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Skaletski EC, Cardona SC, Travers BG. The relation between specific motor skills and daily living skills in autistic children and adolescents. Front Integr Neurosci 2024; 18:1334241. [PMID: 38841108 PMCID: PMC11150622 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2024.1334241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Motor skill difficulties are common in autistic children and are related to daily living skills (DLS). However, it remains unclear which specific motor tasks are most likely to impact overall DLS. This study sought to fill this gap. Methods and results In 90 autistic children and adolescents (ages 6-17 years), we found that fine/manual motor tasks, like drawing or folding, demonstrated significant medium-sized relations with DLS, even after accounting for IQ and sensory features, whereas tasks in the areas of bilateral coordination, upper-limb coordination, and balance only related to DLS (small effect sizes) prior to accounting for IQ and sensory features. When looking at an overall balance score, we found that IQ significantly interacted on the relation between overall balance and DLS. Discussion These results further demonstrate the particular importance of fine/manual motor skills for DLS in autistic youth, even when accounting for IQ and sensory features. Indeed, accounting for sensory features strengthened the relations between fine/manual motor skills and DLS. Our findings provide evidence of the impact of cognitive factors on the relation between balance and DLS, indicating that it may be that autistic individuals with lower IQs experience relations between balance and DLS that are different than their peers with higher IQs. Our findings support the benefit of considering individual motor skills rather than domain-level information when assessing ways to promote DLS in autistic youth. The results further shed light on the importance of fine motor skills, as well as the unique relationship of balance and DLS in autistic individuals with lower IQs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C. Skaletski
- Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Sailery Cortes Cardona
- Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Brittany G. Travers
- Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Surgent O, Guerrero-Gonzalez J, Dean DC, Adluru N, Kirk GR, Kecskemeti SR, Alexander AL, Li JJ, Travers BG. Microstructural neural correlates of maximal grip strength in autistic children: the role of the cortico-cerebellar network and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder features. Front Integr Neurosci 2024; 18:1359099. [PMID: 38808069 PMCID: PMC11130426 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2024.1359099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Maximal grip strength, a measure of how much force a person's hand can generate when squeezing an object, may be an effective method for understanding potential neurobiological differences during motor tasks. Grip strength in autistic individuals may be of particular interest due to its unique developmental trajectory. While autism-specific differences in grip-brain relationships have been found in adult populations, it is possible that such differences in grip-brain relationships may be present at earlier ages when grip strength is behaviorally similar in autistic and non-autistic groups. Further, such neural differences may lead to the later emergence of diagnostic-group grip differences in adolescence. The present study sought to examine this possibility, while also examining if grip strength could elucidate the neuro-motor sources of phenotypic heterogeneity commonly observed within autism. Methods Using high resolution, multi-shell diffusion, and quantitative R1 relaxometry imaging, this study examined how variations in key sensorimotor-related white matter pathways of the proprioception input, lateral grasping, cortico-cerebellar, and corticospinal networks were associated with individual variations in grip strength in 68 autistic children and 70 non-autistic (neurotypical) children (6-11 years-old). Results In both groups, results indicated that stronger grip strength was associated with higher proprioceptive input, lateral grasping, and corticospinal (but not cortico-cerebellar modification) fractional anisotropy and R1, indirect measures concordant with stronger microstructural coherence and increased myelination. Diagnostic group differences in these grip-brain relationships were not observed, but the autistic group exhibited more variability particularly in the cortico-cerebellar modification indices. An examination into the variability within the autistic group revealed that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) features moderated the relationships between grip strength and both fractional anisotropy and R1 relaxometry in the premotor-primary motor tract of the lateral grasping network and the cortico-cerebellar network tracts. Specifically, in autistic children with elevated ADHD features (60% of the autistic group) stronger grip strength was related to higher fractional anisotropy and R1 of the cerebellar modification network (stronger microstructural coherence and more myelin), whereas the opposite relationship was observed in autistic children with reduced ADHD features. Discussion Together, this work suggests that while the foundational elements of grip strength are similar across school-aged autistic and non-autistic children, neural mechanisms of grip strength within autistic children may additionally depend on the presence of ADHD features. Specifically, stronger, more coherent connections of the cerebellar modification network, which is thought to play a role in refining and optimizing motor commands, may lead to stronger grip in children with more ADHD features, weaker grip in children with fewer ADHD features, and no difference in grip in non-autistic children. While future research is needed to understand if these findings extend to other motor tasks beyond grip strength, these results have implications for understanding the biological basis of neuromotor control in autistic children and emphasize the importance of assessing co-occurring conditions when evaluating brain-behavior relationships in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Surgent
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jose Guerrero-Gonzalez
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Douglas C. Dean
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nagesh Adluru
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Gregory R. Kirk
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Andrew L. Alexander
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - James J. Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Brittany G. Travers
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Occupational Therapy Program in the Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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3
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Otterstedt C, Strömsten LMJ, Sandlund J, Johansson GM. Motor proficiency of persons with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism spectrum disorder diagnosed in adulthood. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38632964 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2340123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare (1) motor proficiency of persons diagnosed in adulthood with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with normative values of motor proficiency, and (2) motor proficiency between persons with ADHD and those with ASD diagnosed in adulthood. METHODS A total of 153 adults (median age 32 years, 36% women) participated in this cross-sectional study. Fifty-three persons with predominately inattentive presentation (ADHD-I), 67 persons with combined presentation (ADHD-C), and 33 persons with ASD performed the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). One-sample binominal tests were used to compare motor proficiency against standardized norms of BOT-2 for young adults. One-way ANOVAs and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare test outcomes between the groups. RESULTS The total sample showed significantly impaired motor proficiency in comparison to norms in all test domains (p < 0.001-0.006), except for fine motor skills. The ASD group showed significantly poorer body coordination compared with the ADHD-I and ADHD-C groups, with a moderate effect size (p = 0.003-0.02, η2 = 0.061). CONCLUSIONS Motor proficiency is impaired in most persons with ADHD or ASD diagnosed in adulthood, suggesting that motor assessment should be included in clinical examinations of adults with suspected neurodevelopment disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Otterstedt
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Jonas Sandlund
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gudrun M Johansson
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Marcilla-Jorda M, Grande C, Coelho V, Rubio-Belmonte C, Moro-Ipola M. Sensory Profile-2 in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Analysis within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06337-y. [PMID: 38613593 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06337-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in many functional areas requiring long-term interventions to promote autonomy. This study aims to map The Sensory Profile™ 2 (SP-2), one of the most widely used assessment tools in children with ASD, with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY), developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). This will allow the identification of the functional dimensions covered by this instrument and the comparison with the ICF shortlist proposed for autism (ICF Core Set [ICF-CS]). The deductive content analysis described in the ICF Linking Rules was followed, along with a systematized process including statistical and reasoning techniques that could contribute to the improvement of ICF linking studies (Cohen's Kappa and percentage of agreement). 218 codes were identified, 71% of them were codes related to the body functions chapters, mainly linked to perceptual functions (b160), emotional functions (b152), and temperament and personality functions (b126). Concerning activities and participation chapters (29%) the most frequently used codes were: focusing attention (d160), carrying out daily routine (d230), and walking (d450). Even though the SP-2 items do not assess most of the functional features regarded as essential in the ASD ICF-CS, SP-2 encompasses a majority of problems concerning body functions. This instrument may be considered as part of a multidimensional assessment approach, to complement other sources that are more likely to assess activity and participation dimensions and guide a functional intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catarina Grande
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vera Coelho
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade da Maia, Maia, Portugal
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Micaela Moro-Ipola
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Castello de la Plana, Spain.
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Gentles SJ, Ng-Cordell EC, Hunsche MC, McVey AJ, Bednar ED, DeGroote MG, Chen YJ, Duku E, Kerns CM, Banfield L, Szatmari P, Georgiades S. Trajectory research in children with an autism diagnosis: A scoping review. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:540-564. [PMID: 37194194 PMCID: PMC10913344 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231170280] [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] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT The types of outcomes studied in children on the autism spectrum include clinical characteristics, such as social functioning, communication, language, or autism symptoms. Research that measures these outcomes at multiple timepoints is useful to improve our understanding of what to expect as children develop. In trajectory studies, researchers assess outcomes at three or more timepoints. This method has advantages over two-timepoint studies because it allows researchers to describe changes in the speed of development, such as accelerations, plateaus, or slowdowns. We identified and reviewed 103 published trajectory studies in children (to age 18 years) with an autism diagnosis. Importantly, we did not include studies of treatments or their effects, nor did we summarize the results of studies. Instead, this review summarizes the characteristics of the available published research, including the methods used, the many different outcomes that have been studied over time and the ages over which they have been studied. This summary may be of interest to autistic people and caregivers (parents) who want to know about the existence of research that provides answers about what to expect during an autistic child's development. We have recommended that future trajectory research efforts try to make up for the lack of studies from low- and middle-income countries; that more attention is given to the following outcomes that are meaningful to caregivers and autistic people; and to try to fill in the age gaps where more outcome-specific data are needed.
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Chen Y, Siles B, Tager-Flusberg H. Receptive language and receptive-expressive discrepancy in minimally verbal autistic children and adolescents. Autism Res 2024; 17:381-394. [PMID: 38149732 PMCID: PMC10922817 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3079] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Among the approximately one-third of autistic individuals who experience considerable challenges in acquiring spoken language and are minimally verbal (MV), relatively little is known about the range of their receptive language abilities. This study included 1579 MV autistic children and adolescents between 5 and 18 years of age drawn from the National Database for Autism Research and the SFARI Base data repository. MV autistic children and adolescents demonstrated significantly lower receptive language compared to the norms on standardized language assessment and parent report measures. Moreover, their receptive language gap widened with age. Overall, our sample demonstrated significantly better receptive than expressive language. However, at the individual level, only about 25% of MV autistic children and adolescents demonstrated significantly better receptive language relative to their minimal expressive levels. Social skills explained a significant proportion of the variance in parent-reported receptive language skills, while motor skills were the most significant predictor of greater receptive-expressive discrepancy. Findings from this study revealed the heterogeneous language profiles in MV autistic children and adolescents, underscoring the importance of individualizing interventions to match their different communication strengths and needs and integrating multiple interconnected areas to optimize their overall development of language comprehension, socialization, and general motor skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanru Chen
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, 100 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02155
| | - Brynn Siles
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, 100 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02155
| | - Helen Tager-Flusberg
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, 100 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02155
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Vives-Vilarroig J, Ruiz-Bernardo P, García-Gómez A. Effects of Horseback Riding on the Postural Control of Autistic Children: A Multiple Baseline Across-subjects Design. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-023-06174-5. [PMID: 38246963 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06174-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this research was to study the effect of a horseback-riding programme on postural control in a group of autistic children (ASD). Nine children aged 9 to 12 years participated in this study through a multiple baseline across subjects design. The whole programme took place over nine months. Participants followed a previously developed specific horseback-riding programme, consisting of 45-minute sessions held twice a week for at least three months. To evaluate postural control, the average velocity of the centre of pressure displacement was measured by means of a posturographic platform. Results indicated that this intervention with horses had a positive effect on the postural control in children with ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Vives-Vilarroig
- Universidad Cardenal Herrera, CEU, Castellón, C. Grecia, 31, Castellón de la Plana, 12006, España
| | - Paola Ruiz-Bernardo
- Universidad Jaume I. Castellón, Av. Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, Castellón de la Plana, 12071, España.
