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Liu J, Ye J, Ji C, Ren W, He Y, Xu F, Wang F. Mapping the Behavioral Signatures of Shank3b Mice in Both Sexes. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:1299-1314. [PMID: 38900384 PMCID: PMC11365888 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01237-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by social and repetitive abnormalities. Although the ASD mouse model with Shank3b mutations is widely used in ASD research, the behavioral phenotype of this model has not been fully elucidated. Here, a 3D-motion capture system and linear discriminant analysis were used to comprehensively record and analyze the behavioral patterns of male and female Shank3b mutant mice. It was found that both sexes replicated the core and accompanied symptoms of ASD, with significant sex differences. Further, Shank3b heterozygous knockout mice exhibited distinct autistic behaviors, that were significantly different from those those observed in the wild type and homozygous knockout groups. Our findings provide evidence for the inclusion of both sexes and experimental approaches to efficiently characterize heterozygous transgenic models, which are more clinically relevant in autistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Translational Research Center for the Nervous System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jialin Ye
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, Translational Research Center for the Nervous System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Chunyuan Ji
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, Translational Research Center for the Nervous System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Wenting Ren
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, Translational Research Center for the Nervous System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Youwei He
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Translational Research Center for the Nervous System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Fuqiang Xu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Translational Research Center for the Nervous System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Feng Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, Translational Research Center for the Nervous System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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2
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Blume J, Miller M, O'Neill D, Mastergeorge AM, Ozonoff S. Utility of the Language Use Inventory in Young Children at Elevated Likelihood of Autism. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2024; 67:573-585. [PMID: 38215350 PMCID: PMC11000786 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-23-00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aims of this study were (a) to evaluate the convergent validity of the Language Use Inventory (LUI) with measures of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms, language, and social skills and (b) to assess discriminant validity of the LUI with measures of nonlanguage skills, including daily living skills and motor development. METHOD This study sample included participants from a longitudinal study (n = 239) of infant siblings with elevated familial likelihood of ASD and lower familial likelihood. Assessment measures completed at 36 months included the LUI, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2), the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Second Edition. Bivariate Pearson correlations were estimated between ADOS-2 comparison scores and four language and social skills measures. Additional correlations were estimated between LUI total scores and standard scores from nonlanguage measures. A series of Fisher's Z transformations were applied to evaluate whether bivariate correlations were significantly different. RESULTS All four language and social skill measures were moderately to strongly associated with each other and ASD symptom severity scores. The correlation between ADOS-2 comparison scores and LUI total scores was significantly stronger than ADOS-2 correlations with all other measures. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide support for the LUI as a feasible, pragmatic language-targeted instrument for inclusion in early developmental evaluations prompted by language concerns. Administration of the LUI may accelerate earlier referral for a comprehensive assessment of ASD symptoms. Given the high correlation with ADOS-2 scores, an LUI total score in a clinical range of concern may encourage a clinician to refer families for a full diagnostic evaluation of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Blume
- Office of Global Health, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock
| | - Meghan Miller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis
| | - Daniela O'Neill
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ann M. Mastergeorge
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock
| | - Sally Ozonoff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis
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Pino MC, Donne IL, Vagnetti R, Tiberti S, Valenti M, Mazza M. Using the Griffiths Mental Development Scales to Evaluate a Developmental Profile of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Symptomatologic Severity. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024; 55:117-126. [PMID: 35763176 PMCID: PMC10796491 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01390-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Early diagnosis is crucial for Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is achieved through a screening of developmental indicators to recognise children who are at risk of autism. One of the most widely used instruments in clinical practice for assessing child development is the Griffiths Mental Development Scale (GMDS). We sought (a) to assess longitudinally whether children diagnosed with ASD, with a mean age of 33.50 months (SD 7.69 months), show a developmental delay of abilities measured by the GMDS over time and (b) to analyse which skills of the GMDS could be associate to the symptomatologic severity of ASD. Our results showed lower scores of General Quotient and all sub-quotients of GMDS from first (T0) to second assessment (T1), except for the Performance sub-quotient. Three sub-quotients (Personal-Social, Hearing and Language and Practical Reasoning) also associate symptom severity at the time when the diagnosis of ASD is made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Pino
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Ilenia Le Donne
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
- Abruzzo Region Health System, Reference Regional Centre for Autism, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Roberto Vagnetti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Sergio Tiberti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Valenti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
- Abruzzo Region Health System, Reference Regional Centre for Autism, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Monica Mazza
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
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Saban-Bezalel R, Avni E, Ben-Itzchak E, Zachor DA. Relationship between Parental Concerns about Social-Emotional Reciprocity Deficits and Their Children's Final ASD Diagnosis. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1786. [PMID: 38002877 PMCID: PMC10670729 DOI: 10.3390/children10111786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Concerns raised by parents regarding their child's development are compatible with the child's final diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. A better understanding of the relationship between parental concerns and a final diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is therefore critical. In the current study, we compared the frequencies of parental concerns related to DSM-5 criteria for autism spectrum disorder between pair-matched groups with and without a final diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and determined which parental concerns predicted a final diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The cohort included 80 participants (48-154 months of age, IQ > 70) assessed for a possible autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Parental concerns were retrieved from the free-description portion of the introductory questions of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised and analyzed to assess whether they corresponded to any of the seven DSM-5 criteria for ASD. The two groups only differed in the frequency of parental concerns relating to deficits in social-emotional reciprocity. Parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder were four times as likely to report deficits in social-emotional reciprocity. This finding highlights the significance of parental concerns regarding deficits in social-emotional reciprocity in predicting a final diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Saban-Bezalel
- Bruckner Center for Autism Research, Department of Communication Disorders, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
| | - Einat Avni
- The Autism Center/ALUT, Department of Pediatrics, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin 70300, Israel; (E.A.); (D.A.Z.)
| | - Esther Ben-Itzchak
- Bruckner Center for Autism Research, Department of Communication Disorders, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
| | - Ditza A. Zachor
- The Autism Center/ALUT, Department of Pediatrics, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin 70300, Israel; (E.A.); (D.A.Z.)
- The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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5
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Thomas RP, Wittke K, Blume J, Mastergeorge AM, Naigles L. Predicting Language in Children with ASD Using Spontaneous Language Samples and Standardized Measures. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:3916-3931. [PMID: 35930209 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05691-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
This longitudinal study examined the degree to which standardized measures of language and natural language samples predicted later language usage in a heterogeneous sample of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and how this relationship is impacted by ASD severity and interventions. Participants with a diagnosis of ASD (N = 54, 41 males) completed standardized assessments of language and social functioning; natural language samples were transcribed from play-based interactions. Findings indicated that standardized language measures, natural language measures, and ADOS severity were each unique predictors of later lexical use. Intervention types also appeared to impact later language; in particular, participation in mainstream inclusion accounted for significant amounts of variance in children's mean length of utterance at T3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca P Thomas
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Bousfield Psychology Building, 406 Babbidge Road Unit 1020, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
| | - Kacie Wittke
- Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Jessica Blume
- Human Development and Family Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Ann M Mastergeorge
- Human Development and Family Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Letitia Naigles
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Bousfield Psychology Building, 406 Babbidge Road Unit 1020, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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6
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Cleary DB, Maybery MT, Green C, Whitehouse AJO. The first six months of life: A systematic review of early markers associated with later autism. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105304. [PMID: 37406749 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
There is now good evidence that behavioural signs of autism spectrum conditions (autism) emerge over the first two years of life. Identifying clear developmental differences early in life may facilitate earlier identification and intervention that can promote longer-term quality of life. Here we present a systematic review of studies investigating behavioural markers of later autism diagnosis or symptomology taken at 0-6 months. The following databases were searched for articles published between 01/01/2000 and 15/03/2022: Embase, Medline, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Proquest. Twenty-five studies met inclusion criteria: assessment of behaviour at 0-6 months and later assessment of autism symptomology or diagnosis. Studies examined behaviours of attention, early social and communication behaviours, and motor behaviours, as well as composite measures. Findings indicated some evidence of measures of general attention, attention to social stimuli, and motor behaviours associated with later autism diagnosis or symptomology. Findings were inconsistent regarding social and communication behaviours, with a lack of repeated or validated measures limiting drawing firm conclusions. We discuss implications of the findings and suggest recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique B Cleary
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Australia; School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Murray T Maybery
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Australia
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Turpin V, Schaffhauser M, Thabault M, Aubert A, Joffre C, Balado E, Longueville JE, Francheteau M, Burucoa C, Pichon M, Layé S, Jaber M. Mice prenatally exposed to valproic acid do not show autism-related disorders when fed with polyunsaturated fatty acid-enriched diets. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11235. [PMID: 37433863 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38423-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary supplementations with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) have been explored in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but their efficiency and potential in ameliorating cardinal symptoms of the disease remain elusive. Here, we compared a n-3 long-chain (LC) PUFA dietary supplementation (n-3 supp) obtained from fatty fish with a n-3 PUFA precursor diet (n-3 bal) obtained from plant oils in the valproic acid (VPA, 450 mg/kg at E12.5) ASD mouse model starting from embryonic life, throughout lactation and until adulthood. Maternal and offspring behaviors were investigated as well as several VPA-induced ASD biological features: cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) number, inflammatory markers, gut microbiota, and peripheral and brain PUFA composition. Developmental milestones were delayed in the n-3 supp group compared to the n-3 bal group in both sexes. Whatever the diet, VPA-exposed offspring did not show ASD characteristic alterations in social behavior, stereotypies, PC number, or gut microbiota dysbiosis while global activity, gait, peripheral and brain PUFA levels as well as cerebellar TNF-alpha levels were differentially altered by diet and treatment according to sex. The current study provides evidence of beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA based diets, including one without LCPUFAs, on preventing several behavioral and cellular symptoms related to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine Turpin
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France
| | - Maud Schaffhauser
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France
| | - Mathieu Thabault
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France
| | - Agnès Aubert
- Université de Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeurO, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, France
| | - Corinne Joffre
- Université de Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeurO, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, France
| | - Eric Balado
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France
| | - Jean-Emmanuel Longueville
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France
| | - Maureen Francheteau
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France
| | - Christophe Burucoa
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, PHAR2, Poitiers, France
- CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Maxime Pichon
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, PHAR2, Poitiers, France
- CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Sophie Layé
- Université de Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeurO, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, France
| | - Mohamed Jaber
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France.
- CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.
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Alves ALC, de Paula JJ, de Miranda DM, Romano-Silva MA. The Autism Spectrum Quotient in a sample of Brazilian adults: analyses of normative data and performance. Dement Neuropsychol 2022; 16:244-248. [PMID: 35720649 PMCID: PMC9173798 DOI: 10.1590/1980-5764-dn-2021-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social interaction and inflexible behaviors/interests. To quantify ASD traits in adults with preserved intelligence, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) was developed, which is a self-report instrument and one of the most used and recommended tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luíza Costa Alves
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Molecular, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - Jonas Jardim de Paula
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Molecular, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - Débora Marques de Miranda
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Molecular, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurélio Romano-Silva
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Molecular, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
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Ma CH, Chen LY, Li MF, Wu D, Wang SS, Zhao YJ, Shi JL, Rydell PJ, Chen JJ, Wang Y. Treatment of Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Trial to Evaluate a Learning Style Profile Intervention Program in China. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:831621. [PMID: 35372141 PMCID: PMC8966376 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.831621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the provision of learning style profile (LSP) training improves development in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in China and to describe the characteristics of children who benefit from the intervention. METHODS Eighty-one children aged 36 to 72 months who were diagnosed with ASD for the first time were recruited for the intervention group. All of them received 24 weeks of LSP training, consisting of hospital- and home-based training. Twenty-one children with ASD of the same age in the control group had never received any intervention after diagnosis but underwent an assessment. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 24 weeks later. Differences in the developmental level and severity of ASD symptoms over time and between groups were analyzed by repeated standardized measures. Secondary analyses examined age effects among the 36- 48-, 48- 60-, and 60-72-month age groups. RESULTS Within-group comparison of the intervention group revealed significant treatment effects after the intervention, according to: language, social and adaptive developmental quotients (DQs) of the China Developmental Scale; total Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score; and hyperactivity, peer problems, total difficulties, and prosocial behavior scores of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Similar gains were observed in gross and fine motor DQs of the China Developmental Scale and emotional symptoms and conduct problems scores of the SDQ; however, the differences between these pre- and postintervention scores did not reach statistical significance. Comparisons among the three age groups in the intervention groups demonstrated a significant age effect on adaptive DQs of the China Developmental Scale; total CARS score; hyperactivity, peer problems and total difficulties scores of the SDQ. Comparison between the intervention and control groups revealed significant treatment effects on language, social and adaptive DQs of the China Developmental Scale; total CARS score; and emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer problems, total difficulties, and prosocial behavior scores of the SDQ after the intervention. Similar gains were observed in gross and fine motor DQs of the China Developmental Scale, although differences between the two groups did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that LSP training can effectively improve social behavior and reduce the severity of ASD symptoms in children with ASD. Our data also highlight the importance of early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Huan Ma
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling-Yan Chen
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng-Fan Li
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sha-Sha Wang
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Jun Zhao
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Li Shi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Patrick J Rydell
- Department of Communicative Disorders, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, United States
| | - Jin-Jin Chen
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Child Health Care, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Jonsdottir SL, Saemundsen E, Jonsson BG, Rafnsson V. Validation of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-up in a Population Sample of 30-Month-Old Children in Iceland: A Prospective Approach. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:1507-1522. [PMID: 33945117 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05053-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-up was validated on a population sample in Reykjavik, Iceland. The participants (N = 1585) were screened in well-child care at age 30 months and followed up for at least 2 years to identify autism cases. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 0.62, 0.99, 0.72, and 0.99, respectively. True-positive children were diagnosed 10 months earlier than false-negative children. Autism symptom severity and the proportions of children with verbal and performance IQs/DQs < 70 were similar between groups. Although the sensitivity was suboptimal, the screening contributed to lowering the age at diagnosis for many children. Adding autism-specific screening to the well-child care program should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigridur Loa Jonsdottir
- State Diagnostic and Counseling Center, Digranesvegur 5, 200, Kopavogur, Iceland. .,Center of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Evald Saemundsen
- State Diagnostic and Counseling Center, Digranesvegur 5, 200, Kopavogur, Iceland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Brynjolfur Gauti Jonsson
- Center of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Vilhjalmur Rafnsson
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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11
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Samadi SA, McConkey R, Abdollahi-Boghrabadi G, Pourseid-Mohammad M. Developmental Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Iranian Pre-Schoolers. J Pediatr Nurs 2021; 58:e69-e73. [PMID: 33536153 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2021.01.006] [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] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Early identification and intervention is recommended for developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Various screening tools are available, but most were developed in affluent English speaking countries. DESIGN AND METHODS In order to identify possible early signs of ASD within Iranian society, parents of 623 children in an age range from 3 to 7 years of age at risk of ASD, were interviewed about the signs that alerted their concerns. Also two screening instruments were developed and tested with the parents using items derived from the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS2). One focused on autistic behaviors and the second on developmental indicators. RESULTS Using both tools, 93% of the children who were identified as likely to have ASD based on a full GARS assessment were identified using the two screening tools. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS These assessments might be used in initial screening for ASD by early year's personnel or public health professionals with Iranian parents of toddlers who have concerns about their child's development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roy McConkey
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Iran
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12
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Canu D, Van der Paelt S, Canal-Bedia R, Posada M, Vanvuchelen M, Roeyers H. Early non-social behavioural indicators of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in siblings at elevated likelihood for ASD: a systematic review. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 30:497-538. [PMID: 32088859 PMCID: PMC8041710 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01487-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We aimed at identifying early non-social behavioural indicators that predict later ASD. Likewise, we were interested in the moment in which non-social signs discriminate between children at elevated likelihood for ASD with a later diagnosis of ASD, and children at elevated likelihood for ASD with a typical developmental outcome. In addition, we intended to explore the developmental evolution of children's symptomatology over time. A systematic literature search was conducted for longitudinal studies on early non-social behavioural indicators among siblings at elevated likelihood for ASD. The following databases were searched: PUBMED, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL and EMBASE. The study identification process was conducted by two reviewers independently. Compared to siblings at elevated likelihood for ASD with a typical developmental outcome, siblings at elevated likelihood for ASD with later ASD show impairments in attention disengagement, in gross and fine motor development and characteristic restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours, starting at 12 months of age. Moreover, early attention disengagement exerts a predictive role towards a later ASD diagnosis, given that from 12 months siblings at elevated likelihood for ASD who will receive an independent ASD diagnosis towards 24-36 months present marked difficulties in disengaging in comparison with siblings at elevated likelihood for ASD that will not satisfy the criteria for an ASD diagnosis. The findings call for a more comprehensive vision on early indicators of ASD. Further research is needed to extend results to other behavioural domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Canu
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rehabilitation Research Center (REVAL), Hasselt Unversity, Agoralaan, Building A, 3590 Diepenbeek, Hasselt, Belgium.
