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Rubio-Martín S, García-Ordás MT, Bayón-Gutiérrez M, Prieto-Fernández N, Benítez-Andrades JA. Enhancing ASD detection accuracy: a combined approach of machine learning and deep learning models with natural language processing. Health Inf Sci Syst 2024; 12:20. [PMID: 38455725 PMCID: PMC10917721 DOI: 10.1007/s13755-024-00281-y] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The main aim of our study was to explore the utility of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study primarily focused on using machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models to detect ASD potential cases by analyzing text inputs, especially from social media platforms like Twitter. This is to overcome the ongoing challenges in ASD diagnosis, such as the requirement for specialized professionals and extensive resources. Timely identification, particularly in children, is essential to provide immediate intervention and support, thereby improving the quality of life for affected individuals. Methods We employed natural language processing (NLP) techniques along with ML models like decision trees, extreme gradient boosting (XGB), k-nearest neighbors algorithm (KNN), and DL models such as recurrent neural networks (RNN), long short-term memory (LSTM), bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM), bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT and BERTweet). We extracted a dataset of 404,627 tweets from Twitter users using the platform's API and classified them based on whether they were written by individuals claiming to have ASD (ASD users) or by those without ASD (non-ASD users). From this dataset, we used a subset of 90,000 tweets (45,000 from each classification group) for the training and testing of these models. Results The application of our AI models yielded promising results, with the predictive model reaching an accuracy of almost 88% when classifying texts that potentially originated from individuals with ASD. Conclusion Our research demonstrated the potential of using AI, particularly DL models, in enhancing the accuracy of ASD detection and diagnosis. This innovative approach signifies the critical role AI can play in advancing early diagnostic techniques, enabling better patient outcomes and underlining the importance of early identification of ASD, especially in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Rubio-Martín
- SALBIS Research Group, Dept. of Electric, Systems and Automatics Engineering, Universidad de León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, León Spain
| | - María Teresa García-Ordás
- SECOMUCI Research Group, Dept. of Electric, Systems and Automatics Engineering, Universidad de León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, León Spain
| | - Martín Bayón-Gutiérrez
- SECOMUCI Research Group, Dept. of Electric, Systems and Automatics Engineering, Universidad de León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, León Spain
| | - Natalia Prieto-Fernández
- SECOMUCI Research Group, Dept. of Electric, Systems and Automatics Engineering, Universidad de León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, León Spain
| | - José Alberto Benítez-Andrades
- SALBIS Research Group, Dept. of Electric, Systems and Automatics Engineering, Universidad de León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, León Spain
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2
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Dellapiazza F, Rattaz C, Michelon C, Peyre H, Picot MC, Baghdadli A. Longitudinal change in symptom severity in children with ASD: Results from the ELENA cohort. Autism Res 2024. [PMID: 39367629 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3242] [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: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition and understanding the changes in autism symptoms over time is crucial for tailoring support and interventions. This study therefore aimed to investigate the changes in symptom severity in a large cohort of children with ASD over a three-year follow-up period and identify factors that influence these changes. The study included 575 children diagnosed with ASD, ranging in age from 2 to 12 years, who were assessed at baseline and again 3 years later using the Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). ASD severity changes were investigated using the ADOS calibrated severity score (CSS) scores for total, social affect (SA) and restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB). Results highlight four distinct patterns: stable high, stable low, increased, and decreased severity. The ADOS CSS total score changed for half of the sample, reflecting an increase in ASD severity for 21.9% and a decrease for 29.1% of children. For the other half, the ADOS CSS score remained stable, either high (34.4%) or low (14.6%). While the majority of previous studies reported stability in ASD severity, our findings revealed significant variability with frequent improvements in SA symptoms whereas RRBs remained stable or worsened. Our findings also showed that an improvement in SA was associated with the youngest group and early diagnosis. However, no clinical or sociodemographic factors were linked to changes in RRB, emphasizing the necessity for RRB-specific therapies. The third six-year follow-up point of the ongoing ELENA cohort study will map the long-term trajectories of the severity of ASD symptoms and their potential risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florine Dellapiazza
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Cécile Rattaz
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Cécile Michelon
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Hugo Peyre
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, Villejuif, France
| | - Marie-Christine Picot
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, Villejuif, France
- Department of Medical Information, University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Amaria Baghdadli
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, Villejuif, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montpellier, France
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3
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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 2024; 54:3657-3669. [PMID: 37540405 PMCID: PMC11461779 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06078-4] [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: 07/23/2023] [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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4