| | - Andrés García-Gómez
- Universidad de Extremadura. Badajoz, Av. de Elvas, s/n, Badajoz, 06006, España
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Miller HL, Licari MK, Bhat A, Aziz-Zadeh LS, Van Damme T, Fears NE, Cermak SA, Tamplain PM. Motor problems in autism: Co-occurrence or feature? Dev Med Child Neurol 2024; 66:16-22. [PMID: 37332143 PMCID: PMC10725993 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Motor features of autism have long been acknowledged by clinicians, researchers, and community stakeholders. Current DSM-5 and ICD-11 guidelines allow clinicians to assign a co-occurring diagnosis of developmental [motor] coordination disorder (DCD) for autistic individuals with significant motor problems. DCD is characterized by poor motor proficiency with an onset of symptoms in early development. Studies have shown considerable overlap in the behavioral motor features observed in autism and DCD. However, others indicate that motor problems in autism and DCD may stem from different underlying sensorimotor mechanisms. Regardless of whether autism has a unique motor phenotype or an overlap with DCD, changes need to be made in the clinical pipeline to address motor problems in autism at the stages of recognition, assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. Consensus is needed to address unmet needs in research on the etiology of motor problems in autism and their overlap with DCD, to optimize clinical practice guidelines. The development of screening and assessment tools for motor problems that are valid and reliable for use with autistic individuals is essential, and an evidence-based clinical pipeline for motor problems in autism is urgently needed. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Motor problems in autism are highly prevalent, yet underdiagnosed and poorly managed. An evidence-based clinical pipeline for motor problems in autism is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haylie L. Miller
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Melissa K. Licari
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anjana Bhat
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Lisa S. Aziz-Zadeh
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Chan Division of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tine Van Damme
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicholas E. Fears
- School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Sharon A. Cermak
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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9
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Serdarevic F, Luo M, Karabegović I, Binter AC, Alemany S, Mutzel R, Guxens M, Bustamante M, Hajdarpasic A, White T, Felix JF, Cecil CAM, Tiemeier H. DNA methylation at birth and fine motor ability in childhood: an epigenome-wide association study with replication. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2207253. [PMID: 37139702 PMCID: PMC10161945 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2207253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lower fine motor performance in childhood has been associated with poorer cognitive development and neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, yet, biological underpinnings remain unclear. DNA methylation (DNAm), an essential process for healthy neurodevelopment, is a key molecular system of interest. In this study, we conducted the first epigenome-wide association study of neonatal DNAm with childhood fine motor ability and further examined the replicability of epigenetic markers in an independent cohort. The discovery study was embedded in Generation R, a large population-based prospective cohort, including a subsample of 924 ~ 1026 European-ancestry singletons with available data on DNAm in cord blood and fine motor ability at a mean (SD) age of 9.8 (0.4) years. Fine motor ability was measured using a finger-tapping test (3 subtests including left-, right-hand and bimanual), one of the most frequently used neuropsychological instruments of fine motor function. The replication study comprised 326 children with a mean (SD) age of 6.8 (0.4) years from an independent cohort, the INfancia Medio Ambiente (INMA) study. Four CpG sites at birth were prospectively associated with childhood fine motor ability after genome-wide correction. Of these, one CpG (cg07783800 in GNG4) was replicated in INMA, showing that lower levels of methylation at this site were associated with lower fine motor performance in both cohorts. GNG4 is highly expressed in the brain and has been implicated in cognitive decline. Our findings support a prospective, reproducible association between DNAm at birth and fine motor ability in childhood, pointing to GNG4 methylation at birth as a potential biomarker of fine motor ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadila Serdarevic
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Social and Behavioral Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Sarajevo Medical School, Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Mannan Luo
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Irma Karabegović
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne-Claire Binter
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Alemany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ryan Mutzel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Monica Guxens
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aida Hajdarpasic
- Department of Medical Biology, and Genetics, Sarajevo Medical School, Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Tonya White
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Janine F Felix
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte A M Cecil
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Social and Behavioral Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Unruh KE, Bartolotti JV, McKinney WS, Schmitt LM, Sweeney JA, Mosconi MW. Functional connectivity of cortical-cerebellar networks in relation to sensorimotor behavior and clinical features in autism spectrum disorder. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:8990-9002. [PMID: 37246152 PMCID: PMC10350826 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensorimotor issues are present in the majority of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are associated with core symptoms. The neural systems associated with these impairments remain unclear. Using a visually guided precision gripping task during functional magnetic resonance imaging, we characterized task-based connectivity and activation of cortical, subcortical, and cerebellar visuomotor networks. Participants with ASD (n = 19; ages 10-33) and age- and sex-matched neurotypical controls (n = 18) completed a visuomotor task at low and high force levels. Relative to controls, individuals with ASD showed reduced functional connectivity of right primary motor-anterior cingulate cortex and left anterior intraparietal lobule (aIPL)-right Crus I at high force only. At low force, increased caudate, and cerebellar activation each were associated with sensorimotor behavior in controls, but not in ASD. Reduced left aIPL-right Crus I connectivity was associated with more severe clinically rated ASD symptoms. These findings suggest that sensorimotor problems in ASD, particularly at high force levels, involve deficits in the integration of multimodal sensory feedback and reduced reliance on error-monitoring processes. Adding to literature positing that cerebellar dysfunction contributes to multiple developmental issues in ASD, our data implicate parietal-cerebellar connectivity as a key neural marker underlying both core and comorbid features of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Unruh
- Life Span Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - James V Bartolotti
- Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Walker S McKinney
- Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Lauren M Schmitt
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - John A Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Matthew W Mosconi
- Life Span Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
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11
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Miniarikova E, Audras-Torrent L, Berard M, Peries M, Picot MC, Munir K, Baghdadli A. Adaptive behaviors and related factors in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Report from ELENA cohort. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 163:43-54. [PMID: 37201237 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.013] [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] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
There are strong individual differences in adaptive behaviors (AB) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with conflicting results in literature about specific patterns and related factors. The present study aims to describe AB and identify related factors in terms of clinical and socio-familial characteristics in 875 children and adolescents with ASD in the multiregional ELENA cohort in France. Results showed that AB in children and adolescents with ASD were lower than in typically developing subjects, regardless of age group. AB were associated with clinical (gender, age at diagnosis, IQ, ASD severity, psychiatric comorbidities, motor and language skills, challenging behaviors), interventional (school attendance, special interventions) and familial characteristics (age, educational and socio-economic status of parents, household status, number of siblings). There is a need of interventions focusing on improvement of AB, tailored to children's characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ela Miniarikova
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, France.
| | - Lee Audras-Torrent
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, France.
| | - Mathilde Berard
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, France; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807, Villejuif, France.
| | - Marianne Peries
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, France; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807, Villejuif, France.
| | - Marie-Christine Picot
- Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, France; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807, Villejuif, France; Clinical Research and Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Information, University Hospital, CHU Montpellier, France.
| | - Kerim Munir
- Developmental Medicine Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Amaria Baghdadli
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, France; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807, Villejuif, France; Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montpellier, France.
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12
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Surgent O, Guerrero-Gonzalez J, Dean DC, Kirk GR, Adluru N, Kecskemeti SR, Alexander AL, Travers BG. How we get a grip: Microstructural neural correlates of manual grip strength in children. Neuroimage 2023; 273:120117. [PMID: 37062373 PMCID: PMC10161685 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Maximal grip strength is associated with a variety of health-related outcome measures and thus may be reflective of the efficiency of foundational brain-body communication. Non-human primate models of grip strength strongly implicate the cortical lateral grasping network, but little is known about the translatability of these models to human children. Further, it is unclear how supplementary networks that provide proprioceptive information and cerebellar-based motor command modification are associated with maximal grip strength. Therefore, this study employed high resolution, multi-shell diffusion and quantitative T1 imaging to examine how variations in lateral grasping, proprioception input, and cortico-cerebellar modification network white matter microstructure are associated with variations in grip strength across 70 children. Results indicated that stronger grip strength was associated with higher lateral grasping and proprioception input network fractional anisotropy and R1, indirect measures consistent with stronger microstructural coherence and increased myelination. No relationships were found in the cerebellar modification network. These results provide a neurobiological mechanism of grip behavior in children which suggests that increased myelination of cortical sensory and motor pathways is associated with stronger grip. This neurobiological mechanism may be a signature of pediatric neuro-motor behavior more broadly as evidenced by the previously demonstrated relationships between grip strength and behavioral outcome measures across a variety of clinical and non-clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Surgent
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jose Guerrero-Gonzalez
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States; Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Douglas C Dean
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States; Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Gregory R Kirk
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nagesh Adluru
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States; Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Andrew L Alexander
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States; Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Brittany G Travers
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States; Occupational Therapy Program in the Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.
