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Chau T, Tiego J, Brown LE, Mellahn OJ, Johnson BP, Arnatkeviciute A, Fulcher BD, Matthews N, Bellgrove MA. The distribution of parent-reported attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and subclinical autistic traits in children with and without an ADHD diagnosis. JCPP ADVANCES 2024; 4:e12223. [PMID: 38827983 PMCID: PMC11143953 DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Autistic traits are often reported to be elevated in children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the distribution of subclinical autistic traits in children with ADHD has not yet been established; knowing this may have important implications for diagnostic and intervention processes. The present study proposes a preliminary model of the distribution of parent-reported ADHD and subclinical autistic traits in two independent samples of Australian children with and without an ADHD diagnosis. Methods Factor mixture modelling was applied to Autism Quotient and Conners' Parent Rating Scale - Revised responses from parents of Australian children aged 6-15 years who participated in one of two independent studies. Results A 2-factor, 2-class factor mixture model with class varying factor variances and intercepts demonstrated the best fit to the data in both discovery and replication samples. The factors corresponded to the latent constructs of 'autism' and 'ADHD', respectively. Class 1 was characterised by low levels of both ADHD and autistic traits. Class 2 was characterised by high levels of ADHD traits and low-to-moderate levels of autistic traits. The classes were largely separated along diagnostic boundaries. The largest effect size for differences between classes on the Autism Quotient was on the Social Communication subscale. Conclusions Our findings support the conceptualisation of ADHD as a continuum, whilst confirming the utility of current categorical diagnostic criteria. Results suggest that subclinical autistic traits, particularly in the social communication domain, are unevenly distributed across children with clinically significant levels of ADHD traits. These traits might be profitably screened for in assessments of children with high ADHD symptoms and may also represent useful targets for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Chau
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthSchool of Psychological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jeggan Tiego
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthSchool of Psychological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Louise E. Brown
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & ParamedicineCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Olivia J. Mellahn
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthSchool of Psychological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Beth P. Johnson
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthSchool of Psychological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Aurina Arnatkeviciute
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthSchool of Psychological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ben D. Fulcher
- School of PhysicsThe University of SydneyCamperdownWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Natasha Matthews
- School of PsychologyThe University of QueenslandSaint LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Mark A. Bellgrove
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental HealthSchool of Psychological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
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2
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Pesco D, O’Neill DK. Assessing pragmatics in early childhood with the Language Use Inventory across seven languages. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1169775. [PMID: 37408974 PMCID: PMC10318128 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1169775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Language Use Inventory (LUI) is a parent-report measure of the pragmatic functions of young children's language, standardized and norm-referenced in English (Canada) for children aged 18-47 months. The unique focus of the LUI, along with its appeal to parents, reliability and validity, and usefulness in both research and clinical contexts has prompted research teams globally to translate and adapt it to other languages. In this review, we describe the original LUI's key features and report on processes used by seven different research teams to translate and adapt it to Arabic, French, Italian, Mandarin, Norwegian, Polish, and Portuguese. We also review data from the studies of the seven translated versions, which indicate that all the LUI versions were reliable and sensitive to developmental changes. The review demonstrates that the LUI, informed by a social-cognitive and functional approach to language development, captures growth in children's language use across a range of linguistic and cultural contexts, and as such, can serve as a valuable tool for clinical and research purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Pesco
- Department of Education, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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3