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Stroupková L, Vyhnalová M, Kolář S, Knedlíková L, Packanová I, Bittnerová AM, Nováková N, Kučerová HP, Horák O, Ošlejšková H, Theiner P, Danhofer P. Use of Telehealth in Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment in Children: Evaluation of an Online Diagnostic Protocol Including the Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06524-x. [PMID: 39325287 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06524-x] [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: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the need to develop the field of remote assessment for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The purpose of the study was to evaluate an online assessment protocol that includes the Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism (BOSA). The online protocol consisting of BOSA and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) was administered by experienced examiners to 29 children with suspected ASD. The participants were then evaluated by clinical psychologists in a standard clinical setting using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) and other methods, and the ASD diagnosis was confirmed or ruled out. The results show substantial to moderate inter-rater agreement between the online and face-to-face raters with the value of Cohen's Kappa = 0.66 (P < 0.001); this corresponds with 79.8% agreement. The sensitivity of the protocol was approx. 94.7%, the specificity was 70%, the positive predictive value was 85.7%, and the negative predictive value was 87.5%. Further, direct false positive or false negative diagnostic conclusions based on the online protocol were absent when the possible conclusion of "I cannot decide" was included. The items B9 Showing, B10 Spontaneous Initiation of Joint Attention, B1 Unusual Eye Contact, B3 Facial Expressions Directed to Others, and C2 Imagination/Creativity were shown to be well observable in BOSA when related to ADOS-2 scoring. The results indicate that the protocol consisting of BOSA and ADI-R administered by an experienced examiner is a promising combination of tools for remote autism assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Stroupková
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts of Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Martina Vyhnalová
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts of Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Senad Kolář
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Knedlíková
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivona Packanová
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Marie Bittnerová
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nela Nováková
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Ondřej Horák
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Ošlejšková
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Theiner
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlína Danhofer
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
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5
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Ham LM, Staunton H, Schulz JM, Tillmann J, Volz D, Murtagh L, Chatham C, O'Connor EC, Chamberlain S, Schoenenberger P, Pandina G, Wang P, Kas MJH, Arango C, Murphy D. Points to consider when initiating clinical investigations in autistic paediatric populations-A White Paper. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 86:35-42. [PMID: 38917772 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience various degrees of impairment in social interaction and communication, restricted, repetitive behaviours, interests/activities. These impairments make a significant contribution to poorer everyday adaptive functioning. Yet, there are no pharmacological therapies to effectively treat the core symptoms of ASD. Since symptoms of ASD likely emerge from a complex interplay of vulnerabilities, environmental factors and compensatory mechanisms during the early developmental period, pharmacological interventions arguably would have the greatest impact to improve long-term outcomes when implemented at a young age. It is essential therefore, that clinical development programmes of investigational drugs in ASD include the paediatric population early on in clinical trials. Such trials need to offer the prospect of direct benefit (PDB) for participants. In most cases in drug development this prospect is supported by evidence of efficacy in adults. However, the effectiveness of treatment approaches may be age-dependent, so that clinical trials in adults may not provide sufficient evidence for a PDB in children. In this white paper, we consolidate recommendations from regulatory guidelines, as well as advice from the Food and Drug Administration, USA (FDA) and the Committee for Human Medicinal Products (CHMP) consultations on various development programmes on: 1) elements to support a PDB to participants in early paediatric clinical trials in ASD, including single-gene neurodevelopment disorders, 2) aspects of study design to allow for a PDB. This white paper is intended to be complementary to existing regulatory guidelines in guiding industry and academic sponsors in their conduct of early paediatric clinical trials in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Michael Schulz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julian Tillmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Lorraine Murtagh
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Eoin C O'Connor
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stormy Chamberlain
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Schoenenberger
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Paul Wang
- Clinical Research Associates LLC, Simons Foundation, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Martien J H Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Celso Arango
- Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, CIBERSAM, IiSGM, Universidad Complutense, School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Declan Murphy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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6
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Khan NA, Shang X. ASD-GANNet: A Generative Adversarial Network-Inspired Deep Learning Approach for the Classification of Autism Brain Disorder. Brain Sci 2024; 14:766. [PMID: 39199460 PMCID: PMC11352749 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14080766] [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: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The classification of a pre-processed fMRI dataset using functional connectivity (FC)-based features is considered a challenging task because of the set of high-dimensional FC features and the small dataset size. To tackle this specific set of FC high-dimensional features and a small-sized dataset, we propose here a conditional Generative Adversarial Network (cGAN)-based dataset augmenter to first train the cGAN on computed connectivity features of NYU dataset and use the trained cGAN to generate synthetic connectivity features per category. After obtaining a sufficient number of connectivity features per category, a Multi-Head attention mechanism is used as a head for the classification. We name our proposed approach "ASD-GANNet", which is end-to-end and does not require hand-crafted features, as the Multi-Head attention mechanism focuses on the features that are more relevant. Moreover, we compare our results with the six available state-of-the-art techniques from the literature. Our proposed approach results using the "NYU" site as a training set for generating a cGAN-based synthetic dataset are promising. We achieve an overall 10-fold cross-validation-based accuracy of 82%, sensitivity of 82%, and specificity of 81%, outperforming available state-of-the art approaches. A sitewise comparison of our proposed approach also outperforms the available state-of-the-art, as out of the 17 sites, our proposed approach has better results in the 10 sites.
