1
|
Journal F, Franchini M, Godel M, Kojovic N, Latrèche K, Solazzo S, Schneider M, Schaer M. Phenotyping variability in early socio-communicative skills in young children with autism and its influence on later development. Autism Res 2024. [PMID: 38965820 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3188] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face challenges in early social communication skills, prompting the need for a detailed exploration of specific behaviors and their impact on cognitive and adaptive functioning. This study aims to address this gap by examining the developmental trajectories of early social communication skills in preschoolers with ASD aged 18-60 months, comparing them to age-matched typically developing (TD) children. Utilizing the early social communication scales (ESCS), the research employs a longitudinal design to capture changes over time. We apply a principal component analysis (PCA) to ESCS variables to identify underlying components, and cluster analysis to identify subgroups based on preverbal communication profiles. The results reveal consistent differences in early social communication skills between ASD and TD children, with ASD children exhibiting reduced skills. PCA identifies two components, distinguishing objects-directed behaviors and social interaction-directed behaviors. Cluster analysis identifies three subgroups of autistic children, each displaying specific communication profiles associated with distinct cognitive and adaptive functioning trajectories. In conclusion, this study provides a nuanced understanding of early social communication development in ASD, emphasizing the importance of low-level behaviors. The identification of subgroups and their unique trajectories contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of ASD heterogeneity. These findings underscore the significance of early diagnosis, focusing on specific behaviors predicting cognitive and adaptive functioning outcomes. The study encourages further research to explore the sequential development of these skills, offering valuable insights for interventions and support strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Journal
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Psychology and Science of Education (FAPSE), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Michel Godel
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nada Kojovic
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kenza Latrèche
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stefania Solazzo
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maude Schneider
- Faculty of Psychology and Science of Education (FAPSE), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marie Schaer
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Delehanty A, Lorio CM, Romano M, Brown JA, Woods JJ, Wetherby AM. Social Communication and Parent Verbal Responsiveness Across Interaction Contexts in Toddlers on the Autism Spectrum. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2024; 33:1266-1282. [PMID: 38407116 PMCID: PMC11081527 DOI: 10.1044/2024_ajslp-23-00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Interactions with caregivers during the ordinary activities that occur as families go about their everyday lives are critical to supporting children's acquisition of social communication and language skills. The purpose of this study was to examine child communication and parent verbal responsiveness across interaction contexts in 211 children (Mage = 20 months) on the autism spectrum (n = 121), with developmental delay (n = 46), or with typical development (n = 44). METHOD Families participated in up to eight activities during an hour-long, video-recorded home observation. We tested differences in the strength of associations between diagnostic group and interaction context using linear mixed-effects models, with child rate per minute of communication and proportions of parent follow-in comments and directives as outcome variables. Child communicative functions expressed across contexts were also examined. RESULTS Children across groups communicated at significantly higher rates per minute during book sharing and play with people compared to other interaction contexts. Most child communication was for the function of joint attention during book sharing, for social interaction during play with people, and for behavior regulation during necessary activities such as family chores and meals. On average, parents of children responded using proportionally more follow-in comments during book sharing and play compared to necessary activities, during which parents used more follow-in directives. CONCLUSION Results provide a glimpse into the dyadic communication that may occur within everyday activities at home, which supports the need for future intervention research and may aid clinicians seeking to identify activities that serve as important contexts for intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Delehanty
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ciera M. Lorio
- Communication Sciences and Disorders, Illinois State University, Normal
| | - Mollie Romano
- School of Communication Science and Disorders, Florida State University, Tallahassee
| | - Jennifer A. Brown
- Mary Frances Early College of Education, University of Georgia, Athens
| | - Juliann J. Woods
- Emeritus Professor, School of Communication Science and Disorders, Florida State University, Tallahassee
| | - Amy M. Wetherby