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13
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Jabouille F, Billot M, Hermand E, Lemonnier E, Perrochon A. Balance rehabilitation for postural control in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A two-case report study. Physiother Theory Pract 2023; 39:658-666. [PMID: 34939886 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2021.2017090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effect of balance rehabilitation on postural control in both low and increased cognitive load conditions in two children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). METHODS Two children diagnosed with ASD participated in a 4-week personalized balance rehabilitation program with two sessions per week. We assessed postural control in two single task (ST) conditions with low cognitive load: Eyes Closed (EC), Eyes Open (EO); and in five increased cognitive load conditions. Those dual task (DT) conditions consisted of presenting images representing a neutral condition, sadness, anger, happiness, and fear. Postural control parameters (surface, velocity, medio-lateral and antero-posterior sway amplitudes of the center of pressure (CoP)) were collected by a posturographic platform before and after the balance rehabilitation. RESULTS The rehabilitation program resulted in a 30-96% improvement of postural control parameters in the ST condition for both participants. In DT, participant 1 progressed on all conditions while participant 2 progressed on 3 of the 5 conditions (sadness, anger and fear). CONCLUSION This suggests that these two children with ASD improved their balance control in both low and increased cognitive load conditions. These encouraging results need to be replicated before recommending balance rehabilitation as standard health rehabilitation in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Jabouille
- Ilfomer, Institut Limousin de Formation Aux Métiers de La Réadaptation, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Maxime Billot
- Prismatics Lab (Predictive Research in Spine/Neuromodulation Management and Thoracic Innovation/Cardiac Surgery), Poitiers University Hospital, 2 Rue de La Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Eric Hermand
- Laboratoire Ea 7369 URePSSS (Unité de Recherche Pluridisciplinaire Sport, Santé, Société), Université Du Littoral Côte d'Opale, Dunkerque, France.,Laboratoire Ea 6310 Havae (Handicap Autonomie Vieillissement Activité Environnement), Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Eric Lemonnier
- Centre Ressource Autisme, Hôpital Le Cluzeau, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Anaick Perrochon
- Ilfomer, Institut Limousin de Formation Aux Métiers de La Réadaptation, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France.,Laboratoire Ea 6310 Havae (Handicap Autonomie Vieillissement Activité Environnement), Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
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14
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Corrigendum for 'Longitudinal development of manual motor ability in autism spectrum disorder from childhood to mid-adulthood relates to adaptive daily living skills' by Travers et al. (2017). Dev Sci 2023; 26:e13299. [PMID: 35751394 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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15
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Fears NE, Sherrod GM, Templin TN, Bugnariu NL, Patterson RM, Miller HL. Community-based postural control assessment in autistic individuals indicates a similar but delayed trajectory compared to neurotypical individuals. Autism Res 2023; 16:543-557. [PMID: 36627838 PMCID: PMC10023334 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Autistic individuals exhibit significant sensorimotor differences. Postural stability and control are foundational motor skills for successfully performing many activities of daily living. In neurotypical development, postural stability and control develop throughout childhood and adolescence. In autistic development, previous studies have focused primarily on individual age groups (e.g., childhood, adolescence, adulthood) or only controlled for age using age-matching. Here, we examined the age trajectories of postural stability and control in autism from childhood through adolescents using standardized clinical assessments. In study 1, we tested the postural stability of autistic (n = 27) and neurotypical (n = 41) children, adolescents, and young adults aged 7-20 years during quiet standing on a force plate in three visual conditions: eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), and eyes open with the head in a translucent dome (Dome). Postural sway variability decreased as age increased for both groups, but autistic participants showed greater variability than neurotypical participants across age. In study 2, we tested autistic (n = 21) and neurotypical (n = 32) children and adolescents aged 7-16 years during a dynamic postural control task with nine targets. Postural control efficiency increased as age increased for both groups, but autistic participants were less efficient compared to neurotypical participants across age. Together, these results indicate that autistic individuals have a similar age trajectory for postural stability and control compared to neurotypical individuals, but have lower postural stability and control overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E. Fears
- University of Michigan, 830 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48170, USA
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
- Louisiana State University, 50 Fieldhouse Dr. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70802, USA
| | - Gabriela M. Sherrod
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Tylan N. Templin
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
- Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Rd., San Antonio, TX, 78238, USA
| | - Nicoleta L. Bugnariu
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
- University of the Pacific, School of Health Sciences, 155 Fifth St., San Francisco, CA, 94103, USA
| | - Rita M. Patterson
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
| | - Haylie L. Miller
- University of Michigan, 830 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48170, USA
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
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16
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Callahan M, Matson JL, Tevis C. Developmental Functioning of Infants and Toddlers with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Dev Neurorehabil 2023; 26:89-100. [PMID: 36628488 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2023.2166615] [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] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The current study aimed to investigate developmental functioning in infants and toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), seizures, cerebral palsy (CP), and atypical development. METHODS An ANOVA was utilized to investigate the differences between neurodevelopmental group on BDI-2 developmental quotient and a MANOVA was used to investigate the differences between the groups and five developmental domains. RESULTS The results indicated statistically significant differences in overall developmental functioning and each subdomain of the BDI-2. DISCUSSION These findings provide the basis for further research to investigate comorbidities of the three neurodevelopmental disorders and parse out the impact of intellectual disability (ID).
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Callahan
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Johnny L Matson
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Celeste Tevis
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
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17
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Miller HL, Templin TN, Fears NE, Sherrod GM, Patterson RM, Bugnariu NL. Movement smoothness during dynamic postural control to a static target differs between autistic and neurotypical children. Gait Posture 2023; 99:76-82. [PMID: 36335658 PMCID: PMC10644903 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic children and adults have known differences in motor performance, including postural instability and atypical gross motor control. Few studies have specifically tested dynamic postural control. This is the first study to quantify movement smoothness and its relationship to task performance during lateral dynamic postural control tasks in autism. RESEARCH QUESTION We sought to test the hypothesis that autistic children would have less smooth movements to lateral static targets compared to neurotypical children, and that this difference would relate to specific movement strategies. METHODS We used camera-based motion-capture to measure spatiotemporal characteristics of lateral movement of a marker placed on the C7 vertebrae, and of markers comprising trunk and pelvis segments during a dynamic postural movements to near and far targets administered in an immersive virtual environment. We tested a sample of 15 autistic children and 11 age-matched neurotypical children. We quantified movement smoothness using log dimensionless jerk. RESULTS Autistic children exhibited more medial-lateral pelvic position range of motion compared to neurotypical children, and used a stepping strategy more often compared to neurotypical children. Autistic children also had higher log dimensionless jerk than neurotypical children for motion of the C7 marker. All participants had higher log dimensionless jerk for far targets than for near targets. Autistic children had longer trial durations than neurotypical children, and younger children had longer trial durations than older children across diagnostic groups. SIGNIFICANCE The stepping strategy observed more often in the autistic group likely contributed to log dimensionless jerk and reduced movement smoothness. This strategy is indicative of either an attempt to prevent an impending loss of balance, or an attempt to compensate for and recover from a loss of balance once it is detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haylie L Miller
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA; University of Michigan, 830 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48170, USA.
| | - Tylan N Templin
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA; Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Rd., San Antonio, TX 78238, USA
| | - Nicholas E Fears
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA; University of Michigan, 830 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48170, USA; Louisiana State University, School of Kinesiology, 1246 Pleasant Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Gabriela M Sherrod
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA; University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Rita M Patterson
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA
| | - Nicoleta L Bugnariu
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA; University of the Pacific, School of Health Sciences, 3200 Fifth Ave., Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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18
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Mason AH, Pickett KA, Padilla AS, Travers BG. Combined Gait and Grasping in Autistic and Non-Autistic Youths. Dev Neurorehabil 2022; 25:452-461. [PMID: 35289701 PMCID: PMC9972923 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2022.2052375] [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: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to extend research on motor skill development in autism spectrum disorder using a dual-task skill. Nine autistic and 18 non-autistic youths walked without grasping or while reaching to grasp a small or large object. Step extremity ratio, percent time in double support, and normalized speed were quantified. We hypothesized that gait would differ between autistic and non-autistic youth and that differences would be moderated by the phase (approach and grasp) and the complexity of the task (walking and grasping versus walking alone). Although gait parameters were similar during the walking-only trials, the combined task resulted in slower speed and shorter steps in autistic youth, particularly during the grasp phase. These findings, while in a small sample, offer preliminary evidence that autistic youth who show typical gait during simple assessments of motor ability may have difficulties in more complex tasks that require the coordination of movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Mason
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - K A Pickett
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Program in Occupational Therapy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - A S Padilla
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - B G Travers
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Program in Occupational Therapy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Prigge MBD, Bigler ED, Lange N, Morgan J, Froehlich A, Freeman A, Kellett K, Kane KL, King CK, Taylor J, Dean DC, King JB, Anderson JS, Zielinski BA, Alexander AL, Lainhart JE. Longitudinal Stability of Intellectual Functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorder: From Age 3 Through Mid-adulthood. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:4490-4504. [PMID: 34677753 PMCID: PMC9090201 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05227-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Intelligence (IQ) scores are used in educational and vocational planning for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) yet little is known about the stability of IQ throughout development. We examined longitudinal age-related IQ stability in 119 individuals with ASD (3-36 years of age at first visit) and 128 typically developing controls. Intelligence measures were collected over a 20-year period. In ASD, Full Scale (FSIQ) and Verbal (VIQ) Intelligence started lower in childhood and increased at a greater rate with age relative to the control group. By early adulthood, VIQ and working memory stabilized, whereas nonverbal and perceptual scores continued to change. Our results suggest that in individuals with ASD, IQ estimates may be dynamic in childhood and young adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly B D Prigge
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Radiology Research, University of Utah, 729 Arapeen Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA.
| | - Erin D Bigler
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Lange
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jubel Morgan
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Radiology Research, University of Utah, 729 Arapeen Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Alyson Froehlich
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Abigail Freeman
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kristina Kellett
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Karen L Kane
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Carolyn K King
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Radiology Research, University of Utah, 729 Arapeen Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - June Taylor
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Radiology Research, University of Utah, 729 Arapeen Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Douglas C Dean
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jace B King
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Radiology Research, University of Utah, 729 Arapeen Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Jeff S Anderson
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Radiology Research, University of Utah, 729 Arapeen Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Brandon A Zielinski
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Andrew L Alexander
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Janet E Lainhart
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Hau J, Baker A, Chaaban C, Kohli JS, Jao Keehn RJ, Linke AC, Mash LE, Wilkinson M, Kinnear MK, Müller RA, Carper RA. Reduced asymmetry of the hand knob area and decreased sensorimotor u-fiber connectivity in middle-aged adults with autism. Cortex 2022; 153:110-125. [PMID: 35640320 PMCID: PMC9988270 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently present with impairments in motor skills (e.g., limb coordination, handwriting and balance), which are observed across the lifespan but remain largely untreated. Many adults with ASD may thus experience adverse motor outcomes in aging, when physical decline naturally occurs. The 'hand knob' of the sensorimotor cortex is an area that is critical for motor control of the fingers and hands. However, this region has received little attention in ASD research, especially in adults after midlife. The hand knob area of the precentral (PrChand) and postcentral (PoChand) gyri was semi-manually delineated in 49 right-handed adults (25 ASD, 24 typical comparison [TC] participants, aged 41-70 years). Using multimodal (T1-weighted, diffusion-weighted, and resting-state functional) MRI, we examined the morphology, ipsilateral connectivity and laterality of these regions. We also explored correlations between hand knob measures with motor skills and autism symptoms, and between structural and functional connectivity measures. Bayesian analyses indicated moderate evidence of group effects with greater right PrChand volume and reduced leftward laterality of PrChand and PoChand volume in the ASD relative to TC group. Furthermore, the right PoC-PrChand u-fibers showed increased mean diffusivity in the ASD group. In the ASD group, right u-fiber volume positively correlated with corresponding functional connectivity but did not survive multiple comparisons correction. Correlations of hand knob measures and behavior were observed in the ASD group but did not survive multiple comparisons correction. Our findings suggest that morphological laterality and u-fiber connectivity of the sensorimotor network, putatively involved in hand motor/premotor function, may be diminished in middle-aged adults with ASD, perhaps rendering them more vulnerable to motor decline in old age. The altered morphology may relate to atypical functional motor asymmetries found in ASD earlier in life, possibly reflecting altered functional asymmetries over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice Hau
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ashley Baker
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Chantal Chaaban
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jiwandeep S Kohli
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - R Joanne Jao Keehn
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Annika C Linke
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lisa E Mash
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Molly Wilkinson
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mikaela K Kinnear
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ralph-Axel Müller
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ruth A Carper
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Impaired Biological Motion Processing and Motor Skills in Adults with Autistic Traits. J Autism Dev Disord 2022:10.1007/s10803-022-05572-5. [PMID: 35524834 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05572-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The present study explored the relationship between biological motion (BioM) processing, motor skills, and autistic traits within a non-clinical sample of 621 adults (18-73 years, 51.8% female). Results indicated that adults with greater autistic traits also endorsed difficulties associated with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in childhood and adulthood. Traits associated with autism spectrum disorder and DCD were predictive of BioM processing abilities. The results also revealed sex differences in DCD, autistic traits, and BioM processing. Overall, these findings suggest that adults with greater autistic traits experience both deficits in motor activities as well as underlying motor perceptual abilities.
