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Rhodes SM, McDougal E, Efthymiou C, Stewart TM, Booth JN. Co-production of the 'EPIC' multidimensional tool-kit to support neurodivergent children and young people at home and school: a feasibility and pilot study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:108. [PMID: 39127770 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01530-3] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interventions focused on cognitive function in neurodivergent children typically focus on single functions, e.g. working memory training. They are often focused on 'deficit' models and lack an emphasis on understanding areas of individual strengths and difficulties as a prerequisite to appropriate support. The multidimensional nature and phenotypic variability of cognitive profiles in these children indicate a need for a multicomponent-tailored intervention programme focused on understanding and supporting an individual child's cognitive functioning. AIMS The 'EPIC' intervention (Edinburgh Psychoeducation Intervention for Children and Young People) is focused on improving cognition, learning and behaviour in neurodivergent children such as those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or who are autistic. Building on our previous co-production work, this study aimed to use a participatory methods approach to develop EPIC practices and materials in relation to our key principles which include psychoeducation, multicomponent, individualised approach, strengths and difficulties profiling and pairing of a child's individual strengths and difficulties with internal and external strategies. We also set out to assess the feasibility and acceptability of EPIC, and pilot this novel tool-kit intervention with neurodivergent children and their parents and teachers. METHODS The intervention practices, materials and strategies of EPIC were co-produced with neurodivergent children, their parents, teachers and clinicians taking a strengths and difficulties approach. Identification of psychoeducation activities and strategy practices (e.g. mind-maps, chunking), testing of feasibility and collection of pilot data were conducted over a bi-weekly 8-week programme. Eleven neurodivergent children aged 7 to 12 completed the 16-session individualised programme. Acceptability and feasibility were ascertained via qualitative reports elicited within child and teacher interviews and child ratings of enjoyment. Pilot evaluation data was collected pre- and post-intervention participation, and across cognitive assessments (CANTAB, BRIEF), educational attainment (WIAT) and parent and teacher questionnaires measuring clinical symptoms and behaviour (Conners, AQ, SDQ, self-perception). Data was compared with a matched neurodivergent treatment-as-usual control group (N = 9). RESULTS The co-produced EPIC intervention was both feasible to deliver and acceptable to children, parents and their teachers. Pilot data identified that the 8-week intervention improved cognition (short-term and working memory) and literacy (receptive vocabulary, oral word fluency, listening comprehension). Improvements in the intervention group were also found for parent-reported child behavioural difficulties and aggression, and teacher-reported scholastic competence. Effect sizes generated (Cohen's d) ranged from 0.65 to 2.83. Parents reported continuing to use EPIC strategies when interviewed over a year after participating in the programme. CONCLUSION The current study met our objectives fully. 'EPIC' (Edinburgh Psychoeducation Intervention for Children and Young People) is feasible in home and school contexts and improves a range of aspects of cognition, learning and behaviour in neurodivergent children. Our findings show EPIC is suitable to be assessed within a full-scale trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinead M Rhodes
- Department of Child Life and Health, University of Edinburgh, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Little France, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland.
| | - Emily McDougal
- Evidence Based Practice Unit, Anna Freud and UCL, London, UK
| | - Christina Efthymiou
- Department of Child Life and Health, University of Edinburgh, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Little France, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland
| | - Tracy M Stewart
- Department of Child Life and Health, University of Edinburgh, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Little France, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland
- Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 8AQ, Scotland
| | - Josie N Booth
- Department of Child Life and Health, University of Edinburgh, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Little France, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland
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Lee KS, Gau SSF, Tseng WL. Autistic Symptoms, Irritability, and Executive Dysfunctions: Symptom Dynamics from Multi-Network Models. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:3078-3093. [PMID: 37453959 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05981-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Socio-cognitive difficulties in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are heterogenuous and often co-occur with irritability symptoms, such as angry/grouchy mood and temper outbursts. However, the specific relations between individual symptoms are not well-represented in conventional methods analyzing aggregated autistic symptoms and ASD diagnosis. Moreover, the cognitive-behavioral mechanisms linking ASD to irritability are largely unknown. This study investigated the dynamics between autistic (Social Responsiveness Scale) and irritability (Affective Reactivity Index) symptoms and executive functions (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery) in a sample of children and adolescents with ASD, their unaffected siblings, and neurotypical peers (N = 345, aged 6-18 years, 78.6% male). Three complementary networks across the entire sample were computed: (1) Gaussian graphical network estimating the conditional correlations between symptom nodes; (2) Relative importance network computing relative influence between symptoms; (3) Bayesian directed acyclic graph estimating predictive directionality between symptoms. Networks revealed numerous partial correlations within autistic (rs = .07-.56) and irritability (rs = .01-.45) symptoms and executive functions (rs = -.83 to .67) but weak connections between clusters. This segregated pattern converged in all directed and supplementary networks. Plausible predictive paths were found between social communication difficulties to autism mannerisms and between "angry frequently" to "lose temper easily." Autistic and irritability symptoms are two relatively independent families of symptoms. It is unlikely that executive dysfunctions explain elevated irritability in ASD. Findings underscore the need for researching other mood and cognitive-behavioral bridge symptoms, which may inform individualized treatments for co-occurring irritability in ASD.
