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Falivene A, Cantiani C, Dondena C, Riboldi EM, Riva V, Piazza C. EEG Functional Connectivity Analysis for the Study of the Brain Maturation in the First Year of Life. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:4979. [PMID: 39124026 PMCID: PMC11314780 DOI: 10.3390/s24154979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Brain networks are hypothesized to undergo significant changes over development, particularly during infancy. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate brain maturation in the first year of life in terms of electrophysiological (EEG) functional connectivity (FC). Whole-brain FC metrics (i.e., magnitude-squared coherence, phase lag index, and parameters derived from graph theory) were extracted, for multiple frequency bands, from baseline EEG data recorded from 146 typically developing infants at 6 (T6) and 12 (T12) months of age. Generalized linear mixed models were used to test for significant differences in the computed metrics considering time point and sex as fixed effects. Correlational analyses were performed to ascertain the potential relationship between FC and subjects' cognitive and language level, assessed with the Bayley-III scale at 24 (T24) months of age. The results obtained highlighted an increased FC, for all the analyzed frequency bands, at T12 with respect to T6. Correlational analyses yielded evidence of the relationship between FC metrics at T12 and cognition. Despite some limitations, our study represents one of the first attempts to evaluate brain network evolution during the first year of life while accounting for correspondence between functional maturation and cognitive improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Cantiani
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy; (A.F.); (C.D.); (E.M.R.); (V.R.); (C.P.)
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2
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Cohenour T, Dickinson A, Jeste S, Gulsrud A, Kasari C. Patterns of spontaneous neural activity associated with social communication abilities among infants and toddlers showing signs of autism. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 60:3597-3613. [PMID: 38703054 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Early disruptions to social communication development, including delays in joint attention and language, are among the earliest markers of autism spectrum disorder (autism, henceforth). Although social communication differences are a core feature of autism, there is marked heterogeneity in social communication-related development among infants and toddlers exhibiting autism symptoms. Neural markers of individual differences in joint attention and language abilities may provide important insight into heterogeneity in autism symptom expression during infancy and toddlerhood. This study examined patterns of spontaneous electroencephalography (EEG) activity associated with joint attention and language skills in 70 community-referred 12- to 23-month-olds with autism symptoms and elevated scores on an autism diagnostic instrument. Data-driven cluster-based permutation analyses revealed significant positive associations between relative alpha power (6-9 Hz) and concurrent response to joint attention skills, receptive language, and expressive language abilities. Exploratory analyses also revealed significant negative associations between relative alpha power and measures of core autism features (i.e., social communication difficulties and restricted/repetitive behaviors). These findings shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying typical and atypical social communication development in emerging autism and provide a foundation for future work examining neural predictors of social communication growth and markers of intervention response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torrey Cohenour
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Abigail Dickinson
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shafali Jeste
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Amanda Gulsrud
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Connie Kasari
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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3
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Mukerji CE, Wilson JS, Wilkinson CL, Krol MA, Nelson CA, Tager-Flusberg H. Resting Frontal Gamma Power is Associated with Both Expressive Language and Non-verbal Cognitive Abilities in Young Autistic Children. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06308-3. [PMID: 38607475 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06308-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Previous research links resting frontal gamma power to key developmental outcomes in young neurotypical (NT) children and infants at risk for language impairment. However, it remains unclear whether gamma power is specifically associated with language or with more general cognitive abilities among young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study evaluates differences in resting frontal gamma power between young autistic and NT children and tests whether gamma power is uniquely associated with individual differences in expressive language, receptive language and non-verbal cognitive abilities in autistic and NT children. Participants included 48 autistic children and 58 age- and sex-matched NT children (ages 22-60 months). Baseline electroencephalography (EEG) recordings were acquired from each participant. Children also completed the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL). We found that frontal gamma power at rest did not differ between autistic and NT children. Among autistic children, reduced frontal gamma power was significantly associated with both higher expressive language skills and higher non-verbal cognitive skills, controlling for age and sex. The interaction between frontal gamma power and diagnostic status no longer explained unique variance in expressive language skills after controlling for variance associated with non-verbal cognitive skills across autistic and NT children. Together, these findings suggest that reduced gamma power is associated with both better expressive language and non-verbal cognitive skills among young autistic children. Moreover, associations between high frequency neural activity and cognition are not specific to verbal abilities but reflect neural mechanisms associated with general higher-order cognitive abilities in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora E Mukerji
- Department of Psychology, Bryn Mawr College, 101 N Merion Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA, 19010, USA
| | - John S Wilson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Carol L Wilkinson
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School & Harvard Graduate School of Education, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Manon A Krol