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bouw N, Swaab H, Tartaglia N, Wilson RL, Van der Velde K, van Rijn S. Early symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 1-8 year old children with sex chromosome trisomies (XXX, XXY, XYY), and the predictive value of joint attention. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:2323-2334. [PMID: 36107256 PMCID: PMC10576671 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02070-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study is to investigate the impact of Sex Chromosome Trisomy (SCT; XXX, XXY, XYY) on the early appearance of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms, and the predictive value of Joint Attention for symptoms of ASD. SCTs are specific genetic conditions that may serve as naturalistic 'at risk' models of neurodevelopment, as they are associated with increased risk for neurobehavioral vulnerabilities. A group of 82 children with SCT (aged 1-8 years) was included at baseline of this longitudinal study. Joint Attention was measured at baseline with structured behavior observations according to the Early Social Communication Scales. ASD symptoms were assessed with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers questionnaire and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised in a 1-year follow-up. Recruitment and assessment took place in the Netherlands and in the United States. The results demonstrate that ASD symptoms were substantially higher in children with SCT compared to the general population, with 22% of our cohort at clinical risk for ASD, especially in the domain of social interaction and communication. Second, a predictive value of Joint Attention was found for ASD symptoms at 1-year follow-up. In this cohort, no differences were found between karyotype-subtypes. In conclusion, from a very early age, SCT can be associated with an increased risk for vulnerabilities in adaptive social functioning. These findings show a neurodevelopmental impact of the extra X or Y chromosome on social adaptive development associated with risk for ASD already from early childhood onward. These findings advocate for close monitoring and early (preventive) support, aimed to optimize social development of young children with SCT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nienke Bouw
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, PO Box 9500, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hanna Swaab
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, PO Box 9500, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Tartaglia
- Developmental Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rebecca L Wilson
- Developmental Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Sophie van Rijn
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, PO Box 9500, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wittkopf S, Langmann A, Roessner V, Roepke S, Poustka L, Nenadić I, Stroth S, Kamp-Becker I. Conceptualization of the latent structure of autism: further evidence and discussion of dimensional and hybrid models. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:2247-2258. [PMID: 36006478 PMCID: PMC10576682 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02062-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might be conceptualized as an essentially dimensional, categorical, or hybrid model. Yet, current empirical studies are inconclusive and the latent structure of ASD has explicitly been examined only in a few studies. The aim of our study was to identify and discuss the latent model structure of behavioral symptoms related to ASD and to address the question of whether categories and/or dimensions best represent ASD symptoms. We included data of 2920 participants (1-72 years of age), evaluated with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (Modules 1-4). We applied latent class analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and factor mixture modeling and evaluated the model fit by a combination of criteria. Based on the model selection criteria, the model fits, the interpretability as well as the clinical utility we conclude that the hybrid model serves best for conceptualization and assessment of ASD symptoms. It is both grounded in empirical evidence and in clinical usefulness, is in line with the current classification system (DSM-5) and has the potential of being more specific than the dimensional approach (decreasing false positive diagnoses).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Wittkopf
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Clinic, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Anika Langmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Clinic, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Roepke
- Department of Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luise Poustka
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Igor Nenadić
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Clinic, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sanna Stroth
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Clinic, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Inge Kamp-Becker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Clinic, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fakheir Y, Khalil R. The effects of abnormal visual experience on neurodevelopmental disorders. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22408. [PMID: 37607893 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22408] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Normal visual development is supported by intrinsic neurobiological mechanisms and by appropriate stimulation from the environment, both of which facilitate the maturation of visual functions. However, an offset of this balance can give rise to visual disorders. Therefore, understanding the factors that support normal vision during development and in the mature brain is important, as vision guides movement, enables social interaction, and allows children to recognize and understand their environment. In this paper, we review fundamental mechanisms that support the maturation of visual functions and discuss and draw links between the perceptual and neurobiological impairments in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. We aim to explore how this is evident in the case of ASD, and how perceptual and neurobiological deficits further degrade social ability. Furthermore, we describe the altered perceptual experience of those with schizophrenia and evaluate theories of the underlying neural deficits that alter perception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yara Fakheir
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Reem Khalil