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Grants
- R00 MH110570 NIMH NIH HHS
- R00MH110570 NIMH NIH HHS
- NSC98-3112-B-002-004 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- NSC99-2627- B-002-015 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- NSC100-2627-B-002-014 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- NSC101-2627-B- 002-002 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- NSC 101-2314-B-002-136-MY3 Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan
- NHRI-EX104-10404PI National Health Research Institute, Taiwan
- NHRI-EX105-10404PI National Health Research Institute, Taiwan
- NHRI-EX106-10404PI National Health Research Institute, Taiwan
- NHRI-EX107-10404PI National Health Research Institute, Taiwan
- NHRI-EX108-10404PI National Health Research Institute, Taiwan
- NHRI-EX110-11002PI National Health Research Institute, Taiwan
- NHRI-EX111-11002PI National Health Research Institute, Taiwan
- 10R81918- 03101R892103 AIM for Top University Excellent Research Project
- 102R892103 AIM for Top University Excellent Research Project
- R00MH110570 NIMH NIH HHS
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Shu Lee
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, No. 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, 10002, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Wan-Ling Tseng
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Soto-Icaza P, Soto-Fernández P, Kausel L, Márquez-Rodríguez V, Carvajal-Paredes P, Martínez-Molina MP, Figueroa-Vargas A, Billeke P. Oscillatory activity underlying cognitive performance in children and adolescents with autism: a systematic review. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1320761. [PMID: 38384334 PMCID: PMC10879575 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1320761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that exhibits a widely heterogeneous range of social and cognitive symptoms. This feature has challenged a broad comprehension of this neurodevelopmental disorder and therapeutic efforts to address its difficulties. Current therapeutic strategies have focused primarily on treating behavioral symptoms rather than on brain psychophysiology. During the past years, the emergence of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques (NIBS) has opened alternatives to the design of potential combined treatments focused on the neurophysiopathology of neuropsychiatric disorders like ASD. Such interventions require identifying the key brain mechanisms underlying the symptomatology and cognitive features. Evidence has shown alterations in oscillatory features of the neural ensembles associated with cognitive functions in ASD. In this line, we elaborated a systematic revision of the evidence of alterations in brain oscillations that underlie key cognitive processes that have been shown to be affected in ASD during childhood and adolescence, namely, social cognition, attention, working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. This knowledge could contribute to developing therapies based on NIBS to improve these processes in populations with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Soto-Icaza
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Social y Neuromodulación, Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social, (neuroCICS), Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Leonie Kausel
- Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia Humana y Neuropsicología (CENHN), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Víctor Márquez-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Social y Neuromodulación, Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social, (neuroCICS), Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricio Carvajal-Paredes
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Social y Neuromodulación, Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social, (neuroCICS), Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Paz Martínez-Molina
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Social y Neuromodulación, Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social, (neuroCICS), Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandra Figueroa-Vargas
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Social y Neuromodulación, Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social, (neuroCICS), Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
- Laboratory for Cognitive and Evolutionary Neuroscience (LaNCE), Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Billeke
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Social y Neuromodulación, Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social, (neuroCICS), Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
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Lefebvre A, Traut N, Pedoux A, Maruani A, Beggiato A, Elmaleh M, Germanaud D, Amestoy A, Ly-Le Moal M, Chatham C, Murtagh L, Bouvard M, Alisson M, Leboyer M, Bourgeron T, Toro R, Dumas G, Moreau C, Delorme R. Exploring the multidimensional nature of repetitive and restricted behaviors and interests (RRBI) in autism: neuroanatomical correlates and clinical implications. Mol Autism 2023; 14:45. [PMID: 38012709 PMCID: PMC10680239 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00576-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repetitive and restricted behaviors and interests (RRBI) are core symptoms of autism with a complex entity and are commonly categorized into 'motor-driven' and 'cognitively driven'. RRBI symptomatology depends on the individual's clinical environment limiting the understanding of RRBI physiology, particularly their associated neuroanatomical structures. The complex RRBI heterogeneity needs to explore the whole RRBI spectrum by integrating the clinical context [autistic individuals, their relatives and typical developing (TD) individuals]. We hypothesized that different RRBI dimensions would emerge by exploring the whole spectrum of RRBI and that these dimensions are associated with neuroanatomical signatures-involving cortical and subcortical areas. METHOD A sample of 792 individuals composed of 267 autistic subjects, their 370 first-degree relatives and 155 TD individuals was enrolled in the study. We assessed the whole patterns of RRBI in each individual by using the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised and the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. We estimated brain volumes using MRI scanner for a subsample of the subjects (n = 152, 42 ASD, 89 relatives and 13 TD). We first investigated the dimensionality of RRBI by performing a principal component analysis on all items of these scales and included all the sampling population. We then explored the relationship between RRBI-derived factors with brain volumes using linear regression models. RESULTS We identified 3 main factors (with 30.3% of the RRBI cumulative variance): Factor 1 (FA1, 12.7%) reflected mainly the 'motor-driven' RRBI symptoms; Factor 2 and 3 (respectively, 8.8% and 7.9%) gathered mainly Y-BOCS related items and represented the 'cognitively driven' RRBI symptoms. These three factors were significantly associated with the right/left putamen volumes but with opposite effects: FA1 was negatively associated with an increased volume of the right/left putamen conversely to FA2 and FA3 (all uncorrected p < 0.05). FA1 was negatively associated with the left amygdala (uncorrected p < 0.05), and FA2 was positively associated with the left parietal structure (uncorrected p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Our results suggested 3 coherent RRBI dimensions involving the putamen commonly and other structures according to the RRBI dimension. The exploration of the putamen's integrative role in RSBI needs to be strengthened in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Lefebvre
- Fondation Vallée, GHT Paris Sud, Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gentilly, France.