- Research in Developmental Disorders Lab, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Sara Van der Paelt
- Research in Developmental Disorders Lab, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ricardo Canal-Bedia
- Instituto Universitario de Integración en la Comunidad (INICO), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel Posada
- Institute of Rare Diseases Research & CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marleen Vanvuchelen
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rehabilitation Research Center (REVAL), Hasselt Unversity, Agoralaan, Building A, 3590 Diepenbeek, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Herbert Roeyers
- Research in Developmental Disorders Lab, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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13
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Use of Home Videos for Investigation of Early Development and Skill Loss in Children Diagnosed with Autistic Regression: a Systematic Review. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-021-00241-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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14
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Hong E, Matson JL. Factors Associated with Restricted, Repetitive Behaviors and Interests and Diagnostic Severity Level Ratings in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:4644-4654. [PMID: 33580406 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04905-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior and interests (RRBIs). With the latest update to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a severity level rating is assigned to the two core features of ASD (American Psychiatric Association in Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders 5 American Psychiatric Association Washington, D.C., 2013). Previous studies have identified factors associated with RRBI severity; however, the relationship among RRBIs, adaptive functioning, and diagnostic severity level remains unclear. The present study investigated whether adaptive functioning and parent-reported ASD symptoms predict RRBI severity in young children with ASD. Additionally, a fine-grained analysis was conducted to examine the factors associated with diagnostic severity level ratings. Several significant associations were found. Study findings and implications for assessment and treatment of RRBIs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Hong
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, 236 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA.
| | - Johnny L Matson
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, 236 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
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15
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Matas E, Maisterrena A, Thabault M, Balado E, Francheteau M, Balbous A, Galvan L, Jaber M. Major motor and gait deficits with sexual dimorphism in a Shank3 mutant mouse model. Mol Autism 2021; 12:2. [PMID: 33468258 PMCID: PMC7814442 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00412-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Contrasting findings were reported in several animal models with a Shank3 mutation used to induce various autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms. Here, we aimed at investigating behavioral, cellular, and molecular consequences of a C-terminal (frameshift in exon 21) deletion in Shank3 protein in mice, a mutation that is also found in clinical conditions and which results in loss of major isoforms of Shank3. A special focus was made on cerebellar related parameters. Methods All three genotypes were analyzed [wild type (WT), heterozygote (Shank3+/ΔC) and homozygote (Shank3 ΔC/ΔC)] and males and females were separated into two distinct groups. Motor and social behavior, gait, Purkinje cells (PC) and glutamatergic protein levels were determined. Behavioral and cellular procedures used here were previously validated using two environmental animal models of ASD. ANOVA and post-hoc analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results Shank3 ΔC/ΔC mice showed significant impairments in social novelty preference, stereotyped behavior and gait. These were accompanied by a decreased number of PC in restricted cerebellar sub-regions and decreased cerebellar expression of mGluR5. Females Shank3 ΔC/ΔC were less affected by the mutation than males. Shank3+/ΔC mice showed impairments only in social novelty preference, grooming, and decreased mGluR5 expression and that were to a much lesser extent than in Shank3 ΔC/ΔC mice. Limitations As Shank3 mutation is a haploinsufficiency, it is of interest to emphasize that Shank3+/ΔC mice showed only mild to no deficiencies compared to Shank3 ΔC/ΔC. Conclusions Our findings indicate that several behavioral, cellular, and molecular parameters are affected in this animal model. The reported deficits are more pronounced in males than in females. Additionally, male Shank3 ΔC/ΔC mice show more pronounced alterations than Shank3+/ΔC. Together with our previous findings in two environmental animal models of ASD, our studies indicate that gait dysfunction constitutes a robust set of motor ASD symptoms that may be considered for implementation in clinical settings as an early and quantitative diagnosis criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Matas
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Alexandre Maisterrena
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Mathieu Thabault
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Eric Balado
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Maureen Francheteau
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Anais Balbous
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France.,CHU de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Laurie Galvan
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Mohamed Jaber
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France. .,CHU de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France.
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16
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Parent-child interaction during the first year of life in infants at elevated likelihood of autism spectrum disorder. Infant Behav Dev 2021; 62:101521. [PMID: 33387898 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2020.101521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) likely emerges from a complex interaction between pre-existing neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities and the environment. The interaction with parents forms a key aspect of an infant's social environment, but few prospective studies of infants at elevated likelihood (EL) for ASD (who have an older sibling with ASD) have examined parent-child interactions in the first year of life. As part of a European multisite network, parent-child dyads of free play were observed at 5 months (62 EL infants, 47 infants at typical likelihood (TL)) and 10 months (101 EL siblings, 77 TL siblings). The newly-developed Parent-Infant/Toddler Coding of Interaction (PInTCI) scheme was used, focusing on global characteristics of infant and parent behaviors. Coders were blind to participant information. Linear mixed model analyses showed no significant group differences in infant or parent behaviors at 5 or 10 months of age (all ps≥0.09, d≤0.36), controlling for infant's sex and age, and parental educational level. However, without adjustments, EL infants showed fewer and less clear initiations at 10 months than TL infants (p = 0.02, d = 0.44), but statistical significance was lost after controlling for parental education (p = 0.09, d = 0.36), which tended to be lower in the EL group. Consistent with previous literature focusing on parent-infant dyads, our findings suggest that differences between EL and TL dyads may only be subtle during the first year of life. We discuss possible explanations and implications for future developmental studies.
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17
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Dickinson A, Daniel M, Marin A, Gaonkar B, Dapretto M, McDonald NM, Jeste S. Multivariate Neural Connectivity Patterns in Early Infancy Predict Later Autism Symptoms. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2021; 6:59-69. [PMID: 32798139 PMCID: PMC7736067 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional brain connectivity is altered in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Functional disruption during infancy could provide earlier markers of ASD, thus providing a crucial opportunity to improve developmental outcomes. Using a whole-brain multivariate approach, we asked whether electroencephalography measures of neural connectivity at 3 months of age predict autism symptoms at 18 months. METHODS Spontaneous electroencephalography data were collected from 65 infants with and without familial risk for ASD at 3 months of age. Neural connectivity patterns were quantified using phase coherence in the alpha range (6-12 Hz). Support vector regression analysis was used to predict ASD symptoms at age 18 months, with ASD symptoms quantified by the Toddler Module of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition. RESULTS Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule scores predicted by support vector regression algorithms trained on 3-month electroencephalography data correlated highly with Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule scores measured at 18 months (r = .76, p = .02, root-mean-square error = 2.38). Specifically, lower frontal connectivity and higher right temporoparietal connectivity at 3 months predicted higher ASD symptoms at 18 months. The support vector regression model did not predict cognitive abilities at 18 months (r = .15, p = .36), suggesting specificity of these brain patterns to ASD. CONCLUSIONS Using a data-driven, unbiased analytic approach, neural connectivity across frontal and temporoparietal regions at 3 months predicted ASD symptoms at 18 months. Identifying early neural differences that precede an ASD diagnosis could promote closer monitoring of infants who show signs of neural risk and provide a crucial opportunity to mediate outcomes through early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Dickinson
- Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Manjari Daniel
- Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Andrew Marin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Bilwaj Gaonkar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mirella Dapretto
- Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Nicole M McDonald
- Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shafali Jeste
- Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
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18
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Zwaigenbaum L, Bryson SE, Brian J, Smith IM, Sacrey L, Armstrong V, Roberts W, Szatmari P, Garon N, Vaillancourt T, Roncadin C. Assessment of Autism Symptoms From 6 to 18 Months of Age Using the Autism Observation Scale for Infants in a Prospective High-Risk Cohort. Child Dev 2020; 92:1187-1198. [PMID: 33368222 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The objectives were to characterize behavioral signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in younger siblings of diagnosed children (high-risk; HR) and examine classification features of the Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI). Participants (501 HR and 180 low-risk [LR]) were assessed between 6 and 18 months using the AOSI and at age 3 for ASD diagnoses. Total AOSI scores differentiated HR infants later diagnosed with ASD starting at 12 months. ROC analyses identified 12- and 18-month cutoff scores associated with 0.52 sensitivity and 0.74 specificity and 0.73 sensitivity and 0.65 specificity, respectively. Although classification accuracy does not support use as a standalone screen, the AOSI identifies features associated with ASD starting at 6 months and differentiates HR infants with ASD by 12 months.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Wendy Roberts
- Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
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19
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Ward SL, Sullivan KA, Gilmore L. Practitioner Perceptions of the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia. AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ap.12211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Ward
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology,
- Stepping Stones for Life Psychology QLD Pty Ltd,
| | - Karen A. Sullivan
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology,
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology,
| | - Linda Gilmore
- School of Cultural and Professional Learning, Queensland University of Technology,
- Children and Youth Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology,
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20
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Mitroulaki S, Serdari A, Tripsianis G, Gundelfinger R, Arvaniti A, Vorvolakos T, Samakouri M. First Alarm and Time of Diagnosis in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Compr Child Adolesc Nurs 2020; 45:75-91. [PMID: 33090020 DOI: 10.1080/24694193.2020.1834013] [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: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is of paramount importance as it opens the road to early intervention, which is associated with better prognosis. However, early diagnosis is often delayed until preschool or school age. The purpose of the current retrospective study was to explore the age of recognition of first alarming symptoms in boys and girls as well as the age at diagnosis of different subtypes of ASD in a small sample. A total of 128 parents' of children with ASDs were participated in the survey by completing a self-report questionnaire about early signs and symptoms that raised their concern. Parents of children with autism voiced concerns earlier and obtained diagnosis significantly earlier compared to parents of children with Asperger syndrome (p value <0.000). No significant difference (p value<0.05) has been detected between males and females in early manifestation of first signs and symptoms of ASD. The mean age at diagnosis was 3.8 years for autistic disorder, 6.2 years for children with Asperger syndrome and 6.4 years for other, e.g., PDD-NOS. The most commonly reported symptoms were speech and language problems (p value = 0.001) for children who were later diagnosed with autism, while behavior problems (p value = 0.046) as well as difficulties in education at school (p value = 0.013) for children with Asperger syndrome. The gap between early identification and diagnosis pinpoints the urgent need for national systematic early screening, the development of reliable and sensitive diagnostic instruments for infants and toddlers and heightened awareness of early signs of ASD among parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals and providers as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sotiria Mitroulaki
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Democritus University of Thrace, Medical School, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Aspasia Serdari
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Democritus University of Thrace, Medical School, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Gregory Tripsianis
- Department of Medical Statistics, Democritus University of Thrace, Medical School, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ronnie Gundelfinger
- Autism Clinic, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aikaterini Arvaniti
- Department of Psychiatry, Democritus University of Thrace, Medical School, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Theofanis Vorvolakos
- Department of Psychiatry, Democritus University of Thrace, Medical School, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Maria Samakouri
- Department of Psychiatry, Democritus University of Thrace, Medical School, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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21
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Abstract
As the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased in recent years, so too has the body of research describing the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Unfortunately, a large proportion of children with the disorder do not receive a diagnosis until after their fourth birthday. Various reasons exist for late diagnosis, including limited understanding of nuanced early warning signs and limited knowledge of effective early detection mechanisms among healthcare providers. Since early diagnosis enables access to treatment, and early intensive intervention improves long-term developmental outcomes, early detection by pediatric healthcare providers is critical. This article will review ASD prevalence rates, describe correlates and factors that might influence prevalence estimates, and highlight recent advances in early detection methods and intervention services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen N James
- Research Department, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, Phoenix, AZ.
| | - Christopher J Smith
- Research Department, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, Phoenix, AZ
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22
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Yoder PJ, Stone WL, Edmunds SR. For which younger siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder does parent-mediated intervention work? AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2020; 25:58-69. [PMID: 32811171 DOI: 10.1177/1362361320943373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT In this second of two primary papers, we examined two pre-intervention characteristics that might describe for whom a parent-implemented intervention, "Improving Parents As Communication Teachers," worked. Investigators randomized 97 high-risk siblings and their primary parent to either the Improving Parents As Communication Teachers or control group, used intent-to-treat analysis, and used assessors and coders who were blinded to group assignment. We predicted that a combined risk score (incorporating young siblings' sex, multiplex status, and behavioral risk) would describe the subgroup for whom Improving Parents As Communication Teachers affected the targeted skills related to reducing communication challenges. We also predicted that pre-intervention level of parents' depressive symptoms would describe the parents whose parenting stress and effectiveness as parents would be improved by learning to use Improving Parents As Communication Teachers. In girls with only one older sibling with autism spectrum disorder and who scored at low risk on an autism spectrum disorder screen, parental receipt of Improving Parents As Communication Teachers training had an indirect effect on children's expressive language ability or autism spectrum disorder diagnosis through earlier effects on high-risk siblings' intentional communication or expressive vocabulary. We did not confirm our prediction regarding Improving Parents As Communication Teachers' effect on parenting-related stress or sense of parenting effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah R Edmunds
- Harvard Medical School, USA.,Boston Children's Hospital, USA
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23
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Maniscalco L, Frédérique BB, Roccella M, Matranga D, Tripi G. A Preliminary Study on Cranio-Facial Characteristics Associated with Minor Neurological Dysfunctions (MNDs) in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10080566. [PMID: 32824853 PMCID: PMC7465923 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10080566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Craniofacial anomalies and minor neurological dysfunction (MNDs) have been identified, in literature, as risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. They represent physical indicators of embryonic development suggesting a possible contributory role of complications during early, even pre-conceptional, phases of ontogeny in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Limited research has been conducted about the co-occurrence of the two biomarkers in children with ASD. This study investigates the associative patterns of cranio-facial anomalies and MNDs in ASD children, and whether these neurodevelopmental markers correlate with intensity of ASD symptoms and overall functioning. Methods. Caucasian children with ASD (n = 33) were examined. Measures were based on five anthropometric cranio-facial indexes and a standardized and detailed neurological examination according to Touwen. Relationships between anthropometric z-scores, MNDs and participant characteristics (i.e., age, cognitive abilities, severity of autistic symptoms measured using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) checklist) were assessed. Results. With respect to specific MNDs, significant positive correlations were found between Cephalic Index and Sensory deficits (p-value < 0.001), which did not correlate with CARS score. Importantly, CARS score was positively linked with Intercanthal Index (p-value < 0.001), and negatively associated with posture and muscle tone (p-value = 0.027) and Facial Index (p-value = 0.004). Conclusion. Our data show a link between a specific facial phenotype and anomalies in motor responses, suggesting early brain dysmaturation involving subcortical structures in cerebro-craniofacial development of autistic children. This research supports the concept of a “social brain functional morphology” in autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Maniscalco
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics-BIND-University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | | | - Michele Roccella
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Pedagogical and Education, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Domenica Matranga
- Department Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, di Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza, “G. D’Alessandro”-PROMISE-University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Gabriele Tripi
- Department Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, di Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza, “G. D’Alessandro”-PROMISE-University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
- Department of Childhood Psychiatry for Neurodevelopmentals Disorders, Centre Hospitalier du Chinonais, 37500 Saint-Benoît-la-Forêt, France
- Correspondence:
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24
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Is Earlier Better? The Relationship between Age When Starting Early Intervention and Outcomes for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Selective Review. AUTISM RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2020; 2020:7605876. [PMID: 32832154 PMCID: PMC7421097 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7605876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although the conventional wisdom is that “earlier is better” when it comes to intervention for children with ASD, it is not clear what evidence exists to support this notion. This review examined a group of studies that addressed outcomes for young children with ASD who started early intervention at a range of ages. The review was selective by including only papers that examined the age of initiation of treatment as well as baseline cognitive, language, or adaptive level and, in addition, employed a method to control for the covariance between early ability level and age of beginning intervention. Fourteen studies were identified and then compared on methods and outcomes. The support for “earlier is better” was mixed, but it was clear that complex relationships among predictor variables need to be explored in order to understand the role of age of starting early intervention for later outcomes.