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Fears NE, Templin TN, Sherrod GM, Bugnariu NL, Patterson RM, Miller HL. Autistic Children Use Less Efficient Goal-Directed Whole Body Movements Compared to Neurotypical Development. J Autism Dev Disord 2022:10.1007/s10803-022-05523-0. [PMID: 35441912 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05523-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Autistic children have differences in their movements which impact their functional performance. Virtual-reality enables researchers to study movement in safe, engaging environments. We used motion-capture to measure how 7-13-year-old autistic and neurotypical children make whole-body movements in a virtual-reality task. Although children in both groups were successful, we observed differences in their movements. Autistic children were less efficient moving to the target. Autistic children did not appear to use a movement strategy. While neurotypical children were more likely to overshoot near targets and undershoot far targets, autistic children did not modulate their strategy. Using kinematic data from tasks in virtual-reality, we can begin to understand the pattern of movement challenges experienced by autistic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E Fears
- School of Health Professions, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, 830 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, 48170, USA
| | - Tylan N Templin
- School of Health Professions, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
- Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Rd., San Antonio, TX, 78238, USA
| | - Gabriela M Sherrod
- School of Health Professions, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Nicoleta L Bugnariu
- School of Health Professions, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
- School of Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, 155 Fifth St., San Francisco, CA, 94103, USA
| | - Rita M Patterson
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
| | - Haylie L Miller
- School of Health Professions, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA.
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, 830 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, 48170, USA.
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Does Symptom Severity Moderate the Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Motor Competence in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders? An Exploratory Study. Adapt Phys Activ Q 2022; 39:341-355. [PMID: 35418514 DOI: 10.1123/apaq.2021-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, there has been little research considering both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptom severity and motor impairment simultaneously when investigating their associations with obesity. This study was designed to identify the moderating role of symptom severity in the relationship between motor competence and overweight/obesity for children with ASD. Seventy-eight children with a clinical diagnosis were recruited from a large autism rehabilitation center in Wuhan, China. Chi-square, partial correlation, and moderation regression analyses revealed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was similar regardless of symptom severity. Balance was the only motor skill that correlated with body mass index. Furthermore, symptom severity significantly moderated the correlation. Children with low autism severity might be more likely to demonstrate the relationship between balance and body mass index than those with high autism severity. Combating obesity by enhancing motor competence should cautiously consider personal and environment factors such as individual severity of ASD.
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DISSOCIATING EXPERIENCE-DEPENDENT AND MATURATIONAL CHANGES IN FINE MOTOR FUNCTION DURING ADOLESCENCE. Trends Neurosci Educ 2022; 27:100176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tine.2022.100176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Fears NE, Palmer SA, Miller HL. Motor skills predict adaptive behavior in autistic children and adolescents. Autism Res 2022; 15:1083-1089. [PMID: 35322578 PMCID: PMC9167704 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
It is well-documented that intelligence quotient (IQ) is a poor predictor of adaptive behavior scores in autism, with autistic children having lower adaptive behavior scores than would be predicted based on their IQ scores. Differences in motor skills may explain the variability in their adaptive behavior scores. The current study examined how motor skills might explain autistic individuals' low adaptive behavior scores and which individual components of IQ (i.e., verbal comprehension and perceptual reasoning) and motor skills (i.e., manual dexterity, aiming and catching, and balance) may drive this effect. We examined the associations between IQ, motor skills, calibrated severity, and adaptive behavior scores in 45 autistic children and adolescents. Using a t-test, we found a significant difference (p <0.001) between full-scale IQ and adaptive behavior scores, indicating that our participants' adaptive behavior scores were lower than would be expected given their full-scale IQ. Using a linear regression, we investigated whether motor skills predicted adaptive behavior in autistic children and adolescents and found that motor skills scores were associated with adaptive behavior scores (p = 0.022). To further investigate these associations, we used another linear regression to examine how individual components of IQ and motor skills predicted adaptive behavior scores in autistic children and adolescents. Our results indicated that manual dexterity scores were associated with adaptive behavior scores (p = 0.036). These findings clearly illustrate the need for further understanding of autistic individuals' difficulties with adaptive behavior and the potential role of motor skill difficulties that may underlie these difficulties. LAY SUMMARY: Autistic children have lower adaptive behavior scores (e.g., daily living skills, social skills, communication) than intelligence scores (e.g., verbal and perceptual skills) along with difficulties with motor skills. Motor skills may explain the gap between adaptive behavior and intelligence. We found motor skills were associated with adaptive behavior in autistic children and adolescents. In particular, hand coordination was associated with adaptive behavior. We need to better understand how autistic individuals' motor skills impact their adaptive behavior to provide effective supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E Fears
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA.,School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Haylie L Miller
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA.,School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Travers BG, Lee L, Klans N, Engeldinger A, Taylor D, Ausderau K, Skaletski EC, Brown J. Associations Among Daily Living Skills, Motor, and Sensory Difficulties in Autistic and Nonautistic Children. Am J Occup Ther 2022; 76:23206. [PMID: 35171982 PMCID: PMC9563082 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2022.045955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Motor and sensory challenges are commonly reported among autistic individuals and have been linked to challenges with daily living skills (DLS). To best inform clinical intervention, greater specificity in how sensory and motor challenges relate to DLS is needed. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between combined sensory and motor scores and DLS performance among autistic and nonautistic children and to explore associations between motor scores and performance on specific DLS items. DESIGN Descriptive design. SETTING University research lab. PARTICIPANTS Autistic children, nonautistic children with no family history of or diagnosis related to autism, and nonautistic children with a family history of or diagnosis related to autism (ages 6-10 yr; N = 101). All participants communicated verbally. INTERVENTION None. Outcomes and Measures: Parent-report measures of DLS and sensory features and standardized assessments of motor performance. RESULTS Findings indicated a strong relationship between motor difficulties and all domains of DLS. At the item level, motor skills were associated with occupations of dressing, bathing, health management, cleaning up and organization, meal preparation and clean-up, education, and safety. Combined sensory and motor measures better predicted DLS than sensory or motor measures alone. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Children with motor and sensory challenges are likely to experience challenges with a diversity of occupations, which is important given the prevalence of motor and sensory challenges among autistic children and among children with other neurodevelopmental conditions. Therapeutic interventions that account for or address these motor challenges and associated sensory features are likely to further enhance DLS. What This Article Adds: A combination of motor challenges and sensory features better predict DLS than either motor or sensory challenges alone. In addition, motor challenges in children are most highly associated with DLS challenges in the domains of dressing, bathing, cleaning, education, safety, health, and meal preparation. Occupational therapists can use this information when considering how the results of sensory and motor assessment may guide clinical intervention in autistic and nonautistic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany G Travers
- Brittany G. Travers, PhD, is Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, and Investigator, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison;
| | - Lucia Lee
- Lucia Lee, MOT, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Nicole Klans
- Nicole Klans, MOT, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Alexandra Engeldinger
- Alexandra Engeldinger, MOT, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Aspire Therapy and Development Services, Madison, WI
| | - Desiree Taylor
- Desiree Taylor, MOT, OTR/L, is Doctoral Student, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Occupational Therapist, Aspire Therapy & Development Services, Madison, WI
| | - Karla Ausderau
- Karla Ausderau, PhD, OTR/L, is Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, and Investigator, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Emily C Skaletski
- Emily C. Skaletski, MOT, OTR/L, is PhD Student, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, and Member, Motor and Brain Development Lab, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Joshua Brown
- Joshua Brown, OTD, OTR/L, is Clinical Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin- Madison
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Chi IJ, Lin LY. Using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory to Assess Self-Care Performance Among Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Am J Occup Ther 2022; 76:23195. [PMID: 35143605 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2022.046326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Caregiver rating scales often give an unclear picture of the actual self-care performance of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). OBJECTIVE To assess self-care performance among preschool children with ASD using two standardized instruments. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Clinics, hospitals, and early intervention centers in Tainan, Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS Sixty children with ASD (ages 48-71 mo). Outcomes and Measures: The Standard Version of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition, the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), and the Chinese version of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI-C). RESULTS About 53.3% of children with ASD scored below 1.5 logits for AMPS motor skills and below 1 logit for AMPS process skills, indicating difficulties performing activities of daily living tasks. The average PEDI-C self-care normative standard scores were moderately low (between -1 and -2 SDs), indicating poor self-care performance. The correlations between the two measures were also low (rs = .27-.44). Overall, the results for 36 children were consistent with AMPS and PEDI-C scores; however, those for 24 children (40.0%) were discrepant. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings have implications for how preschool children with ASD perform their self-care activities and suggest that more than half of preschool children with ASD have a need for occupational therapy interventions that target self-care skills. Occupational therapy practitioners can work with preschool children with ASD and their families to help them improve their self-care performance. What This Article Adds: Many children with ASD need occupational therapy interventions that target self-care skills. Both the AMPS and the PEDI-C provide valuable information from different perspectives on the self-care performance of preschool children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Jou Chi
- I-Jou Chi, MS, is Occupational Therapist, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan. At the time this research was conducted, Chi was Graduate Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Yi Lin
- I-Jou Chi, MS, is Occupational Therapist, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan. At the time this research was conducted, Chi was Graduate Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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28