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lorang E, Hanania A, Venker CE. Parent Certainty and Consistency When Completing Vocabulary Checklists in Young Autistic Children. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023; 66:2750-2765. [PMID: 37467394 PMCID: PMC10555466 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-22-00623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Using a novel parent report measure, this study investigated whether asking parents to rate their certainty when reporting on child vocabulary skills provided additional insight into parent report and emerging language abilities in young autistic children. Specifically, we investigated whether parent certainty varied based on whether the child was reported to understand, understand and say, or neither understand nor say the word and whether standardized measures of expressive and receptive language abilities and/or autistic traits predicted parent certainty. Lastly, we investigated whether certainty was associated with inconsistency in parent report of child word knowledge. METHOD Twenty-one parents and their autistic children ages 2-5 years participated. One parent per child completed the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (MCDI) Words and Gestures form and a custom vocabulary checklist including 24 object nouns from the MCDI. Within the custom form, parents indicated whether their child understood, understood and said, or neither understood nor said 24 target nouns and reported how certain they were about their responses using a 5-point scale. Expressive language, receptive language, and autistic traits were measured via direct assessment using standardized measures. RESULTS Parent certainty varied widely and was higher for words the parents reported the children understood and said compared to that for words children either understood or neither understood nor said. Certainty ratings were higher when a child had higher standardized receptive and expressive language scores. Lastly, parent certainty was associated with reporting consistency, clarifying previous findings of inconsistencies in parent report of child vocabulary. CONCLUSION Findings from this study indicate that measuring parent certainty provides critical information when assessing early vocabulary skills in autistic children. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.23671497.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Lorang
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Michigan State University, East Lansing
| | - Alexandra Hanania
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Michigan State University, East Lansing
| | - Courtney E. Venker
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Michigan State University, East Lansing
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sacrey LAR, Zwaigenbaum L, Elshamy Y, Smith IM, Brian JA, Wass S. Comparative strengths and challenges on face-to-face and computer-based attention tasks in autistic and neurotypical toddlers. Autism Res 2023; 16:1501-1511. [PMID: 37448306 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2983] [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] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The objectives were to compare patterns of visual attention in toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as compared to their sex- and age-matched neurotypical (NT) peers. Participants included 23 toddlers with ASD and 19 NT toddlers (mean age: 25.52 versus 25.21 months, respectively) assessed using computerized tasks to measure sustained attention, disengaging attention, and cognitive control, as well as an in-person task to assess joint attention. Toddlers in the ASD group showed increased looking durations on the sustained attention task, as well as reduced frequencies of responding to and initiating joint attention compared to NT peers, but showed no differences on tasks of disengaging attention and cognitive control. The results suggest that toddlers with ASD have attentional strengths that may provide a foundation for building attention, communicative, and ultimately, academic skills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lori-Ann R Sacrey
- Autism Research Centre, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Autism Research Centre, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yomna Elshamy
- Autism Research Centre, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Isabel M Smith
- IWK Health Centre and Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jessica A Brian
- Bloorview Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sam Wass
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of East London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Morris P, Hope E, Foulsham T, Mills JP. Dancing out for a voice; a narrative review of the literature exploring autism, physical activity, and dance. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2023; 33:202-215. [PMID: 36775520 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.09.016] [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: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterised by profound challenges with social communication and social interaction. Currently, there are few therapeutic interventions that successfully target some of the functionally impairing traits associated with autism. Furthermore, many of these interventions comprise a variety of limitations; including, limited accessibility, extensive durations, or the requirement of a trained professional to deliver the intervention. New research suggests that instead of targeting all traits associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder with a single solution, scientific research should focus on providing therapeutic tools that alleviate functionally impairing facets specific to the individual. Owing to the nature of physical activity, sports, and dance (coordinated movement) these activities could provide opportunities to enhance communication skills and social development in autistic children. Therefore, this paper gives a narrative overview of the literature surrounding communication and coordinated movement; outlining what is meant by communication challenges, exploring the benefits of coordinated movement for traits associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and delineating how coordinated movement elicits positive outcomes for autistic children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Morris
- School of Sport, Exercise Science and Rehabilitation, University of Essex, UK.