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25
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Geng X, Kang X, Wong PCM. Autism spectrum disorder risk prediction: A systematic review of behavioral and neural investigations. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 173:91-137. [PMID: 32711819 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
A reliable diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is difficult to make until after toddlerhood. Detection in an earlier age enables early intervention, which is typically more effective. Recent studies of the development of brain and behavior in infants and toddlers have provided important insights in the diagnosis of autism. This extensive review focuses on published studies of predicting the diagnosis of autism during infancy and toddlerhood younger than 3 years using behavioral and neuroimaging approaches. After screening a total of 782 papers, 17 neuroimaging and 43 behavioral studies were reviewed. The features for prediction consist of behavioral measures using screening tools, observational and experimental methods, brain volumetric measures, and neural functional activation and connectivity patterns. The classification approaches include logistic regression, linear discriminant function, decision trees, support vector machine, and deep learning based methods. Prediction performance has large variance across different studies. For behavioral studies, the sensitivity varies from 20% to 100%, and specificity ranges from 48% to 100%. The accuracy rates range from 61% to 94% in neuroimaging studies. Possible factors contributing to this inconsistency may be partially due to the heterogeneity of ASD, different targeted populations (i.e., high-risk group for ASD and general population), age when the features were collected, and validation procedures. The translation to clinical practice requires extensive further research including external validation with large sample size and optimized feature selection. The use of multi-modal features, e.g., combination of neuroimaging and behavior, is worth further investigation to improve the prediction accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Geng
- Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
| | - Xin Kang
- Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
| | - Patrick C M Wong
- Brain and Mind Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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Arslan M, Warreyn P, Dewaele N, Wiersema JR, Demurie E, Roeyers H. Development of neural responses to hearing their own name in infants at low and high risk for autism spectrum disorder. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2020; 41:100739. [PMID: 31826839 PMCID: PMC6994514 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2019.100739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The own name is a salient stimulus, used by others to initiate social interaction. Typically developing infants orient towards the sound of their own name and exhibit enhanced event-related potentials (ERP) at 5 months. The lack of orientation to the own name is considered to be one of the earliest signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we investigated ERPs to hearing the own name in infants at high and low risk for ASD, at 10 and 14 months. We hypothesized that low-risk infants would exhibit enhanced frontal ERP responses to their own name compared to an unfamiliar name, while high-risk infants were expected to show attenuation or absence of this difference in their ERP responses. In contrast to expectations, we did not find enhanced ERPs to own name in the low-risk group. However, the high-risk group exhibited attenuated frontal positive-going activity to their own name compared to an unfamiliar name and compared to the low-risk group, at the age of 14 months. These results suggest that infants at high risk for ASD start to process their own name differently shortly after one year of age, a period when frontal brain development is happening at a fast rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melda Arslan
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Petra Warreyn
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nele Dewaele
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan R Wiersema
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ellen Demurie
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Herbert Roeyers
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Lee HY, Vigen C, Zwaigenbaum L, Bryson S, Smith I, Brian J, Watson LR, Crais ER, Turner-Brown L, Reznick JS, Baranek GT. The Performance of the First Year Inventory (FYI) Screening on a Sample of High-Risk 12-Month-Olds Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at 36 Months. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:4957-4973. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04208-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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28
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Katus L, Hayes NJ, Mason L, Blasi A, McCann S, Darboe MK, de Haan M, Moore SE, Lloyd-Fox S, Elwell CE. Implementing neuroimaging and eye tracking methods to assess neurocognitive development of young infants in low- and middle-income countries. Gates Open Res 2019; 3:1113. [PMID: 31508580 PMCID: PMC6719506 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.12951.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Infants and children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are frequently exposed to a range of environmental risk factors which may negatively affect their neurocognitive development. The mechanisms by which factors such as undernutrition and poverty impact development and cognitive outcomes in early childhood are poorly understood. This lack of knowledge is due in part to a paucity of objective assessment tools which can be implemented across different cultural settings and in very young infants. Over the last decade, technological advances, particularly in neuroimaging, have opened new avenues for research into the developing human brain, allowing us to investigate novel biological associations. This paper presents functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), electroencephalography (EEG) and eye tracking (ET) as objective, cross-cultural methods for studying infant neurocognitive development in LMICs, and specifically their implementation in rural Gambia, West Africa. These measures are currently included, as part of a broader battery of assessments, in the Brain Imaging for Global Health (BRIGHT) project, which is developing brain function for age curves in Gambian and UK infants from birth to 24 months of age. The BRIGHT project combines fNIRS, EEG and ET with behavioural, growth, health and sociodemographic measures. The implementation of these measures in rural Gambia are discussed, including methodological and technical challenges that needed to be addressed to ensure successful data acquisition. The aim is to provide guidance to other groups seeking to implement similar methods in their research in other LMICs to better understand associations between environmental risk and early neurocognitive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Katus
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Nathan J. Hayes
- GKT School of Medical Education, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Luke Mason
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck University of London, London, UK
| | - Anna Blasi
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Samantha McCann
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Momodou K. Darboe
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, The Gambia, The Gambia
| | - Michelle de Haan
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Sophie E. Moore
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, King's College London, London, UK
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, The Gambia, The Gambia
| | - Sarah Lloyd-Fox
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck University of London, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Clare E. Elwell
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
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Bussu G, Jones EJH, Charman T, Johnson MH, Buitelaar JK. Prediction of Autism at 3 Years from Behavioural and Developmental Measures in High-Risk Infants: A Longitudinal Cross-Domain Classifier Analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 48:2418-2433. [PMID: 29453709 PMCID: PMC5996007 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3509-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We integrated multiple behavioural and developmental measures from multiple time-points using machine learning to improve early prediction of individual Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) outcome. We examined Mullen Scales of Early Learning, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, and early ASD symptoms between 8 and 36 months in high-risk siblings (HR; n = 161) and low-risk controls (LR; n = 71). Longitudinally, LR and HR-Typical showed higher developmental level and functioning, and fewer ASD symptoms than HR-Atypical and HR-ASD. At 8 months, machine learning classified HR-ASD at chance level, and broader atypical development with 69.2% Area Under the Curve (AUC). At 14 months, ASD and broader atypical development were classified with approximately 71% AUC. Thus, prediction of ASD was only possible with moderate accuracy at 14 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Bussu
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Kapittelweg 29, 6525 EN, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - E J H Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, 32 Torrington Square, London, WC1E 7JL, UK
| | - T Charman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - M H Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, 32 Torrington Square, London, WC1E 7JL, UK
| | - J K Buitelaar
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Kapittelweg 29, 6525 EN, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Katus L, Hayes NJ, McCann S, Mason L, Blasi A, Darboe MK, de Haan M, Moore SE, Lloyd-Fox S, Elwell CE. Implementing neuroimaging and eye tracking methods to assess neurocognitive development of young infants in low- and middle-income countries. Gates Open Res 2019. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.12951.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infants and children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are frequently exposed to a range of environmental risk factors which may negatively affect their neurocognitive development. The mechanisms by which factors such as undernutrition and poverty impact development and cognitive outcomes in early childhood are poorly understood. This lack of knowledge is due in part to a paucity of objective assessment tools which can be implemented across different cultural settings and in very young infants. Over the last decade, technological advances, particularly in neuroimaging, have opened new avenues for research into the developing human brain, allowing us to investigate novel biological associations. This paper presents functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), electroencephalography (EEG) and eye tracking (ET) as objective, cross-cultural methods for studying infant neurocognitive development in LMICs, and specifically their implementation in rural Gambia, West Africa. These measures are currently included, as part of a broader battery of assessments, in the Brain Imaging for Global Health (BRIGHT) project, which is developing brain function for age curves in Gambian and UK infants from birth to 24 months of age. The BRIGHT project combines fNIRS, EEG and ET with behavioural, growth, health and sociodemographic measures. The implementation of these measures in rural Gambia are discussed, including methodological and technical challenges that needed to be addressed to ensure successful data acquisition. The aim is to provide guidance to other groups seeking to implement similar methods in their research in other LMICs to better understand associations between environmental risk and early neurocognitive development.
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Möricke E, Greven CU, Visser JC, Oosterling IJ, Buitelaar JK, Rommelse NNJ. Social-communicative and attention problems in infancy and toddlerhood as precursors of preschool autistic traits. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 11:113-122. [DOI: 10.1007/s12402-018-00284-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Kilroy E, Cermak SA, Aziz-Zadeh L. A Review of Functional and Structural Neurobiology of the Action Observation Network in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Coordination Disorder. Brain Sci 2019; 9:E75. [PMID: 30925819 PMCID: PMC6523237 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9040075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research has reported motor impairment similarities between children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and a subgroup of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, there is a debate as to whether DCD is a co-occurring diagnosis in individuals with ASD and motor impairments (ASDd), or if motor impairments in ASD are distinct from DCD. However, the etiology of motor impairments is not well understood in either disorder. Clarifying comorbidities in ASD is important to determine different etiopathological phenotyping clusters in ASD and to understand the variety of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the disorder. Furthermore, this distinction has important therapeutic relevance. Here we explore the current neuroimaging findings in ASD and DCD and discusses possible neural mechanisms that underlie similarities and differences between the disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Kilroy
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| | - Sharon A Cermak
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| | - Lisa Aziz-Zadeh
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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Construct validity of a service-setting based measure to identify mental health problems in infancy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214112. [PMID: 30921359 PMCID: PMC6438593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating research document the needs of intervention towards mental health problems in early childhood. The general child health surveillance offers opportunities for early detection of mental health vulnerability, conditioned the availability of feasible and validated measures. The Copenhagen Infant Mental Health Questionnaire, CIMHQ, was developed to be feasible for community health nurses and comprehensive regarding the range of mental health problems seen in infancy. Previous testing of the CIMHQ has documented feasibility and face validity. The aim was to investigate the construct validity of the general population measure by using the Rasch measurement models, and to explore the differential functioning of the CIMHQ relative to a number of characteristics of the infants, local independence of items, and possible latent classes of infants. CIMHQ was tested in 2,973 infants from the general population, aged 9-10 months. The infants were assessed by community health nurses at home visits, in the period from March 2011 to December 2013. Rasch measurement models were used to investigate the construct validity of the CIMHQ. Analyses showed an overall construct valid scale of mental health problems, consisting of seven valid subscales of specific problems concerning eating, sleep, emotional reactions, attention, motor activity, communication, and language, respectively. The CIMHQ fitted a graphical loglinear Rasch model without differential item function. Analyses of local homogeneity identified two latent classes of infants. A simple model with almost no local dependency between items is proposed for infants with few problems, whereas a more complicated model characterizes infants with more problems. The measure CIMHQ differentiates between infants from the general population with few and more mental health problems, and between subgroups of problems that potentially can be targets of preventive intervention.
