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Flanagan JE, Demchick BB, Landa R, Delany JV, Reinoso G. Early Play Behaviors of Infants at Elevated Likelihood for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Am J Occup Ther 2024; 78:7804185050. [PMID: 38768096 PMCID: PMC11220781 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2024.050438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Although research has examined early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), few studies have found behavioral markers during midinfancy associated with later ASD diagnosis. OBJECTIVE To examine infants' play behaviors and atypical positions at age 6 mo and later outcome classification among infants at elevated likelihood (EL) and typical likelihood (TL) for ASD. Atypical positions refer to movement patterns indicative of motor delays or deviations, including atypical extension and flexion, poor weight shift and rotation, hypertonicity or hypotonicity, and the presence of primitive reflex patterns. DESIGN Observational cohort longitudinal design using blinded video analysis. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-eight infants (41 EL infants and 17 TL infants) 6 mo of age. RESULTS Infants later diagnosed with ASD needed more support to engage in play at age 6 mo compared with infants who did not receive an ASD diagnosis (U = 130, z = -2.29, p < .05, r = .31). Atypical positions at 6 mo of age were not associated with a later diagnosis of ASD. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Play behaviors may be early indicators of developmental differences for infants later diagnosed with ASD. The results of this pilot study suggest the need to observe the quality of interaction with a caregiver and objects during early play, which may serve as potential early indicators of ASD. Plain-Language Summary: Few studies have found behavioral markers during midinfancy that are associated with a later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The results of this study showed that infants who were later diagnosed with ASD were found to have differences in play behaviors compared to infants who were not later diagnosed with ASD. Thus, early play behaviors may be an early indicator of developmental differences for infants who are later diagnosed with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne E Flanagan
- Joanne E. Flanagan, ScD, OTR/L, is Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Clearwater, FL;
| | - Barbara B Demchick
- Barbara B. Demchick, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor Emerita, Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science, Towson University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Rebecca Landa
- Rebecca Landa, PhD, is Executive Director, Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation, Kennedy Krieger Institute, and Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Janet V Delany
- Janet V. Delany, DEd, is Professor Emerita, Towson University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Gustavo Reinoso
- Gustavo Reinoso, PhD, OTR/L, is Associate Professor, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Drake University, Des Moines, IA
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Wallis KE, Guthrie W. Screening for Autism: A Review of the Current State, Ongoing Challenges, and Novel Approaches on the Horizon. Pediatr Clin North Am 2024; 71:127-155. [PMID: 38423713 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Screening for autism is recommended in pediatric primary care. However, the median age of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is substantially higher than the age at which autism can reliably be identified, suggesting room for improvements in autism recognition at young ages, especially for children from minoritized racial and ethnic groups, low-income families, and families who prefer a language other than English. Novel approaches are being developed to utilize new technologies in aiding in autism recognition. However, attention to equity is needed to minimize bias. Additional research on the benefits and potential harms of universal autism screening is needed. The authors provide suggestions for pediatricians who are considering implementing autism-screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E Wallis
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; PolicyLab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Clinical Futures, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Whitney Guthrie
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Clinical Futures, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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3
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Marrus N, Botteron KN, Hawks Z, Pruett JR, Elison JT, Jackson JJ, Markson L, Eggebrecht AT, Burrows CA, Zwaigenbaum L, Dager S, Estes A, Hazlett H, Schultz RT, Piven J, Constantino JN. Social motivation in infancy is associated with familial recurrence of ASD. Dev Psychopathol 2024; 36:101-111. [PMID: 36189644 PMCID: PMC10067534 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422001006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Pre-diagnostic deficits in social motivation are hypothesized to contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a heritable neurodevelopmental condition. We evaluated psychometric properties of a social motivation index (SMI) using parent-report item-level data from 597 participants in a prospective cohort of infant siblings at high and low familial risk for ASD. We tested whether lower SMI scores at 6, 12, and 24 months were associated with a 24-month ASD diagnosis and whether social motivation's course differed relative to familial ASD liability. The SMI displayed good internal consistency and temporal stability. Children diagnosed with ASD displayed lower mean SMI T-scores at all ages and a decrease in mean T-scores across age. Lower group-level 6-month scores corresponded with higher familial ASD liability. Among high-risk infants, strong decline in SMI T-scores was associated with 10-fold odds of diagnosis. Infant social motivation is quantifiable by parental report, differentiates children with versus without later ASD by age 6 months, and tracks with familial ASD liability, consistent with a diagnostic and susceptibility marker of ASD. Early decrements and decline in social motivation indicate increased likelihood of ASD, highlighting social motivation's importance to risk assessment and clarification of the ontogeny of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Marrus