| | - Edward Hope
- School of Sport, Exercise Science and Rehabilitation, University of Essex, UK
| | - Tom Foulsham
- Department of Psychology, University of Essex, UK
| | - John P Mills
- School of Sport, Exercise Science and Rehabilitation, University of Essex, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Riddiford JA, Enticott PG, Lavale A, Gurvich C. Gaze and social functioning associations in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Autism Res 2022; 15:1380-1446. [PMID: 35593039 PMCID: PMC9543973 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by significant social functioning impairments, including (but not limited to) emotion recognition, mentalizing, and joint attention. Despite extensive investigation into the correlates of social functioning in ASD, only recently has there been focus on the role of low‐level sensory input, particularly visual processing. Extensive gaze deficits have been described in ASD, from basic saccadic function through to social attention and the processing of complex biological motion. Given that social functioning often relies on accurately processing visual information, inefficient visual processing may contribute to the emergence and sustainment of social functioning difficulties in ASD. To explore the association between measures of gaze and social functioning in ASD, a systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted. A total of 95 studies were identified from a search of CINAHL Plus, Embase, OVID Medline, and psycINFO databases in July 2021. Findings support associations between increased gaze to the face/head and eye regions with improved social functioning and reduced autism symptom severity. However, gaze allocation to the mouth appears dependent on social and emotional content of scenes and the cognitive profile of participants. This review supports the investigation of gaze variables as potential biomarkers of ASD, although future longitudinal studies are required to investigate the developmental progression of this relationship and to explore the influence of heterogeneity in ASD clinical characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A Riddiford
- Department of Psychiatry, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Alex Lavale
- Department of Psychiatry, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - Caroline Gurvich
- Department of Psychiatry, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dichter GS, Rodriguez-Romaguera J. Anhedonia and Hyperhedonia in Autism and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 58:237-254. [PMID: 35397066 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by impaired social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests, ASD is also characterized by impaired motivational processes. The "social motivation theory of autism" describes how social motivation disruptions in ASD in early childhood may impede the drive to engage in reciprocal social behaviors and ultimately interfere with the development of neural networks critical for social communication (Chevallier et al., Trends Cogn Sci 16:231-239, 2012b). Importantly, clinical studies and preclinical research using model organisms for ASD indicate that motivational impairments in ASD are not constrained to social rewards but are evident in response to a range of nonsocial rewards as well. Additionally, translational studies on certain genetically defined neurodevelopmental disorders associated with ASD indicate that these syndromic forms of ASD are also characterized by motivational deficits and mesolimbic dopamine impairments. In this chapter we summarize clinical and preclinical research relevant to reward processing impairments in ASD and related neurodevelopmental disorders. We also propose a nosology to describe reward processing impairments in these disorders that uses a three-axes model. In this triaxial nosology, the first axis defines the direction of the reward response (i.e., anhedonic, hyperhedonic); the second axis defines the construct of the reward process (e.g., reward liking, reward wanting); and the third axis defines the context of the reward response (e.g., social, nonsocial). A more precise nosology for describing reward processing impairments in ASD and related neurodevelopmental disorders will aid in the translation of preclinical research to clinical investigations which will ultimately help to speed up the development of interventions that target motivational systems for ASD and related neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel S Dichter
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Jose Rodriguez-Romaguera
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Patterson JW, Armstrong V, Duku E, Richard A, Franchini M, Brian J, Zwaigenbaum L, Bryson SE, Sacrey LAR, Roncadin C, Smith IM. Early trajectories of motor skills in infant siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2021; 15:481-492. [PMID: 34826349 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Delays in motor development are not considered a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, recent studies of infant siblings of children with ASD suggest that early delays in motor skills may be associated with later delays in developmental areas considered to be core features of an ASD diagnosis. While these studies demonstrate the longitudinal association between core features and motor delays observed at single time points, there is considerable interest in studying the trajectories of motor development over the first 3 years of life. To accomplish this, we investigated early trajectories of motor development in a cohort of 499 infant siblings of children with ASD and 176 children with no family history of ASD. Data for the current study were drawn from the prospective, multi-site, Canadian Infant Sibling Study. We evaluated trajectories of fine and gross motor development over the first 3 years using group-based trajectory modeling. Our results show that membership for both fine and gross motor trajectory groups was related to expressive language skills, receptive language skills, ASD symptom severity scores, and diagnostic classification at age 3. These results provide evidence that the trajectory of a child's early motor development may have important prognostic implications in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eric Duku