- Donders Institute, Radboudumc, Kapittelweg 29, 6525 EN, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School & Harvard Graduate School of Education, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Helen Tager-Flusberg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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Sun B, Wang B, Wei Z, Feng Z, Wu ZL, Yassin W, Stone WS, Lin Y, Kong XJ. Identification of diagnostic markers for ASD: a restrictive interest analysis based on EEG combined with eye tracking. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1236637. [PMID: 37886678 PMCID: PMC10598595 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1236637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity (EFC) and eye tracking (ET) have been explored as objective screening methods for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but no study has yet evaluated restricted and repetitive behavior (RRBs) simultaneously to infer early ASD diagnosis. Typically developing (TD) children (n = 27) and ASD (n = 32), age- and sex-matched, were evaluated with EFC and ET simultaneously, using the restricted interest stimulus paradigm. Network-based machine learning prediction (NBS-predict) was used to identify ASD. Correlations between EFC, ET, and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) were performed. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) of receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) was measured to evaluate the predictive performance. Under high restrictive interest stimuli (HRIS), ASD children have significantly higher α band connectivity and significantly more total fixation time (TFT)/pupil enlargement of ET relative to TD children (p = 0.04299). These biomarkers were not only significantly positively correlated with each other (R = 0.716, p = 8.26e-4), but also with ADOS total scores (R = 0.749, p = 34e-4) and RRBs sub-score (R = 0.770, p = 1.87e-4) for EFC (R = 0.641, p = 0.0148) for TFT. The accuracy of NBS-predict in identifying ASD was 63.4%. ROC curve demonstrated TFT with 91 and 90% sensitivity, and 78.7% and 77.4% specificity for ADOS total and RRB sub-scores, respectively. Simultaneous EFC and ET evaluation in ASD is highly correlated with RRB symptoms measured by ADOS-2. NBS-predict of EFC offered a direct prediction of ASD. The use of both EFC and ET improve early ASD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Sun
- Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bryan Wang
- Martinos Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of English and Creative Writing, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, United States
| | - Zhen Wei
- Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhe Feng
- Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhi-Liu Wu
- Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Walid Yassin
- Martinos Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - William S. Stone
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yan Lin
- Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xue-Jun Kong
- Martinos Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Morrel J, Singapuri K, Landa RJ, Reetzke R. Neural correlates and predictors of speech and language development in infants at elevated likelihood for autism: a systematic review. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1211676. [PMID: 37662636 PMCID: PMC10469683 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1211676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an increasingly prevalent and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition, characterized by social communicative differences, and a combination of repetitive behaviors, focused interests, and sensory sensitivities. Early speech and language delays are characteristic of young autistic children and are one of the first concerns reported by parents; often before their child's second birthday. Elucidating the neural mechanisms underlying these delays has the potential to improve early detection and intervention efforts. To fill this gap, this systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on early neurobiological correlates and predictors of speech and language development across different neuroimaging modalities in infants with and without a family history of autism [at an elevated (EL infants) and low likelihood (LL infants) for developing autism, respectively]. A comprehensive, systematic review identified 24 peer-reviewed articles published between 2012 and 2023, utilizing structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n = 2), functional MRI (fMRI; n = 4), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS; n = 4), and electroencephalography (EEG; n = 14). Three main themes in results emerged: compared to LL infants, EL infants exhibited (1) atypical language-related neural lateralization; (2) alterations in structural and functional connectivity; and (3) mixed profiles of neural sensitivity to speech and non-speech stimuli, with some differences detected as early as 6 weeks of age. These findings suggest that neuroimaging techniques may be sensitive to early indicators of speech and language delays well before overt behavioral delays emerge. Future research should aim to harmonize experimental paradigms both within and across neuroimaging modalities and additionally address the feasibility, acceptability, and scalability of implementing such methodologies in non-academic, community-based settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Morrel
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kripi Singapuri
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rebecca J. Landa
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rachel Reetzke
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Piazza C, Dondena C, Riboldi EM, Riva V, Cantiani C. Baseline EEG in the first year of life: Preliminary insights into the development of autism spectrum disorder and language impairments. iScience 2023; 26:106987. [PMID: 37534149 PMCID: PMC10391601 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106987] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Early identification of neurodevelopmental disorders is important to ensure a prompt and effective intervention, thus improving the later outcome. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and language learning impairment (LLI) are among the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, and they share overlapping symptoms. This study aims to characterize baseline electroencephalography (EEG) spectral power in 6- and 12-month-old infants at higher likelihood of developing ASD and LLI, compared to typically developing infants, and to preliminarily verify if spectral power components associated with the risk status are also linked with the later ASD or LLI diagnosis. We found risk status for ASD to be associated with reduced power in the low-frequency bands and risk status for LLI with increased power in the high-frequency bands. Interestingly, later diagnosis shared similar associations, thus supporting the potential role of EEG spectral power as a biomarker useful for understanding pathophysiology and classifying diagnostic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Piazza
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Bioengineering Lab, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Chiara Dondena
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Child Psychopathology Unit, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Elena Maria Riboldi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Child Psychopathology Unit, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Valentina Riva
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Child Psychopathology Unit, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Chiara Cantiani
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Child Psychopathology Unit, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
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7
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Huberty S, O’Reilly C, Carter Leno V, Steiman M, Webb S, Elsabbagh M. Neural mechanisms of language development in infancy. INFANCY 2023; 28:754-770. [PMID: 36943905 PMCID: PMC10947526 DOI: 10.1111/infa.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the neural processes underpinning individual differences in early language development is of increasing interest, as it is known to vary in typical development and to be quite heterogeneous in neurodevelopmental conditions. However, few studies to date have tested whether early brain measures are indicative of the developmental trajectory of language, as opposed to language outcomes at specific ages. We combined recordings from two longitudinal studies, including typically developing infants without a family history of autism, and infants with increased likelihood of developing autism (infant-siblings) (N = 191). Electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded at 6 months, and behavioral assessments at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months of age. Using a growth curve model, we tested whether absolute EEG spectral power at 6 months was associated with concurrent language abilities, and developmental change in language between 6 and 36 months. We found evidence of an association between 6-month alpha-band power and concurrent, but not developmental change in, expressive language ability in both infant-siblings and control infants. The observed association between 6-month alpha-band power and 6-month expressive language was not moderated by group status, suggesting some continuity in neural mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Huberty