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine
| | | | - Zoë Hawks
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - John R. Pruett
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Jed T. Elison
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota
| | - Joshua J. Jackson
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Lori Markson
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Adam T. Eggebrecht
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | - Annette Estes
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington
| | - Heather Hazlett
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | | | - Joseph Piven
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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4
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Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction and communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. The importance of early detection of ASD and subsequent early intervention is well documented. Efforts have been made over the years to clarify ASD diagnostic criteria and develop predictive, accurate screening tools and evidence-based, standardized diagnostic instruments to aid in the identification of ASD. In this article, we review the most recent changes in ASD diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision, summarize evidence-based instruments for ASD screening and diagnostic evaluations as well as the assessment of co-occurring conditions in ASD, the impact of COVID-19 on ASD assessment, and directions for future research in the field of ASD assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yu
- University of California, Davis, Sacramento, USA
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5
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Dawson G, Rieder AD, Johnson MH. Prediction of autism in infants: progress and challenges. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:244-254. [PMID: 36427512 PMCID: PMC10100853 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00407-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (henceforth autism) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can be reliably diagnosed in children by age 18-24 months. Prospective longitudinal studies of infants aged 1 year and younger who are later diagnosed with autism are elucidating the early developmental course of autism and identifying ways of predicting autism before diagnosis is possible. Studies that use MRI, EEG, and near-infrared spectroscopy have identified differences in brain development in infants later diagnosed with autism compared with infants without autism. Retrospective studies of infants younger than 1 year who received a later diagnosis of autism have also showed an increased prevalence of health conditions, such as sleep disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and vision problems. Behavioural features of infants later diagnosed with autism include differences in attention, vocalisations, gestures, affect, temperament, social engagement, sensory processing, and motor abilities. Although research findings offer insight on promising screening approaches for predicting autism in infants, individual-level predictions remain a future goal. Multiple scientific challenges and ethical questions remain to be addressed to translate research on early brain-based and behavioural predictors of autism into feasible and reliable screening tools for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Dawson
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Amber D Rieder
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mark H Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
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6
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Bradshaw J, Shi D, Federico A, Klaiman C, Saulnier C. The Pull-to-Sit Task: Examining Infant Postural Development in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pediatr 2023; 253:225-231.e2. [PMID: 36202237 PMCID: PMC11009487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.09.047] [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: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the predictive relationship between early trajectories of postural and head control during a pull-to-sit task and later autism diagnostic and developmental outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Using a prospective longitudinal design, postural skills of 100 infants at elevated and low familial likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were evaluated using a pull-to-sit task monthly from age 1 month to 6 months. At age 24 months, infants were seen for a developmental and diagnostic evaluation completed by examiners masked to participant group. Latent growth curve models were used to compare early trajectories of pull-to-sit performance in infants later diagnosed with ASD and typically developing infants and to predict developmental outcomes. RESULTS Pull-to-sit trajectories did not differ in infants with an elevated likelihood of ASD or infants with ASD compared with low-likelihood and typically developing infants, but infants with ASD were more likely to exhibit a head lag by age 4 months. In addition, pull-to-sit trajectories were predictive of social and speech skills 2 years later. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the link between very early pull-to-sit skills and later social and language outcomes. Atypical postural development and persistent presence of head lag may be important early indicators of social and language vulnerabilities, including ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Bradshaw
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.