- UMR 3571 CNRS, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
- UNIACT Neurospin - INSERM UMR 1129, CEA, Saclay, France.
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Henri Mondor and Albert Chenevier Hospital, Créteil, France.
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Nicolas Traut
- Unité de Neuroanatomie Appliquée et Théorique, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Amandine Pedoux
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Anna Maruani
- UMR 3571 CNRS, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Anita Beggiato
- UMR 3571 CNRS, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Monique Elmaleh
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Robert-Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - David Germanaud
- UNIACT Neurospin - INSERM UMR 1129, CEA, Saclay, France
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
- Center for Research and Interdisciplinarity (CRI), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Anouck Amestoy
- Autism Expert Center, Charles Perrens Hospital, Bordeaux, France
- Fondation FondaMental, French National Science Foundation, Créteil, France
| | | | - Christopher Chatham
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lorraine Murtagh
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Bouvard
- Autism Expert Center, Charles Perrens Hospital, Bordeaux, France
- Fondation FondaMental, French National Science Foundation, Créteil, France
| | - Marianne Alisson
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Robert-Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Marion Leboyer
- Fondation FondaMental, French National Science Foundation, Créteil, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Psychiatrie Translationnelle, Créteil, France
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- UMR 3571 CNRS, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Roberto Toro
- Unité de Neuroanatomie Appliquée et Théorique, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Dumas
- Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montreal, CHU Ste Justine Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Clara Moreau
- UMR 3571 CNRS, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Imaging Genetics Center, Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Richard Delorme
- Fondation Vallée, GHT Paris Sud, Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gentilly, France
- UMR 3571 CNRS, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Fondation FondaMental, French National Science Foundation, Créteil, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Wolff B, Franco VR, Magiati I, Pestell CF, Glasson EJ. Neurocognitive and self-reported psychosocial and behavioral functioning in siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions: a study using remote self-administered testing. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2023; 45:513-536. [PMID: 37779193 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2023.2259042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study compared and explored the neurocognitive profiles of siblings of persons with and without neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) and associations between objective test performance and self-reported psychosocial functioning. METHODS Siblings of persons with and without NDCs (64 NDC and 64 control siblings; mean age 19.88 years, range 11-27 years, 73.44% female, 75.78% White Caucasian) completed self-report questionnaires and self-administered computerized neurocognitive tests of executive functioning (EF). Using Bayesian analyses, we examined cross-sectional associations between self-reported psychosocial functioning and cognitive test performance, and predictors of EF over 15 months. RESULTS NDC siblings had poorer working memory, inhibition, attention, and shifting compared to controls, as measured by experimental paradigms on the backward Corsi span, N-Back 2-back task, Stop Signal Task, Sustained Attention to Response Task, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (effect size δ ranging 0.49 to 0.64). Bayesian cross-sectional networks revealed negative emotion reactivity and working memory difficulties were central to the NDC sibling network. Over 15 months, poorer EF (k low test scores) was predicted by negative emotion reactivity, sleep problems, and anxiety, over and above effects of age and subclinical autistic and ADHD traits. Siblings of autistic individuals and persons with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder had higher rates of neurocognitive and psychiatric difficulties than other NDCs and controls (Bayes factors >20). CONCLUSIONS Neurocognitive difficulties were associated with transdiagnostic vulnerability to poorer wellbeing in NDC siblings. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of remote online cognitive testing and highlight the importance of individualized prevention and intervention for NDC siblings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Wolff
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Iliana Magiati
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Carmela F Pestell
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Emma J Glasson
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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6
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Leisman G, Melillo R, Melillo T. Prefrontal Functional Connectivities in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Connectopathic Disorder Affecting Movement, Interoception, and Cognition. Brain Res Bull 2023; 198:65-76. [PMID: 37087061 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex is included in a neuronal system that includes the basal ganglia, the thalamus, and the cerebellum. Most of the higher and more complex motor, cognitive, and emotional behavioral functions are thought to be found primarily in the frontal lobes. Insufficient connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and other regions of the brain that are distant from each other involved in top-down information processing rely on the global integration of data from multiple input sources and enhance low level perception processes (bottom-up information processing). The reduced deactivation in mPFC and in the rest of the Default Network during global task processing is consistent with the integrative modulatory role served by the mPFC. We stress the importance of understanding the degree to which sensory and movement anomalies in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can contribute to social impairment. Further investigation on the neurobiological basis of sensory symptoms and its relationship to other clinical features found in ASD is required Treatment perhaps should not be first behaviorally based but rather based on facilitating sensory motor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerry Leisman
- Movement and Cognition Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; University of the Medical Sciences of Havana, Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Havana, Cuba.