- Montreal Neurological InstituteMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | | | - Virginia Carter Leno
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Mandy Steiman
- Montreal Neurological InstituteMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Sara Webb
- Center on Child Health, Behavior and DevelopmentSeattle Children's Research InstituteSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Mayada Elsabbagh
- Montreal Neurological InstituteMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
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8
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Lopez KL, Monachino AD, Vincent KM, Peck FC, Gabard-Durnam LJ. Stability, change, and reliable individual differences in electroencephalography measures: a lifespan perspective on progress and opportunities. Neuroimage 2023; 275:120116. [PMID: 37169118 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroencephalographic (EEG) methods have great potential to serve both basic and clinical science approaches to understand individual differences in human neural function. Importantly, the psychometric properties of EEG data, such as internal consistency and test-retest reliability, constrain their ability to differentiate individuals successfully. Rapid and recent technological and computational advancements in EEG research make it timely to revisit the topic of psychometric reliability in the context of individual difference analyses. Moreover, pediatric and clinical samples provide some of the most salient and urgent opportunities to apply individual difference approaches, but the changes these populations experience over time also provide unique challenges from a psychometric perspective. Here we take a developmental neuroscience perspective to consider progress and new opportunities for parsing the reliability and stability of individual differences in EEG measurements across the lifespan. We first conceptually map the different profiles of measurement reliability expected for different types of individual difference analyses over the lifespan. Next, we summarize and evaluate the state of the field's empirical knowledge and need for testing measurement reliability, both internal consistency and test-retest reliability, across EEG measures of power, event-related potentials, nonlinearity, and functional connectivity across ages. Finally, we highlight how standardized pre-processing software for EEG denoising and empirical metrics of individual data quality may be used to further improve EEG-based individual differences research moving forward. We also include recommendations and resources throughout that individual researchers can implement to improve the utility and reproducibility of individual differences analyses with EEG across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Lopez
- Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, United States
| | - A D Monachino
- Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, United States
| | - K M Vincent
- Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, United States
| | - F C Peck
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - L J Gabard-Durnam
- Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, United States.
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9
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Law EC, Han MX, Lai Z, Lim S, Ong ZY, Ng V, Gabard-Durnam LJ, Wilkinson CL, Levin AR, Rifkin-Graboi A, Daniel LM, Gluckman PD, Chong YS, Meaney MJ, Nelson CA. Associations Between Infant Screen Use, Electroencephalography Markers, and Cognitive Outcomes. JAMA Pediatr 2023; 177:311-318. [PMID: 36716016 PMCID: PMC9887532 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.5674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Importance Research evidence is mounting for the association between infant screen use and negative cognitive outcomes related to attention and executive functions. The nature, timing, and persistence of screen time exposure on neural functions are currently unknown. Electroencephalography (EEG) permits elucidation of the neural correlates associated with cognitive impairments. Objective To examine the associations between infant screen time, EEG markers, and school-age cognitive outcomes using mediation analysis with structural equation modeling. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective maternal-child dyad cohort study included participants from the population-based study Growing Up in Singapore Toward Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO). Pregnant mothers were enrolled in their first trimester from June 2009 through December 2010. A subset of children who completed neurodevelopmental visits at ages 12 months and 9 years had EEG performed at age 18 months. Data were reported from 3 time points at ages 12 months, 18 months, and 9 years. Mediation analyses were used to investigate how neural correlates were involved in the paths from infant screen time to the latent construct of attention and executive functioning. Data for this study were collected from November 2010 to March 2020 and were analyzed between October 2021 and May 2022. Exposures Parent-reported screen time at age 12 months. Main Outcomes and Measures Power spectral density from EEG was collected at age 18 months. Child attention and executive functions were measured with teacher-reported questionnaires and objective laboratory-based tasks at age 9 years. Results In this sample of 437 children, the mean (SD) age at follow-up was 8.84 (0.07) years, and 227 children (51.9%) were male. The mean (SD) amount of daily screen time at age 12 months was 2.01 (1.86) hours. Screen time at age 12 months contributed to multiple 9-year attention and executive functioning measures (η2, 0.03-0.16; Cohen d, 0.35-0.87). A subset of 157 children had EEG performed at age 18 months; EEG relative theta power and theta/beta ratio at the frontocentral and parietal regions showed a graded correlation with 12-month screen use (r = 0.35-0.37). In the structural equation model accounting for household income, frontocentral and parietal theta/beta ratios partially mediated the association between infant screen time and executive functioning at school age (exposure-mediator β, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.59; mediator-outcome β, -0.38; 95% CI, -0.64 to -0.11), forming an indirect path that accounted for 39.4% of the association. Conclusions and Relevance In this study, infant screen use was associated with altered cortical EEG activity before age 2 years; the identified EEG markers mediated the association between infant screen time and executive functions. Further efforts are urgently needed to distinguish the direct association of infant screen use compared with family factors that predispose early screen use on executive function impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn C. Law
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Khoo Teck Puat–National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Meredith X. Han
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhuoyuan Lai
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Shuping Lim
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zi Yan Ong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Valerie Ng
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Laurel J. Gabard-Durnam
- Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carol L. Wilkinson
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - April R. Levin
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anne Rifkin-Graboi