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Hauptman M, Blank I, Fedorenko E. Non-literal language processing is jointly supported by the language and theory of mind networks: Evidence from a novel meta-analytic fMRI approach. Cortex 2023; 162:96-114. [PMID: 37023480 PMCID: PMC10210011 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Going beyond the literal meaning of language is key to communicative success. However, the mechanisms that support non-literal inferences remain debated. Using a novel meta-analytic approach, we evaluate the contribution of linguistic, social-cognitive, and executive mechanisms to non-literal interpretation. We identified 74 fMRI experiments (n = 1,430 participants) from 2001 to 2021 that contrasted non-literal language comprehension with a literal control condition, spanning ten phenomena (e.g., metaphor, irony, indirect speech). Applying the activation likelihood estimation approach to the 825 activation peaks yielded six left-lateralized clusters. We then evaluated the locations of both the individual-study peaks and the clusters against probabilistic functional atlases (cf. anatomical locations, as is typically done) for three candidate brain networks-the language-selective network (Fedorenko, Behr, & Kanwisher, 2011), which supports language processing, the Theory of Mind (ToM) network (Saxe & Kanwisher, 2003), which supports social inferences, and the domain-general Multiple-Demand (MD) network (Duncan, 2010), which supports executive control. These atlases were created by overlaying individual activation maps of participants who performed robust and extensively validated 'localizer' tasks that selectively target each network in question (n = 806 for language; n = 198 for ToM; n = 691 for MD). We found that both the individual-study peaks and the ALE clusters fell primarily within the language network and the ToM network. These results suggest that non-literal processing is supported by both i) mechanisms that process literal linguistic meaning, and ii) mechanisms that support general social inference. They thus undermine a strong divide between literal and non-literal aspects of language and challenge the claim that non-literal processing requires additional executive resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Hauptman
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
| | - Idan Blank
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Linguistics, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Evelina Fedorenko
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Program in Speech and Hearing in Bioscience and Technology, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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4
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Slawny C, Crespo K, Weismer SE, Kaushanskaya M. Social-Pragmatic Skills and Length of Bilingualism Predict Inhibitory Control in Children. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2022; 65:3873-3880. [PMID: 36170591 PMCID: PMC9927631 DOI: 10.1044/2022_jslhr-21-00625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is conflicting evidence regarding effects of bilingualism on inhibition, and the mechanisms that might underlie the effects remain unclear. A prominent account views additional demands on structural language use in bilinguals as being at the root of bilingual effects on inhibition. In this study, we tested the novel hypothesis that social-pragmatic skills (alone or together with structural language skills) are associated with inhibition in bilingual children. METHOD Parents of 114 typically developing 8- to 11-year-old Spanish-English bilingual children completed the Children's Communication Checklist-Second Edition to index social pragmatics and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function to index executive functioning skills. The Inhibit clinical scale score reflected children's inhibition. Children's language ability was indexed by the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-Fourth Edition in English and Spanish. Length of bilingualism was operationalized continuously as the length of time children had been exposed to both languages in their lifetime. Moderation analyses tested the effects of structural language, social-pragmatic skills, and length of bilingual experience, and their interactions on inhibition. RESULTS While structural language skills were not associated with inhibition, they moderated the relation between social-pragmatic skills and inhibition, such that children with better social-pragmatic skills demonstrated better inhibition, and this effect was stronger for children with better structural language skills. Furthermore, longer length of bilingual experience was associated with better inhibition, and this effect was not moderated by any other predictor. CONCLUSION These results confirm a graded relationship between bilingualism and inhibition, and indicate that this association is not qualified by structural language or social-pragmatic skills. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.21183916.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Slawny
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin–Madison
| | - Kimberly Crespo
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin–Madison
| | - Susan Ellis Weismer
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin–Madison
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5
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Camia M, Benassi E, Giovagnoli S, Scorza M. Specific learning disorders in young adults: Investigating pragmatic abilities and their relationship with theory of mind, executive functions and quality of life. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 126:104253. [PMID: 35526492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are lifelong conditions often associated with language difficulties, executive dysfunctions, and psychological problems. Previous research has shown that communicative-pragmatic ability may be impaired in SLD. However, the role of other cognitive abilities in explaining pragmatic difficulties has still not been fully investigated. The relationship between pragmatics and quality of life is not yet clear, as well. AIMS Firstly, the study assessed pragmatic comprehension abilities in adults with SLD. Secondly, we examined the relationship between pragmatics, theory of mind, executive functions and quality of life. METHOD AND PROCEDURES We enrolled 26 adults with SLD and 30 adults without SLD. Standardized tests assessing pragmatic comprehension, theory of mind and executive functions were used. The quality of life was investigated with a self-reported questionnaire. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Pragmatic comprehension abilities were compromised in young adults with SLD. In this clinical population we also found a link between pragmatic comprehension and visual theory of mind. Finally, independently from the presence of SLD, pragmatics abilities were in relationship with quality of life. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Overall, these data highlight the importance of including pragmatic abilities both in the clinical evaluation, as well as in psychological intervention for adults with SLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Camia
