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Chu CL, Su WS, Iao LS, Wu CC, Hou YM. Comparison between the Clancy Behavior Scale and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers in Taiwan. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:557. [PMID: 38790552 PMCID: PMC11119399 DOI: 10.3390/children11050557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
(1) Background: Precise diagnosis and early intervention are crucial for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to achieve a better prognosis. This study investigated the efficacy of the Clancy Behavior Scale (CBS) and Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) in detecting ASD among toddlers under 30 months of age. (2) Methods: A total of 215 toddlers (117 with ASD and 98 with development delays) aged between 18 and 29 months participated in this study. All the primary caregivers of these toddlers were recruited to complete the CBS and M-CHAT. (3) Results: The findings indicated that the accuracy of the CBS and M-CHAT was promising, and the short forms of these two instruments performed better than their full versions. The CBS:9 critical items presented a sensitivity of 0.75 and a specificity of 0.74, while the M-CHAT:14 brief items showed a sensitivity of 0.72 and a specificity of 0.85. (4) Conclusions: The diagnostic accuracy of high-risk ASD toddlers improved via the combination of CBS and M-CHAT, particularly when the information gathered from these two instruments were consistent. The findings may provide implications for enhancing the early detection of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Lin Chu
- Department of Educational Psychology & Counseling, National Pingtung University, Pingtung 900391, Taiwan;
| | - Wen-So Su
- Department of Psychology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807377, Taiwan
| | - Lai-Sang Iao
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK
| | - Chin-Chin Wu
- Department of Psychology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807377, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Ming Hou
- Department of Psychiatry, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chai-Yi 60002, Taiwan
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2
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Schwarz M, Geryk J, Havlovicová M, Mihulová M, Turnovec M, Ryba L, Martinková J, Macek M, Palmer R, Kočandrlová K, Velemínská J, Moslerová V. Body mass index is an overlooked confounding factor in existing clustering studies of 3D facial scans of children with autism spectrum disorder. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9873. [PMID: 38684768 PMCID: PMC11059264 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60376-0] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cluster analyzes of facial models of autistic patients aim to clarify whether it is possible to diagnose autism on the basis of facial features and further to stratify the autism spectrum disorder. We performed a cluster analysis of sets of 3D scans of ASD patients (116) and controls (157) using Euclidean and geodesic distances in order to recapitulate the published results on the Czech population. In the presented work, we show that the major factor determining the clustering structure and consequently also the correlation of resulting clusters with autism severity degree is body mass index corrected for age (BMIFA). After removing the BMIFA effect from the data in two independent ways, both the cluster structure and autism severity correlations disappeared. Despite the fact that the influence of body mass index (BMI) on facial dimensions was studied many times, this is the first time to our knowledge when BMI was incorporated into the faces clustering study and it thereby casts doubt on previous results. We also performed correlation analysis which showed that the only correction used in the existing clustering studies-dividing the facial distance by the average value within the face-is not eliminating correlation between facial distances and BMIFA within the facial cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schwarz
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.