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Hocking DR, Ardalan A, Abu-Rayya HM, Farhat H, Andoni A, Lenroot R, Kachnowski S. Feasibility of a virtual reality-based exercise intervention and low-cost motion tracking method for estimation of motor proficiency in youth with autism spectrum disorder. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2022; 19:1. [PMID: 34996473 PMCID: PMC8742363 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-021-00978-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Motor impairment is widely acknowledged as a core feature in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which can affect adaptive behavior and increase severity of symptoms. Low-cost motion capture and virtual reality (VR) game technologies hold a great deal of promise for providing personalized approaches to motor intervention in ASD. The present study explored the feasibility, acceptability and potential efficacy of a custom-designed VR game-based intervention (GaitWayXR™) for improving gross motor skills in youth with ASD. Methods Ten children and adolescents (10–17 years) completed six, 20-min VR-based motor training sessions over 2 weeks while whole-body movement was tracked with a low-cost motion capture system. We developed a methodology for using motion tracking data to quantify whole-body movement in terms of efficiency, synchrony and symmetry. We then studied the relationships of the above quantities with standardized measures of motor skill and cognitive flexibility. Results Our results supported our presumption that the VR intervention is safe, with no adverse events and very few minor to moderate side-effects, while a large proportion of parents said they would use the VR game at home, the most prohibitive reasons for adopting the system for home therapy were cost and space. Although there was little evidence of any benefits of the GaitWayXR™ intervention in improving gross motor skills, we showed several positive correlations between the standardized measures of gross motor skills in ASD and our measures of efficiency, symmetry and synchrony from low-cost motion capture. Conclusions These findings, though preliminary and limited by small sample size, suggest that low-cost motion capture of children with ASD is feasible with movement exercises in a VR-based game environment. Based on these preliminary findings, we recommend conducting larger-scale studies with methods for improving adherence to VR gaming interventions over longer periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren R Hocking
- Developmental Neuromotor and Cognition Lab, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Adel Ardalan
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hisham M Abu-Rayya
- School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Doha, Qatar.,School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Hassan Farhat
- Developmental Neuromotor and Cognition Lab, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna Andoni
- HITLAB, Healthcare Innovation & Technology Lab, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rhoshel Lenroot
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Stan Kachnowski
- HITLAB, Healthcare Innovation & Technology Lab, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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29
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McKinney WS, Kelly SE, Unruh KE, Shafer RL, Sweeney JA, Styner M, Mosconi MW. Cerebellar Volumes and Sensorimotor Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 16:821109. [PMID: 35592866 PMCID: PMC9113114 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2022.821109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sensorimotor issues are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), though their neural bases are not well understood. The cerebellum is vital to sensorimotor control and reduced cerebellar volumes in ASD have been documented. Our study examined the extent to which cerebellar volumes are associated with multiple sensorimotor behaviors in ASD. Materials and Methods Fifty-eight participants with ASD and 34 typically developing (TD) controls (8-30 years) completed a structural MRI scan and precision grip testing, oculomotor testing, or both. Force variability during precision gripping as well as absolute error and trial-to-trial error variability of visually guided saccades were examined. Volumes of cerebellar lobules, vermis, and white matter were quantified. The relationships between each cerebellar region of interest (ROI) and force variability, saccade error, and saccade error variability were examined. Results Relative to TD controls, individuals with ASD showed increased force variability. Individuals with ASD showed a reduced volume of cerebellar vermis VI-VII relative to TD controls. Relative to TD females, females with ASD showed a reduced volume of bilateral cerebellar Crus II/lobule VIIB. Increased volume of Crus I was associated with increased force variability. Increased volume of vermal lobules VI-VII was associated with reduced saccade error for TD controls but not individuals with ASD. Increased right lobule VIII and cerebellar white matter volumes as well as reduced right lobule VI and right lobule X volumes were associated with greater ASD symptom severity. Reduced volumes of right Crus II/lobule VIIB were associated with greater ASD symptom severity in only males, while reduced volumes of right Crus I were associated with more severe restricted and repetitive behaviors only in females. Conclusion Our finding that increased force variability in ASD is associated with greater cerebellar Crus I volumes indicates that disruption of sensory feedback processing supported by Crus I may contribute to skeletomotor differences in ASD. Results showing that volumes of vermal lobules VI-VII are associated with saccade precision in TD but not ASD implicates atypical organization of the brain systems supporting oculomotor control in ASD. Associations between volumes of cerebellar subregions and ASD symptom severity suggest cerebellar pathological processes may contribute to multiple developmental challenges in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walker S. McKinney
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Shannon E. Kelly
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Kathryn E. Unruh
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Robin L. Shafer
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - John A. Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Martin Styner
- Department of Psychiatry and Computer Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Matthew W. Mosconi
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- *Correspondence: Matthew W. Mosconi,
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30
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Amonkar N, Su WC, Bhat AN, Srinivasan SM. Effects of Creative Movement Therapies on Social Communication, Behavioral-Affective, Sensorimotor, Cognitive, and Functional Participation Skills of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:722874. [PMID: 34867515 PMCID: PMC8637167 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.722874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting multiple developmental domains including social communication, behavioral-affective, sensorimotor, and cognitive systems. There is growing evidence for the use of holistic, whole-body, Creative Movement Therapies (CMT) such as music, dance, yoga, theater, and martial arts in addressing the multisystem impairments in ASD. We conducted a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative review of the evidence to date on the effects of CMT on multiple systems in individuals with ASD. The strongest evidence, both in terms of quantity and quality, exists for music and martial arts-based interventions followed by yoga and theater, with very limited research on dance-based approaches. Our review of 72 studies (N = 1,939 participants) across participants with ASD ranging from 3 to 65 years of age suggests that at present there is consistent evidence from high quality studies for small-to-large sized improvements in social communication skills following music and martial arts therapies and medium-to-large improvements in motor and cognitive skills following yoga and martial arts training, with insufficient evidence to date for gains in affective, sensory, and functional participation domains following CMT. Although promising, our review serves as a call for more rigorous high-quality research to assess the multisystem effects of CMT in ASD. Based on the existing literature, we discuss implications of our findings for autism researchers and also provide evidence-based guidelines for clinicians to incorporate CMT approaches in their plan of care for individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Amonkar
- Physical Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Institute for Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- The Connecticut Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Wan-Chun Su
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
- Biomechanics and Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Anjana N. Bhat
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
- Biomechanics and Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Sudha M. Srinivasan
- Physical Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Institute for Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- The Connecticut Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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31
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Shafer RL, Wang Z, Bartolotti J, Mosconi MW. Visual and somatosensory feedback mechanisms of precision manual motor control in autism spectrum disorder. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:32. [PMID: 34496766 PMCID: PMC8427856 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09381-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show deficits processing sensory feedback to reactively adjust ongoing motor behaviors. Atypical reliance on visual and somatosensory feedback each have been reported during motor behaviors in ASD suggesting that impairments are not specific to one sensory domain but may instead reflect a deficit in multisensory processing, resulting in reliance on unimodal feedback. The present study tested this hypothesis by examining motor behavior across different visual and somatosensory feedback conditions during a visually guided precision grip force test. METHODS Participants with ASD (N = 43) and age-matched typically developing (TD) controls (N = 23), ages 10-20 years, completed a test of precision gripping. They pressed on force transducers with their index finger and thumb while receiving visual feedback on a computer screen in the form of a horizontal bar that moved upwards with increased force. They were instructed to press so that the bar reached the level of a static target bar and then to hold their grip force as steadily as possible. Visual feedback was manipulated by changing the gain of the force bar. Somatosensory feedback was manipulated by applying 80 Hz tendon vibration at the wrist to disrupt the somatosensory percept. Force variability (standard deviation) and irregularity (sample entropy) were examined using multilevel linear models. RESULTS While TD controls showed increased force variability with the tendon vibration on compared to off, individuals with ASD showed similar levels of force variability across tendon vibration conditions. Individuals with ASD showed stronger age-associated reductions in force variability relative to controls across conditions. The ASD group also showed greater age-associated increases in force irregularity relative to controls, especially at higher gain levels and when the tendon vibrator was turned on. CONCLUSIONS Our findings that disrupting somatosensory feedback did not contribute to changes in force variability or regularity among individuals with ASD suggests a reduced ability to integrate somatosensory feedback information to guide ongoing precision manual motor behavior. We also document stronger age-associated gains in force control in ASD relative to TD suggesting delayed development of multisensory feedback control of motor behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin L Shafer
- Life Span Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - James Bartolotti
- Life Span Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Matthew W Mosconi
- Life Span Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
- Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
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Concurrent Associations between Expressive Language Ability and Independence in Adolescents and Adults with Fragile X Syndrome. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11091179. [PMID: 34573200 PMCID: PMC8465941 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) successfully meet adult normative expectations in education, employment, peer relations, and habitation, although there is within-syndrome variability in this regard. The primary goal of this study was to determine whether expressive language skills contribute to the capacity for independent functioning in adulthood even after controlling for nonverbal cognitive ability. METHODS Participants were 18- to 23-year-olds with FXS. Expressive language was assessed using the psychometrically validated Expressive Language Sampling (ELS) conversation and narration procedures. The language produced was transcribed and analyzed to yield measures of expressive vocabulary, syntax, and intelligibility. Parents concurrently completed questionnaires on the independent functioning of the participants with FXS. RESULTS All three ELS measures were significantly corelated with multiple measures of independence. The magnitudes of the correlations were reduced when nonverbal IQ was controlled through partial correlation. Nonetheless, many of the partial correlations were medium to large and several were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Expressive language skills appear to contribute uniquely to the capacity for independence, although longitudinal data are needed to evaluate the possibility of a bidirectional relationship between these domains. Thus, language intervention may be a prerequisite for preparing youth with FXS for an independent adult life.