- Centre for Research in Child Development, National Institute of Education, Singapore
| | - L. Mary Daniel
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Child Development, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore
- Academic Medicine Department, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Peter D. Gluckman
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yap Seng Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Health System and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael J. Meaney
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill University and Douglas Mental Health University Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Charles A. Nelson
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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10
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Brandes-Aitken A, Metser M, Braren SH, Vogel SC, Brito NH. Neurophysiology of sustained attention in early infancy: Investigating longitudinal relations with recognition memory outcomes. Infant Behav Dev 2023; 70:101807. [PMID: 36634407 PMCID: PMC9901300 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2022.101807] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The ability to sustain attention is a critical cognitive domain that emerges in infancy and is predictive of a multitude of cognitive processes. Here, we used a heart rate (HR) defined measure of sustained attention to assess corresponding changes in frontal electroencephalography (EEG) power at 3 months of age. Second, we examined how the neural underpinnings of HR-defined sustained attention were associated with sustained attention engagement. Third, we evaluated if neural or behavioral sustained attention measures at 3-months predicted subsequent recognition memory scores at 9 months of age. Seventy-five infants were included at 3 months of age and provided usable attention and EEG data and 25 infants returned to the lab at 9 months and provided usable recognition memory data. The current study focuses on oscillatory power in the theta (4-6 Hz) frequency band during phases of HR-defined sustained attention and inattention phases. Results revealed that theta power was significantly higher during phases of sustained attention. Second, higher theta power during sustained attention was positively associated with proportion of time in sustained attention. Third, longitudinal analyses indicated a significant positive association between theta power during sustained attention on 9-month visual paired comparison scores such that higher theta power predicted higher visual paired comparison scores at 9-months. These results highlight the interrelation of the attention and arousal systems which have longitudinal implications for subsequent recognition memory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Brandes-Aitken
- Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Maya Metser
- Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, NY, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA,Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen H. Braren
- Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, NY, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA,Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah C. Vogel
- Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, NY, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA,Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Natalie H. Brito
- Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, NY, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA,Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
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11
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Haartsen R, Charman T, Pasco G, Johnson MH, Jones EJH. Modulation of EEG theta by naturalistic social content is not altered in infants with family history of autism. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20758. [PMID: 36456597 PMCID: PMC9715667 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24870-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Theta oscillations (spectral power and connectivity) are sensitive to the social content of an experience in typically developing infants, providing a possible marker of early social brain development. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting early social behaviour, but links to underlying social brain function remain unclear. We explored whether modulations of theta spectral power and connectivity by naturalistic social content in infancy are related to family history for autism. Fourteen-month-old infants with (family history; FH; N = 75) and without (no family history; NFH; N = 26) a first-degree relative with autism watched social and non-social videos during EEG recording. We calculated theta (4-5 Hz) spectral power and connectivity modulations (social-non-social) and associated them with outcomes at 36 months. We replicated previous findings of increased theta power and connectivity during social compared to non-social videos. Theta modulations with social content were similar between groups, for both power and connectivity. Together, these findings suggest that neural responses to naturalistic social stimuli may not be strongly altered in 14-month-old infants with family history of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne Haartsen
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, WC1E 7HX, UK.
- ToddlerLab, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK.
| | - Tony Charman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 3BX, UK
| | - Greg Pasco
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Mark H Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
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12
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Menn KH, Ward EK, Braukmann R, van den Boomen C, Buitelaar J, Hunnius S, Snijders TM. Neural Tracking in Infancy Predicts Language Development in Children With and Without Family History of Autism. NEUROBIOLOGY OF LANGUAGE (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2022; 3:495-514. [PMID: 37216063 PMCID: PMC10158647 DOI: 10.1162/nol_a_00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
During speech processing, neural activity in non-autistic adults and infants tracks the speech envelope. Recent research in adults indicates that this neural tracking relates to linguistic knowledge and may be reduced in autism. Such reduced tracking, if present already in infancy, could impede language development. In the current study, we focused on children with a family history of autism, who often show a delay in first language acquisition. We investigated whether differences in tracking of sung nursery rhymes during infancy relate to language development and autism symptoms in childhood. We assessed speech-brain coherence at either 10 or 14 months of age in a total of 22 infants with high likelihood of autism due to family history and 19 infants without family history of autism. We analyzed the relationship between speech-brain coherence in these infants and their vocabulary at 24 months as well as autism symptoms at 36 months. Our results showed significant speech-brain coherence in the 10- and 14-month-old infants. We found no evidence for a relationship between speech-brain coherence and later autism symptoms. Importantly, speech-brain coherence in the stressed syllable rate (1-3 Hz) predicted later vocabulary. Follow-up analyses showed evidence for a relationship between tracking and vocabulary only in 10-month-olds but not in 14-month-olds and indicated possible differences between the likelihood groups. Thus, early tracking of sung nursery rhymes is related to language development in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina H. Menn
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuropsychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Research Group Language Cycles, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School on Neuroscience of Communication: Function, Structure, and Plasticity, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Emma K. Ward