- PRENET - Laboratoře Lékařské Genetiky s.r.o., Pardubice, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Geryk
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Havlovicová
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Mihulová
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Turnovec
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Ryba
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Júlia Martinková
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Macek
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Richard Palmer
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Karolína Kočandrlová
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Velemínská
- Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Moslerová
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
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3
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Huang YH, Wu SI, Lee MJ, Chen YL, Yang YH, Kuo TY, Hung TH, Dewey ME, Stewart R, Chen VCH. Excess Mortality in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2024; 20:247-255. [PMID: 38348059 PMCID: PMC10860845 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s437766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be associated with increased mortality, but relevant findings have been inconsistent. The modifying effects of gender and intellectual disability on excess mortality in individuals with ASD are underexplored. Patients and Methods Using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database and the National Death Registry, this population-based cohort study selected the data of 75,946 patients with ASD (ASD cohort) and 75,946 age group-, gender-, and income-matched (1:1) patients without ASD (non-ASD cohort). Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare mortality rates between the cohorts, and stratified analyses were used to evaluate the influence of gender and intellectual disability on mortality risk. Results The ASD cohort had higher mortality rates for all causes of death than did the non-ASD cohort (adjusted hazard ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.54-1.75). Comorbid intellectual disability was associated with an increased risk of mortality, and this association was stronger in female patients than in male patients. Moreover, when focusing on deaths from natural causes, we found a significantly higher odds ratio for mortality in the ASD population with ID compared to those without ID. Conclusion ASD is associated with increased mortality, especially among female individuals and those with intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsin Huang
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shu-I Wu
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Min-Jing Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lung Chen
- Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Hsu Yang
- Health Information and Epidemiology Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yu Kuo
- Health Information and Epidemiology Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Hsin Hung
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Michael E Dewey
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Robert Stewart
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley National Health Services Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Vincent Chin-Hung Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Pino MC, Donne IL, Vagnetti R, Tiberti S, Valenti M, Mazza M. Using the Griffiths Mental Development Scales to Evaluate a Developmental Profile of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Symptomatologic Severity. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024; 55:117-126. [PMID: 35763176 PMCID: PMC10796491 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01390-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Early diagnosis is crucial for Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is achieved through a screening of developmental indicators to recognise children who are at risk of autism. One of the most widely used instruments in clinical practice for assessing child development is the Griffiths Mental Development Scale (GMDS). We sought (a) to assess longitudinally whether children diagnosed with ASD, with a mean age of 33.50 months (SD 7.69 months), show a developmental delay of abilities measured by the GMDS over time and (b) to analyse which skills of the GMDS could be associate to the symptomatologic severity of ASD. Our results showed lower scores of General Quotient and all sub-quotients of GMDS from first (T0) to second assessment (T1), except for the Performance sub-quotient. Three sub-quotients (Personal-Social, Hearing and Language and Practical Reasoning) also associate symptom severity at the time when the diagnosis of ASD is made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Pino
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Ilenia Le Donne
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
- Abruzzo Region Health System, Reference Regional Centre for Autism, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Roberto Vagnetti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Sergio Tiberti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Valenti
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
- Abruzzo Region Health System, Reference Regional Centre for Autism, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Monica Mazza
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences (DISCAB), University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Località Coppito, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
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5
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Thomas RP, Wittke K, Blume J, Mastergeorge AM, Naigles L. Predicting Language in Children with ASD Using Spontaneous Language Samples and Standardized Measures. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:3916-3931. [PMID: 35930209 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05691-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
This longitudinal study examined the degree to which standardized measures of language and natural language samples predicted later language usage in a heterogeneous sample of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and how this relationship is impacted by ASD severity and interventions. Participants with a diagnosis of ASD (N = 54, 41 males) completed standardized assessments of language and social functioning; natural language samples were transcribed from play-based interactions. Findings indicated that standardized language measures, natural language measures, and ADOS severity were each unique predictors of later lexical use. Intervention types also appeared to impact later language; in particular, participation in mainstream inclusion accounted for significant amounts of variance in children's mean length of utterance at T3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca P Thomas
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Bousfield Psychology Building, 406 Babbidge Road Unit 1020, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
| | - Kacie Wittke
- Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Jessica Blume
- Human Development and Family Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Ann M Mastergeorge
- Human Development and Family Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Letitia Naigles
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Bousfield Psychology Building, 406 Babbidge Road Unit 1020, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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6
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Termine C, Galli V, Dui LG, Berlusconi V, Lipari R, Lunardini F, Ferrante S. Autism in Preschool-Aged Children: The Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06078-4. [PMID: 37540405 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06078-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 lockdown affected children, especially those with autism spectrum disorder, due to the disruption in rehabilitation and educational activities. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 315 preschool-aged children, 35 of which had autism, to investigate this impact. A questionnaire was administered to explore socio-demographic status, familiar/home environment, and COVID-19 exposure. The clinical features of autistic subjects were also examined. Seven variables were considered to describe the effect of pandemic: Remote learning, Behavior changes, Home activities, Sleep habits, Night awakenings, Physical activity, Information about the virus. The lockdown had a significant impact on Remote learning, Behavior changes, and Information about the virus in participants with autism. Moreover, we found a worsening in repetitive movements, echolalia, restricted interests, and aggressive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Termine
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Piazza Biroldi 19, 21100, Varese, Italy
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Del Ponte Hospital, Varese, Italy
| | - Vera Galli
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Piazza Biroldi 19, 21100, Varese, Italy.