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Campus San Lazzaro, Via Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Erika Benassi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Campus San Lazzaro, Via Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Sara Giovagnoli
- Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Maristella Scorza
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Campus San Lazzaro, Via Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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Astle DE, Holmes J, Kievit R, Gathercole SE. Annual Research Review: The transdiagnostic revolution in neurodevelopmental disorders. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022; 63:397-417. [PMID: 34296774 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Practitioners frequently use diagnostic criteria to identify children with neurodevelopmental disorders and to guide intervention decisions. These criteria also provide the organising framework for much of the research focussing on these disorders. Study design, recruitment, analysis and theory are largely built on the assumption that diagnostic criteria reflect an underlying reality. However, there is growing concern that this assumption may not be a valid and that an alternative transdiagnostic approach may better serve our understanding of this large heterogeneous population of young people. This review draws on important developments over the past decade that have set the stage for much-needed breakthroughs in understanding neurodevelopmental disorders. We evaluate contemporary approaches to study design and recruitment, review the use of data-driven methods to characterise cognition, behaviour and neurobiology, and consider what alternative transdiagnostic models could mean for children and families. This review concludes that an overreliance on ill-fitting diagnostic criteria is impeding progress towards identifying the barriers that children encounter, understanding underpinning mechanisms and finding the best route to supporting them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan E Astle
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joni Holmes
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rogier Kievit
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Susan E Gathercole
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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7
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Shephard E, Zuccolo PF, Idrees I, Godoy PBG, Salomone E, Ferrante C, Sorgato P, Catão LFCC, Goodwin A, Bolton PF, Tye C, Groom MJ, Polanczyk GV. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: The Science of Early-Life Precursors and Interventions for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 61:187-226. [PMID: 33864938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2021.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate which early neurocognitive and behavioral precursors are associated with the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and whether these are currently targeted in early interventions. METHOD We conducted 2 systematic reviews and meta-analyses of empirical studies to examine the following: (1) early-life (0-5 years) neurocognitive and behavioral precursors associated with familial likelihood for ADHD, an early ADHD diagnosis/elevated ADHD symptoms, and/or the presence of later-childhood ADHD; and (2) interventions delivered to children aged 0 to 5 years targeting the identified precursors or measuring these as outcomes. Standardized mean differences (Hedges' g) and pre-post-treatment change scores (SMD) were computed. RESULTS A total of 149 studies (165,095 participants) investigating 8 neurocognitive and behavioral domains met inclusion criteria for part 1. Multi-level random-effects meta-analyses on 136 studies revealed significant associations between ADHD and poorer cognitive (g = -0.46 [95% CIs: -0.59, -0.33]), motor (g = -0.35 [CIs: -0.48, -0.21]) and language (g = -0.43 [CIs: -0.66, -0.19]) development, social (g = 0.23 [CIs: 0.03, 0.43]) and emotional (g = 0.46 [CIs: 0.33, 0.58]) difficulties, early regulatory (g = 0.30 [CIs: 0.18, 0.43]) and sleep (g = 0.29 [CIs: 0.14, 0.44]) problems, sensory atypicalities (g = 0.52 [CIs: 0.16, 0.88]), elevated activity levels (g = 0.54 [CIs: 0.37, 0.72]), and executive function difficulties (g = 0.34 [CIs: 0.05, 0.64] to -0.87 [CIs: -1.35, -0.40]). A total of 32 trials (28 randomized, 4 nonrandomized, 3,848 participants) testing early interventions that targeted the identified precursors met inclusion criteria for part 2. Multi-level random-effects meta-analyses on 22 studies revealed significant intervention-related improvements in ADHD symptoms (SMD = 0.43 [CIs: 0.22, 0.64]) and working memory (SMD = 0.37 [CIs: 0.06, 0.69]). CONCLUSION Children aged 0 to 5 years with current or later-emerging ADHD are likely to experience difficulties in multiple neurocognitive/behavioral functions. Early interventions show some effectiveness in reducing ADHD symptoms, but their effects on neurocognitive/behavioral difficulties require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Shephard
- Drs. Shephard, Zuccolo, Prof. Polanczyk, Ms. Godoy, and Mr. Catão are with Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil; Drs. Shephard, Goodwin, Tye, and Prof. Bolton are with Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Pedro F Zuccolo
- Drs. Shephard, Zuccolo, Prof. Polanczyk, Ms. Godoy, and Mr. Catão are with Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Iman Idrees
- Ms. Idrees and Dr. Groom are with Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Priscilla B G Godoy