| | - Dexin Shi
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
| | - Alexis Federico
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
| | - Cheryl Klaiman
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Celine Saulnier
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services, Atlanta, GA
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7
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Franchini M, Smith IM, Sacrey L, Duku E, Brian J, Bryson SE, Vaillancourt T, Armstrong V, Szatmari P, Roberts W, Roncadin C, Zwaigenbaum L. Continuity of trajectories of autism symptom severity from infancy to childhood. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022; 64:895-906. [PMID: 36562606 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behavioral symptom trajectories are informative of the development of young children at increased likelihood for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS Developmental trajectories of early signs were examined in a cohort of siblings of children diagnosed with ASD (n = 502) from 6 to 18 months using the Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI), and from 18 months to 5-7 years using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Diagnostic outcomes for ASD at age 3 confirmed diagnosis for 137 children. We further analyzed the conditional probability of a switch from a trajectory measured with the AOSI to a trajectory measured with the ADOS as well as predictors from age 6 months. RESULTS We derived three early trajectories of behavioral signs ("Low," "Intermediate," and "Increasing") from 6 to 18 months using the AOSI. We then derived three similar, distinct trajectories for the evolution of symptom severity between 18 and 60-84 months of age (Low, Intermediate, Increasing) using the ADOS. Globally, the Low trajectory included children showing fewer ASD signs or symptoms and the Increasing trajectory included children showing more severe symptoms. We also found that most children in the Low AOSI trajectory stayed in the corresponding ADOS trajectory, whereas children in an Increasing AOSI trajectory tended to transition to an Intermediate or Increasing ADOS trajectory. Developmental measures taken at 6 months (early signs of ASD, Fine Motor, and Visual Reception skills) were predictive of trajectory membership. CONCLUSIONS Results confirm substantial heterogeneity in the early emergence of ASD signs in children at increased likelihood for ASD. Moreover, we showed that the way those early behavioral signs emerge in infants is predictive of later symptomatology. Results yield clear clinical implications, supporting the need to repeatedly assess infants at increased likelihood for ASD as this can be highly indicative of their later development and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Franchini
- Fondation Pôle Autisme and Faculty of Educational Psychology and Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Isabel M Smith
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Canada.,Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Lori Sacrey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Eric Duku
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Brian
- Bloorview Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan E Bryson
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Canada.,Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Tracy Vaillancourt
- Counselling Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Peter Szatmari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wendy Roberts
- Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Caroline Roncadin
- McMaster Children's Hospital Autism Program, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Canada
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8
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Burrows CA, Grzadzinski RL, Donovan K, Stallworthy IC, Rutsohn J, St John T, Marrus N, Parish-Morris J, MacIntyre L, Hampton J, Pandey J, Shen MD, Botteron KN, Estes AM, Dager SR, Hazlett HC, Pruett JR, Schultz RT, Zwaigenbaum L, Truong KN, Piven J, Elison JT. A Data-Driven Approach in an Unbiased Sample Reveals Equivalent Sex Ratio of Autism Spectrum Disorder-Associated Impairment in Early Childhood. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:654-662. [PMID: 35965107 PMCID: PMC10062179 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex differences in the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders are particularly evident in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Heterogeneous symptom presentation and the potential of measurement bias hinder early ASD detection in females and may contribute to discrepant prevalence estimates. We examined trajectories of social communication (SC) and restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) in a sample of infant siblings of children with ASD, adjusting for age- and sex-based measurement bias. We hypothesized that leveraging a prospective elevated familial likelihood sample, deriving data-driven behavioral constructs, and accounting for measurement bias would reveal less discrepant sex ratios than are typically seen in ASD. METHODS We conducted direct assessments of ASD symptoms at 6 to 9, 12 to 15, 24, and 36 to 60 months of age (total nobservations = 1254) with infant siblings of children with ASD (n = 377) and a lower ASD-familial-likelihood comparison group (n = 168; nobservations = 527). We established measurement invariance across age and sex for separate models of SC and RRB. We then conducted latent class growth mixture modeling with the longitudinal data and evaluated for sex differences in trajectory membership. RESULTS We identified 2 latent classes in the SC and RRB models with equal sex ratios in the high-concern cluster for both SC and RRB. Sex differences were also observed in the SC high-concern cluster, indicating that girls classified as having elevated social concerns demonstrated milder symptoms than boys in this group. CONCLUSIONS This novel approach for characterizing ASD symptom progression highlights the utility of assessing and adjusting for sex-related measurement bias and identifying sex-specific patterns of symptom emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Burrows
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
| | - Rebecca L Grzadzinski
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kevin Donovan
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Isabella C Stallworthy
- Institute of Child Development, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Joshua Rutsohn
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global PubLic Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Tanya St John
- UW Autism Center, Center on Human Development & Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Natasha Marrus