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Linda Greta Dui
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Berlusconi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Piazza Biroldi 19, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Rossella Lipari
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Piazza Biroldi 19, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Francesca Lunardini
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Ferrante
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy
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7
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Scaffei E, Mazziotti R, Conti E, Costanzo V, Calderoni S, Stoccoro A, Carmassi C, Tancredi R, Baroncelli L, Battini R. A Potential Biomarker of Brain Activity in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot fNIRS Study in Female Preschoolers. Brain Sci 2023; 13:951. [PMID: 37371429 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060951] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a neurodevelopmental condition whose detection still remains challenging in young females due to the heterogeneity of the behavioral phenotype and the capacity of camouflage. The availability of quantitative biomarkers to assess brain function may support in the assessment of ASD. Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive and flexible tool that quantifies cortical hemodynamic responses (HDR) that can be easily employed to describe brain activity. Since the study of the visual phenotype is a paradigmatic model to evaluate cerebral processing in many neurodevelopmental conditions, we hypothesized that visually-evoked HDR (vHDR) might represent a potential biomarker in ASD females. We performed a case-control study comparing vHDR in a cohort of high-functioning preschooler females with ASD (fASD) and sex/age matched peers. We demonstrated the feasibility of visual fNIRS measurements in fASD, and the possibility to discriminate between fASD and typical subjects using different signal features, such as the amplitude and lateralization of vHDR. Moreover, the level of response lateralization was correlated to the severity of autistic traits. These results corroborate the cruciality of sensory symptoms in ASD, paving the way for the validation of the fNIRS analytical tool for diagnosis and treatment outcome monitoring in the ASD population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Scaffei
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Raffaele Mazziotti
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenia Conti
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Costanzo
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Laura Baroncelli
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Battini
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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8
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Stoccoro A, Conti E, Scaffei E, Calderoni S, Coppedè F, Migliore L, Battini R. DNA Methylation Biomarkers for Young Children with Idiopathic Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119138. [PMID: 37298088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119138] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition, the underlying pathological mechanisms of which are not yet completely understood. Although several genetic and genomic alterations have been linked to ASD, for the majority of ASD patients, the cause remains unknown, and the condition likely arises due to complex interactions between low-risk genes and environmental factors. There is increasing evidence that epigenetic mechanisms that are highly sensitive to environmental factors and influence gene function without altering the DNA sequence, particularly aberrant DNA methylation, are involved in ASD pathogenesis. This systematic review aimed to update the clinical application of DNA methylation investigations in children with idiopathic ASD, investigating its potential application in clinical settings. To this end, a literature search was performed on different scientific databases using a combination of terms related to the association between peripheral DNA methylation and young children with idiopathic ASD; this search led to the identification of 18 articles. In the selected studies, DNA methylation is investigated in peripheral blood or saliva samples, at both gene-specific and genome-wide levels. The results obtained suggest that peripheral DNA methylation could represent a promising methodology in ASD biomarker research, although further studies are needed to develop DNA-methylation-based clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenia Conti
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Scaffei
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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9
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Zhou M, Zhang YM, Li T. Knowledge, attitudes and experiences of genetic testing for autism spectrum disorders among caregivers, patients, and health providers: A systematic review. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:247-261. [PMID: 37303934 PMCID: PMC10251355 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i5.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several genetic testing techniques have been recommended as a first-tier diagnostic tool in clinical practice for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the actual usage rate varies dramatically. This is due to various reasons, including knowledge and attitudes of caregivers, patients, and health providers toward genetic testing. Several studies have therefore been conducted worldwide to investigate the knowledge, experiences, and attitudes toward genetic testing among caregivers of children with ASD, adolescent and adult ASD patients, and health providers who provide medical services for them. However, no systematic review has been done.
