlation analysis indicated that the ReHo value in the brainstem was negatively associated with the ABC total scores and the scores of Relating factor, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that widespread ReHo abnormalities occurred in ASD, shedding light on the underlying neurobiology of pathogenesis and symptomatology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxin Zhao
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyi Zhu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Psychiatry, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Peipei Cheng
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxiong Lin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhixin Sun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenqing Jiang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yasong Du
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Stolte M, Trindade-Pons V, Vlaming P, Jakobi B, Franke B, Kroesbergen EH, Baas M, Hoogman M. Characterizing Creative Thinking and Creative Achievements in Relation to Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:909202. [PMID: 35845437 PMCID: PMC9283685 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.909202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research on ADHD and ASD has mainly focused on the deficits associated with these conditions, but there is also evidence for strengths. Unfortunately, our understanding of potential strengths in neurodevelopmental conditions is limited. One particular strength, creativity, has been associated with both ADHD and ASD. However, the distinct presentations of both conditions beg the question whether ADHD and ASD associate with the same or different aspects of creativity. Therefore, the current study investigated the links between ADHD and ASD symptoms, creative thinking abilities, and creative achievements. To investigate the spectrum of ADHD and ASD symptoms, self-reported ADHD and ASD symptoms, convergent (Remote Associations Test) and divergent thinking (Alternative Uses Task) and creative achievements (Creative Achievement Questionnaire) were assessed in a self-reportedly healthy sample of adults (n = 470). We performed correlation analysis to investigate the relation between ADHD/ASD symptoms and creativity measures. In a second phase of analysis, data from an adult ADHD case-control study (n = 151) were added to investigate the association between ADHD symptoms and divergent thinking in individuals with and without a diagnosis of ADHD. Our analysis revealed that having more ADHD symptoms in the general population was associated with higher scores on all the outcome measures for divergent thinking (fluency, flexibility, and originality), but not for convergent thinking. Individuals with an ADHD diagnosis in the case-control sample also scored higher on measures of divergent thinking. Combining data of the population based and case-control studies showed that ADHD symptoms predict divergent thinking up to a certain level of symptoms. No significant associations were found between the total number of ASD symptoms and any of the creativity measures. However, explorative analyses showed interesting links between the ASD subdomains of problems with imagination and symptoms that relate to social difficulties. Our findings showed a link between ADHD symptoms and divergent thinking abilities that plateaus in the clinical spectrum of symptoms. For ASD symptoms, no relation was found with creativity measures. Increasing the knowledge about positive phenotypes associated with neurodevelopmental conditions and their symptom dimensions might aid psychoeducation, decrease stigmatization and improve quality of life of individuals living with such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije Stolte
- Educational Consultancy and Professional Development, Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Victoria Trindade-Pons
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Priscilla Vlaming
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Babette Jakobi
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Barbara Franke
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Matthijs Baas
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martine Hoogman
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Patil AU, Madathil D, Huang CM. Healthy Aging Alters the Functional Connectivity of Creative Cognition in the Default Mode Network and Cerebellar Network. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:607988. [PMID: 33679372 PMCID: PMC7929978 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.607988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Creativity is a higher-order neurocognitive process that produces unusual and unique thoughts. Behavioral and neuroimaging studies of younger adults have revealed that creative performance is the product of dynamic and spontaneous processes involving multiple cognitive functions and interactions between large-scale brain networks, including the default mode network (DMN), fronto-parietal executive control network (ECN), and salience network (SN). In this resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) study, group independent component analysis (group-ICA) and resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) measures were applied to examine whether and how various functional connected networks of the creative brain, particularly the default-executive and cerebro-cerebellar networks, are altered with advancing age. The group-ICA approach identified 11 major brain networks across age groups that reflected age-invariant resting-state networks. Compared with older adults, younger adults exhibited more specific and widespread dorsal network and sensorimotor network connectivity within and between the DMN, fronto-parietal ECN, and visual, auditory, and cerebellar networks associated with creativity. This outcome suggests age-specific changes in the functional connected network, particularly in the default-executive and cerebro-cerebellar networks. Our connectivity data further elucidate the critical roles of the cerebellum and cerebro-cerebellar connectivity in creativity in older adults. Furthermore, our findings provide evidence supporting the default-executive coupling hypothesis of aging and novel insights into the interactions of cerebro-cerebellar networks with creative cognition in older adults, which suggest alterations in the cognitive processes of the creative aging brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Uday Patil