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Julia Parish-Morris
- Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Leigh MacIntyre
- McGill Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Hampton
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Juhi Pandey
- Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark D Shen
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; UNC Neuroscience Center, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kelly N Botteron
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Annette M Estes
- UW Autism Center, Center on Human Development & Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Stephen R Dager
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Heather C Hazlett
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - John R Pruett
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Robert T Schultz
- Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kinh N Truong
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global PubLic Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Joseph Piven
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jed T Elison
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Institute of Child Development, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Sung S, Fenoglio A, Wolff JJ, Schultz RT, Botteron KN, Dager SR, Estes AM, Hazlett HC, Zwaigenbaum L, Piven J, Elison JT. Examining the factor structure and discriminative utility of the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised in infant siblings of autistic children. Child Dev 2022; 93:1398-1413. [PMID: 35485579 PMCID: PMC9544485 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised in a longitudinal sample of infant siblings of autistic children (HR; n = 427, 171 female, 83.4% White) and a comparison group of low-risk controls (LR, n = 200, 86 female, 81.5% White), collected between 2007 and 2017, this study identified an invariant factor structure of temperament traits across groups at 6 and 12 months. Second, after partitioning the groups by familial risk and diagnostic outcome at 24 months, results reveal an endophenotypic pattern of Positive Emotionality at both 6 and 12 months, (HR-autism spectrum disorder [ASD] < HR-no-ASD < LR). Third, increased 'Duration of Orienting' at 12 months was associated with lower scores on the 24-month developmental outcomes in HR infants. These findings may augment efforts for early identification of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Joseph Piven
- University of North Carolina—Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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10
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Luke CR, Benfer K, Mick-Ramsamy L, Ware RS, Reid N, Bos AF, Bosanquet M, Boyd RN. Early detection of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants at high risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 months corrected age: LEAP-CP prospective cohort study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e053646. [PMID: 34996793 PMCID: PMC8744123 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), including cerebral palsy (CP), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), are characterised by impaired development of the early central nervous system, impacting cognitive and/or physical function. Early detection of NDD enables infants to be fast-tracked to early intervention services, optimising outcomes. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants may experience early life factors increasing their risk of neurodevelopmental vulnerability, which persist into later childhood, further compounding the health inequities experienced by First Nations peoples in Australia. The LEAP-CP prospective cohort study will investigate the efficacy of early screening programmes, implemented in Queensland, Australia to earlier identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants who are 'at risk' of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes (NDO) or NDD. Diagnostic accuracy and feasibility of early detection tools for identifying infants 'at risk' of a later diagnosis of adverse NDO or NDD will be determined. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander infants born in Queensland, Australia (birth years 2020-2022) will be invited to participate. Infants aged <9 months corrected age (CA) will undergo screening using the (1) General Movements Assessment (GMA); (2) Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE); (3) Rapid Neurodevelopmental Assessment (RNDA) and (4) Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Aboriginal adaptation (ASQ-TRAK). Developmental outcomes at 12 months CA will be determined for: (1) neurological (HINE); (2) motor (Peabody Developmental Motor Scales 2); (3) cognitive and communication (Bayley Scales of Infant Development III); (4) functional capabilities (Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test) and (5) behaviour (Infant Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment). Infants will be classified as typically developing or 'at risk' of an adverse NDO and/or specific NDD based on symptomology using developmental and diagnostic outcomes for (1) CP (2) ASD and (3) FASD. The effects of perinatal, social and environmental factors, caregiver mental health and clinical neuroimaging on NDOs will be investigated. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval has been granted by appropriate Queensland ethics committees; Far North Queensland Health Research Ethics Committee (HREC/2019/QCH/50533 (Sep ver 2)-1370), the Townsville HHS Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/QTHS/56008), the University of Queensland Medical Research Ethics Committee (2020000185/HREC/2019/QCH/50533) and the Children's Health Queensland HHS Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/20/QCHQ/63906) with governance and support from local First Nations communities. Findings from this study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12619000969167.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly R Luke
- Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katherine Benfer
- Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Leeann Mick-Ramsamy
- Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert S Ware
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Natasha Reid
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Arend F Bos
- Department of Neonatology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Margot Bosanquet
- Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Roslyn N Boyd
- Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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11