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Annie Richard
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Canada
| | | | - Jessica Brian
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Autism Research Center, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Susan E Bryson
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Lori-Ann R Sacrey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Autism Research Center, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Caroline Roncadin
- McMaster Children's Hospital Autism Program, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isabel M Smith
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sano M, Yoshimura Y, Hirosawa T, Hasegawa C, An KM, Tanaka S, Naitou N, Kikuchi M. Joint attention and intelligence in children with autism spectrum disorder without severe intellectual disability. Autism Res 2021; 14:2603-2612. [PMID: 34427050 PMCID: PMC9291323 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), joint attention is regarded as a predictor of language function, social skills, communication, adaptive function, and intelligence. However, existing information about the association between joint attention and intelligence is limited. Most such studies have examined children with low intelligence. For this study, we investigated whether joint attention is related to intelligence in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without severe intellectual disability. We analyzed 113 children with ASD aged 40–98 months. Their Kaufman Assessment Battery (K‐ABC) Mental Processing Index (MPI) scores are 60 and more (mean 93.4). We evaluated their intelligence using K‐ABC and evaluated their joint attention using ADOS‐2. After we performed simple regression analyses using K‐ABC MPI and its nine subscales as dependent variables, using joint attention as the independent variable, we identified joint attention as a positive predictor of the MPI and its two subscales. From this result, we conclude that joint attention is related to intelligence in young children with ASD without severe intellectual disability. This result suggests a beneficial effect of early intervention targeting joint attention for children with ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masuhiko Sano
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yuko Yoshimura
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.,Faculty of Education, Institute of Human and Social Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tetsu Hirosawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.,Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Chiaki Hasegawa
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kyung-Min An
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Sanae Tanaka
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Nobushige Naitou
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.,Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Latrèche K, Kojovic N, Franchini M, Schaer M. Attention to Face as a Predictor of Developmental Change and Treatment Outcome in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biomedicines 2021; 9:942. [PMID: 34440147 PMCID: PMC8392329 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The beneficial effect of early intervention is well described for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Response to early intervention is, however, highly heterogeneous in affected children, and there is currently only scarce information about predictors of response to intervention. Based on the hypothesis that impaired social orienting hinders the subsequent development of social communication and interactions in children with ASD, we sought to examine whether the level of social orienting modulates treatment outcome in young children with ASD. We used eye-tracking technology to measure social orienting in a group of 111 preschoolers, comprising 95 young children with ASD and 16 children with typical development, as they watched a 29 s video of a woman engaging in child-directed speech. In line with previous studies, we report that attention to face is robustly correlated with autistic symptoms and cognitive and adaptive skills at baseline. We further leverage longitudinal data in a subgroup of 81 children with ASD and show that the level of social orienting at baseline is a significant predictor of developmental gains and treatment outcome. These results pave the way for identifying subgroups of children who show a better response to early and intensive intervention, a first step toward precision medicine for children with autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenza Latrèche
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland; (N.K.); (M.S.)