AIM To systematically review research on knowledge, experiences, and attitudes towards genetic testing among caregivers of children with ASD, adolescent and adult ASD patients, and health providers.
METHODS We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines and searched the literature in three English language databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and PsychInfo) and two Chinese databases (CNKI and Wanfang). Searched literature was screened independently by two reviewers and discussed when inconsistency existed. Information on characteristics of the study, characteristics of participants, and main findings regarding knowledge, experience, and attitudes of caregivers of children with ASD, adolescent and adult ASD patients, and health providers concerning ASD genetic testing were extracted from included papers into a charting form for analysis.
RESULTS We included 30 studies published between 2012 and 2022 and conducted in 9 countries. Most of the studies (n = 29) investigated caregivers of children with ASD, one study also included adolescent and adult patients, and two covered health providers. Most (51.0%-100%) of the caregivers/patients knew there was a genetic cause for ASD and 17.0% to 78.1% were aware of ASD genetic testing. However, they lacked full understanding of genetic testing. They acquired relevant and necessary information from physicians, the internet, ASD organizations, and other caregivers. Between 9.1% to 72.7% of caregivers in different studies were referred for genetic testing, and between 17.4% to 61.7% actually obtained genetic testing. Most caregivers agreed there are potential benefits following genetic testing, including benefits for children, families, and others. However, two studies compared perceived pre-test and post-test benefits with conflicting findings. Caregivers concerns included high costs, unhelpful results, negative influences (e.g., causing family conflicts, causing stress/risk/pain to children etc.) prevented some caregivers from using genetic testing. Nevertheless, 46.7% to 95.0% caregivers without previous genetic testing experience intended to obtain it in the future, and 50.5% to 59.6% of parents previously obtaining genetic testing would recommend it to other parents. In a single study of child and adolescent psychiatrists, 54.9% of respondents had ordered ASD genetic testing for their patients in the prior 12 mo, which was associated with greater knowledge of genetic testing.
CONCLUSION Most caregivers are willing to learn about and use genetic testing. However, the review showed their current knowledge is limited and usage rates varied widely in different studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhou
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ya-Min Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang Province, China
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of profiles of adaptive behavior in autism spectrum disorder and highlight the importance of these everyday skills in optimizing self-sufficiency throughout life. RECENT FINDINGS Research has clearly confirmed that adaptive deficits exist in ASD, particularly in social skills. These impairments are highly associated with co-occurring conditions such as executive functioning impairments, psychiatric conditions, and even psychosis. There tends to be a discrepancy between intellectual capacity and adaptive functioning, particularly in autistic individuals without cognitive and language delays, with this gap widening between childhood and adulthood. Although cognition and language skills are associated with good outcome in ASD, they are insufficient in the absence of intact adaptive behavior. There is a critical need to emphasize the importance of adaptive functioning in diagnostic evaluations and treatment/intervention programs to ensure that every autistic individual has the potential for success.
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Cao M, Li L, Raat H, Van Grieken A, Wang X, Lin L, Chen Q, Jing J. Socioeconomic factors and autism among 16- to 30-month-old children: Evidence from a national survey of China. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022:13623613221132743. [DOI: 10.1177/13623613221132743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We examined the association of socioeconomic status with the diagnosis of autism during 16–30 months of age. Using data from a national survey in China, we included 6049 children (55.6% male) in the final analysis, among which 71 of them were clinically diagnosed with autism. Adjusted for covariates, the odds ratios for having the diagnosis of autism (2.46, 95% confidence interval: [1.32, 4.59]) among children whose mother’s level is “junior middle school or below” were significantly higher than children whose mother’s level is “college or above.” Among children of lower educated mothers, there is a higher risk of being diagnosed with autism at a young age. We recommend more support for families with a low socioeconomic status to early detect, diagnose, and manage autism. Lay abstract Does being born in a family of high socioeconomic status mean a higher risk of being diagnosed with autism? The evidence from the Asian area is lacking. This research was conducted among 6049 toddlers who went through an evaluation–diagnose procedure of autism and whose parents were surveyed