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Zwaigenbaum L, Brian J, Smith IM, Sacrey LAR, Franchini M, Bryson SE, Vaillancourt T, Armstrong V, Duku E, Szatmari P, Roberts W, Roncadin C. Symptom trajectories in the first 18 months and autism risk in a prospective high-risk cohort. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2021; 62:1435-1443. [PMID: 33782970 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although early autism spectrum disorder (ASD) detection strategies tend to focus on differences at a point in time, behavioral symptom trajectories may also be informative. METHODS Developmental trajectories of early signs of ASD were examined in younger siblings of children diagnosed with ASD (n = 499) and infants with no family history of ASD (n = 177). Participants were assessed using the Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) from 6 to 18 months. Diagnostic outcomes were determined at age 3 years blind to previous assessments. RESULTS Semiparametric group-based modeling using AOSI scores identified three distinct trajectories: Group 1 ('Low', n = 435, 64.3%) was characterized by a low level and stable evolution of ASD signs, group 2 ('Intermediate', n = 180, 26.6%) had intermediate and stable levels, and group 3 ('Inclining', n = 61, 9.3%) had higher and progressively elevated levels of ASD signs. Among younger siblings, ASD rates at age 3 varied by trajectory of early signs and were highest in the Inclining group, membership in which was highly specific (94.5%) but poorly sensitive (28.5%) to ASD. Children with ASD assigned to the inclining trajectory had more severe symptoms at age 3, but developmental and adaptive functioning did not differ by trajectory membership. CONCLUSIONS These prospective data emphasize variable early-onset patterns and the importance of a multipronged approach to early surveillance and screening for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica Brian
- Department of Paediatrics, Bloorview Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Isabel M Smith
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology and Neuroscience, IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Lori-Ann R Sacrey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Susan E Bryson
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology and Neuroscience, IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Tracy Vaillancourt
- Counselling Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Eric Duku
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Szatmari
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wendy Roberts
- Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Caroline Roncadin
- McMaster Children's Hospital Autism Program, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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12
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Bush L, Scott MN. Neuropsychological and ASD phenotypes in rare genetic syndromes: A critical review of the literature. Clin Neuropsychol 2021; 36:993-1027. [PMID: 34569897 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2021.1980111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by core deficits in social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. Recent advances in clinical genetics have improved our understanding of genetic syndromes associated with ASD, which has helped clarify distinct etiologies of ASD and document syndrome-specific profiles of neurocognitive strengths and weaknesses. Pediatric neuropsychologists have the potential to be impactful members of the care team for children with genetic syndromes and their families. METHOD We provide a critical review of the current literature related to the neuropsychological profiles of children with four genetic syndromes associated with ASD, including Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), fragile X syndrome (FXS), 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, and Angelman syndrome. Recommendations for assessment, intervention, and future directions are provided. RESULTS There is vast heterogeneity in terms of the cognitive, language, and developmental abilities of these populations. The within- and across-syndrome variability characteristic of genetic syndromes should be carefully considered during clinical evaluations, including possible measurement limitations, presence of intellectual disability, and important qualitative differences in the ASD-phenotypes across groups. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with genetic disorders pose challenging diagnostic and assessment questions. Pediatric neuropsychologists with expertise in neurodevelopmental processes are well suited to address these questions and identify profiles of neurocognitive strengths and weaknesses, tailor individualized recommendations, and provide diagnostic clarification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Bush
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Megan N Scott
- The Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, IL, USA
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13
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Talbott MR, Dufek S, Young G, Rogers SJ. Leveraging telehealth to evaluate infants with prodromal autism spectrum disorder characteristics using the telehealth evaluation of development for infants. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 26:1242-1254. [PMID: 34549613 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211045596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Many families seeking early evaluations for autism spectrum disorder face long waitlists, must often travel to centers with appropriate expertise, and are frequently told by providers to "wait and see." This results in significant stress for families and delayed supports to infants and their caregivers who could benefit. This study evaluated whether telehealth could be used to identify and evaluate infants with early autism spectrum disorder characteristics in the first year of life. In this study, we evaluated 41 infants via telehealth using a standard set of probes and scored behavior related to social communication, play, imitation, and other developmental domains. We found the majority of infants demonstrated elevated likelihood of autism spectrum disorder on both parent-reported questionnaires and examiner-rated behavior. Caregiver ratings of the overall utility of the protocol used in this study were high. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility for telehealth-based approaches to evaluate infants' with elevated likelihood of autism spectrum disorder in the first year of life, which could help to improve families' access to care and to expand our capacity to conduct studies evaluating possible intervention supports.