| | - Nada Kojovic
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland; (N.K.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Marie Schaer
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland; (N.K.); (M.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Oliveira JS, Franco FO, Revers MC, Silva AF, Portolese J, Brentani H, Machado-Lima A, Nunes FLS. Computer-aided autism diagnosis based on visual attention models using eye tracking. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10131. [PMID: 33980874 PMCID: PMC8115570 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89023-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
An advantage of using eye tracking for diagnosis is that it is non-invasive and can be performed in individuals with different functional levels and ages. Computer/aided diagnosis using eye tracking data is commonly based on eye fixation points in some regions of interest (ROI) in an image. However, besides the need for every ROI demarcation in each image or video frame used in the experiment, the diversity of visual features contained in each ROI may compromise the characterization of visual attention in each group (case or control) and consequent diagnosis accuracy. Although some approaches use eye tracking signals for aiding diagnosis, it is still a challenge to identify frames of interest when videos are used as stimuli and to select relevant characteristics extracted from the videos. This is mainly observed in applications for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. To address these issues, the present paper proposes: (1) a computational method, integrating concepts of Visual Attention Model, Image Processing and Artificial Intelligence techniques for learning a model for each group (case and control) using eye tracking data, and (2) a supervised classifier that, using the learned models, performs the diagnosis. Although this approach is not disorder-specific, it was tested in the context of ASD diagnosis, obtaining an average of precision, recall and specificity of 90%, 69% and 93%, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S Oliveira
- School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities (EACH), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, SP, 03828-000, Brazil
| | - Felipe O Franco
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo's School of Medicine (FMUSP), Sao Paulo, SP, 05403-903, Brazil.,Interunit PostGraduate Program on Bioinformatics, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics (IME), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Mirian C Revers
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo's School of Medicine (FMUSP), Sao Paulo, SP, 05403-903, Brazil
| | - Andréia F Silva
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo's School of Medicine (FMUSP), Sao Paulo, SP, 05403-903, Brazil
| | - Joana Portolese
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo's School of Medicine (FMUSP), Sao Paulo, SP, 05403-903, Brazil
| | - Helena Brentani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo's School of Medicine (FMUSP), Sao Paulo, SP, 05403-903, Brazil.,Interunit PostGraduate Program on Bioinformatics, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics (IME), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Ariane Machado-Lima
- School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities (EACH), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, SP, 03828-000, Brazil.,Interunit PostGraduate Program on Bioinformatics, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics (IME), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Fátima L S Nunes
- School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities (EACH), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, SP, 03828-000, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Robain F, Kojovic N, Solazzo S, Glaser B, Franchini M, Schaer M. The impact of social complexity on the visual exploration of others' actions in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder. BMC Psychol 2021; 9:50. [PMID: 33789770 PMCID: PMC8011208 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00553-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Typical development of socio-communicative skills relies on keen observation of others. It thus follows that decreased social attention negatively impacts the subsequent development of socio-communicative abilities in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In addition, studies indicate that social attention is modulated by context and that greater social difficulties are observed in more socially demanding situations. Our study aims to investigate the effect of social complexity on visual exploration of others' actions in preschoolers. METHODS To investigate the impact of social complexity, we used an eye-tracking paradigm with 26 typically developing preschoolers (TD, age = 3.60 ± 1.55) and 37 preschoolers with ASD (age = 3.55 ± 1.21). Participants were shown videos of two children engaging in socially simple play (parallel) versus socially complex play (interactive). We subsequently quantified the time spent and fixation duration on faces, objects, bodies, as well as the background and the number of spontaneous gaze shifts between socially relevant areas of interest. RESULTS In the ASD group, we observed decreased time spent on faces. Social complexity (interactive play) elicited changes in visual exploration patterns in both groups. From the parallel to the interactive condition, we observed a shift towards socially relevant parts of the scene, a decrease in fixation duration, as well as an increase in spontaneous gaze shifts between faces and objects though there were fewer in the ASD group. LIMITATIONS Our results need to be interpreted cautiously due to relatively small sample sizes and may be relevant to male preschoolers, given our male-only sample and reported phenotypic differences between males and females. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that similar to TD children, though to a lesser extent, visual exploration patterns in ASD are modulated by context. Children with ASD that were less sensitive to context modulation showed decreased socio-communicative skills or higher levels of symptoms. Our findings support using naturalistic designs to capture socio-communicative deficits in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Robain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Fondation Pôle Autisme, Unité de Recherche, 4 place du Cirque, 1204, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - N Kojovic