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Zampella CJ, Wang LAL, Haley M, Hutchinson AG, de Marchena A. Motor Skill Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Clinically Focused Review. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 23:64. [PMID: 34387753 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01280-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review synthesizes recent, clinically relevant findings on the scope, significance, and centrality of motor skill differences in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). RECENT FINDINGS Motor challenges in ASD are pervasive, clinically meaningful, and highly underrecognized, with up to 87% of the autistic population affected but only a small percentage receiving motor-focused clinical care. Across development, motor differences are associated with both core autism symptoms and broader functioning, though the precise nature of those associations and the specificity of motor profiles to ASD remain unestablished. Findings suggest that motor difficulties in ASD are quantifiable and treatable, and that detection and intervention efforts targeting motor function may also positively influence social communication. Recent evidence supports a need for explicit recognition of motor impairment within the diagnostic framework of ASD as a clinical specifier. Motor differences in ASD warrant greater clinical attention and routine incorporation into screening, evaluation, and treatment planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey J Zampella
- Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Leah A L Wang
- Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Margaret Haley
- Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anne G Hutchinson
- Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ashley de Marchena
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Unruh KE, McKinney WS, Bojanek EK, Fleming KK, Sweeney JA, Mosconi MW. Initial action output and feedback-guided motor behaviors in autism spectrum disorder. Mol Autism 2021; 12:52. [PMID: 34246292 PMCID: PMC8272343 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00452-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensorimotor issues are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), related to core symptoms, and predictive of worse functional outcomes. Deficits in rapid behaviors supported primarily by feedforward mechanisms, and continuous, feedback-guided motor behaviors each have been reported, but the degrees to which they are distinct or co-segregate within individuals and across development are not well understood. METHODS We characterized behaviors that varied in their involvement of feedforward control relative to feedback control across skeletomotor (precision grip force) and oculomotor (saccades) control systems in 109 individuals with ASD and 101 age-matched typically developing controls (range: 5-29 years) including 58 individuals with ASD and 57 controls who completed both grip and saccade tests. Grip force was examined across multiple force (15, 45, and 85% MVC) and visual gain levels (low, medium, high). Maximum grip force also was examined. During grip force tests, reaction time, initial force output accuracy, variability, and entropy were examined. For the saccade test, latency, accuracy, and trial-wise variability of latency and accuracy were examined. RESULTS Relative to controls, individuals with ASD showed similar accuracy of initial grip force but reduced accuracy of saccadic eye movements specific to older ages of our sample. Force variability was greater in ASD relative to controls, but saccade gain variability (across trials) was not different between groups. Force entropy was reduced in ASD, especially at older ages. We also find reduced grip strength in ASD that was more severe in dominant compared to non-dominant hands. LIMITATIONS Our age-related findings rely on cross-sectional data. Longitudinal studies of sensorimotor behaviors and their associations with ASD symptoms are needed. CONCLUSIONS We identify reduced accuracy of initial motor output in ASD that was specific to the oculomotor system implicating deficient feedforward control that may be mitigated during slower occurring behaviors executed in the periphery. Individuals with ASD showed increased continuous force variability but similar levels of trial-to-trial saccade accuracy variability suggesting that feedback-guided refinement of motor commands is deficient specifically when adjustments occur rapidly during continuous behavior. We also document reduced lateralization of grip strength in ASD implicating atypical hemispheric specialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Unruh
- Life Span Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Walker S McKinney
- Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Erin K Bojanek
- Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | | | - John A Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Matthew W Mosconi
- Life Span Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
- Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
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Hau J, S Kohli J, Shryock I, Kinnear MK, Schadler A, Müller RA, Carper RA. Supplementary and Premotor Aspects of the Corticospinal Tract Show Links with Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors in Middle-Aged Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:3962-3972. [PMID: 33791751 PMCID: PMC8258444 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show motor impairment into adulthood and risk decline during aging, but little is known about brain changes in aging adults with ASD. Few studies of ASD have directly examined the corticospinal tract (CST)-the major descending pathway in the brain responsible for voluntary motor behavior-outside its primary motor (M1) connections. In 26 middle-aged adults with ASD and 26 age-matched typical comparison participants, we used diffusion imaging to examine the microstructure and volume of CST projections from M1, dorsal premotor (PMd), supplementary motor area (SMA), and primary somatosensory (S1) cortices with respect to age. We also examined relationships between each CST sub-tract (-cst), motor skills, and autism symptoms. We detected no significant group or age-related differences in tracts extending from M1 or other areas. However, sub-tracts of the CST extending from secondary (but not primary) motor areas were associated with core autism traits. Increased microstructural integrity of left PMd-cst and SMA-cst were associated with less-severe restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) in the ASD group. These findings suggest that secondary motor cortical areas, known to be involved in selecting motor programs, may be implicated in cognitive motor processes underlying RRB in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice Hau
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
| | - Jiwandeep S Kohli
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
| | - Ian Shryock
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
| | - Mikaela K Kinnear
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
| | - Adam Schadler
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
| | - Ralph-Axel Müller
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
| | - Ruth A Carper
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
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Surgent O, Dean DC, Alexander AL, Dadalko OI, Guerrero-Gonzalez J, Taylor D, Skaletski E, Travers BG. Neurobiological and behavioural outcomes of biofeedback-based training in autism: a randomized controlled trial. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab112. [PMID: 34250479 PMCID: PMC8254423 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human brain has demonstrated the power to structurally change as a result of movement-based interventions. However, it is unclear whether these structural brain changes differ in autistic individuals compared to non-autistic individuals. The purpose of the present study was to pilot a randomized controlled trial to investigate brain, balance, autism symptom severity and daily living skill changes that result from a biofeedback-based balance intervention in autistic adolescents (13-17 years old). Thirty-four autistic participants and 28 age-matched non-autistic participants underwent diagnostic testing and pre-training assessment (neuroimaging, cognitive, autism symptom severity and motor assessments) and were then randomly assigned to 6 weeks of a balance-training intervention or a sedentary-control condition. After the 6 weeks, neuroimaging, symptom severity and motor assessments were repeated. Results found that both the autistic and non-autistic participants demonstrated similar and significant increases in balance times with training. Furthermore, individuals in the balance-training condition showed significantly greater improvements in postural sway and reductions in autism symptom severity compared to individuals in the control condition. Daily living scores did not change with training, nor did we observe hypothesized changes to the microstructural properties of the corticospinal tract. However, follow-up voxel-based analyses found a wide range of balance-related structures that showed changes across the brain. Many of these brain changes were specific to the autistic participants compared to the non-autistic participants, suggesting distinct structural neuroplasticity in response to balance training in autistic participants. Altogether, these findings suggest that biofeedback-based balance training may target postural stability challenges, reduce core autism symptoms and influence neurobiological change. Future research is encouraged to examine the superior cerebellar peduncle in response to balance training and symptom severity changes in autistic individuals, as the current study produced overlapping findings in this brain region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Surgent
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Douglas C Dean
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
- Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Andrew L Alexander
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53719, USA
| | - Olga I Dadalko
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jose Guerrero-Gonzalez
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Desiree Taylor
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Occupational Therapy Program in Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Emily Skaletski
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Occupational Therapy Program in Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Brittany G Travers
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Occupational Therapy Program in Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Krempley T, Schmidt EK. Assessing Activity of Daily Living Task Performance Among Autistic Adults. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2021; 3:37-51. [PMID: 36601263 PMCID: PMC8992889 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2020.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Activities of daily living (ADLs) are activities that people engage in on a routine basis, such as brushing their teeth, preparing a meal, and caring for their child. Independence with ADLs is associated with better outcomes in independent living, education, employment, relationships, and mental health. Therefore, this perspective piece includes a review of the literature and assessment databases to identify and summarize ADL assessments for Autistic adults. These assessments were compared and analyzed using the neurodiversity paradigm. Specifically, we compared assessments using predetermined priorities the authors identified: (1) assessment type, (2) inclusivity, and (3) performance factors. We identified five unique norm-referenced measures, four performance-based measures, and a variety of checklists, surveys, questionnaires, and/or interviews used to assess ADL performance among Autistic adults. The authors present their perspectives regarding the challenges with the current assessments, including the high-frequency use of norm-referenced assessments, lack of inclusivity, and failure to consider performance factors (e.g., sensory, motor, and emotional), and the paucity of assessments designed specifically for Autistic adults older than 30 years. In response to these challenges, we recommend researchers partner with Autistic adults to develop a new assessment tool. If researchers or clinicians are using existing measures, we recommend that they utilize self-report over proxy-report and include methods to improve the accessibility of the assessment. We also recommend that clinicians and researchers offer breaks, comfort objects, or sensory modifications during the assessment to decrease anxiety; and ask follow-up questions to understand whether environment or emotional health are impacting one's ADL performance. Lay summary Why is this topic important?: Activity of daily living (ADL) assessments are used to determine what Autistics can and cannot do in their day-to-day life, what services they may be eligible for, and to monitor gains. However, we struggled to find an assessment that was useful and relevant from an Autistic point-of-view.What is the purpose of this article?: The purpose of this article was to review and evaluate current ADL assessments usefulness for Autistics and provide recommendations for improving the ADL assessment process.What is the perspective of the authors?: The first author is an Autistic social worker and the second author is an occupational therapist and postdoctoral fellow. The authors' perspective is based in the neurodiversity paradigm and social model of disability, which centers on respecting and acknowledging differences in the brain and their effects on Autistics' lives. We believe in strengths-based approaches versus deficit-based models.What did you find about this topic?: We found 17 measurement tools, some that compared Autistic ADL performance with neurotypical performance, a few that were observation-based meaning the researcher or clinician watched the Autistic person complete the ADLs, and many forms or guides that asked questions about ADL performance. Only six measures allowed Autistic people to respond to the questions themselves, whereas the rest of the measures had someone else respond for them. These measures did not include questions about how sensory differences (e.g., feeling upset by the feeling of jeans or the taste of minty toothpaste) or feeling sad or nervous may also impact ADL performance.What do the authors recommend?: We recommend that researchers partner with Autistic adults to make new ADL assessments. If researchers or clinicians are using previously made ADL assessments, we recommend that they use self-report and adapt the materials to make it easier to understand (e.g., using pictures). We also recommend that researchers and clinicians ask Autistics what they need or want to make the assessment easier and more comfortable for them. Finally, researchers and clinicians should ask follow-up questions about sensory differences and whether someone is feeling sad or nervous to know how this impacts their ability to do their ADL tasks.How will these recommendations help autistic adults now or in the future?: These recommendations will help Autistic adults be more involved in the evaluation process, which will make the assessments more trustworthy and relevant to Autistics. This also could help more Autistic people get services and supports that are useful to them. Finally, this may help researchers when monitoring if these supports or services actually work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tema Krempley
- Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Elizabeth K. Schmidt