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7
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Summers J, Baribeau D, Perlman P, Hoang N, Cui S, Krakowski A, Ambrozewicz P, Ho A, Selvanayagam T, Sándor-Bajusz KA, Palad K, Patel N, McGaughey S, Gallagher L, Scherer SW, Szatmari P, Vorstman J. An integrated clinical approach to children at genetic risk for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions: interdisciplinary collaboration and research infrastructure. J Neurodev Disord 2024; 16:37. [PMID: 38970057 PMCID: PMC11229023 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-024-09552-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A sizeable proportion of pathogenic genetic variants identified in young children tested for congenital differences are associated with neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders (NPD). In this growing group, a genetic diagnosis often precedes the emergence of diagnosable developmental concerns. Here, we describe DAGSY (Developmental Assessment of Genetically Susceptible Youth), a novel interdisciplinary 'genetic-diagnosis-first' clinic integrating psychiatric, psychological and genetic expertise, and report our first observations and feedback from families and referring clinicians. METHODS We retrieved data on referral sources and indications, genetic and NPD diagnoses and recommendations for children seen at DAGSY between 2018 and 2022. Through a survey, we obtained feedback from twenty families and eleven referring clinicians. RESULTS 159 children (mean age 10.2 years, 57.2% males) completed an interdisciplinary (psychiatry, psychology, genetic counselling) DAGSY assessment during this period. Of these, 69.8% had a pathogenic microdeletion or microduplication, 21.5% a sequence-level variant, 4.4% a chromosomal disorder, and 4.4% a variant of unknown significance with emerging evidence of pathogenicity. One in four children did not have a prior NPD diagnosis, and referral to DAGSY was motivated by their genetic vulnerability alone. Following assessment, 76.7% received at least one new NPD diagnosis, most frequently intellectual disability (24.5%), anxiety (20.7%), autism spectrum (18.9%) and specific learning (16.4%) disorder. Both families and clinicians responding to our survey expressed satisfaction, but also highlighted some areas for potential improvement. CONCLUSIONS DAGSY addresses an unmet clinical need for children identified with genetic variants that confer increased vulnerability for NPD and provides a crucial platform for research in this area. DAGSY can serve as a model for interdisciplinary clinics integrating child psychiatry, psychology and genetics, addressing both clinical and research needs for this emerging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Summers
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Danielle Baribeau
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Polina Perlman
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ny Hoang
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Genetic Counselling, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sunny Cui
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aneta Krakowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia Ambrozewicz
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ariel Ho
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Thanuja Selvanayagam
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Genetic Counselling, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kinga A Sándor-Bajusz
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katrina Palad
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nishi Patel
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah McGaughey
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Louise Gallagher
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen W Scherer
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- McLaughlin Centre and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Szatmari
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jacob Vorstman
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, 686 Bay Street Room 12.9702, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
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8
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Harrop C, Tomaszewski B, Putnam O, Klein C, Lamarche E, Klinger L. Are the diagnostic rates of autistic females increasing? An examination of state-wide trends. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:973-983. [PMID: 38181181 PMCID: PMC11161335 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism has been considered a 'male-dominant' condition. However, recent research suggests that autistic females are underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, and later diagnosed. Females may also have different and more nuanced behavioral profiles. To examine diagnosis rates of females, we used 20 years of state-wide data to characterize historical trends in the diagnosis of autism in females to determine whether the proportion of females diagnosed with autism has changed over time. METHODS Data were drawn from 10,247 participants (males = 8,319, females = 1928) who received an autism diagnosis between 2000 and 2021 from state-wide autism centers associated with the University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program. RESULTS The rates of females diagnosed with autism increased at a greater rate compared with males. Age of diagnosis remained consistently higher for females. Late diagnosis (defined as 13+) increased over time across both males and females, however, was more commonly associated with females, particularly those with co-occurring intellectual disability. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the proportion of females diagnosed with autism has increased steadily over a 20-year period, which likely reflects greater societal knowledge of how autism may manifest differentially in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Harrop
- Department of Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
- University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program
| | - Brianne Tomaszewski
- University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Orla Putnam
- Department of Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Claire Klein
- University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | | | - Laura Klinger
- University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
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9
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Little LM, Avery A, Tomchek S, Baker A, Wallisch A, Dean E. Race and Ethnicity Reporting in Occupational Therapy Research Among Autistic Youth. OTJR-OCCUPATION PARTICIPATION AND HEALTH 2024; 44:385-395. [PMID: 38281154 DOI: 10.1177/15394492231225199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups are underrepresented in autism research broadly; however, patterns of inclusion in occupational therapy research are unknown.In this secondary data analysis, we examined race and ethnicity reporting across articles included in a systematic review of evidence related to occupational therapy practice with autistic individuals <18 years (2013-2021).Two team members reached >90% interrater coding agreement in race and ethnicity reporting across articles in ADLs/IADLs, education/work, play, sleep, and social participation in clinics, homes/communities, and schools.Intervention outcomes of ADL/IADLs (66.7%) and play (66.7%) had low rates of reporting, while social participation in schools (100%) and education/work (100%) had higher rates of reporting. Sample diversity was greatest among research in schools and most limited in clinic-based settings.Systemic racism that limits individuals' participation in occupational therapy research perpetuates racial and ethnic health inequities among autistic children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Scott Tomchek
- University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY, USA
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Davis AM, Burks-Abbott G, Merecias O, Swenor BK. Autism interventions designed or adapted for the Black/African American population: A systematic review. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241259910. [PMID: 38910297 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241259910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Black/African American people in the United States who have a diagnosis of autism often experience service-related disparities, including not having the same access to high-quality autism and related care (e.g. behavioral interventions), and are less likely to have sustained treatment engagement across their lifespan. While interventions to support autistic people are typically designed to be universal, there is concern that these interventions not being tailored to the Black/African American population could reduce the overall impact due to a lack of responsiveness to the needs of the Black children or families who receive the intervention. The current systematic review summarized research on interventions developed for the Black autism community, including Black children with autism and their caregivers. After a comprehensive, systematic search, eight peer-reviewed publications were identified that met the study's inclusion criteria. The majority of the interventions were tailored to Black caregivers of children with autism. Autism researchers demonstrate different strategies for engaging Black caregivers in culturally responsive ways; however, more research into these interventions is needed in order to assess their effectiveness. In addition, there are still limited interventions adapted to be culturally responsive to Black/African American autistic people. The Cultural Adaptation Checklist framework is a novel approach with promise to become the standard for adapting interventions to meet the needs of culturally diverse groups. Cultural responsiveness is an important facet in the development of interventions that produce optimal outcomes for the range of diversity in the United States and is an important step to achieving equitable autism research practices.