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ricarda Braukmann
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn van den Boomen
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Buitelaar
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Hunnius
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tineke M. Snijders
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Cognitive Neuropsychology Department, Tilburg University
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13
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Romeo RR, Choi B, Gabard-Durnam LJ, Wilkinson CL, Levin AR, Rowe ML, Tager-Flusberg H, Nelson CA. Parental Language Input Predicts Neuroscillatory Patterns Associated with Language Development in Toddlers at Risk of Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:2717-2731. [PMID: 34185234 PMCID: PMC9594983 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05024-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In this study we investigated the impact of parental language input on language development and associated neuroscillatory patterns in toddlers at risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Forty-six mother-toddler dyads at either high (n = 22) or low (n = 24) familial risk of ASD completed a longitudinal, prospective study including free-play, resting electroencephalography, and standardized language assessments. Input quantity/quality at 18 months positively predicted expressive language at 24 months, and relationships were stronger for high-risk toddlers. Moderated mediations revealed that input-language relationships were explained by 24-month frontal and temporal gamma power (30-50 Hz) for high-risk toddlers who would later develop ASD. Results suggest that high-risk toddlers may be cognitively and neurally more sensitive to their language environments, which has implications for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R Romeo
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 1 Autumn Street, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. .,Department of Psychology, Harvard University, 33 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
| | - Boin Choi
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 1 Autumn Street, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Laurel J Gabard-Durnam
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 1 Autumn Street, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Carol L Wilkinson
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 1 Autumn Street, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - April R Levin
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Meredith L Rowe
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, 13 Appian Way, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Helen Tager-Flusberg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 1 Autumn Street, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Harvard Graduate School of Education, 13 Appian Way, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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14
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Ayoub MJ, Keegan L, Tager-Flusberg H, Gill SV. Neuroimaging Techniques as Descriptive and Diagnostic Tools for Infants at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2022; 12:602. [PMID: 35624989 PMCID: PMC9139416 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has traditionally been evaluated and diagnosed via behavioral assessments. However, increasing research suggests that neuroimaging as early as infancy can reliably identify structural and functional differences between autistic and non-autistic brains. The current review provides a systematic overview of imaging approaches used to identify differences between infants at familial risk and without risk and predictive biomarkers. Two primary themes emerged after reviewing the literature: (1) neuroimaging methods can be used to describe structural and functional differences between infants at risk and infants not at risk for ASD (descriptive), and (2) neuroimaging approaches can be used to predict ASD diagnosis among high-risk infants and developmental outcomes beyond infancy (predicting later diagnosis). Combined, the articles highlighted that several neuroimaging studies have identified a variety of neuroanatomical and neurological differences between infants at high and low risk for ASD, and among those who later receive an ASD diagnosis. Incorporating neuroimaging into ASD evaluations alongside traditional behavioral assessments can provide individuals with earlier diagnosis and earlier access to supportive resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Ayoub
- College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (M.J.A.); (L.K.)
| | - Laura Keegan
- College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (M.J.A.); (L.K.)
| | - Helen Tager-Flusberg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Simone V. Gill
- College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (M.J.A.); (L.K.)
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15
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Shuffrey LC, Pini N, Potter M, Springer P, Lucchini M, Rayport Y, Sania A, Firestein M, Brink L, Isler JR, Odendaal H, Fifer WP. Aperiodic electrophysiological activity in preterm infants is linked to subsequent autism risk. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22271. [PMID: 35452546 PMCID: PMC9169229 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 7% of preterm infants receive an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Yet, there is a significant gap in the literature in identifying prospective markers of neurodevelopmental risk in preterm infants. The present study examined two electroencephalography (EEG) parameters during infancy, absolute EEG power and aperiodic activity of the power spectral density (PSD) slope, in association with subsequent autism risk and cognitive ability in a diverse cohort of children born preterm in South Africa. Participants were 71 preterm infants born between 25 and 36 weeks gestation (34.60 ± 2.34 weeks). EEG was collected during sleep between 39 and 41 weeks postmenstrual age adjusted (40.00 ± 0.42 weeks). The Bayley Scales of Infant Development and Brief Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) were administered at approximately 3 years of age adjusted (34 ± 2.7 months). Aperiodic activity, but not the rhythmic oscillatory activity, at multiple electrode sites was associated with subsequent increased autism risk on the BITSEA at three years of age. No associations were found between the PSD slope or absolute EEG power and cognitive development. Our findings highlight the need to examine potential markers of subsequent autism risk in high-risk populations other than infants at familial risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Shuffrey
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nicolò Pini
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mandy Potter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Priscilla Springer
- Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Maristella Lucchini
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yael Rayport
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ayesha Sania
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Morgan Firestein
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lucy Brink
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Joseph R Isler
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hein Odendaal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - William P Fifer
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.,Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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16