| | - Robert Melillo
- Movement and Cognition Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ty Melillo
- Northeast College of the Health Sciencs, Seneca Falls, NY USA
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7
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Wolff B, Franco VR, Magiati I, Cooper MN, Roberts R, Skoss R, Glasson EJ. Individual-Level Risk and Resilience Factors Associated with Mental Health in Siblings of Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Conditions: A Network Analysis. Dev Neuropsychol 2023; 48:112-134. [PMID: 36942456 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2023.2190119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) are exposed to unique family environments and experience a range of psychosocial risk and resilience factors. Networks of self-reported risk, resilience, and neuropsychiatric variables were estimated for siblings of individuals with (n = 235) and without (n = 480) NDCs (N = 715, mean age 22.40 years, 76% female, 74% White Caucasian). The NDC group reported more depressive (g = 0.39) and anxious (g = 0.43) symptoms than controls, and 71.5% of the NDC group reported at least one neuropsychiatric diagnosis compared to 36.9% of controls. Self-reported sleep and post-traumatic stress disorders were high amongst NDC siblings. Everyday executive functioning difficulties (cognitive inflexibility, hyperactivity/impulsivity) and emotion dysregulation were the most influential transdiagnostic risk factors for poorer functioning within the NDC group network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Wolff
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute , Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Vithor R Franco
- Department of Psych ology, São Francisco University, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Iliana Magiati
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Matthew N Cooper
- Telethon Kids Institute , Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Rachel Roberts
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rachel Skoss
- Telethon Kids Institute , Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia
| | - Emma J Glasson
- Telethon Kids Institute , Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, WA, Perth, Australia
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Chien YL, Chen YJ, Tseng WL, Hsu YC, Wu CS, Tseng WYI, Gau SSF. Differences in white matter segments in autistic males, non-autistic siblings, and non-autistic participants: An intermediate phenotype approach. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 27:1036-1052. [PMID: 36254873 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221125620] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT White matter is the neural pathway that connects neurons in different brain regions. Although research has shown white matter differences between autistic and non-autistic people, little is known about the properties of white matter in non-autistic siblings. In addition, past studies often focused on the whole neural tracts; it is unclear where differences exist in specific segments of the tracts. This study identified neural segments that differed between autistic people, their non-autistic siblings, and the age- and non-autistic people. We found altered segments within the tracts connected to anterior brain regions corresponding to several higher cognitive functions (e.g. executive functions) in autistic people and non-autistic siblings. Segments connecting to regions for social cognition and Theory of Mind were altered only in autistic people, explaining a large portion of autistic traits and may serve as neuroimaging markers. Segments within the tracts associated with fewer autistic traits or connecting brain regions for diverse highly integrated functions showed compensatory increases in the microstructural properties in non-autistic siblings. Our findings suggest that differential white matter segments that are shared between autistic people and non-autistic siblings may serve as potential "intermediate phenotypes"-biological or neuropsychological characteristics in the causal link between genetics and symptoms-of autism. These findings shed light on a promising neuroimaging model to refine the intermediate phenotype of autism which may facilitate further identification of the genetic and biological bases of autism. Future research exploring links between compensatory segments and neurocognitive strengths in non-autistic siblings may help understand brain adaptation to autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ling Chien
- National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taiwan.,National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | - Chi-Shin Wu
- National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taiwan
| | | | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taiwan.,National Taiwan University, Taiwan
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Hsieh MY, Tuan LH, Chang HC, Wang YC, Chen CH, Shy HT, Lee LJ, Gau SSF. Altered synaptic protein expression, aberrant spine morphology, and impaired spatial memory in Dlgap2 mutant mice, a genetic model of autism spectrum disorder. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:4779-4793. [PMID: 36169576 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac379] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A microdeletion of approximately 2.4 Mb at the 8p23 terminal region has been identified in a Taiwanese autistic boy. Among the products transcribed/translated from genes mapped in this region, the reduction of DLGAP2, a postsynaptic scaffold protein, might be involved in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). DLGAP2 protein was detected in the hippocampus yet abolished in homozygous Dlgap2 knockout (Dlgap2 KO) mice. In this study, we characterized the hippocampal phenotypes in Dlgap2 mutant mice. Dlgap2 KO mice exhibited impaired spatial memory, indicating poor hippocampal function in the absence of DLGAP2. Aberrant expressions of postsynaptic proteins, including PSD95, SHANK3, HOMER1, GluN2A, GluR2, mGluR1, mGluR5, βCAMKII, ERK1/2, ARC, BDNF, were noticed in Dlgap2 mutant mice. Further, the spine density was increased in Dlgap2 KO mice, while the ratio of mushroom-type spines was decreased. We also observed a thinner postsynaptic density thickness in Dlgap2 KO mice at the ultrastructural level. These structural changes found in the hippocampus of Dlgap2 KO mice might be linked to impaired hippocampus-related cognitive functions such as spatial memory. Mice with Dlgap2 deficiency, showing signs of intellectual disability, a common co-occurring condition in patients with ASD, could be a promising animal model which may advance our understanding of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yen Hsieh
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Heng Tuan
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Institute of Systems Neuroscience, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ho-Ching Chang