during the national survey of China, 2016–2017. Parents reported their education levels, occupations, family income, and ethnic background. We recruited the toddlers and parents from kindergartens, communities, and hospitals in five geographically representative areas of China. On average, these toddlers were 23 months of age. We found toddlers whose mothers had less than 9 years of education (junior middle school or below) had 2.46 times the chance to get a diagnosis of autism, compared with toddlers whose mothers had more than 15 years of education (college or above). We also found that 1.17 toddlers could be diagnosed with autism in each 100 Chinese toddlers. These findings have important implications for providing support to families that have low socioeconomic status, especially families with a mother who did not complete 9 years of education. Early detection programs focused on children from low socioeconomic backgrounds should be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Li Li
- Maternity and Children Health Care Hospital of Luohu District, China
| | - Hein Raat
- Erasmus University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Qiang Chen
- Zhuhai Women and Children’s Hospital, China
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Do Autism-Specific and General Developmental Screens Have Complementary Clinical Value? J Autism Dev Disord 2022:10.1007/s10803-022-05541-y. [PMID: 35579791 PMCID: PMC10214166 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05541-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Prior studies suggest autism-specific and general developmental screens are complementary for identifying both autism and developmental delay (DD). Parents completed autism and developmental screens before 18-month visits. Children with failed screens for autism (n = 167) and age, gender, and practice-matched children passing screens (n = 241) completed diagnostic evaluations for autism and developmental delay. When referral for autism and/or DD was considered, overall false positives from the autism screens were less frequent than for referral for autism alone. Presence of a failed communication subscale in the developmental screen was a red flag for autism and/or DD. An ordinally-scored autism screen had more favorable characteristics when considering autism and/or DD, yet none of the screens achieved recommended standards at 18 months, reinforcing the need for recurrent screening as autism emerges in early development.
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Sainsbury WJ, Carrasco K, Whitehouse AJO, McNeil L, Waddington H. Age of Diagnosis for Co-occurring Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder During Childhood and Adolescence: a Systematic Review. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-022-00309-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Early identification and intervention are recognised as important elements of the clinical pathway for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be diagnosed at a different age than children who only have one of these diagnoses. This systematic review aimed to identify the age at which children were diagnosed with both ASD and ADHD. Of the 9552 articles screened, 12 were included in the review. The findings suggest that ASD is typically diagnosed later when ADHD is present, and ADHD is typically diagnosed earlier when ASD is present. Further research is needed to understand the factors impacting a delayed ASD diagnosis and an earlier ADHD diagnosis when the two conditions co-occur.
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Chaddad A, Li J, Lu Q, Li Y, Okuwobi IP, Tanougast C, Desrosiers C, Niazi T. Can Autism Be Diagnosed with Artificial Intelligence? A Narrative Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:2032. [PMID: 34829379 PMCID: PMC8618159 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11112032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiomics with deep learning models have become popular in computer-aided diagnosis and have outperformed human experts on many clinical tasks. Specifically, radiomic models based on artificial intelligence (AI) are using medical data (i.e., images, molecular data, clinical variables, etc.) for predicting clinical tasks such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this review, we summarized and discussed the radiomic techniques used for ASD analysis. Currently, the limited radiomic work of ASD is related to the variation of morphological features of brain thickness that is different from texture analysis. These techniques are based on imaging shape features that can be used with predictive models for predicting ASD. This review explores the progress of ASD-based radiomics with a brief description of ASD and the current non-invasive technique used to classify between ASD and healthy control (HC) subjects. With AI, new radiomic models using the deep learning techniques will be also described. To consider the texture analysis with deep CNNs, more investigations are suggested to be integrated with additional validation steps on various MRI sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Chaddad
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Guilin Universiy of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China; (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.L.); (I.P.O.)