- Sargent College, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Address correspondence to: Elizabeth K. Schmidt, PhD, OTR/L, Sargent College, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Lidstone DE, Rochowiak R, Mostofsky SH, Nebel MB. A Data Driven Approach Reveals That Anomalous Motor System Connectivity is Associated With the Severity of Core Autism Symptoms. Autism Res 2021:10.1002/aur.2476. [PMID: 33484109 PMCID: PMC8931705 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study examined whether disruptions in connectivity involving regions critical for learning, planning, and executing movements are relevant to core autism symptoms. Spatially constrained ICA was performed using resting-state fMRI from 419 children (autism spectrum disorder (ASD) = 105; typically developing (TD) = 314) to identify functional motor subdivisions. Comparing the spatial organization of each subdivision between groups, we found voxels that contributed significantly less to the right posterior cerebellar component in children with ASD versus TD (P <0.001). Next, we examined the effect of diagnosis on right posterior cerebellar connectivity with all other motor subdivisions. The model was significant (P = 0.014) revealing that right posterior cerebellar connectivity with bilateral dorsomedial primary motor cortex was, on average, stronger in children with ASD, while right posterior cerebellar connectivity with left-inferior parietal lobule (IPL), bilateral dorsolateral premotor cortex, and supplementary motor area was stronger in TD children (all P ≤0.02). We observed a diagnosis-by-connectivity interaction such that for children with ASD, elevated social-communicative and excessive repetitive-behavior symptom severity were both associated with right posterior cerebellar-left-IPL hypoconnectivity (P ≤0.001). Right posterior cerebellar and left-IPL are strongly implicated in visuomotor processing with dysfunction in this circuit possibly leading to anomalous development of skills, such as motor imitation, that are crucial for effective social-communication. LAY SUMMARY: This study examines whether communication between various brain regions involved in the control of movement are disrupted in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We show communication between the right posterior cerebellum and left IPL, a circuit important for efficient visual-motor integration, is disrupted in children with ASD and associated with the severity of ASD symptoms. These results may explain observations of visual-motor integration impairments in children with ASD that are associated with ASD symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E. Lidstone
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca Rochowiak
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stewart H. Mostofsky
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary Beth Nebel
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Surgent OJ, Walczak M, Zarzycki O, Ausderau K, Travers BG. IQ and Sensory Symptom Severity Best Predict Motor Ability in Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:243-254. [PMID: 32410096 PMCID: PMC7665981 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04536-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Motor challenges are commonly reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, there is substantial heterogeneity in motor ability within ASD, and it is unknown what behavioral characteristics best explain individual differences in motor ability in ASD and related conditions. This observational study examined motor ability as a function of sensory features, attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms, ASD symptoms, and IQ in 110 children with ASD, typical development, or an intermediate behavioral profile. While motor challenges were more prevalent in the ASD group compared to other groups, sensory symptom severity and IQ across all individuals best predicted motor performance above-and-beyond group status. Therefore, motor challenges may be best characterized by individual variation in sensory features and cognitive abilities rather than diagnostic group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia J Surgent
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Matthew Walczak
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Occupational Therapy Program in the Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Oskar Zarzycki
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Karla Ausderau
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Occupational Therapy Program in the Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Brittany G Travers
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- Occupational Therapy Program in the Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Room 435, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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Evaluation of Overhand Throwing Among College Students With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder. Adapt Phys Activ Q 2021; 38:43-61. [PMID: 33307534 DOI: 10.1123/apaq.2019-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically demonstrate deficits in gross motor skills such as the overhand throw. It has not been determined whether such deficits persist into adulthood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the kinematics and developmental level of overhand throws among young adults with and without ASD. Three-dimensional motion-capture data were collected during overhand throwing trials performed by 20 college students (10 students with ASD). Individuals with ASD demonstrated similar throw duration, stride length, and step width but a longer acceleration phase and slower ball velocity than individuals without ASD. Young adults with ASD also performed the overhand throw with less developmental proficiency than those without ASD. Specifically, individuals with ASD exhibited developmental deficits in the backswing and composite throwing score. Motor skill interventions for individuals with ASD should address throwing skills, with a particular focus on the preparatory phase of the overhand throw.
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Chi IJ, Lin LY. Relationship Between the Performance of Self-Care and Visual Perception Among Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typical Developing Children. Autism Res 2020; 14:315-323. [PMID: 32881415 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Studies investigating the performance of self-care and visual perception in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are limited. The relationship between self-care performance and visual perception ability in young children with ASD is not yet clearly understood. Here, self-care performance was evaluated by the caregivers and therapists of children with ASD. The differences in self-care performance and visual perception ability were investigated in 66 children with ASD and 66 typically developing (TD) children between the ages of 48-83 months. The relationships between self-care and visual perception were tested in both two groups. The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) and the Chinese version of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI-C) were used to assess the children's self-care performance. The Test of Visual Perceptual Skills-Third Edition (TVPS-3) and the Developmental Test of Visual Perception-Third Edition (DTVP-3) were used to evaluate visual perception ability. Young children with ASD obtained significantly lower scores for self-care performance (AMPS and PEDI-C) and visual perception ability (TVPS-3 and DTVP) compared with TD children. Additionally, positive correlations were found between self-care performance and visual perception ability in young children with ASD. The results provide a valuable contribution to our understanding about self-care and visual perception performance of young children with ASD. The findings of this research highlight the need for pediatric practitioners to include self-care and visual-motor integration evaluations for young children with ASD. LAY SUMMARY: Young children with ASD obtained significantly lower scores for self-care performance and visual perception ability compared with TD children. Positive correlations were found between self-care performance and visual perception ability in young children with ASD. The results provide a valuable contribution to our understanding about self-care and visual perception performance of young children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Jou Chi
- Departments of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Yi Lin
- Departments of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Caldani S, Atzori P, Peyre H, Delorme R, Bucci MP. Short rehabilitation training program may improve postural control in children with autism spectrum disorders: preliminary evidences. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7917. [PMID: 32404919 PMCID: PMC7221071 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64922-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders subjects (ASD) is characterized by postural control deficits. This study aimed to explore the effect of a short postural rehabilitation training program on postural capabilities in children with ASD. Two groups (G1 and G2) of twenty children with ASD of IQ-, sex- and age- matched (mean age 11.7 ± 2.4 years) were included in this study. Posture was recorded by using the Balance Quest from Framiral on unstable platform in three different viewing conditions. The rehabilitation program consisted in two distinct postural control training exercises. Postural recordings were performed twice at T1 and T2 for both groups of children. Between T1 and T2 a 6-minute postural training was performed by the G1 group only, while the G2 group had a 6-minute of rest. Children were allocated randomly to the G1 or G2 groups. At T1, postural instability was similar for both groups of ASD children (G1 and G2) desp+\ite viewing conditions. At T2, we observed an improvement of postural control related to a mixed effect of training rehabilitation but also of test-retest. Knowing the potential of new rehabilitation strategies, the impact of postural control deficit in ASD children needs to be reconsidered. Well design case-control studies are requested to ensure scientific validity of postural rehabilitation training program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Caldani
- UMR 1141 NeuroDiderot Inserm, Paris University, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France.
- Pediatric Balance Evaluation center, ENT Department, APHP, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France.
| | - Paola Atzori
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, APHP, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
- High Functioning Autism Expert Centre, Fundamental Foundation, Paris, France
| | - Hugo Peyre
- UMR 1141 NeuroDiderot Inserm, Paris University, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, APHP, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
- High Functioning Autism Expert Centre, Fundamental Foundation, Paris, France
- Human Genetics & Cognitive Functions, Institute Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Richard Delorme
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, APHP, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
- High Functioning Autism Expert Centre, Fundamental Foundation, Paris, France
- Human Genetics & Cognitive Functions, Institute Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Maria Pia Bucci
- UMR 1141 NeuroDiderot Inserm, Paris University, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
- Pediatric Balance Evaluation center, ENT Department, APHP, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
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Quinde-Zlibut JM, Okitondo CD, Williams ZJ, Weitlauf A, Mash LE, Heflin BH, Woodward ND, Cascio CJ. Elevated Thresholds for Light Touch in Children With Autism Reflect More Conservative Perceptual Decision-Making Rather Than a Sensory Deficit. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:122. [PMID: 32317953 PMCID: PMC7154145 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often behaviorally hyper-reactive to light touch, but it is unclear to what degree this arises from a fundamental sensory difference vs. higher order systems for attention or emotion processing. Thus far, experimental findings for light touch detection are mixed, and few previous studies have independently considered sensitivity (the ability to discriminate signal from noise) and decision criterion (the overall response bias or tendency to answer “yes” or “no” in a detection task). We tested a large sample of children, adolescents, and adults with ASD (n = 88) and with neurotypical (NT) development (n = 59) using von Frey filaments to derive light touch thresholds at the palm. We calculated signal detection metrics for sensitivity (Az) and response criterion (c) from hit and false alarm rates. Both metrics exhibited significant group differences, such that the ASD group was less sensitive, but had a much more conservative response criterion. We used a best subset model selection procedure in three separate ordinal regressions for the whole group, adults, and children/adolescents. In all selected models, c was by far the most significant predictor of threshold, supplanting effects of diagnostic group that were significant in the baseline models. In contrast, Az was not a significant predictor of threshold in any of the models. Mean values of c were similar for adults with and without autism and for children/adolescents with ASD, but lower (more liberal) in neurotypical children/adolescents. This suggests that children with ASD exhibit a conservatism in their perceptual decision-making that differs from their NT peers but resembles that of adults. Across the sample, the value of c was significantly and positively correlated with age and with autism symptoms (SRS-2 total score), in addition to thresholds. The results of this study suggest that, rather than a sensory difference in detection of light touch, there is a difference in response bias such that children with ASD are more conservative/likely to report “no” if unsure, than their young NT peers. Future work should consider the implications of conservative response criterion in ASD for commonly used forced-choice psychophysical paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian D Okitondo
- Graduate Program in Biostatistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Zachary J Williams
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States.,Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Amy Weitlauf
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Lisa E Mash
- San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Brynna H Heflin
- Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Neil D Woodward
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Carissa J Cascio
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.,Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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44
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Using Head-Mounted Eye-Tracking to Study Handwriting Development. JOURNAL OF MOTOR LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1123/jmld.2018-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Even with the increasing use of technology in the classroom, handwriting remains a developmental foundation of education. When children fail to learn to write efficiently, they encounter cascading difficulties in using writing to communicate and learn content. Traditionally, the development of handwriting has been studied via neuropsychological testing or the moment-to-moment kinematics of pen movements. By measuring children’s handwriting with neuropsychological testing, investigators have determined that children’s visual-motor integration abilities predict children’s handwriting. Further, by measuring children’s pen movements while writing, investigators have determined that children’s handwriting becomes more fluent as they become skilled writers. Both of these literatures have advanced our understanding of handwriting substantially, but fall short of providing a full account of handwriting development. Here, we offer a perception–action account of handwriting development by describing how eye and hand movements become integrated during early writing. We describe how head-mounted eye-tracking technology can be used to measure children’s eye movements as they write in real-time. We illustrate this approach with findings from research on letter, form, and word copying in school-entry age children. We conclude by discussing how a perception–action approach can be extended for use with atypical populations.