- Department of Sensor and Biomedical Technology, School of Electronics Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India.,Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Deepa Madathil
- Department of Sensor and Biomedical Technology, School of Electronics Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Chih-Mao Huang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices (IDS2B), National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Linguistics, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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6
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Li S, Hu J, Chang R, Li Q, Wan P, Liu S. Eye Movements of Spatial Working Memory Encoding in Children with and without Autism: Chunking Processing and Reference Preference. Autism Res 2020; 14:897-910. [PMID: 32959979 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience spatial working memory deficits and show different encoding mechanisms from typical developing (TD) peers. To effectively describe the encoding strategies of those with ASD and highlight their characteristics in cognitive processing, we adopted improved change detection tasks and added eye-movement indicators to investigate the chunking function and reference preference of children with and without ASD. The current study included 20 participants with ASD aged 8-16 and 20 TD children matched for age, gender, and intelligence. Experiment 1 used high/low-structured change detection tasks, and eye-movement indexes were recorded as they memorized the locations of the items to investigate spatial chunking strategies. In Experiment 2, changes in eye movement patterns were observed by adding a frame of reference. The results suggested different encoding strategies in ASD and TD individuals. The ASD group showed local processing bias and had difficulty adopting chunking strategies in spatial working memory. Eye-movement analysis suggested that they rarely showed integrated information processing tendency observed in TD children. Moreover, as a compensatory processing, they were more likely to use the frame of reference. In this study, we compared the spatial chunking strategies and reference preference of children with and without ASD, and eye-movement analysis was used to investigate the processing mechanism. These findings are significant for research on cognitive characteristics of ASD and provide a new focus for working memory training in children with ASD. LAY SUMMARY: The current study suggests that children with autism spectrum disorder are poorer at organizing items into chunks in spatial working memory, but rely more on reference frames. If the purpose of location memory is to strengthen the adaptability of children with autism, it should provide them with more clues or references. If it is for the purpose of intervention such as cognitive training, it should guide them to integrate information to improve the basic cognitive processing efficiency. Autism Res 2021, 14: 897-910. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songze Li
- Department of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jinsheng Hu
- Department of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ruosong Chang
- Department of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Peng Wan
- Department of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuqing Liu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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Cardillo R, Vio C, Mammarella IC. A comparison of local-global visuospatial processing in autism spectrum disorder, nonverbal learning disability, ADHD and typical development. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2020; 103:103682. [PMID: 32442872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on visuospatial functioning has revealed cognitive challenges for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), nonverbal learning disability (NLD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These disorders are characterized by some overlapping symptoms, making their diagnosis a challenge. AIMS The study aims to clarify the role of visuospatial abilities in their neuropsychological profiles by investigating different visuospatial domains and their interplay with the local-global processing. METHOD AND PROCEDURES Participants (N = 150) with ASD, NLD, or ADHD were compared with typically-developing (TD) children on visuospatial processing speed, visuo-perceptual abilities, visuo-constructive abilities, and visuospatial working memory. Generalized mixed-effects models were performed and receiver operating characteristic curves were estimated to express the usefulness of a local-global processing index in discriminating groups. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS The NLD group was impaired in all domains; children with ADHD revealed a heterogeneous profile, with greater impairments in visuospatial processing speed; ASD and TD groups were comparable. The local-global processing index had predictive power in discriminating among groups in visuo-constructive task. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The study of visuospatial abilities of children with ASD, NLD and ADHD might help to understand strengths and weaknesses in their neuropsychological profile and to differentiate between them. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Cardillo
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Claudio Vio
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, San Donà di Piave, Venice, Italy.