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Solazzo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - B Glaser
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - M Franchini
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland.,Fondation Pôle Autisme, Unité de Recherche, 4 place du Cirque, 1204, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - M Schaer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland.,Fondation Pôle Autisme, Unité de Recherche, 4 place du Cirque, 1204, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
The Effectiveness of Mirroring- and Rhythm-Based Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-021-00236-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
17
|
Robain F, Franchini M, Kojovic N, Wood de Wilde H, Schaer M. Predictors of Treatment Outcome in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Observational Study in the Greater Geneva Area, Switzerland. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 50:3815-3830. [PMID: 32166526 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04430-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to identify predictors of treatment outcome in young children with ASD within a European context, where service provision of intervention remains sporadic. We investigated whether a child's age at baseline, intensity of the intervention provided, type of intervention, child's level of social orienting and cognitive skills at baseline predicted changes in autistic symptoms and cognitive development after 1 year of intervention, in a sample of 60 children with ASD. Our results strongly support early and intensive intervention. We also observed that lower cognitive skills at baseline were related to greater cognitive gains. Finally, we show that a child's interest in social stimuli may contribute to intervention outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- François Robain
- Office Médico-Pédagogique, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Martina Franchini
- Office Médico-Pédagogique, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Pediatrics, IWK Hospital, Autism Research Centre, Halifax, Canada
| | - Nada Kojovic
- Office Médico-Pédagogique, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hilary Wood de Wilde
- Office Médico-Pédagogique, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marie Schaer
- Office Médico-Pédagogique, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Franchini M, Hamodat T, Armstrong VL, Sacrey LAR, Brian J, Bryson SE, Garon N, Roberts W, Zwaigenbaum L, Smith IM. Infants at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Frequency, Quality, and Variety of Joint Attention Behaviors. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 47:907-920. [PMID: 30146674 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-018-0471-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Initiation of joint attention is a critical developmental function related to further social communicative development in infancy. Joint attention appears to be impaired very early in life for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), well before a formal diagnosis is established. To observe the early development of joint attention, we prospectively followed infant siblings at high risk for ASD (HR) and low-risk (LR) infants. Initiations of joint attention behaviors were coded with respect to frequency, quality, and variety from videos taken during the administration of the Autism Observation Schedule for Infants. Participants were further stratified based on the presence of ASD (n = 17) or language delay (n = 19) at 3 years of age. Our results revealed that initiations of joint attention are impaired from 12 months of age in both children with ASD and those with language delay, especially for use of gestures (i.e., showing and pointing). At 18 months, fewer initiations of joint attention in all three dimensions distinguished infants with ASD, compared to infants with language delay and HR and LR infants without a diagnosis. Beyond the definition of initiation of joint attention as an early sign for ASD, clinical implications of these results concern the importance of intervening on frequency, quality, and variety of joint attention as early as possible in infants at heightened risk for ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Franchini
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, 5850/5980 University Avenue, PO Box 9700, Halifax, NS, B3K 6R8, Canada. .,Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - T Hamodat
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - V L Armstrong
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, 5850/5980 University Avenue, PO Box 9700, Halifax, NS, B3K 6R8, Canada
| | - L-A R Sacrey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - J Brian
- Bloorview Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - S E Bryson
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, 5850/5980 University Avenue, PO Box 9700, Halifax, NS, B3K 6R8, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - N Garon
- Department of Psychology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, Canada
| | - W Roberts
- Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - L Zwaigenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - I M Smith