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Auger E, Berry-Kravis EM, Ethridge LE. Independent evaluation of the harvard automated processing pipeline for Electroencephalography 1.0 using multi-site EEG data from children with Fragile X Syndrome. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 371:109501. [PMID: 35182604 PMCID: PMC8962770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Harvard Automatic Processing Pipeline for Electroencephalography (HAPPE) is a computerized EEG data processing pipeline designed for multiple site analysis of populations with neurodevelopmental disorders. This pipeline has been validated in-house by the developers but external testing using real-world datasets remains to be done. NEW METHOD Resting and auditory event-related EEG data from 29 children ages 3-6 years with Fragile X Syndrome as well as simulated EEG data was used to evaluate HAPPE's noise reduction techniques, data standardization features, and data integration compared to traditional manualized processing. RESULTS For the real EEG data, HAPPE pipeline showed greater trials retained, greater variance retained through independent component analysis (ICA) component removal, and smaller kurtosis than the manual pipeline; the manual pipeline had a significantly larger signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). For simulated EEG data, correlation between the pure signal and processed data was significantly higher for manually-processed data compared to HAPPE-processed data. Hierarchical linear modeling showed greater signal recovery in the manual pipeline with the exception of the gamma band signal which showed mixed results. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS SNR and simulated signal retention was significantly greater in the manually-processed data than the HAPPE-processed data. Signal reduction may negatively affect outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS The HAPPE pipeline benefits from less active processing time and artifact reduction without removing segments. However, HAPPE may bias toward elimination of noise at the cost of signal. Recommended implementation of the HAPPE pipeline for neurodevelopmental populations depends on the goals and priorities of the research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Auger
- Department of Psychology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019-2007, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Berry-Kravis
- Department of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, and Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Lauren E Ethridge
- Department of Psychology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019-2007, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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17
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Clairmont C, Wang J, Tariq S, Sherman HT, Zhao M, Kong XJ. The Value of Brain Imaging and Electrophysiological Testing for Early Screening of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:812946. [PMID: 35185452 PMCID: PMC8851356 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.812946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the significance of validating reliable tests for the early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this systematic review aims to summarize available evidence of neuroimaging and neurophysiological changes in high-risk infants to improve ASD early diagnosis. We included peer-reviewed, primary research in English published before May 21, 2021, involving the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalogram (EEG), or functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in children with high risk for ASD under 24 months of age. The main exclusion criteria includes diagnosis of a genetic disorder and gestation age of less the 36 weeks. Online research was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Article selection was conducted by two reviewers to minimize bias. This research was funded by Massachusetts General Hospital Sundry funding. IRB approval was not submitted as it was deemed unnecessary. We included 75 primary research articles. Studies showed that high-risk infants had divergent developmental trajectories for fractional anisotropy and regional brain volumes, increased CSF volume, and global connectivity abnormalities on MRI, decreased sensitivity for familiar faces, atypical lateralization during facial and auditory processing, and different spectral powers across multiple band frequencies on EEG, and distinct developmental trajectories in functional connectivity and regional oxyhemoglobin concentrations in fNIRS. These findings in infants were found to be correlated with the core ASD symptoms and diagnosis at toddler age. Despite the lack of quantitative analysis of the research database, neuroimaging and electrophysiological biomarkers have promising value for the screening of ASD as early as infancy with high accuracy, which warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cullen Clairmont
- Synapse Lab, Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jiuju Wang
- Synapse Lab, Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Samia Tariq
- Synapse Lab, Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hannah Tayla Sherman
- Synapse Lab, Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mingxuan Zhao
- Department of Business Analytics, Bentley University, Waltham, MA, United States
| | - Xue-Jun Kong
- Synapse Lab, Athinoula A. Martinos Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Xue-Jun Kong,
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18
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Bach AM, Xie W, Piazzoli L, Jensen SKG, Afreen S, Haque R, Petri WA, Nelson CA. Systemic inflammation during the first year of life is associated with brain functional connectivity and future cognitive outcomes. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2022; 53:101041. [PMID: 34973509 PMCID: PMC8728426 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2021.101041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The first years of life are a sensitive period of rapid neural and immune system development vulnerable to the impact of adverse experiences. Several studies support inflammation as a consequence of various adversities and an exposure negatively associated with developmental outcomes. The mechanism by which systemic inflammation may affect brain development and later cognitive outcomes remains unclear. In this longitudinal cohort study, we examine the associations between recurrent systemic inflammation, defined as C-reactive protein elevation on ≥ 2 of 4 measurements across the first year of life, electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity (FC) at 36 months, and composite cognitive outcomes at 3, 4, and 5 years among 122 children living in a limited-resource setting in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Recurrent systemic inflammation during the first year of life is significantly negatively associated with cognitive outcomes at 3, 4, and 5 years, after accounting for stunting and family care indicators (a measure of stimulation in the home environment). Recurrent systemic inflammation is significantly positively associated with parietal-occipital FC in the Beta band at 36 months, which in turn is significantly negatively associated with composite cognitive scores at 3 and 4 years. However, FC does not mediate the relationship between recurrent systemic inflammation and cognitive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Bach
- Labs of Cognitive Neuroscience, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, USA; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA
| | - Wanze Xie
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, China
| | - Laura Piazzoli
- Labs of Cognitive Neuroscience, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, USA; Harvard Medical School, USA
| | | | - Sajia Afreen
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh
| | - William A Petri
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Virginia School of Medicine, USA
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Labs of Cognitive Neuroscience, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, USA; Harvard Medical School, USA; Harvard Graduate School of Education, USA.