| | - Irene C Mammarella
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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8
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Attout L, Noël MP, Rousselle L. Toward an integrative model accounting for typical and atypical development of visuospatial short-term memory. Child Neuropsychol 2020; 27:37-62. [PMID: 32703062 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2020.1793923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The origin of visuospatial short-term memory (STM) impairment is poorly investigated and is generally considered to be the result of a more global visuospatial deficit. However, previous studies suggest an important influence of two elements on performance in visuospatial STM tasks, the mode of presentation (i.e., simultaneous and sequential), and the visuospatial arrangement (structured vs. unstructured). With regards to a recent proposal, the aim of this study was to examine the development of the two modes of presentation and the visuospatial arrangement of visuospatial information in STM in a hundred typically developing participants aged from 4 years old to adults. Moreover, we also examined how the model explains the pattern of visuospatial STM deficit in two neurodevelopmental syndromes with different profiles in terms of STM abilities, namely Williams syndrome and Down syndrome. We found distinct performance for sequential and simultaneous presentation only from 11 years old with better performance in simultaneous than in sequential presentation mode and a sensitivity to visuospatial arrangement that increases with age. Both syndromes presented deficits at different levels, people with Williams syndrome for visuospatial arrangement and with Down syndrome for simultaneous visuospatial information in STM. The results demonstrate the importance to consider the influence of preexisting visuospatial knowledge on STM abilities. A two processing route model of STM is an interesting framework to interpret the different results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Attout
- Research Unit "Enfances", University of Liège , Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie-Pascale Noël
- Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Catholic University of Louvain , Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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Mammarella IC, Cornoldi C. Nonverbal learning disability (developmental visuospatial disorder). HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 174:83-91. [PMID: 32977898 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64148-9.00007-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nonverbal learning disability is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a core deficit in visuospatial processing with possibly associated problems in attention, motor, academic, and social skills, but without associated neurologic or genetic syndromes. The present chapter, after a brief historic overview of this disorder, will present fresh evidence that clearly shows neuropsychologic and neuroanatomical distinctions between children with nonverbal learning disability and those with other neurodevelopmental disorders. It ends with an attempt to find shared and valid diagnostic criteria. Acknowledging this disorder as a distinct diagnostic category will open up new research avenues with important scientific and clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene C Mammarella
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Cesare Cornoldi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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10
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Cardillo R, Lanfranchi S, Mammarella IC. A cross-task comparison on visuospatial processing in autism spectrum disorders. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2019; 24:765-779. [PMID: 31778069 DOI: 10.1177/1362361319888341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to draw a cross-task comparison on visuospatial processing in autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability. Participants with autism spectrum disorder were matched with typically developing individuals on general intelligence and perceptual reasoning index. The two groups were subsequently compared on visuospatial processing speed, visuo-perceptual, visuo-constructive, and visuospatial working memory tasks. Our results revealed similar performances between autism spectrum disorder and typically developing individuals on measures of visuospatial processing speed and visuospatial working memory. The autism spectrum disorder group showed slower reaction times than the typically developing group in the visuo-perceptual task, when stimuli were characterized by a minimum level of perceptual cohesiveness, revealing weaker spatial integration abilities. Concerning the visuo-constructive domain, no differences between the autism spectrum disorder and the typically developing group emerged for the unsegmented condition, revealing that our participants with autism spectrum disorder were similar to the typically developing group in the local analysis of the stimuli. The discussion takes into account the role of individual differences on visuospatial intelligence, task requirements, and cognitive domains to clarify the visuospatial processing skills of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
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Giofrè D, Provazza S, Angione D, Cini A, Menazza C, Oppi F, Cornoldi C. The intellectual profile of children with autism spectrum disorders may be underestimated: A comparison between two different batteries in an Italian sample. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2019; 90:72-79. [PMID: 31082681 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Intelligence measures are typically used in the assessment of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but there is a paucity of research on the implications of such testing. In the present study, we examined children with ASD using two of the most largely adopted instruments, i.e., the WISC-IV, arguably the most utilized scale in the world; and the Leiter-3, a nonverbal scale that also excludes, from the IQ calculation, working memory and processing speed, which are points of weakness in ASD. Results showed that IQ and indices of these two batteries are strongly correlated. However, the WISC-IV IQ might underestimates the potential of children with ASD, particularly in children with a low functioning profile. These hold true for both the full scale IQ and three out of four indices of the WISC-IV, with remarkable implications for both assessment and treatment of these children. Practitioners working with children with ASD should be aware that the battery that they are using might severely affect the estimation of these children's potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Giofrè
- Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.