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45
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Carment L, Khoury E, Dupin L, Guedj L, Bendjemaa N, Cuenca M, Maier MA, Krebs MO, Lindberg PG, Amado I. Common vs. Distinct Visuomotor Control Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Schizophrenia. Autism Res 2020; 13:885-896. [PMID: 32157824 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) are neurodevelopmental disorders with partly overlapping clinical phenotypes including sensorimotor impairments. However, direct comparative studies on sensorimotor control across these two disorders are lacking. We set out to compare visuomotor upper limb impairment, quantitatively, in ASD and SCZ. Patients with ASD (N = 24) were compared to previously published data from healthy control participants (N = 24) and patients with SCZ (N = 24). All participants performed a visuomotor grip force-tracking task in single and dual-task conditions. The dual-task (high cognitive load) presented either visual distractors or required mental addition during grip force-tracking. Motor inhibition was measured by duration of force release and from principal component analysis (PCA) of the participant's force-trajectory. Common impairments in patients with ASD and SCZ included increased force-tracking error in single-task condition compared to controls, a further increase in error in dual-task conditions, and prolonged duration of force release. These three sensorimotor impairments were found in both patient groups. In contrast, distinct impairments in patients with ASD included greater error under high cognitive load and delayed onset of force release compared to SCZ. The PCA inhibition component was higher in ASD than SCZ and controls, correlated to duration of force release, and explained group differences in tracking error. In conclusion, sensorimotor impairments related to motor inhibition are common to ASD and SCZ, but more severe in ASD, consistent with enhanced neurodevelopmental load in ASD. Furthermore, impaired motor anticipation may represent a further specific impairment in ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 885-896. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) are neurodevelopmental disorders with partly overlapping and partly distinct clinical symptoms. Sensorimotor impairments rank among these symptoms, but it is less clear whether they are shared or distinct. In this study, we showed using a grip force task that sensorimotor impairments related to motor inhibition are common to ASD and SCZ, but more severe in ASD. Impaired motor anticipation may represent a further specific impairment in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loïc Carment
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut de Psychiatrie CNRS GDR3557, Paris, France
| | | | - Lucile Dupin
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut de Psychiatrie CNRS GDR3557, Paris, France
| | - Laura Guedj
- Resource Center for Cognitive Remediation and Psychosocial Rehabilitation (C3RP), Université de Paris, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, Paris, France
| | - Narjes Bendjemaa
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut de Psychiatrie CNRS GDR3557, Paris, France.,Resource Center for Cognitive Remediation and Psychosocial Rehabilitation (C3RP), Université de Paris, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, Paris, France.,Centre de Recherche Clinique, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, Paris, France
| | - Macarena Cuenca
- Institut de Psychiatrie CNRS GDR3557, Paris, France.,Centre de Recherche Clinique, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, Paris, France
| | - Marc A Maier
- Institut de Psychiatrie CNRS GDR3557, Paris, France.,Université de Paris UMR 8002 CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Odile Krebs
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut de Psychiatrie CNRS GDR3557, Paris, France.,Resource Center for Cognitive Remediation and Psychosocial Rehabilitation (C3RP), Université de Paris, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, Paris, France
| | - Påvel G Lindberg
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut de Psychiatrie CNRS GDR3557, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Amado
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, INSERM U1266, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut de Psychiatrie CNRS GDR3557, Paris, France.,Resource Center for Cognitive Remediation and Psychosocial Rehabilitation (C3RP), Université de Paris, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, Paris, France
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46
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Whole-Body Movement during Videogame Play Distinguishes Youth with Autism from Youth with Typical Development. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20094. [PMID: 31882934 PMCID: PMC6934713 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56362-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder struggle with motor difficulties throughout the life span, and these motor difficulties may affect independent living skills and quality of life. Yet, we know little about how whole-body movement may distinguish individuals with autism spectrum disorder from individuals with typical development. In this study, kinematic and postural sway data were collected during multiple sessions of videogame play in 39 youth with autism spectrum disorder and 23 age-matched youth with typical development (ages 7–17 years). The youth on the autism spectrum exhibited more variability and more entropy in their movements. Machine learning analysis of the youths’ motor patterns distinguished between the autism spectrum and typically developing groups with high aggregate accuracy (up to 89%), with no single region of the body seeming to drive group differences. Moreover, the machine learning results corresponded to individual differences in performance on standardized motor tasks and measures of autism symptom severity. The machine learning algorithm was also sensitive to age, suggesting that motor challenges in autism may be best characterized as a developmental motor delay rather than an autism-distinct motor profile. Overall, these results reveal that whole-body movement is a distinguishing feature in autism spectrum disorder and that movement atypicalities in autism are present across the body.
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47
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Colombo-Dougovito AM, Block ME, Zhang X, Strehli I. A multiple-method review of accommodations to gross motor assessments commonly used with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2019; 24:693-706. [PMID: 31747776 DOI: 10.1177/1362361319884400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to understand the common accommodations used during standardized motor assessment of children on the autism spectrum. This study was completed in three parts: (1) a narrative review of the literature; (2) an open-ended survey sent to the first authors of the identified articles; and (3) a descriptive analysis of responses. Results revealed that 56.7% of the identified articles did not report enough information of assessment procedures, 18.9% followed the assessment manual, 16.9% provided accommodations on a needs basis, and 7.5% used a consistent modified protocol. Individual responses showed that extra demonstrations (n = 5) were the most frequent accommodation, followed by extra breaks (n = 3), picture cards (n = 2), and hand-over-hand assistance (n = 1); some respondents stated that they did not provide accommodations. The findings indicate that a clear set of accommodation for motor skill assessments does not exist, though some commonalities were reported. Further research is necessary to understand the impact of accommodations in the assessment process, as well as which accommodations are needed and/or effective.
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48
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Will EA, Bishop SL, Roberts JE. Developmental divergence: motor trajectories in children with fragile X syndrome with and without co-occurring autism. J Neurodev Disord 2019; 11:23. [PMID: 31586494 PMCID: PMC6778381 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-019-9281-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly prevalent in fragile X syndrome (FXS), affecting 50-70% of males. Motor impairments are a shared feature across autism and FXS that may help to better characterize autism in FXS. As motor skills provide a critical foundation for various language, cognitive, and social outcomes, they may serve an important mechanistic role for autism in FXS. As such, this study aimed to identify differences in motor trajectories across direct assessment and parent-report measures of fine and gross motor development between FXS with and without autism, and typical development, while controlling for cognitive functioning. METHODS This prospective longitudinal study included 42 children with FXS, 24 of whom also had ASD (FXS + ASD), as well as 40 typically developing children. The Mullen Scales of Early Learning provided a direct measure of fine and gross motor skills, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales provided a measure of parent-reported fine and gross motor skills. Random slopes and random intercepts multilevel models were tested to determine divergence in developmental motor trajectories between groups when controlling for cognitive level. RESULTS Model results indicated the children with FXS + ASD diverged from TD children by 9-months on all measures of gross and fine motor skills, even when controlling for cognitive level. Results also indicated an early divergence in motor trajectories of fine and gross motor skills between the FXS + ASD and FXS groups when controlling for cognitive level. This divergence was statistically significant by 18 months, with the FXS + ASD showing decelerated growth in motor skills across direct observation and parent-report measures. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to examine longitudinal trends in motor development in children with FXS with and without comorbid ASD using both direct assessment and parent-report measures of fine and gross motor. Furthermore, it is among the first to account for nonverbal cognitive delays, a step towards elucidating the isolated role of motor impairments in FXS with and without ASD. Findings underscore the role of motor impairments as a possible signal representing greater underlying genetic liability, or as a potential catalyst or consequence, of co-occurring autism in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Will
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - Somer L Bishop
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Jane E Roberts
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1512 Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
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49
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Green RR, Bigler ED, Froehlich A, Prigge MBD, Zielinski BA, Travers BG, Anderson JS, Alexander A, Lange N, Lainhart JE. Beery VMI and Brain Volumetric Relations in Autism Spectrum Disorder. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGY 2019; 5:77-84. [PMID: 32953403 PMCID: PMC7497806 DOI: 10.1007/s40817-019-00069-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although diminished proficiency on tasks that require visual-motor integration (VMI) has been reported in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), very few studies have examined the association between VMI performance and neuroanatomical regions of interest (ROI) involved in motor and perceptual functioning. To address these issues, the current study included an all-male sample of 41 ASD (ages 3-23 years) and 27 typically developing (TD) participants (ages 5-26 years) who completed the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery VMI) as part of a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. All participants underwent 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with image quantification (FreeSurfer software v5.3). The groups were statistically matched on age, handedness, and intracranial volume (ICV). ASD participants performed significantly lower on VMI and IQ measures compared with the TD group. VMI performance was significantly correlated with FSIQ and PIQ in the TD group only. No pre-defined neuroanatomical ROIs were significantly different between groups. Significant correlations were observed in the TD group between VMI and total precentral gyrus gray matter volume (r = .51, p = .006) and total frontal lobe gray matter volume (r = .46, p = .017). There were no significant ROI correlations with Beery VMI performance in ASD participants. At the group level, despite ASD participants exhibiting reduced visuomotor abilities, no systematic relation with motor or sensory-perceptual ROIs was observed. In the TD group, results were consistent with the putative role of the precentral gyrus in motor control along with frontal involvement in planning, organization, and execution monitoring, all essential for VMI performance. Given that similar associations between VMI and ROIs were not observed in those with ASD, neurodevelopment in ASD group participants may not follow homogenous patterns making correlations in these brain regions unlikely to be observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan R. Green
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, 1001 SWKT, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Erin D. Bigler
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, 1001 SWKT, Provo, UT 84602, USA
- Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Alyson Froehlich
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Brandon A. Zielinski
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Brittany G. Travers
- Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | | | - Andrew Alexander
- Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nicholas Lange
- Departments of Psychiatry and Biostatistics, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Neurostatistics Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Janet E. Lainhart
- Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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50
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Fisher A, Engel C, Geist R, Lillie K, Lutman S, Travers BG. Brief Report: Postural Balance and Daily Living Skills in Children and Adolescents with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 48:3210-3215. [PMID: 29616483 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3558-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The current study investigated the relation between postural balance and performance of daily living skills (DLS) in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Fifty-two youth with ASD (6-17 years; IQ ≥ 67) completed standardized balance testing and parent-reported DLS measures. Results showed a positive association between balance and DLS that was specific to youth with below-average IQ. While balance challenges were evident across the IQ spectrum, youth with above-average IQ did not exhibit an association between balance and DLS, perhaps suggestive of compensatory strategies implemented to offset balance challenges during daily-living tasks. These results underscore the need to better understand the contributions of motor challenges to DLS in youth with ASD within the context of broader cognitive and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey Fisher
- Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.,Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.,Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Courtney Engel
- Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.,Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.,Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Robyn Geist
- Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.,Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.,Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Kristin Lillie
- Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.,Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.,Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Sagui Lutman
- Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.,Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.,Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Brittany G Travers
- Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA. .,Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2185 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA. .,Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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