- Drs. Shephard, Zuccolo, Prof. Polanczyk, Ms. Godoy, and Mr. Catão are with Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Erica Salomone
- Dr. Salomone and Mss. Ferrante and Sorgato are with the University of Milan-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Camilla Ferrante
- Dr. Salomone and Mss. Ferrante and Sorgato are with the University of Milan-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Paola Sorgato
- Dr. Salomone and Mss. Ferrante and Sorgato are with the University of Milan-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Luís F C C Catão
- Drs. Shephard, Zuccolo, Prof. Polanczyk, Ms. Godoy, and Mr. Catão are with Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amy Goodwin
- Drs. Shephard, Goodwin, Tye, and Prof. Bolton are with Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick F Bolton
- Drs. Shephard, Goodwin, Tye, and Prof. Bolton are with Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, United Kingdom; Prof. Bolton is also with The Maudsley NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health, King's College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Tye
- Drs. Shephard, Goodwin, Tye, and Prof. Bolton are with Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Madeleine J Groom
- Ms. Idrees and Dr. Groom are with Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Guilherme V Polanczyk
- Drs. Shephard, Zuccolo, Prof. Polanczyk, Ms. Godoy, and Mr. Catão are with Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
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8
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Nilsen ES, Silva J, McAuley T, Floto S. Executive functioning moderates associations between shyness and pragmatic abilities. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/sode.12485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Janel Silva
- Psychology Department University of Waterloo Waterloo ON Canada
| | - Tara McAuley
- Psychology Department University of Waterloo Waterloo ON Canada
| | - Shanan Floto
- Psychology Department University of Waterloo Waterloo ON Canada
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Merkt J, Siniatchkin M, Petermann F. Neuropsychological Measures in the Diagnosis of ADHD in Preschool: Can Developmental Research Inform Diagnostic Practice? J Atten Disord 2020; 24:1588-1604. [PMID: 27006414 DOI: 10.1177/1087054716629741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The diagnosis of ADHD in preschool is challenging. Behavioral ratings are less reliable, but the value of neuropsychological tests in the diagnosis of ADHD has been debated. Method: This article provides an overview of neuropsychological measures utilized in preschoolers with ADHD (3-5 years). In addition, the manuscript discusses the extent to which these measures have been tested for their diagnostic capacity. Results: The diagnostic utility of computerized continuous performance tests and working memory subtests from IQ-batteries has been demonstrated in a number of studies by assessing their psychometric properties, sensitivity, and specificity. However, findings from developmental and basic research attempting to describe risk factors that explain variance in ADHD show the most consistent associations of ADHD with measures of delay aversion. Conclusion: Results from developmental research could benefit studies that improve ADHD diagnosis at the individual level. It might be helpful to consider testing as a structured situation for behavioral observation by the clinician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Merkt
- Helmut-Schmidt-University, Hamburg, Germany.,Center for Research on Individual Development and Adaptive Education of Children at Risk (IDeA), Frankfurt, Germany
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10
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Mareva S, Holmes J. Transdiagnostic associations across communication, cognitive, and behavioural problems in a developmentally at-risk population: a network approach. BMC Pediatr 2019; 19:452. [PMID: 31752809 PMCID: PMC6873531 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-019-1818-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communication, behavioural, and executive function problems often co-occur in childhood. Previous attempts to identify the origins of these comorbidities have typically relied on comparisons of different deficit groups and/or latent variable models. Here we apply a network approach to a heterogeneous sample of struggling learners to conceptualise these comorbidities as a dynamic system of interacting difficulties. METHODS 714 children struggling with attention, learning, and/or memory were included. The sample consisted of children with both diagnosed (41%) and undiagnosed difficulties. The conditional independence network of parent ratings of everyday behaviour, cognition, and communication was estimated. RESULTS A clustering coefficient identified four interconnected areas of difficulty: (1) structural language and learning; (2) pragmatics and peer relationships; (3) behavioural and emotional problems; and (4) cognitive skills. Emotional and behavioural symptoms shared multiple direct connections with pragmatic abilities and cognitive problems, but not with structural language skills or learning problems. Poor structural language and cognitive skills were associated with learning problems. Centrality indices highlighted working memory and language coherence as symptoms bridging different problem areas. CONCLUSION The network model identified four areas of difficulty and potential bridging symptoms. Although the current analytic framework does not provide causal evidence, it is possible that bridging symptoms may be the origins of comorbidities observed on a dimensional level; problems in these areas may cascade and activate problems in other areas of the network. The potential value of applying a dynamic systems network approach to symptoms of developmental disorders is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Mareva
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK.