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Boterberg S, Charman T, Marschik PB, Bölte S, Roeyers H. Regression in autism spectrum disorder: A critical overview of retrospective findings and recommendations for future research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 102:24-55. [PMID: 30917924 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Historically, two onset patterns in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were described: early onset of symptoms and regression in which one-third appear to show a loss of previously established skills in the second year of life. Since this phenomenon could represent a distinct ASD subtype and provide more insight into the etiology, diagnosis, and prognosis, many studies have compared these two groups. The present review discusses definitions, etiology, and methods used in research with a retrospective design and provides an overview of the results on early development and outcomes. However, retrospective research has not provided clear answers on regression as a distinct subtype of ASD and the historic division between early onset and regression does not seem to fit the empirical findings. Based on inconsistent results, future research on onset patterns in ASD needs to be more systematic on the definitions and methods used. Several recommendations to enhance the reliability of future retrospective results are discussed. The combination of a categorical and dimensional approach provides a new interesting framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Boterberg
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Tony Charman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Peter B Marschik
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; iDN - Interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Division of Phoniatrics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden; Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Herbert Roeyers
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Sacrey LAR, Zwaigenbaum L, Bryson S, Brian J, Smith IM. The reach-to-grasp movement in infants later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: a high-risk sibling cohort study. J Neurodev Disord 2018; 10:41. [PMID: 30587102 PMCID: PMC6307213 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-018-9259-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social communication and the presence of repetitive behavior and/or restricted interests, there is evidence that motor impairments may be a contributing factor to the ASD phenotype. The purpose of this study was to examine the motor act of reaching-to-grasp in children at high risk (HR; with an older sibling diagnosed with ASD) and low-risk (LR; no family history of ASD) for ASD. METHODS Children were compared for differences in reaching-to-grasp based on sibling status and diagnostic outcome. Children were enrolled between 6 and 12 months of age and the reach-to-grasp movement was scored at 6, 9, (where available) 12, 15, 18, 24, and 36 months of age using the qualitative Skilled Reaching Rating Scale to determine the presence of any group-, age-, or sex-related differences in the mechanics of the reach-to-grasp movement using a Mixed Models analysis. At 36 months, all children underwent a gold-standard diagnostic assessment, which resulted in three outcome groups: HR children diagnosed with ASD (HR-ASD; n = 10), HR children not diagnosed with ASD (HR-N; n = 10), and low-risk children not diagnosed with ASD (LR; n = 10). RESULTS The group of children who were later diagnosed with ASD (HR-ASD group) showed higher (worse) total scores on the reach-to-grasp movement, as well as higher scores on the components of Orient, Lift, and Pronate compared to children in the LR and HR-N groups. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the growing literature indicating that children who are later diagnosed with ASD show impaired early motor performance. These results highlight the importance of early surveillance of children who are at elevated risk for ASD, and early initiatives should focus on early signs of the phenotype, including both movement and sensory differences (prodromal signs) prior to the emergence of diagnostic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori-Ann R. Sacrey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta Canada
- Autism Research Centre, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, (E209) 10230 - 111 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5G 0B7 Canada
| | - Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta Canada
- Autism Research Centre, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, (E209) 10230 - 111 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5G 0B7 Canada
| | - Susan Bryson
- Dalhousie University/IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Jessica Brian
- Bloorview Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Isabel M. Smith
- Dalhousie University/IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
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Pearson N, Charman T, Happé F, Bolton PF, McEwen FS. Regression in autism spectrum disorder: Reconciling findings from retrospective and prospective research. Autism Res 2018; 11:1602-1620. [PMID: 30475449 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The way in which the behavioral manifestations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) emerge in infancy is variable. Regression-loss of previously acquired skills-occurs in a subset of children. However, the etiology and significance of regression remains unclear. Until recently, investigation of regression relied on retrospective report by parents or examination of home videos from early in life. However, home videos and retrospective report of the nature and timing of regression, and association with factors such as illness or immunization, is potentially subject to bias. The advent of prospective studies of infant siblings at familial high-risk of ASD has the potential to document regression as it occurs. Recent research has suggested that subtle loss of skills occurs in a larger proportion of children with ASD than previously assumed; however, there are few reports of clear-cut regressions, such as that involving dramatic loss of language and other established skills, in the prospective literature. This could be because of the following: clear-cut regression occurs less commonly than parent report suggests, study design limits the potential to detect regression, or there are differences between multiplex and simplex families in the rate of de novo genetic mutations and therefore regression risk. This review will bring together literature from retrospective and prospective research and attempt to reconcile diverging findings, with a specific focus on methodological issues. Changing conceptualizations of regression will be discussed, as well as etiological factors that may be associated with regression. The main challenges that need to be addressed to measure regression in prospective studies will be set out. Autism Research 2018, 11: 1602-1620. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Regression-a loss of previously established skills-occurs in a subset of children with ASD. Parental recall is not always accurate but studying younger siblings of children with ASD, 10-20% of whom will develop ASD, should make it possible to measure regression as it occurs. Clear-cut regression, like loss of language, has not often been reported in infant sibling studies, but recent research suggests that gradual loss of social engagement might be more common. This review looks at the evidence for regression from infant sibling studies and asks how study design affects the likelihood of capturing regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh Pearson
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Tony Charman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, London, UK
| | - Francesca Happé
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Patrick F Bolton
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, London, UK.,Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Fiona S McEwen
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Biological & Experimental Psychology, School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Risk for ASD in Preterm Infants: A Three-Year Follow-Up Study. AUTISM RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2018; 2018:8316212. [PMID: 30534432 PMCID: PMC6252203 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8316212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to examine the long-term risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in individuals who are born preterm and full-term using both observational instruments and parental reports. Neonatal risk factors and developmental characteristics associated with ASD risk were also examined. Method Participants included 110 preterm children (born at a gestational age of ≤ 34 weeks) and 39 full-term children assessed at ages 18, 24, and 36 months. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, the Social Communication Questionnaire, and the Mullen Scales of Early Learning were administered. Results and Conclusions The long-term risk for ASD was higher when parental reports were employed compared to observational instruments. At 18 and 24 months, a higher long-term risk for ASD was found for preterm children compared to full-term children. At 36 months, only one preterm child and one full-term child met the cutoff for ASD based on the ADOS, yet clinical judgment and parental reports supported an ASD diagnosis for the preterm child only. Earlier gestational age and lower general developmental abilities were associated with elevated ASD risk among preterm children.