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Horng-Tzer Shy
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Jen Lee
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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10
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Miot S, Chancel R, Peries M, Crepiat S, Couderc S, Pernon E, Picot MC, Gonnier V, Jeandel C, Blain H, Baghdadli A. Multimorbidity patterns and subgroups among autistic adults with intellectual disability: Results from the EFAAR study. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 27:762-777. [PMID: 36056616 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221121623] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Multimorbidity relates to having multiple chronic health conditions. It is a risk factor for poor health and reduces life expectancy. Autistic people have multiple chronic health conditions and die prematurely, especially if they have an intellectual disability (autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability). Certain pathophysiological processes observed in autism spectrum disorder are common to those related to the genesis and/or maintenance of multimorbidity. Furthermore, multimorbidity could be helpful in better identifying patient subgroups in autism spectrum disorder. It is therefore essential to better characterize multimorbidity and its consequences in the subgroup of autism spectrum disorder + intellectual disability individuals to offer them personalized care. We conducted a preliminary study of 63 autism spectrum disorder + intellectual disability adults to classify them according to their multimorbidity and search for a specific combination of chronic health conditions. We observed high and early multimorbidity in this sample and identified four classes of participants, distinguished by their multimorbidity status, independence and number of treatments. In addition, we observed a dominant combination of multimorbidity in our sample, combining immune dysfunction and gastrointestinal disorders, neurological and joint diseases. These findings support the hypothesis that an altered gut-brain relationship is involved in the risk of autism spectrum disorder, its outcome, and its association with chronic health conditions. Although larger studies are needed, our results suggest that subgroups of autism spectrum disorder + intellectual disability individuals can be identified based on their multimorbidity and potentially different ageing trajectories. A more comprehensive and personalized approach is needed to reduce the burden of multimorbidity and increase the quality of life and life expectancy in autism spectrum disorder/ intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Miot
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, Montpellier, France.,CESP, INSERM U1178, Centre de recherche en Epidemiologie et Santé des Populations, Villejuif, France
| | - Raphaël Chancel
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, Montpellier, France.,Autism Reference Centre of Languedoc-Roussillon CRA-LR, Excellence Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental disorders CeAND, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, France
| | - Marianne Peries
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, Montpellier, France.,Autism Reference Centre of Languedoc-Roussillon CRA-LR, Excellence Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental disorders CeAND, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, France
| | - Sophie Crepiat
- Autism Reference Centre of Languedoc-Roussillon CRA-LR, Excellence Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental disorders CeAND, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, France
| | - Sylvie Couderc
- Autism Reference Centre of Languedoc-Roussillon CRA-LR, Excellence Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental disorders CeAND, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, France
| | - Eric Pernon
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, Montpellier, France.,Autism Reference Centre of Languedoc-Roussillon CRA-LR, Excellence Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental disorders CeAND, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, France
| | - Marie-Christine Picot
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, Montpellier, France.,CESP, INSERM U1178, Centre de recherche en Epidemiologie et Santé des Populations, Villejuif, France
| | - Véronique Gonnier
- Autism Reference Centre of Languedoc-Roussillon CRA-LR, Excellence Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental disorders CeAND, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, France
| | - Claude Jeandel
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, Montpellier, France
| | - Hubert Blain
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, Montpellier, France
| | - Amaria Baghdadli
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, Montpellier, France.,CESP, INSERM U1178, Centre de recherche en Epidemiologie et Santé des Populations, Villejuif, France.,Autism Reference Centre of Languedoc-Roussillon CRA-LR, Excellence Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental disorders CeAND, Montpellier University Hospital, MUSE University, France
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11
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Pan S, Wang X, Lin L, Chen J, Zhan X, Jin C, Ou X, Gu T, Jing J, Cai L. Association of sugar-sweetened beverages with executive function in autistic children. Front Nutr 2022; 9:940841. [PMID: 36082034 PMCID: PMC9447427 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.940841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption and executive function (EF) among typically developing (TD) children has been investigated in previous studies but with inconsistent results. Furthermore, this relationship has been less investigated among autistic children who perform worse in EF compared with TD children. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between SSB consumption and EF in autistic children, and whether the association between SSB and EF in autistic children is different from that in TD children. We recruited 106 autistic children and 207 TD children aged 6–12 years in Guangzhou, China. Children’s EF was assessed by using the Chinese version of parent-reported Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Stroop Color–Word Test, and working memory subscales of the Chinese version of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children, Fourth edition. Meanwhile, we assessed children’s dietary intake and SSB consumption with a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. In this study, 70 (66.0%) autistic children consumed SSB and 20 (18.9%) of them consumed more than two servings SSB a week. Among autistic children, over two servings per week SSB consumption was associated with poorer performance in emotional control [β = 7.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.94–13.46] and plan/Organize (β = 6.45, 95% CI: 0.27–12.63). The association between over two servings/week SSB consumption and emotional control among autistic children was significantly different from that among TD children (βASD = 7.20; βTD = −3.09, Z = 2.72, p = 0.006). Results of this study show that SSB consumption was associated with an impairment in some subscales of EF in autistic children. Furthermore, the association between SSB and EF in autistic children might be different from that in TD children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuolin Pan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education; Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lizi Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajie Chen