| | - Joni Holmes
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK
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11
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Broomell APR, Savla J, Ann Bell M. Infant Electroencephalogram Coherence and Toddler Inhibition are Associated with Social Responsiveness at Age 4. INFANCY 2019; 24:43-56. [PMID: 31186618 DOI: 10.1111/infa.12273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Previous work has suggested that individual differences in infant functional neuroconnectivity are a potential biomarker for later cognitive and social outcomes, but the mechanisms are unclear. This study investigated a longitudinal model of infant frontotemporal electroencephalogram (EEG) coherence predicting toddler inhibition, which then predicted childhood social responsiveness. A structural equation model showed good fit, with increased right hemisphere frontotemporal EEG coherence predicting less inhibition at age two, which in turn predicted less social responsiveness at age four. These findings support the hypothesis that infant frontotemporal connectivity is indirectly associated with later social behavior, with toddler inhibition as a potential mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jyoti Savla
- Center for Gerontology; Department of Human Development and Family Science, Virginia Tech
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12
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Hwa-Froelich DA, Matsuo H. Pragmatic Language Performance of Children Adopted Internationally. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2019; 28:501-514. [PMID: 31136229 DOI: 10.1044/2018_ajslp-18-0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Pragmatic language is important for social communication across all settings. Children adopted internationally (CAI) may be at risk of poorer pragmatic language because of adverse early care, delayed adopted language development, and less ability to inhibit. The purpose of this study was to compare pragmatic language performance of CAI from Asian and Eastern European countries with a nonadopted group of children who were of the same age and from similar socioeconomic backgrounds as well as explore the relationship among emotion identification, false belief understanding, and inhibition variables with pragmatic language performance. Method Using a quasi-experimental design, 35 four-year-old CAI (20 Asian, 15 Eastern European) and 33 children who were not adopted were included in this study. The children's pragmatic language, general language, and social communication (emotion identification of facial expressions, false belief understanding, inhibition) were measured. Comparisons by region of origin and adoption experience were completed. We conducted split-half correlation analyses and entered significant correlation variables into simple and backward regression models. Results Pragmatic language performance differed by adoption experience. The adopted and nonadopted groups demonstrated different correlation patterns. Language performance explained most of the pragmatic language variance. Discussion Because CAI perform less well than their nonadopted peers on pragmatic communication measures and different variables are related to their pragmatic performance, speech-language pathologists may need to adapt assessment and intervention practices for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hisako Matsuo
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Saint Louis University, MO
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13
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Hutchison SM, Müller U, Iarocci G. Parent Reports of Executive Function Associated with Functional Communication and Conversational Skills Among School Age Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 50:2019-2029. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-03958-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Villemonteix T, Marx I, Septier M, Berger C, Hacker T, Bahadori S, Acquaviva E, Massat I. Attentional control of emotional interference in children with ADHD and typically developing children: An emotional N-back study. Psychiatry Res 2017; 254:1-7. [PMID: 28437666 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Emotional interference control refers to the ability to remain focused on goal-oriented processes when confronted with disrupting but irrelevant emotional stimuli, a process that may be impaired in children and adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, emotional interference levels are known to be associated with trait anxiety, and patients with ADHD often display elevated levels of trait anxiety, such as these may have confounded previous findings of decreased emotional interference control in this population. In the present study, male and female 8-13 years old (mean =11.0 years) children with ADHD (n=33) and typically developing (TD) children (n=24) performed a visual emotional working memory (n-back) task with 2 memory loads and three different background pictures (neutral/positive/negative), and trait anxiety measures were obtained. Children with ADHD performed less well, and displayed increased emotional interference in the presence of aversive distractors when compared with TD children. Contrary to our expectations, trait anxiety did not mediate the association between diagnostic group membership and the degree of emotional interference control; however, co-morbid ODD was associated with decreased levels of emotional interference in ADHD. Future research should aim at characterizing the mechanisms subtending decreased emotional interference control in the ADHD population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Villemonteix