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Al Sagheer T, Haida O, Balbous A, Francheteau M, Matas E, Fernagut PO, Jaber M. Motor Impairments Correlate with Social Deficits and Restricted Neuronal Loss in an Environmental Model of Autism. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 21:871-882. [PMID: 29762671 PMCID: PMC6119291 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Motor impairments are amongst the earliest and most consistent signs of autism spectrum disorders but are not used as diagnostic criteria. In addition, the relationship between motor and cognitive impairments and their respective neural substrates remain unknown. Methods Here, we aimed at determining whether a well-acknowledged animal model of autism spectrum disorders, the valproic acid model, displays motor impairments and whether they may correlate with social deficits and neuronal loss within motor brain areas. For this, pregnant female mice (C57BL/6J) received valproic acid (450 mg/kg) at embryonic day 12.5 and offspring underwent a battery of behavioral analyses before being killed for histological correlates in motor cortex, nigrostriatal pathway, and cerebellum. Results We show that while valproic acid male mice show both social and motor impairments, female mice only show motor impairments. Prenatal valproic acid exposure induces specific cell loss within the motor cortex and cerebellum and that is of higher magnitude in males than in females. Finally, we demonstrate that motor dysfunction correlates with reduced social behavior and that motor and social deficits both correlate with a loss of Purkinje cells within the Crus I cerebellar area. Conclusions Our results suggest that motor dysfunction could contribute to social and communication deficits in autism spectrum disorders and that motor and social deficits may share common neuronal substrates in the cerebellum. A systematic assessment of motor function in autism spectrum disorders may potentially help the quantitative diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and strategies aimed at improving motor behavior may provide a global therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tareq Al Sagheer
- INSERM U-1084, Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences Laboratory, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Obelia Haida
- INSERM U-1084, Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences Laboratory, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Anais Balbous
- INSERM U-1084, Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences Laboratory, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
- CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Maureen Francheteau
- INSERM U-1084, Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences Laboratory, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Emmanuel Matas
- INSERM U-1084, Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences Laboratory, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Pierre-Olivier Fernagut
- INSERM U-1084, Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences Laboratory, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR, Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR, Bordeaux, France
| | - Mohamed Jaber
- INSERM U-1084, Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences Laboratory, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
- CHU Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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Ghassabian A, Sundaram R, Chahal N, McLain AC, Bell E, Lawrence DA, Yeung EH. Determinants of neonatal brain-derived neurotrophic factor and association with child development. Dev Psychopathol 2017; 29:1499-1511. [PMID: 28462726 PMCID: PMC6201316 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579417000414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Using a population-based birth cohort in upstate New York (2008-2010), we examined the determinants of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) measured in newborn dried blood spots (n = 2,637). We also examined the association between neonatal BDNF and children's development. The cohort was initially designed to examine the influence of infertility treatment on child development but found no impact. Mothers rated children's development in five domains repeatedly through age 3 years. Socioeconomic and maternal lifestyle determinants of BDNF were examined using multivariable linear regression models. Generalized linear mixed models estimated odds ratios for neonatal BDNF in relation to failing a developmental domain. Smoking and drinking in pregnancy, nulliparity, non-White ethnicity/race, and prepregnancy obesity were associated with lower neonatal BDNF. Neonatal BDNF was not associated with failure for developmental domains; however, there was an interaction between BDNF and preterm birth. In preterm infants, a higher BDNF was associated with lower odds of failing any developmental domains, after adjusting for confounders and infertility treatment. This result was particularly significant for failure in communication. Our findings suggest that BDNF levels in neonates may be impacted by maternal lifestyle characteristics. More specifically, lower neonatal BDNF might be an early marker of aberrant neurodevelopment in preterm infants.
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Abstract
Early autism research focused on behavior and cognition. In recent decades, the pace of research has accelerated, and advances in imaging and genetics have allowed the accumulation of biological data. Nevertheless, a coherent picture of the syndrome at either phenotypic or biological level has not emerged. We see two fundamental obstacles to progress in basic understanding of autism. First, the two defining features (impairment in social interactions and communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests) are historically seen as integrally related. Others hold that these two major traits are fractionable and must be studied independently, casting doubt on autism as a coherent syndrome. Second, despite much recent research on brain structure and function, environmental factors, and genetics/genomics, findings on the biological level have not generally aligned well with those on the phenotypic level. In the first two sections, we explore these challenges, and in the third section, we review approaches that may facilitate progress, such as (1) including in studies all individuals defined by social impairment without regard to repetitive behaviors, (2) forming narrowly defined subtypes by thorough characterization on specific features, both diagnostic and non-diagnostic, (3) focusing on characteristics that may be relatively robust to environmental influence, (4) studying children as early as possible, minimizing environmental influence, and including longitudinal course as an important part of the phenotype, (5) subtyping by environmental risk factors, (6) distinguishing between what participants can do and what they typically do, and (7) aggregating large data sets across sites. (JINS, 2017, 23, 903-915).
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Lewis JD, Evans AC, Pruett JR, Botteron KN, McKinstry RC, Zwaigenbaum L, Estes AM, Collins DL, Kostopoulos P, Gerig G, Dager SR, Paterson S, Schultz RT, Styner MA, Hazlett HC, Piven J. The Emergence of Network Inefficiencies in Infants With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 82:176-185. [PMID: 28460842 PMCID: PMC5524449 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder defined by behavioral features that emerge during the first years of life. Research indicates that abnormalities in brain connectivity are associated with these behavioral features. However, the inclusion of individuals past the age of onset of the defining behaviors complicates interpretation of the observed abnormalities: they may be cascade effects of earlier neuropathology and behavioral abnormalities. Our recent study of network efficiency in a cohort of 24-month-olds at high and low familial risk for ASD reduced this confound; we reported reduced network efficiencies in toddlers classified with ASD. The current study maps the emergence of these inefficiencies in the first year of life. METHODS This study uses data from 260 infants at 6 and 12 months of age, including 116 infants with longitudinal data. As in our earlier study, we use diffusion data to obtain measures of the length and strength of connections between brain regions to compute network efficiency. We assess group differences in efficiency within linear mixed-effects models determined by the Akaike information criterion. RESULTS Inefficiencies in high-risk infants later classified with ASD were detected from 6 months onward in regions involved in low-level sensory processing. In addition, within the high-risk infants, these inefficiencies predicted 24-month symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that infants with ASD, even before 6 months of age, have deficits in connectivity related to low-level processing, which contribute to a developmental cascade affecting brain organization and eventually higher-level cognitive processes and social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Lewis
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Alan C Evans
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - John R Pruett
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri; Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Kelly N Botteron
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri; Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Robert C McKinstry
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Annette M Estes
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - D Louis Collins
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Guido Gerig
- Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Stephen R Dager
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Sarah Paterson
- Center for Autism Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert T Schultz
- Center for Autism Research, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Martin A Styner
- Department of Computer Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Heather C Hazlett
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Joseph Piven
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Visser JC, Rommelse NNJ, Lappenschaar M, Servatius-Oosterling IJ, Greven CU, Buitelaar JK. Variation in the Early Trajectories of Autism Symptoms Is Related to the Development of Language, Cognition, and Behavior Problems. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2017; 56:659-668. [PMID: 28735695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2017.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to model more homogeneous subgroups within autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on early trajectories of core symptoms; and to further characterize these subgroups in terms of trajectories of language, cognition, co-occurring (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]-related) traits and clinical outcome diagnosis. METHOD Children (N = 203) referred for possible ASD at ages 1 to 4 years were assessed at three time points at intervals ranging from 9 months to 3 years. Assessments included standardized measures for ASD (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule [ADOS]), language (ADOS-language item), nonverbal IQ (NV-IQ; different tests adequate to chronological/mental age), and parent-reported behavioral problems (Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment, Child Behavior Checklist). RESULTS Latent-class growth curve analysis with ADOS total scores led to the identification of three main stable and two small improving groups: a severe-stable group (19.5% of sample)-the only group without considerable language improvement-showed persistent low NV-IQ and marked increase in attention problems over time; a moderate-stable group (21.7%) with below-average increasing NV-IQ; and a mild-stable group (48%) with stable-average NV-IQ and the highest scores on ADHD-related traits, whose ASD outcome diagnoses increased despite stable-low ASD scores. Two groups (each 5.4%) improved: one moved from severe to moderate ASD scores, and the other moved from moderate to mild/nonspectrum scores. Both of these groups improved on language, NV-IQ, and ADHD-related traits. CONCLUSION Results support the high stability of ASD symptoms into various severity levels, but also highlight the significant contribution of non-ASD domains in defining and explaining the different ASD trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne C Visser
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Nanda N J Rommelse
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen
| | | | | | - Corina U Greven
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, and King's College London, Medical Research Council Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen