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengkai Jin
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Ou
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingfeng Gu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Jing
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Jin Jing,
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Li Cai,
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12
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Sipowicz K, Podlecka M, Mokros Ł, Pietras T, Łuczyńska K. Being an adult sibling of an individual with autism spectrum disorder may be a predictor of loneliness and depression – Preliminary findings from a cross-sectional study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:915915. [PMID: 35992385 PMCID: PMC9389292 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.915915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study is to compare depression and loneliness among adult siblings of people on the autism spectrum, adult siblings of normotypic individuals, and adults raised alone (only child). In recent years, an increasing interest in the perspective of siblings of children diagnosed with autism has been observed, with studies among this population particularly concerned with the developmental trajectories of children and adolescents at “high risk” for ASD, rarely focusing on their mental well-being. Methods The respondents filled out: the survey on sociodemographic data designed by the authors, Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI, measure of depression), and De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS, assessment of loneliness). Results A rise in BDI and an increase in the DJGLS score were predicted by having a sibling diagnosed with ASD. Those effects were independent of subjects’ sex, educational status, place of residence, or a number of siblings. Conclusion The results underline a fundamental need for the development of mental hygiene programs for families where children with autism spectrum are accompanied by healthy siblings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper Sipowicz
- Department of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies, The Maria Grzegorzewska University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marlena Podlecka
- Department of Neuroses, Personality Disorders and Eating Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Mokros
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Pietras
- Second Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamila Łuczyńska
- Department of Experimental Embryology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, Poland
- *Correspondence: Kamila Łuczyńska,
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13
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Seng GJ, Lai MC, Goh JOS, Tseng WYI, Gau SSF. Gray matter volume alteration is associated with insistence on sameness and cognitive flexibility in autistic youth. Autism Res 2022; 15:1209-1221. [PMID: 35491911 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are hallmark characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous studies suggest that insistence on sameness (IS) characterized as higher-order RRBs may be a promising subgrouping variable for ASD. Cognitive inflexibility may underpin IS behaviors. However, the neuroanatomical correlates of IS and associated cognitive functions remain unclear. We analyzed data from 140 autistic youth and 124 typically developing (TD) youth (mean age = 15.8 years). Autistic youth were stratified by median-split based on three current IS items in the autism diagnostic interview-revised into two groups (high, HIS, n = 70, and low, LIS, n = 70). Differences in cognitive flexibility were assessed by the Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery (CANTAB). T1-weighted brain structural images were analyzed using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to identify differences in gray matter (GM) volume among the three groups. GM volume of regions showing group differences was then correlated with cognitive flexibility. The HIS group showed decreased GM volumes in the left supramarginal gyrus compared to the LIS group and increased GM volumes in the vermis VIII and left cerebellar lobule VIII compared to TD individuals. We did not find significant correlations between regional GM volumes and extra-dimensional shift errors. IS may be a unique RRB component and a potentially valuable stratifier of ASD. However, the neurocognitive underpinnings require further clarification. LAY SUMMARY: The present study found parietal, temporal and cerebellar gray matter volume alterations in autistic youth with greater insistence on sameness. The findings suggest that insistence on sameness may be a useful feature to parse the heterogeneity of the autism spectrum yet further research investigating the underlying neurocognitive mechanism is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Jye Seng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,The Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health and Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joshua Oon Soo Goh
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychology, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yih Issac Tseng
- College of Medicine, Institute of Medical Device and Imaging, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychology, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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14
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Sadeghi S, Pouretemad HR. Executive functions predict restricted and repetitive behaviors in toddlers under 36 months old with autism spectrum disorder. Infant Behav Dev 2022; 67:101721. [DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2022.101721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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15