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14
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Heimann M, Holmer E. Neonatal Imitation, Intersubjectivity, and Children With Atypical Development: Do Observations on Autism and Down Syndrome Change Our Understanding? Front Psychol 2021; 12:701795. [PMID: 34512459 PMCID: PMC8430258 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.701795] [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: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost all studies on neonatal imitation to date seem to have focused on typically developing children, and we thus lack information on the early imitative abilities of children who follow atypical developmental trajectories. From both practical and theoretical perspectives, these abilities might be relevant to study in children who develop a neuropsychiatric diagnosis later on or in infants who later show impaired ability to imitate. Theoretical in the sense that it will provide insight into the earliest signs of intersubjectivity—i.e., primary intersubjectivity—and how this knowledge might influence our understanding of children following atypical trajectories of development. Practical in the sense that it might lead to earlier detection of certain disabilities. In the present work, we screen the literature for empirical studies on neonatal imitation in children with an Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Down syndrome (DS) as well as present an observation of neonatal imitation in an infant that later was diagnosed with autism and a re-interpretation of previously published data on the phenomenon in a small group of infants with DS. Our findings suggest that the empirical observations to date are too few to draw any definite conclusions but that the existing data suggests that neonatal imitation can be observed both in children with ASD and in children with DS. Thus, neonatal imitation might not represent a useful predictor of a developmental deficit. Based on current theoretical perspectives advocating that neonatal imitation is a marker of primary intersubjectivity, we propose tentatively that an ability to engage in purposeful exchanges with another human being exists in these populations from birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Heimann
- Infant and Child Lab, Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Emil Holmer
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, The Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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15
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Begum-Ali J, Kolesnik-Taylor A, Quiroz I, Mason L, Garg S, Green J, Johnson MH, Jones EJH. Early differences in auditory processing relate to Autism Spectrum Disorder traits in infants with Neurofibromatosis Type I. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:22. [PMID: 34049498 PMCID: PMC8161667 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09364-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensory modulation difficulties are common in children with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and could contribute to other social and non-social symptoms. Positing a causal role for sensory processing differences requires observing atypical sensory reactivity prior to the emergence of other symptoms, which can be achieved through prospective studies. METHODS In this longitudinal study, we examined auditory repetition suppression and change detection at 5 and 10 months in infants with and without Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a condition associated with higher likelihood of developing ASD. RESULTS In typically developing infants, suppression to vowel repetition and enhanced responses to vowel/pitch change decreased with age over posterior regions, becoming more frontally specific; age-related change was diminished in the NF1 group. Whilst both groups detected changes in vowel and pitch, the NF1 group were largely slower to show a differentiated neural response. Auditory responses did not relate to later language, but were related to later ASD traits. CONCLUSIONS These findings represent the first demonstration of atypical brain responses to sounds in infants with NF1 and suggest they may relate to the likelihood of later ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannath Begum-Ali
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, Henry Wellcome Building, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK.
| | - Anna Kolesnik-Taylor
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, Henry Wellcome Building, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Isabel Quiroz
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, Henry Wellcome Building, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Luke Mason
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, Henry Wellcome Building, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Shruti Garg
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mark H Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, Henry Wellcome Building, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, Henry Wellcome Building, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK.
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