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, 5850/5980 University Avenue, PO Box 9700, Halifax, NS, B3K 6R8, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Crasta JE, Salzinger E, Lin MH, Gavin WJ, Davies PL. Sensory Processing and Attention Profiles Among Children With Sensory Processing Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Integr Neurosci 2020; 14:22. [PMID: 32431600 PMCID: PMC7214749 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2020.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explores the differences in the profile of relationships between sensory processing and attention abilities among children with sensory processing disorder (SPD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and typically developing (TD) children. The Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-Ch), a performance-based measure of attention, was administered to 69 children (TD: n = 24; SPD: n = 21; ASD: n = 24), ages 6-10 years. All participants' parents completed the Short Sensory Profile (SSP), a standardized parent-report measure of sensory-related behaviors. Discriminant analyses using the TEA-Ch and the SSP domains revealed two classification functions; the first revealed that both clinical groups significantly differed from the TD group with greater sensory processing challenges in the categories of auditory filtering, under-responsive/seeks sensation, low energy/weak, and taste/smell sensitivity subscales of the SSP. The second function discriminated between the two clinical groups, indicating that children with ASD had significantly greater control and sustained attention deficits and less sensory issues than did children with SPD. Together, the two functions correctly classified 76.8% of the participants as to their group membership. The different profiles of sensory processing and attention abilities in children with SPD and ASD may provide guidance in identifying appropriate individualized therapeutic strategies for these children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jewel E. Crasta
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Occupational Therapy Division, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Emily Salzinger
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Mei-Heng Lin
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - William J. Gavin
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Neuroscience, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Patricia L. Davies
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Neuroscience, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lense MD, Camarata S. PRESS-Play: Musical Engagement as a Motivating Platform for Social Interaction and Social Play in Young Children with ASD. MUSIC & SCIENCE 2020; 3:10.1177/2059204320933080. [PMID: 32832103 PMCID: PMC7440205 DOI: 10.1177/2059204320933080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Musical experiences are ubiquitous in early childhood. Beyond potential benefits of musical activities for young children with typical development, there has long been interest in harnessing music for therapeutic purposes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, there is debate as to the effectiveness of these approaches and thus a need to identify mechanisms of change (or active ingredients) by which musical experiences may impact social development in young children with ASD. In this review, we introduce the PRESS-Play framework, which conceptualizes musical activities for young children with ASD within an applied behavior analysis framework consistent with the principles of naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions. Specifically, the PRESS-Play framework proposes that musical activities support key elements of evidence-based approaches for social engagement including predictability, reinforcement, emotion regulation, shared attention, and social play context, providing a platform for delivery and receipt of social and behavioral instruction via a transactional, developmental approach. PRESS-Play considers that these factors may impact not only the child with ASD but also their interaction partner, such as a parent or peer, creating contexts conducive for validated social engagement and interaction. These principles point to focused theories of change within a clinical-translational framework in order to experimentally test components of social-musical engagement and conduct rigorous, evidence-based intervention studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam D. Lense
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- The Curb Center for Art, Enterprise, and Public Policy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Stephen Camarata
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Muratori F, Billeci L, Calderoni S, Boncoddo M, Lattarulo C, Costanzo V, Turi M, Colombi C, Narzisi A. How Attention to Faces and Objects Changes Over Time in Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Preliminary Evidence from An Eye Tracking Study. Brain Sci 2019; 9:E344. [PMID: 31783561 PMCID: PMC6955945 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9120344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Further understanding of the longitudinal changes in visual pattern of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is needed. We examined twelve 19 to 33-month-old toddlers at their first diagnosis (mean age: 25.1 months) and after six months (mean age: 31.7 months) during two initiating joint attention (IJA) tasks using eye tracking. Results were compared with the performance of age-matched typically developing (TD) toddlers evaluated at a single time-point. Autistic toddlers showed longitudinal changes in the visual sensory processing of the IJA tasks, approaching TD performance with an improvement in the ability to disengage and to explore the global space. Findings suggest the use of eye tracking technology as an objective, non-intrusive, adjunctive tool to measure outcomes in toddlers with ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Muratori
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Calambrone, PI, Italy; (F.M.); (V.C.); (A.N.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56128 Calambrone, PI, Italy
| | - Lucia Billeci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 56128 Calambrone, PI, Italy;
| | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Calambrone, PI, Italy; (F.M.); (V.C.); (A.N.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56128 Calambrone, PI, Italy
| | - Maria Boncoddo
- Programma Interdipartimentale “Autismo 0–90”, A.O.U. Policlinico G. Martino, 98124 Messina, ME, Italy;
| | - Caterina Lattarulo
- Stella Maris Mediterraneo Foundation, 85032 Chiaromonte, PZ, Italy; (C.L.); (M.T.)
| | - Valeria Costanzo
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Calambrone, PI, Italy; (F.M.); (V.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Marco Turi
- Stella Maris Mediterraneo Foundation, 85032 Chiaromonte, PZ, Italy; (C.L.); (M.T.)
| | - Costanza Colombi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA;
| | - Antonio Narzisi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Calambrone, PI, Italy; (F.M.); (V.C.); (A.N.)
| |
Collapse
|