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19
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Glauser J, Wilkinson CL, Gabard-Durnam LJ, Choi B, Tager-Flusberg H, Nelson CA. Neural correlates of face processing associated with development of social communication in 12-month infants with familial risk of autism spectrum disorder. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:6. [PMID: 35021990 PMCID: PMC8903527 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09413-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in face processing in individuals with ASD is hypothesized to impact the development of social communication skills. This study aimed to characterize the neural correlates of face processing in 12-month-old infants at familial risk of developing ASD by (1) comparing face-sensitive event-related potentials (ERP) (Nc, N290, P400) between high-familial-risk infants who develop ASD (HR-ASD), high-familial-risk infants without ASD (HR-NoASD), and low-familial-risk infants (LR), and (2) evaluating how face-sensitive ERP components are associated with development of social communication skills. METHODS 12-month-old infants participated in a study in which they were presented with alternating images of their mother's face and the face of a stranger (LR = 45, HR-NoASD = 41, HR-ASD = 24) as EEG data were collected. Parent-reported and laboratory-observed social communication measures were obtained at 12 and 18 months. Group differences in ERP responses were evaluated using ANOVA, and multiple linear regressions were conducted with maternal education and outcome groups as covariates to assess relationships between ERP and behavioral measures. RESULTS For each of the ERP components (Nc [negative-central], N290, and P400), the amplitude difference between mother and stranger (Mother-Stranger) trials was not statistically different between the three outcome groups (Nc p = 0.72, N290 p = 0.88, P400 p = 0.91). Marginal effects analyses found that within the LR group, a greater Nc Mother-Stranger response was associated with better expressive language skills on the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, controlling for maternal education and outcome group effects (marginal effects dy/dx = 1.15; p < 0.01). No significant associations were observed between the Nc and language or social measures in HR-NoASD or HR-ASD groups. In contrast, specific to the HR-ASD group, amplitude difference between the Mother versus Stranger P400 response was positively associated with expressive (dy/dx = 2.1, p < 0.001) and receptive language skills at 12 months (dy/dx = 1.68, p < 0.005), and negatively associated with social affect scores on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (dy/dx = - 1.22, p < 0.001) at 18 months. CONCLUSIONS In 12-month-old infant siblings with subsequent ASD, increased P400 response to Mother over Stranger faces is positively associated with concurrent language and future social skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Glauser
- Department of Neuroscience, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02138, USA.,Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Carol L Wilkinson
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Labs of Cognitive Neuroscience, 2 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA, 02445, USA.
| | | | - Boin Choi
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Helen Tager-Flusberg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
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20
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Liang X, Zhang X, Wang Y, van IJzendoorn MH, Wang Z. Sleep problems and infant motor and cognitive development across the first two years of life: The Beijing Longitudinal Study. Infant Behav Dev 2022; 66:101686. [PMID: 35007866 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2021.101686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined bidirectional effects between sleep problems (nocturnal awakenings and insufficient nocturnal sleep) and infant development (gross motor, fine motor, and cognition) in a sample of 182 infants (89 girls) and their parents living in Beijing (China). Using 3 waves of longitudinal data (at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years of age), this study (a) explored the differences in sleep patterns and developmental outcomes between infants in the current sample and infants from other cultures; and primarily examined (b) whether nocturnal awakenings and insufficient nocturnal sleep prospectively predicted infant development; (c) or whether infant development predicted sleep problems. Mothers reported their children's sleep problems, and infant development was assessed with Bayley III. Sleep patterns of Beijing infants were slightly different from those from Finland and Singapore, and most scores on Bayley III in this Beijing sample were higher than those in Danish, Dutch and Sri Lankan samples. Sleep problems and developmental measures were stable across the 3 times of assessments, but cross-lagged associations were limited in number and strength. High scores on the Bayley at 6 months predicted less nocturnal awakenings at 1 year of age. Insufficient nocturnal sleep at 1 year predicted poor fine motor development at 2 years. Thus, findings suggest some bidirectional associations between infant development and sleep problems and further highlight the need to understand these relations within specific cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Liang
- Research Center for Child Development, Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xin Zhang
- Research Center for Child Development, Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Ying Wang
- Research Center for Child Development, Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Research Center for Child Development, Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China; School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK.
| | - Zhengyan Wang
- Research Center for Child Development, Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China.