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Shuffrey LC, Rennie B, Li X, Galai N, Pini N, Akbaryan A, Alshawabkeh A, Aschner J, Vargas JC, Costello L, D'Sa V, Deoni S, Dunlop A, Elliott AJ, Fifer WP, Hash J, Koinis-Mitchell D, Lai JS, Leventhal BL, Lewis J, Lucchini M, McArthur KL, Morales S, Nozadi SS, O'Connor TG, O'Shea TM, Page GP, Propper C, Sania A, Shuster C, Zimmerman E, Margolis AE. Combining developmental and sleep health measures for autism spectrum disorder screening: an ECHO study. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03306-0. [PMID: 38867029 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03306-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep problems are reported for up to 80% of autistic individuals. We examined whether parsimonious sets of items derived from the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) and the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (BISQ) are superior to the standard M-CHAT-R in predicting subsequent autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses. METHODS Participants from 11 Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) cohorts were included. We performed logistic LASSO regression models with 10-fold cross-validation to identify whether a combination of items derived from the M-CHAT-R and BISQ are superior to the standard M-CHAT-R in predicting ASD diagnoses. RESULTS The final sample comprised 1552 children. The standard M-CHAT-R had a sensitivity of 44% (95% CI: 34, 55), specificity of 92% (95% CI: 91, 94), and AUROC of 0.726 (95% CI: 0.663, 0.790). A higher proportion of children with ASD had difficulty falling asleep or resisted bedtime during infancy/toddlerhood. However, LASSO models revealed parental reports of sleep problems did not improve the accuracy of the M-CHAT-R in predicting ASD diagnosis. CONCLUSION While children with ASD had higher rates of sleep problems during infancy/toddlerhood, there was no improvement in ASD developmental screening through the incorporation of parent-report sleep metrics. IMPACT Parental-reported sleep problems are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We investigated whether the inclusion of parental-reports of infant/toddler sleep patterns enhanced the effectiveness of developmental screening for autism. We reported higher rates of difficulty falling asleep and resisting bedtime during infancy and toddlerhood among children later diagnosed with ASD; however, we did not find an improvement in ASD developmental screening through the incorporation of parent-report sleep metrics. In our sample, the standard M-CHAT-R had a sensitivity of 39% among children of mothers with government insurance compared with a sensitivity of 53% among children of mothers with employer-based insurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Shuffrey
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Brandon Rennie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Xiuhong Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Noya Galai
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Statistics, University of Haifa, Mt Carmel, Israel
| | - Nicolò Pini
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anahid Akbaryan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Judy Aschner
- Department of Pediatrics, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - Julianna Collazo Vargas
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Costello
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Viren D'Sa
- Department of Pediatrics, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Sean Deoni
- Maternal Newborn and Child Health: Discovery & Tools, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anne Dunlop
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Amy J Elliott
- Center for Pediatric and Community Research, Avera Research Institute, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - William P Fifer
- 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
| | - Jonica Hash
- Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daphne Koinis-Mitchell
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jin-Shei Lai
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bennett L Leventhal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Johnnye Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Maristella Lucchini
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristen L McArthur
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Santiago Morales
- Departments of Psychology and Pediatrics, Developmental and Brain and Cognitive Science Areas, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sara S Nozadi
- Community Environmental Health Program, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - T Michael O'Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Grier P Page
- Analytics Program, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Cathi Propper
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ayesha Sania
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Coral Shuster
- The Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Woman & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Emily Zimmerman
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northeastern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amy E Margolis
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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12
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Kosloski EE, Patel SD, Rollins PR. The Role of Pathways Early Autism Intervention in Improving Social Skills and Respeto for Young Hispanic Autistic Children. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06419-x. [PMID: 38842669 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06419-x] [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: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We know very little about Hispanic autistic children's response to intervention as, historically, Hispanic children are underrepresented in intervention studies. Pathways parent-mediated early autism intervention is one of the few naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBIs) that is contextually and linguistically responsive to Hispanic families. However, some child-centered NDBI strategies do not align with the Hispanic caregiving value of respeto. A child exhibiting respeto demonstrates affiliative obedience by displaying deference and respect toward adults. Furthermore, theories of the ontogeny of cultural learning suggest that certain levels of social development may be necessary to learn cultural values. The current study investigates (1) the relationship between Hispanic autistic children's social skills and affiliative obedience and (2) the efficacy of Pathways in improving affiliative obedience in Hispanic children. METHODS This quasi-experimental design study used preexisting standardized test data and video recordings from 26 Hispanic participants who took part in a previous Pathways efficacy study. Recordings were coded for affiliative obedience and social connectedness. Residual change variables were used to measure progress from baseline to post-intervention, and correlation and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to analyze the data. RESULTS We found significant positive correlations between social skills and children's affiliative obedience for baseline and change variables. In addition, we found Pathways had a significant medium-large magnitude effect on change in affiliative obedience skills. CONCLUSION This study highlights the benefits of NDBI interventions that advance social development in autistic children and support Hispanic parents in enculturating their children in the value of respeto.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Kosloski
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing, University of Texas, Dallas-Richardson, TX, USA
- Callier Center for Communication Disorders, 1966 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Siddhi D Patel
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing, University of Texas, Dallas-Richardson, TX, USA
- Callier Center for Communication Disorders, 1966 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Pamela Rosenthal Rollins
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing, University of Texas, Dallas-Richardson, TX, USA.