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Zhang M, Huang Y, Jiao J, Yuan D, Hu X, Yang P, Zhang R, Wen L, Situ M, Cai J, Sun X, Guo K, Huang X, Huang Y. Transdiagnostic symptom subtypes across autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: validated by measures of neurocognition and structural connectivity. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:102. [PMID: 35139813 PMCID: PMC8827180 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03734-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that exhibit within-disorder heterogeneity and cross-disorder phenotypic overlap, thus suggesting that the current disease categories may not fully represent the etiologic essence of the disorders, especially for highly comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders. In this study, we explored the subtypes of a combined sample of ASD and ADHD by integrating measurements of behavior, cognition and brain imaging. METHODS A total of 164 participants, including 65 with ASD, 47 with ADHD, and 52 controls, were recruited. Unsupervised machine learning with an agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm was used to identify transdiagnostic symptom clusters. Neurocognition and brain structural connectivity measurements were used to assess symptom clusters. Mediation analysis was used to explore the relationship between transdiagnostic symptoms, neurocognition and brain structural connectivity. RESULTS We identified three symptom clusters that did not fall within the diagnostic boundaries of DSM. External measurements from neurocognition and neuroimaging domains supported distinct profiles, including fine motor function, verbal fluency, and structural connectivity in the corpus callosum between these symptom clusters, highlighting possible biomarkers for ASD and ADHD. Additionally, fine motor function was shown to mediate the relationship between the corpus callosum and perseveration symptoms. CONCLUSIONS In this transdiagnostic study on ASD and ADHD, we identified three subtypes showing meaningful associations between symptoms, neurocognition and brain white matter structural connectivity. The fine motor function and structural connectivity of corpus callosum might be used as biomarkers for neurodevelopmental disorders with social skill symptoms. The results of this study highlighted the importance of precise phenotyping and further supported the effects of fine motor intervention on ASD and ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manxue Zhang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Huang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Jiao
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Danfeng Yuan
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Pingyuan Yang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Liangjian Wen
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingjing Situ
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia Cai
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueli Sun
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kuifang Guo
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Huang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. .,Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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16
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Knott R, Johnson BP, Tiego J, Mellahn O, Finlay A, Kallady K, Kouspos M, Mohanakumar Sindhu VP, Hawi Z, Arnatkeviciute A, Chau T, Maron D, Mercieca EC, Furley K, Harris K, Williams K, Ure A, Fornito A, Gray K, Coghill D, Nicholson A, Phung D, Loth E, Mason L, Murphy D, Buitelaar J, Bellgrove MA. The Monash Autism-ADHD genetics and neurodevelopment (MAGNET) project design and methodologies: a dimensional approach to understanding neurobiological and genetic aetiology. Mol Autism 2021; 12:55. [PMID: 34353377 PMCID: PMC8340366 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00457-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background ASD and ADHD are prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders that frequently co-occur and have strong evidence for a degree of shared genetic aetiology. Behavioural and neurocognitive heterogeneity in ASD and ADHD has hampered attempts to map the underlying genetics and neurobiology, predict intervention response, and improve diagnostic accuracy. Moving away from categorical conceptualisations of psychopathology to a dimensional approach is anticipated to facilitate discovery of data-driven clusters and enhance our understanding of the neurobiological and genetic aetiology of these conditions. The Monash Autism-ADHD genetics and neurodevelopment (MAGNET) project is one of the first large-scale, family-based studies to take a truly transdiagnostic approach to ASD and ADHD. Using a comprehensive phenotyping protocol capturing dimensional traits central to ASD and ADHD, the MAGNET project aims to identify data-driven clusters across ADHD-ASD spectra using deep phenotyping of symptoms and behaviours; investigate the degree of familiality for different dimensional ASD-ADHD phenotypes and clusters; and map the neurocognitive, brain imaging, and genetic correlates of these data-driven symptom-based clusters. Methods The MAGNET project will recruit 1,200 families with children who are either typically developing, or who display elevated ASD, ADHD, or ASD-ADHD traits, in addition to affected and unaffected biological siblings of probands, and parents. All children will be comprehensively phenotyped for behavioural symptoms, comorbidities, neurocognitive and neuroimaging traits and genetics. Conclusion The MAGNET project will be the first large-scale family study to take a transdiagnostic approach to ASD-ADHD, utilising deep phenotyping across behavioural, neurocognitive, brain imaging and genetic measures. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-021-00457-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Knott
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Beth P Johnson
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Jeggan Tiego
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Olivia Mellahn
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Amy Finlay
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Kathryn Kallady
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Maria Kouspos
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Vishnu Priya Mohanakumar Sindhu
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Ziarih Hawi
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Aurina Arnatkeviciute
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Tracey Chau
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Dalia Maron
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Emily-Clare Mercieca
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Kirsten Furley
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Katrina Harris
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Department of Developmental Paediatrics, Monash Children's Hospital, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Department of Developmental Paediatrics, Monash Children's Hospital, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Alexandra Ure
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Mental Health, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Neurodevelopment and Disability Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Alex Fornito