- EA 2007, Psychopathology and Neuropsychology Lab., Université Paris 8, Saint-Denis, France; UR2NF - Neuropsychology and Functional Neuroimaging Research Unit, Centre de Recherche Cognition et Neurosciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | - Ivo Marx
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Neurology, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Mathilde Septier
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert-Debré Hospital, Paris, France; Inserm, U894, Psychiatry and NeurosciXence Center, Paris, France
| | - Christoph Berger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Neurology, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Thomas Hacker
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Sara Bahadori
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert-Debré Hospital, Paris, France; Inserm, U894, Psychiatry and NeurosciXence Center, Paris, France
| | - Eric Acquaviva
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert-Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Massat
- UR2NF - Neuropsychology and Functional Neuroimaging Research Unit, Centre de Recherche Cognition et Neurosciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Bruxelles, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, ULB, Bruxelles, Belgium; National Fund of Scientific Research (FNRS) Belgium
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Peyre H, Galera C, van der Waerden J, Hoertel N, Bernard JY, Melchior M, Ramus F. Relationship between early language skills and the development of inattention/hyperactivity symptoms during the preschool period: Results of the EDEN mother-child cohort. BMC Psychiatry 2016; 16:380. [PMID: 27821161 PMCID: PMC5100106 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-016-1091-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to examine bidirectional relationships between children's language skills and Inattention/Hyperactivity (IH) symptoms during preschool. METHOD Children (N = 1459) from the EDEN mother-child cohort were assessed at ages 3 and 5.5 years. Language skills were evaluated using the WPPSI-III, NEPSY and ELOLA batteries. Children's behavior, including IH symptoms, was assessed using the parent-rated Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Using a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach, we examined the relationship between language skills and IH symptoms, as well as potential mediating processes. RESULTS SEM analyses indicated a small negative effect of language skills at 3 years on ADHD symptoms at 5.5 years after adjusting for IH symptoms at 3 years (β =-0.12, SE = 0.04, p-value = 0.002). Interpersonal difficulties did not mediate the relationship between early language skills and later IH symptoms, nor was this association reduced after adjusting for a broad range of pre- and postnatal environmental factors and performance IQ. Among different language skills, receptive syntax at 3 years was most strongly related to IH symptoms at 5.5 years. CONCLUSIONS Poor language skills at age 3 may predict IH symptoms when a child enters primary school. Implications for the understanding and the prevention of the co-occurrence of language disorders and ADHD are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Peyre
- Laboratoire de Sciences Cognitives et Psycholinguistique (ENS, EHESS, CNRS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, 29 rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France. .,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.
| | - Cedric Galera
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charles Perrens Hospital, Bordeaux, France ,The Bordeaux School of Public Health (Institut de Santé Publique, d’Epidémiologie et de Développement), Centre INSERM U897, Epidemiology-Biostatistics, Bordeaux, France
| | - Judith van der Waerden
- INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP UMRS 1136), Department of Social Epidemiology, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris, 75012 France
| | - Nicolas Hoertel
- Department of Psychiatry, Corentin Celton Hospital, APHP, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France ,Paris Descartes University, PRES Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France ,INSERM UMR 894, Psychiatry and Neurosciences Center, Paris Descartes University, PRES Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jonathan Y. Bernard
- Paris Descartes University, PRES Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France ,Epidemiology and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Center (CRESS), Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (ORCHAD) Team, INSERM UMR 1153, F-94807 Villejuif, France
| | - Maria Melchior
- INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP UMRS 1136), Department of Social Epidemiology, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Paris, 75012 France
| | - Franck Ramus
- Laboratoire de Sciences Cognitives et Psycholinguistique (ENS, EHESS, CNRS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, 29 rue d’Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
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