- Callier Center for Communication Disorders, 1966 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA.
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Weitlauf AS, Foster T, Slaughter JC, Fleck M, Harris J, Coffield C, Simcoe K, Baggett J, Stainbrook A, Warren ZE. Screening Options in Autism Telediagnosis: Examination of TAP, M-CHAT-R, and DCI Concordance and Predictive Value in a Telediagnostic Model. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06427-x. [PMID: 38833028 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06427-x] [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: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Tele-assessment of autism in early childhood has increased. However, it is unclear how autism screening tools (M-CHAT-R, DCI) function as part of tele-assessment and relate to a commonly used tele-assessment instrument, the TAP. 361 families from a clinically referred sample of children (mean age: 27.63 months, sd = 4.86 months) completed the M-CHAT-R and DCI prior to a tele-assessment visit utilizing the TAP. Data was collected on demographic background, measure scores, and diagnostic outcome. No significant differences in measure scores or diagnostic findings emerged in age at referral, age group, age at diagnosis, or child sex, ethnicity, or racial background. The M-CHAT-R and DCI correlated strongly and positively. Older age was associated with lower risk scores on screening instruments. Children with autism had significantly higher scores on all screener and subdomain scores, with the exception of DCI Behavior. Subdomains of the DCI emerged as the strongest predictor of diagnostic outcome. Both the DCI total score and the M-CHAT-R significantly related to diagnostic outcome and TAP score in this tele-assessment model, regardless of child age or sex. Findings also support use of the DCI for children under 24 months of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Weitlauf
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 230 Appleton Place, PMB 74, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203, USA.
| | - Tori Foster
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 230 Appleton Place, PMB 74, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203, USA
| | - James C Slaughter
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mary Fleck
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 230 Appleton Place, PMB 74, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203, USA
| | - Jill Harris
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Specialized Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Caroline Coffield
- Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kathleen Simcoe
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 230 Appleton Place, PMB 74, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203, USA
| | - Jenny Baggett
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 230 Appleton Place, PMB 74, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203, USA
| | - Alacia Stainbrook
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 230 Appleton Place, PMB 74, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203, USA
| | - Zachary E Warren
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 230 Appleton Place, PMB 74, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Special Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Baloyi O, Jarvis MA, Chironda G, Mbeje P, Ngcobo SJ, Gqaleni T, Mhlongo EM, Ngcobo WB, Brysiewicz P. Experiences of families with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in World Health Organization Afro-Regions: A scoping review. Nurs Health Sci 2024; 26:e13123. [PMID: 38692580 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.13123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
A scoping review on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and its impact on the families of affected children was undertaken due to insufficient information available on the diverse experiences impacting their lives. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, eligibility criteria were guided by Population (families), Concept (family experiences), and Context (African region). English-language articles were sought from a variety of databases and search engines. The publication date of the identified articles ranged from 2003 to 2021 with most published in 2020 (n = 10), and the majority using qualitative methodologies (n = 51). Most family members involved were parents (n = 51) and their ages ranged from 18 to 75 years. The families experienced various challenges related to their child with regard to education, healthcare, and the broader community including lack of support. Family coping strategies included believing in God, attending counseling sessions, adapting, and accepting the situation. Healthcare professionals should be prepared and positioned to educate families and siblings on various aspects of ASD. There is a need for active, continued research on families within most countries of World Health Organization Afro-region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Baloyi
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mary Ann Jarvis
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Geldine Chironda
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Pretty Mbeje
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Silingene Joyce Ngcobo
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thusile Gqaleni
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Euphemia Mbali Mhlongo
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Winnie Baphumelele Ngcobo
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Petra Brysiewicz
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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15
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Anbar J, Matthews N, James S, Ariff A, Pierce K, Smith CJ. Examination of Clinical and Assessment Type Differences Between Toddlers with ASD from Multiplex and Simplex Families. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:2170-2182. [PMID: 37036578 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05890-8] [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] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have examined differences in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) phenotype between children from multiplex and simplex families at the time of diagnosis. The present study used an age- and gender-matched, community-based sample (n = 105) from the southwestern United States to examine differences in ASD symptom severity, cognitive development, and adaptive functioning. No significant differences between children from multiplex and simplex families were observed. Exploratory analysis revealed that parents underreported receptive and expressive language and fine motor skills compared to professional observation, especially among children from multiplex families. These findings suggest that diagnosticians may need to consider family structure when choosing and interpreting assessments of receptive language, expressive language, and fine motor skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Anbar
- Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, 2225 N 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85006, USA
| | - Nicole Matthews
- Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, 2225 N 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85006, USA.