| | - S Provazza
- Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - D Angione
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - A Cini
- Diagnosis and Research Center in Autism (CDCRA), ULSS 9, Scaligera, Italy
| | - C Menazza
- Center for Developmental Age and Autism, Polo Blu, Padova, Italy
| | - F Oppi
- Diagnosis and Research Center in Autism (CDCRA), ULSS 9, Scaligera, Italy
| | - C Cornoldi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Semino S, Zanobini M, Usai MC. Visual memory profile in children with high functioning autism. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-CHILD 2019; 10:26-36. [PMID: 30998085 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2019.1594231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Visual memory in children with high-functioning autism (HFA) is an area of debate. According to the few studies that have examined visual memory in children with autism, the memory profile appears to vary according to the memory process and type of stimuli, and contrasting results may be found. This study aims to analyze the visual memory profile of children with HFA. Fifteen children with HFA (mean age 9.6) and 15 typically developing children (TD; mean age 9.2) matched by chronological age and Leiter-R Brief IQ score took part in the study. Associative and recognition memory as well as visuospatial working memory were assessed. Impairments in face recognition and forward memory were found, whereas associative memory and shape recognition were preserved. The memory profile in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) showed relatively stronger abilities in associative memory than in the other visual memory domains. The results support the hypothesis that the level of stimulus processing may influence memory performance by having a large impact on tasks and stimuli that require access to a semantic or global level of processing. In contrast to the TD population, children with ASD may have difficulty extracting underlying regularities from experiences and generalizing that information. Highlights Children with high-functioning autism (HFA) show preserved ability in associative memory and shape recognition. Face recognition appears to be a specific deficit in children with HFA. Associative memory appeared to be the strongest ability in the memory profile of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing (TD) children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Semino
- Department of Education, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Nicholls LAB, English B. Multimodal coding and strategic approach in young and older adults’ visual working memory performance. AGING NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2019; 27:83-113. [DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2019.1585515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brad English
- Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Clinical Psychology Department, Fern House, Highbury Hospital, Nottingham, UK
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Negative geotaxis: An early age behavioral hallmark to VPA rat model of autism. Ann Neurosci 2019; 26:25-31. [PMID: 31975769 PMCID: PMC6894633 DOI: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.260106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Negative geotaxis (NG) is an important parameter, commonly used in study of different CNS diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurobehavioural change following brain injury was easily identified by negative geotaxis. Purpose Although NG is evaluated in the settings of ASD, most of the studies are conducted for short duration (1-3 day) and the overall trend of acquisition of NG is not evaluated. In this context, we wanted to evaluate the trend of acquisition of negative geotaxis as a behavioural marker of autism in Valproic acid (VPA) model of ASD. Methods Dams in the VPA group were treated with intraperitoneal injections of VPA 600 mg/kg single dose on gestational day 12.5, while the control animals received normal saline of similar volume. Developmental parameters {body weight (PND 8, 10 & 12), body length (PND 4, 5, 6 8, 10), eye opening (PND 10, 12, 14, 15 and 16) and motor development (grid walking test on PND 20)} were monitored. Negative geotaxis test was performed at PND 6, 10, 15 and 17. Results The results of the present experiments demonstrate that VPA exposed rats exhibited delayed developmental parameters, aberration of the pattern of acquisition of negative geotaxis, enhanced negative geotaxis in early postnatal period (PND 6) and enhanced negative geotaxis in absence of visual clues (PND 17). Conclusion NG can be a valuable biomarker in early detection of autistic behavior and in absence of visual clues. The abberant negative geotaxis developmental pattern can serve as a marker to detect ASD. Thus NG can serve as an important early age biomarker of ASD. Further studies are required to validate this finding.
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Hamilton CJ, Mammarella IC, Giofrè D. Autistic-like traits in children are associated with enhanced performance in a qualitative visual working memory task. Autism Res 2018; 11:1494-1499. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.2028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Colin J. Hamilton
- Department of Psychology; Northumbria University; Newcastle upon Tyne UK
| | - Irene C. Mammarella
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology; University of Padova; Padova Italy
| | - David Giofrè
- Department of Natural Sciences and Psychology; Liverpool John Moores University; Liverpool UK
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Andreau JM, Torres Batán S. Exploring lateralization during memory through hemispheric pre-activation: Differences based on the stimulus type. Laterality 2018; 24:393-416. [PMID: 30290713 DOI: 10.1080/1357650x.2018.1531422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The original approach of the Hemispheric Encoding/Retrieval Asymmetry model (HERA) was aimed at the operations of encoding and retrieving episodic memories. However, whether HERA presumptions can apply to different types of stimuli (e.g., words and pictures) continues to be a matter of debate. Therefore, in order to analyse the effects of brain pre-activation on subsequent memory, HERA was tested through a hand-clenching paradigm using four types of stimuli: words, fractal images, silhouettes of common objects, and pseudowords. Results revealed that only the memory of words and pseudowords was enhanced by hand-clenching pre-activation, according to HERA predictions. Since the cognitive processes underlying recognition of verbal stimuli are considered to follow a cognitive route involving grapheme-morpheme conversion, it could be hypothesized that hand-clenching pre-activation might be associated with a selective pre-activation of the brain circuits participating in that pathway. Hence, the present work broadens possible interpretations behind the effects of hand-clenching on memory, based on the process engaged and the type of stimulus to be remembered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Mario Andreau