- The Laboratory for Imagery, Vision and Artificial Intelligence, École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS), Montreal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada;
| | - Jiali Li
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Guilin Universiy of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China; (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.L.); (I.P.O.)
| | - Qizong Lu
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Guilin Universiy of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China; (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.L.); (I.P.O.)
| | - Yujie Li
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Guilin Universiy of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China; (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.L.); (I.P.O.)
| | - Idowu Paul Okuwobi
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Guilin Universiy of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China; (J.L.); (Q.L.); (Y.L.); (I.P.O.)
| | - Camel Tanougast
- Laboratoire de Conception, Optimisation et Modélisation des Systèmes, University of Lorraine, 57070 Metz, France;
| | - Christian Desrosiers
- The Laboratory for Imagery, Vision and Artificial Intelligence, École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS), Montreal, QC H3C 1K3, Canada;
| | - Tamim Niazi
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada;
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Levante A, Petrocchi S, Bianco F, Castelli I, Colombi C, Keller R, Narzisi A, Masi G, Lecciso F. Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Peers: An Online Survey. Brain Sci 2021; 11:808. [PMID: 34207173 PMCID: PMC8235600 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When COVID-19 was declared as a pandemic, many countries imposed severe lockdowns that changed families' routines and negatively impacted on parents' and children's mental health. Several studies on families with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) revealed that lockdown increased the difficulties faced by individuals with ASD, as well as parental distress. No studies have analyzed the interplay between parental distress, children's emotional responses, and adaptive behaviors in children with ASD considering the period of the mandatory lockdown. Furthermore, we compared families with children on the spectrum and families with typically developing (TD) children in terms of their distress, children's emotional responses, and behavioral adaptation. METHODS In this study, 120 parents of children aged 5-10 years (53 with ASD) participated. RESULTS In the four tested models, children's positive and negative emotional responses mediated the impact of parental distress on children's playing activities. In the ASD group, parents reported that their children expressed more positive emotions, but fewer playing activities, than TD children. Families with children on the spectrum reported greater behavioral problems during the lockdown and more parental distress. CONCLUSIONS Our findings inform the interventions designed for parents to reduce distress and to develop coping strategies to better manage the caregiver-child relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Levante
- Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Serena Petrocchi
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Via Buffi 13, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Federica Bianco
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, 23129 Bergamo, Italy; (F.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Ilaria Castelli
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, 23129 Bergamo, Italy; (F.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Costanza Colombi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.); (A.N.); (G.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Roberto Keller
- Adult Autism Center, Mental Health Department, Local Health Unit ASL Città di Torino, 10138 Turin, Italy;
| | - Antonio Narzisi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.); (A.N.); (G.M.)
| | - Gabriele Masi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.); (A.N.); (G.M.)
| | - Flavia Lecciso
- Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
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Kara T, Alpgan Ö. Nursing personality and features in children with autism spectrum disorder aged 0-2: an exploratory case-control study. Nutr Neurosci 2020; 25:1200-1208. [PMID: 33170115 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2020.1843891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM Although studies have investigated relationships between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and breastfeeding duration, information concerning these children's nursing styles is limited. This study investigated nursing personality and features and ASD. METHOD One hundred forty-one children aged 24-72 months diagnosed with ASD and 128 healthy children were included. Information concerning the family's sociodemographic characteristics and the child's developmental stages was obtained through forms prepared by the authors and from hospital records. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was used to determine symptom severity in ASD. Development levels of children with ASD were determined using the Denver Developmental Screening Test 2nd Edition (DDST II). RESULTS Mothers of children with ASD reported higher rates of unintended pregnancies (p = 0.029) [2.380*(1.093-5.182)]. Children with ASD exhibited less nursing strike (NS) behavior (p = 0.042) [0.388(0.156-0.967)] and less eye contact during breastfeeding (ECDB) (p = 0.009) [2.300(1.236-4.282)]. NS reduced the risk of ASD 2.6-fold, while absence of ECDB increased the risk 2.3-fold, and unintended pregnancy increased the risk 2.4-fold. Higher CARS scores were determined in children with ASD with vaginal delivery histories (p = 0.041) and histories of incubation (p = 0.025). Lack of ECDB was associated with decreased social and gross motor scores at DDST-II (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION Babies with ASD began breastfeeding at least as early as typically developing peers and for similar lengths of time. However, babies with ASD exhibited less NS behavior and less eye contact during breastfeeding. Babies with ASD perceive no emotional cues even in the first months, and may therefore not exhibit NS behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayfun Kara
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ömer Alpgan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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