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Roberts TPL, Kuschner ES, Edgar JC. Biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder: opportunities for magnetoencephalography (MEG). J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:34. [PMID: 34525943 PMCID: PMC8442415 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09385-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews a candidate biomarker for ASD, the M50 auditory evoked response component, detected by magnetoencephalography (MEG) and presents a position on the roles and opportunities for such a biomarker, as well as converging evidence from allied imaging techniques (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI and spectroscopy, MRS). Data is presented on prolonged M50 latencies in ASD as well as extension to include children with ASD with significant language and cognitive impairments in whom M50 latency delays are exacerbated. Modeling of the M50 latency by consideration of the properties of auditory pathway white matter is shown to be successful in typical development but challenged by heterogeneity in ASD; this, however, is capitalized upon to identify a distinct subpopulation of children with ASD whose M50 latencies lie well outside the range of values predictable from the typically developing model. Interestingly, this subpopulation is characterized by low levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Following from this, we discuss a potential use of the M50 latency in indicating “target engagement” acutely with administration of a GABA-B agonist, potentially distinguishing “responders” from “non-responders” with the implication of optimizing inclusion for clinical trials of such agents. Implications for future application, including potential evaluation of infants with genetic risk factors, are discussed. As such, the broad scope of potential of a representative candidate biological marker, the M50 latency, is introduced along with potential future applications. This paper outlines a strategy for understanding brain dysfunction in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It is proposed that a multimodal approach (collection of brain structure, chemistry, and neuronal functional data) will identify IDD subpopulations who share a common disease pathway, and thus identify individuals with IDD who might ultimately benefit from specific treatments. After briefly demonstrating the need and potential for scope, examples from studies examining brain function and structure in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) illustrate how measures of brain neuronal function (from magnetoencephalography, MEG), brain structure (from magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, especially diffusion MRI), and brain chemistry (MR spectroscopy) can help us better understand the heterogeneity in ASD and form the basis of multivariate biological markers (biomarkers) useable to define clinical subpopulations. Similar approaches can be applied to understand brain dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) in general. In large part, this paper represents our endeavors as part of the CHOP/Penn NICHD-funded intellectual and developmental disabilities research center (IDDRC) over the past decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy P L Roberts
- Dept. of Radiology, Lurie Family Foundations MEG Imaging Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Emily S Kuschner
- Dept. of Radiology, Lurie Family Foundations MEG Imaging Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - J Christopher Edgar
- Dept. of Radiology, Lurie Family Foundations MEG Imaging Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Huberty S, Carter Leno V, van Noordt SJR, Bedford R, Pickles A, Desjardins JA, Webb SJ, Elsabbagh M. Association between spectral electroencephalography power and autism risk and diagnosis in early development. Autism Res 2021; 14:1390-1403. [PMID: 33955195 PMCID: PMC8360065 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has its origins in the atypical development of brain networks. Infants who are at high familial risk for, and later diagnosed with ASD, show atypical activity in multiple electroencephalography (EEG) oscillatory measures. However, infant-sibling studies are often constrained by small sample sizes. We used the International Infant EEG Data Integration Platform, a multi-site dataset with 432 participants, including 222 at high-risk for ASD, from whom repeated measurements of EEG were collected between the ages of 3-36 months. We applied a latent growth curve model to test whether familial risk status predicts developmental trajectories of spectral power across the first 3 years of life, and whether these trajectories predict ASD outcome. Change in spectral EEG power in all frequency bands occurred during the first 3 years of life. Familial risk, but not a later diagnosis of ASD, was associated with reduced power at 3 months, and a steeper developmental change between 3 and 36 months in nearly all absolute power bands. ASD outcome was not associated with absolute power intercept or slope. No associations were found between risk or outcome and relative power. This study applied an analytic approach not used in previous prospective biomarker studies of ASD, which was modeled to reflect the temporal relationship between genetic susceptibility, brain development, and ASD diagnosis. Trajectories of spectral power appear to be predicted by familial risk; however, spectral power does not predict diagnostic outcome above and beyond familial risk status. Discrepancies between current results and previous studies are discussed. LAY SUMMARY: Infants with an older sibling who is diagnosed with ASD are at increased risk of developing ASD themselves. This article tested whether EEG spectral power in the first year of life can predict whether these infants did or did not develop ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Huberty
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Azrieli Centre for Autism Research, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Virginia Carter Leno
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, England, UK
| | - Stefon J R van Noordt
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Azrieli Centre for Autism Research, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Rachael Bedford
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, England, UK.,University of Bath, Bath, England, UK
| | - Andrew Pickles
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, England, UK
| | | | - Sara Jane Webb
- Center on Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
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- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, England, UK
| | - Mayada Elsabbagh
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Azrieli Centre for Autism Research, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
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Pierce LJ, Reilly E, Nelson CA. Associations Between Maternal Stress, Early Language Behaviors, and Infant Electroencephalography During the First Year of Life. JOURNAL OF CHILD LANGUAGE 2021; 48:737-764. [PMID: 32900397 DOI: 10.1017/s0305000920000501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Associations have been observed between socioeconomic status (SES) and language outcomes from early childhood, but individual variability is high. Exposure to high levels of stress, often associated with low-SES status, might influence how parents and infants interact within the early language environment. Differences in these early language behaviors, and in early neurodevelopment, might underlie SES-based differences in language that emerge later on. Analysis of natural language samples from a predominantly low-/mid-income sample of mother-infant dyads, obtained using the Language Environment Analysis (LENA) system, found that maternal reports of exposure to stressful life events, and perceived stress, were negatively correlated with child vocalizations and conversational turns when infants were 6 and 12 months of age. Greater numbers of vocalizations and conversational turns were also associated with lower relative theta power and higher relative gamma power in 6- and 12-month baseline EEG - a pattern that might support subsequent language development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara J Pierce
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily Reilly
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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24
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Small SL, Watkins KE. Neurobiology of Language: Editorial. NEUROBIOLOGY OF LANGUAGE (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2020; 1:1-8. [PMID: 37213206 PMCID: PMC10158616 DOI: 10.1162/nol_e_00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven L Small
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, USA
| | - Kate E Watkins
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK
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