- a Instituto de Investigación, Facultad de Psicología y Psicopedagogía , Universidad del Salvador , Buenos Aires , Argentina.,b Laboratorio de Biología del Comportamiento , Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) , Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Santiago Torres Batán
- a Instituto de Investigación, Facultad de Psicología y Psicopedagogía , Universidad del Salvador , Buenos Aires , Argentina.,b Laboratorio de Biología del Comportamiento , Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) , Buenos Aires , Argentina
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Orme E, Brown LA, Riby LM. Retrieval and Monitoring Processes during Visual Working Memory: An ERP Study of the Benefit of Visual Semantics. Front Psychol 2017; 8:1080. [PMID: 28725203 PMCID: PMC5496952 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined electrophysiological indices of episodic remembering whilst participants recalled novel shapes, with and without semantic content, within a visual working memory paradigm. The components of interest were the parietal episodic (PE; 400-800 ms) and late posterior negativity (LPN; 500-900 ms), as these have previously been identified as reliable markers of recollection and post-retrieval monitoring, respectively. Fifteen young adults completed a visual matrix patterns task, assessing memory for low and high semantic visual representations. Matrices with either low semantic or high semantic content (containing familiar visual forms) were briefly presented to participants for study (1500 ms), followed by a retention interval (6000 ms) and finally a same/different recognition phase. The event-related potentials of interest were tracked from the onset of the recognition test stimuli. Analyses revealed equivalent amplitude for the earlier PE effect for the processing of both low and high semantic stimulus types. However, the LPN was more negative-going for the processing of the low semantic stimuli. These data are discussed in terms of relatively 'pure' and complete retrieval of high semantic items, where support can readily be recruited from semantic memory. However, for the low semantic items additional executive resources, as indexed by the LPN, are recruited when memory monitoring and uncertainty exist in order to recall previously studied items more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Orme
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria UniversityNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Louise A Brown
- School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of StrathclydeGlasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Leigh M Riby
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria UniversityNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Carmo JC, Souza C, Gonçalves F, Pinho S, Filipe CN, Lachmann T. Effects of categorical representation on visuospatial working memory in autism spectrum disorder. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2016; 39:131-141. [DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2016.1207754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Chien YL, Gau SSF, Shang CY, Chiu YN, Tsai WC, Wu YY. Visual memory and sustained attention impairment in youths with autism spectrum disorders. Psychol Med 2015; 45:2263-2273. [PMID: 25902960 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291714003201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An uneven neurocognitive profile is a hallmark of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies focusing on the visual memory performance in ASD have shown controversial results. We investigated visual memory and sustained attention in youths with ASD and typically developing (TD) youths. METHOD We recruited 143 pairs of youths with ASD (males 93.7%; mean age 13.1, s.d. 3.5 years) and age- and sex-matched TD youths. The ASD group consisted of 67 youths with autistic disorder (autism) and 76 with Asperger's disorder (AS) based on the DSM-IV criteria. They were assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery involving the visual memory [spatial recognition memory (SRM), delayed matching to sample (DMS), paired associates learning (PAL)] and sustained attention (rapid visual information processing; RVP). RESULTS Youths with ASD performed significantly worse than TD youths on most of the tasks; the significance disappeared in the superior intelligence quotient (IQ) subgroup. The response latency on the tasks did not differ between the ASD and TD groups. Age had significant main effects on SRM, DMS, RVP and part of PAL tasks and had an interaction with diagnosis in DMS and RVP performance. There was no significant difference between autism and AS on visual tasks. CONCLUSIONS Our findings implied that youths with ASD had a wide range of visual memory and sustained attention impairment that was moderated by age and IQ, which supports temporal and frontal lobe dysfunction in ASD. The lack of difference between autism and AS implies that visual memory and sustained attention cannot distinguish these two ASD subtypes, which supports DSM-5 ASD criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-L Chien
- Department of Psychiatry,National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine,Taipei,Taiwan
| | - S S-F Gau
- Department of Psychiatry,National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine,Taipei,Taiwan
| | - C-Y Shang
- Department of Psychiatry,National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine,Taipei,Taiwan
| | - Y-N Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry,National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine,Taipei,Taiwan
| | - W-C Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry,National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine,Taipei,Taiwan
| | - Y-Y Wu
- Department of Psychiatry,Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou Medical Center,Chang Gung University College of Medicine,Tao-Yuan,Taiwan
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