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Filipe MG, Watson L, Vicente SG, Frota S. Atypical preference for infant-directed speech as an early marker of autism spectrum disorders? A literature review and directions for further research. CLINICAL LINGUISTICS & PHONETICS 2017; 32:213-231. [PMID: 28727482 DOI: 10.1080/02699206.2017.1342694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) refer to a complex group of neurodevelopmental disorders causing difficulties with communication and interpersonal relationships, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests. As early identification, diagnosis, and intervention provide better long-term outcomes, early markers of ASD have gained increased research attention. This review examines evidence that auditory processing enhanced by social interest, in particular auditory preference of speech directed towards infants and young children (i.e. infant-directed speech - IDS), may be an early marker of risk for ASD. Although this review provides evidence for IDS preference as, indeed, a potential early marker of ASD, the explanation for differences in IDS processing among children with ASD versus other children remains unclear, as are the implications of these impairments for later social-communicative development. Therefore, it is crucial to explore atypicalities in IDS processing early on development and to understand whether preferential listening to specific types of speech sounds in the first years of life may help to predict the impairments in social and language development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa G Filipe
- a Centro de Linguística, Faculdade de Letras, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
- b Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Linda Watson
- c University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , North Carolina , USA
| | | | - Sónia Frota
- a Centro de Linguística, Faculdade de Letras, Universidade de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
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What is the Nature of Motor Impairments in Autism, Are They Diagnostically Useful, and What Are the Implications for Intervention? CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40474-017-0109-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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45
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Serdarevic F, Ghassabian A, van Batenburg-Eddes T, White T, Blanken LME, Jaddoe VWV, Verhulst FC, Tiemeier H. Infant muscle tone and childhood autistic traits: A longitudinal study in the general population. Autism Res 2017; 10:757-768. [PMID: 28181411 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In a longitudinal population-based study of 2,905 children, we investigated if infants' neuromotor development was associated with autistic traits in childhood. Overall motor development and muscle tone were examined by trained research assistants with an adapted version of Touwen's Neurodevelopmental Examination between ages 2 and 5 months. Tone was assessed in several positions and items were scored as normal, low, or high tone. Parents rated their children's autistic traits with the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and the Pervasive Developmental Problems (PDP) subscale of the Child Behavior Checklist at 6 years. We defined clinical PDP if scores were >98th percentile of the norm population. Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was clinically confirmed in 30 children. We observed a modest association between overall neuromotor development in infants and autistic traits. Low muscle tone in infancy predicted autistic traits measured by SRS (adjusted beta = 0.05, 95% CI for B: 0.00-0.02, P = 0.01), and PDP (adjusted beta = 0.08, 95% CI for B: 0.04-0.10, P < 0.001). Similar results emerged for the association of low muscle tone and clinical PDP (adjusted OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.08-1.72, P = 0.01) at age 6 years. Results remained unchanged if adjusted for child intelligence. There was no association between high muscle tone and SRS or PDP. Exclusion of children with ASD diagnosis did not change the association. This large study showed a prospective association of infant muscle tone with autistic traits in childhood. Our findings suggest that early detection of low muscle tone might be a gateway to improve early diagnosis of ASD. Autism Res 2017, 10: 757-768. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadila Serdarevic
- Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, The Generation R Study Group, the Netherlands.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Akhgar Ghassabian
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tamara van Batenburg-Eddes
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tonya White
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Radiology, Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Laura M E Blanken
- Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, The Generation R Study Group, the Netherlands.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vincent W V Jaddoe
- Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, The Generation R Study Group, the Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frank C Verhulst
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Setoh P, Marschik PB, Einspieler C, Esposito G. Autism spectrum disorder and early motor abnormalities: Connected or coincidental companions? RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2017; 60:13-15. [PMID: 27863327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 10/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Research in the past decade has produced a growing body of evidence showing that motor abnormalities in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are the rule rather than the exception. The paper by Chinello and colleagues furthers our understanding of the importance of studying motor functions in ASD by testing a non-clinical population of parents-infant triads. Chinello and colleagues' findings seem to suggest that subclinical motor impairments may exist in the typical population with inherited non-clinical ASD traits. Chinello and colleagues' discovery also urges us to ask why motor abnormalities exist in typically developing infants when their parents present some subclinical ASD traits. We believe that there are at least two possibilities. In the first possible scenario, motor impairments and ASD traits form a single cluster of symptoms unique to a subgroup of individuals with autism. A second possible scenario is that motor atypicalities are the first warning signs of vulnerability often associated with atypical development. In conclusion, Chinello et al.'s findings inform us that subclinical atypical phenotypes such as sociocommunicative anomalies may be related to subclinical motor performances in the next generation. This adds to our knowledge by shedding some light on the relation of vulnerability in one domain with vulnerability in another domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Setoh
- Division of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Peter B Marschik
- iDN - interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christa Einspieler
- iDN - interdisciplinary Developmental Neuroscience, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Division of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, TN, Italy.
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Chericoni N, de Brito Wanderley D, Costanzo V, Diniz-Gonçalves A, Leitgel Gille M, Parlato E, Cohen D, Apicella F, Calderoni S, Muratori F. Pre-linguistic Vocal Trajectories at 6-18 Months of Age As Early Markers of Autism. Front Psychol 2016; 7:1595. [PMID: 27807424 PMCID: PMC5070420 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explores pre-linguistic vocal trajectories in infants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during caregiver-infant interaction. Home videos were obtained from 10 infants with ASD and 10 typically developing infants (TD), covering three time periods: 0–6 months (T1, 47 video sequences), 6–12 months (T2, 47 video sequences), and 12–18 months (T3, 48 video sequences). In total 142 video sequences were analyzed. Vocalizations, long reduplicated babbling, 2-syllable babbling, and first words were investigated longitudinally. Face-gazing was also analyzed, to evaluate the social quality of vocal behaviors. Results show a lower rate of vocalizations in the ASD group at T2, and a lower rate of first words at T3, compared to the TD group. However, the prevalence of non-social babbling, appeared higher in the ASD group. The implications of these findings for screening programs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Erika Parlato
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - David Cohen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpérière, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de ParisParis, France; Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotiques, Université Pierre et Marie CurieParis, France
| | | | - Sara Calderoni
- IRCCS Stella Maris FoundationPisa, Italy; Stella Maris Mediterraneo FoundationChiaromonte, Italy
| | - Filippo Muratori
- IRCCS Stella Maris FoundationPisa, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of PisaPisa, Italy
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Soto T, Giserman Kiss I, Carter AS. SYMPTOM PRESENTATIONS AND CLASSIFICATION OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: APPLICATION TO THE DIAGNOSTIC CLASSIFICATION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS OF INFANCY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD (DC:0-5). Infant Ment Health J 2016; 37:486-97. [PMID: 27556740 PMCID: PMC5959016 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 5 years, a great deal of information about the early course of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has emerged from longitudinal prospective studies of infants at high risk for developing ASD based on a previously diagnosed older sibling. The current article describes early ASD symptom presentations and outlines the rationale for defining a new disorder, Early Atypical Autism Spectrum Disorder (EA-ASD) to accompany ASD in the new revision of the ZERO TO THREE Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC:0-5) (in press) alternative diagnostic classification manual. EA-ASD is designed to identify children who are 9 to 36 months of age presenting with a minimum of (a) two social-communication symptoms and (b) one repetitive and restricted behavior symptom as well as (c) evidence of impairment, with the intention of providing these children with appropriately tailored services and improving the likelihood of optimizing their development.
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Abstract
Abstract
ASD research is at an important crossroads. The ASD diagnosis is important for assigning a child to early behavioral intervention and explaining a child’s condition. But ASD research has not provided a diagnosis-specific medical treatment, or a consistent early predictor, or a unified life course. If the ASD diagnosis also lacks biological and construct validity, a shift away from studying ASD-defined samples would be warranted. Consequently, this paper reviews recent findings for the neurobiological validity of ASD, the construct validity of ASD diagnostic criteria, and the construct validity of ASD spectrum features. The findings reviewed indicate that the ASD diagnosis lacks biological and construct validity. The paper concludes with proposals for research going forward.
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50
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Yaari M, Yitzhak N, Harel A, Friedlander E, Bar-Oz B, Eventov-Friedman S, Mankuta D, Gamliel I, Yirmiya N. Stability of early risk assessment for autism spectrum disorder in preterm infants. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2016; 20:856-67. [DOI: 10.1177/1362361315614758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Stability and change in early autism spectrum disorder risk were examined in a cohort of 99 preterm infants (⩽34 weeks of gestation) using the Autism Observation Scale for Infants at 8 and 12 months and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule—Toddler Module at 18 months. A total of 21 infants were identified at risk by the Autism Observation Scale for Infants at 8 months, and 9 were identified at risk at 12 months, including 4 children who were not previously identified. At 18 months, eight children were identified at risk for autism spectrum disorder using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule—Toddler Module, only half of whom had been identified using the original Autism Observation Scale for Infants cutoffs. Results are discussed in relation to early trajectories of autism spectrum disorder risk among preterm infants as well as identifying social-communication deficiencies associated with the early preterm behavioral phenotype.
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