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Kylie Gray
- Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal, and Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, 246 Clayton Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - David Coghill
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Mental Health, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Neurodevelopment and Disability Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Ann Nicholson
- Faculty of Information and Technology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Dinh Phung
- Faculty of Information and Technology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Eva Loth
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK.,Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Luke Mason
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, Henry Welcome Building, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Declan Murphy
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK.,Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Jan Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Kapittelweg 29, 6525 EN, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark A Bellgrove
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, 18 Innovation Walk, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
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17
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The Effect of Comorbid Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms on Face Memory in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights from Transdiagnostic Profiles. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11070859. [PMID: 34203375 PMCID: PMC8301798 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11070859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Face memory impairments are common but heterogeneous in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which may be influenced by co-occurrence with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here, we aimed to investigate the phenotype change of face memory in children with ASD comorbid ADHD symptoms, and discuss the potential role of executive function (EF). Ninety-eight children were analyzed in the present study, including ASD- (ASD-only, n = 24), ADHD (n = 23), ASD+ (with ADHD symptoms, n = 23) and neurotypical controls (NTC, n = 28). All participants completed two tests: face encoding and retrieving task and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) for measuring face memory and EF, respectively. Results revealed that: compared with the NTC group, children with ASD- exhibited lower accuracy in both face encoding and retrieving, and participants with ASD+ showed lower accuracy only in the retrieving, whereas no differences were found among participants with ADHD. Moreover, in the ASD+ group, face encoding performance was correlated with response perseverative errors (RPE) and failure to maintain sets (FMS) of WCST; significantly, there were no group differences between ASD+ and NTC in these two indices. The transdiagnostic profiles indicated that comorbid ADHD symptoms could modulate the face encoding deficiency of ASD, which may be partially compensated by EF. Shared and distinct intervention strategies to improve social cognition are recommended for children undergoing treatment for each condition.
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Air Pollution-Related Brain Metal Dyshomeostasis as a Potential Risk Factor for Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases. ATMOSPHERE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos11101098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence links air pollution (AP) exposure to effects on the central nervous system structure and function. Particulate matter AP, especially the ultrafine (nanoparticle) components, can carry numerous metal and trace element contaminants that can reach the brain in utero and after birth. Excess brain exposure to either essential or non-essential elements can result in brain dyshomeostasis, which has been implicated in both neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs; autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and neurodegenerative diseases (NDGDs; Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). This review summarizes the current understanding of the extent to which the inhalational or intranasal instillation of metals reproduces in vivo the shared features of NDDs and NDGDs, including enlarged lateral ventricles, alterations in myelination, glutamatergic dysfunction, neuronal cell death, inflammation, microglial activation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, altered social behaviors, cognitive dysfunction, and impulsivity. Although evidence is limited to date, neuronal cell death, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction are reproduced by numerous metals. Understanding the specific contribution of metals/trace elements to this neurotoxicity can guide the development of more realistic animal exposure models of human AP exposure and consequently lead to a more meaningful approach to mechanistic studies, potential intervention strategies, and regulatory requirements.
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Self-Regulation in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders "SR-MRehab: Un Colegio Emocionante": A Protocol Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124198. [PMID: 32545534 PMCID: PMC7345694 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Self-regulation refers to the ability to control and modulate behavior, and it can include both emotional and cognitive modulation. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders may show difficulties in self-regulation. The main objective of this study is to improve self-regulation skills in children between 6 and 11 years of age with neurodevelopmental disorders. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial will be conducted with the use of “SR-MRehab: Un colegio emocionante”, based on a non-immersive virtual reality system where virtual objects can be managed by children in a natural way using their hands. Children will be recruited from several schools of Granada (Spain) and they will be randomly allocated to two groups. An assessment will be conducted before and after the intervention and 24 weeks after the end of the intervention process. The experimental group will receive the intervention using virtual reality. The control group will receive a standard self-regulation program. Both interventions will be performed once a week for a total of 10 sessions. Changes in self-regulation, as well as the acceptability of technology with the use of SR-MRehab, will be evaluated. The results will be published and will provide evidence regarding the use of this type of intervention in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Trial registration: Registered with code NCT04418921.
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