| | - Stephen James
- Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, 2225 N 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85006, USA
| | - Afzal Ariff
- Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, 2225 N 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85006, USA
| | - Karen Pierce
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Christopher J Smith
- Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, 2225 N 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85006, USA
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Lopez-Espejo MA, Nuñez AC, Saez V, Ruz M, Moscoso OC, Vives A. The Influence of Social and Developmental Factors on the Timing of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis of Preschool-Aged Children: Evidence from a Specialized Chilean Center. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06376-5. [PMID: 38744740 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06376-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
We investigated the influence of developmental and social factors on the age of autism diagnosis (AoD) in a cohort of toddlers living in Chile. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 509 preschool children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder [M = 40.2 months (SD = 8.6), girls: 32%] in the neurodevelopmental unit of a university clinic in Santiago, Chile (2015-2023). Structural changes in the annual trend of AoD were tested. Generalized linear models (gamma distribution) with and without interaction terms were used for the multivariate analysis, adjusting for gender, residential area, year of diagnosis, developmental variables (language regression, delayed walking, and use of expressive verbal language), and primary caregiver age and education level (CEL). 95% confidence intervals of the unstandardized regression coefficients (B) were calculated using 1000 bootstrap resampling to estimate associations. AoD increased between 2021-2022 and decreased in 2023. Female gender (B = 2.72 [1.21-4.23]), no history of language regression (B = 3.97 [1.66-6.28]), and the presence of expressive verbal language at diagnosis (B = 1.57 [0.05-3.08]) were associated with higher AoD. Children whose caregivers had tertiary education were diagnosed earlier than those with ≤ 12 years of formal education. Although the influence of CEL increased with caregiver age, differences between CEL groups were significant only for caregivers aged ≥ 30 years. Improved education and early screening for clinical features of autism among healthcare professionals and the community, with a focus on young children without highly apparent developmental concerns and those from vulnerable social groups, are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio A Lopez-Espejo
- Section of Neurology, Division of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Neurodevelopmental Unit, UC CHRISTUS Clinical Hospital, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Alicia C Nuñez
- Section of Neurology, Division of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Neurodevelopmental Unit, UC CHRISTUS Clinical Hospital, Santiago, Chile
| | - Valentina Saez
- Neurodevelopmental Unit, UC CHRISTUS Clinical Hospital, Santiago, Chile
| | - Melanie Ruz
- Neurodevelopmental Unit, UC CHRISTUS Clinical Hospital, Santiago, Chile
| | - Odalie C Moscoso
- Neurodevelopmental Unit, UC CHRISTUS Clinical Hospital, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandra Vives
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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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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18
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Patten KK, Murthi K, Onwumere DD, Skaletski EC, Little LM, Tomchek SD. Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Autistic People Across the Lifespan. Am J Occup Ther 2024; 78:7803397010. [PMID: 38758762 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2024.078301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Occupational therapy practitioners need evidence to support interventions that promote subjective well-being among autistic people and their families through optimal engagement and participation in occupations. OBJECTIVE These Practice Guidelines are informed by systematic reviews to expand knowledge of interventions that promote access, inclusion, engagement, and optimal participation in occupations that are meaningful to autistic people. Our intent was to foster occupational therapy practitioners' clinical decision-making and reasoning when working with autistic people and their care partners. METHOD These Practice Guidelines were developed on the basis of four systematic reviews, supporting evidence and literature, along with continued revisions and integration through an iterative and collaborative process. RESULTS A total of 98 articles were included in the systematic reviews, which are the foundation for practice recommendations in these guidelines. Forty-eight of the systematic review articles were used to inform the clinical recommendations included in these Practice Guidelines. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Strong to moderate evidence indicates the need for multidisciplinary, goal-oriented interventions to support autistic people in different contexts. Although there is only emerging evidence in the inclusion of autistic people's strengths, interests, and perspectives to guide occupational therapy interventions, such practices can enhance the delivery of neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed practices. In addition, evidence is needed to support participation in activities of daily living (ADLs) for autistic youths. We recommend the use of strengths-based language to describe autistic people and the use of environmental adaptations, care partner education, and coaching to enhance occupational therapy service delivery. Plain-Language Summary: The literature is sparse regarding neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed practices for autistic youths, as well as for participation in activities of daily living (ADLs). These Practice Guidelines provide new information on positive mental health development; self-determination; ADLs, instrumental ADLs, play, and leisure occupations for children, adolescents, and adults; person-centered planning for adolescents and adults; and rest and sleep. Information on health management is also provided. Positionality Statement: This article uses the identity-first language autistic people. This nonableist language describes their strengths and abilities and is a conscious decision. This language is favored by autistic communities and self-advocates and has been adopted by health care professionals and researchers (Bottema-Beutel et al., 2021; Kenny et al., 2016). However, we respect the use of person-first language and have made a conscious decision to include research articles that have used this language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie K Patten
- Kristie K. Patten, PhD, OT/L, FAOTA, is Counselor to the President and Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, New York University, New York, NY
| | - Kavitha Murthi
- Kavitha Murthi, MSc(OT), FHEA(UK), OTR, is PhD Candidate, Department of Occupational Therapy, New York University, New York, NY
| | - Dora D Onwumere
- Dora D. Onwumere, MS, OTR/L, is PhD Candidate, Department of Occupational Therapy, New York University, New York, NY
| | - Emily C Skaletski
- Emily C. Skaletski, MOT, OTR/L, is PhD Candidate, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Lauren M Little
- Lauren M. Little, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Associate Dean of Research, College of Health Sciences, and Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy, Rush University, Chicago, IL
| | - Scott D Tomchek
- Scott D. Tomchek, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
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19
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Harrison AJ, Naqvi NC, Smit AK, Kumar PN, Muhammad NA, Saade S, Yu L, Cappe E, Low HM, Chan SJ, de Bildt A. Assessing Autism Knowledge Across the Global Landscape Using the ASK-Q. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1897-1911. [PMID: 36892718 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05936-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Substantial variability exists with regard to autism service provision around the world. Service disparities observed in many low- and middle-income countries may be driven, in part, by limited autism knowledge; however, measurement limitations have made it difficult to quantify autism knowledge across countries. The current study uses the autism stigma and knowledge questionnaire (ASK-Q) to quantify autism knowledge and stigma between different countries and demographics. The current study compiled data from 6830 participants collected using adapted versions of the ASK-Q administered in 13 different countries, representing four different continents. Structural equation modeling was used to examine how autism knowledge varied across country and individual factors. Results reveal cross country variability with a large, 17-point difference between the countries with the highest knowledge (Canada) and the lowest knowledge (Lebanon). As expected, countries with higher economies had higher levels of knowledge. We also documented differences based on country worldview, participant occupation, gender, age, and education level. These results help to identify specific regions and populations that might most need greater information about autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley J Harrison
- Educational Psychology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30606, USA.
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Georgia, Aderhold Hall 110 Carlton Street, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Nilofer C Naqvi
- Department of Psychology, Iona University, New Rochelle, NY, 10801, USA
| | - Anne K Smit
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Accare Child Study Center, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Prisha Nanda Kumar
- Educational Psychology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30606, USA
| | - Noor Azimah Muhammad
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Jalan Yaacob Latiff, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sabine Saade
- Psychology Department, American University of Beirut, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Luodi Yu
- Center for Autism Research, School of Education, Guangzhou University, Wenyi Bldg, Guangzhou, China
| | - Emilie Cappe
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Université Paris Cité, 92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Institut Universtaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Hui Min Low
- School of Education Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Sarah-Jane Chan
- Manggatal Health Clinic, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Annelies de Bildt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Accare Child Study Center, Groningen, The Netherlands
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20
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Waizbard-Bartov E, Fein D, Lord C, Amaral DG. Autism Severity and its Relationship to Disability. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2024; 22:252-262. [PMID: 38680979 PMCID: PMC11046712 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.24022007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Autism severity is currently defined and measured based exclusively on the severity levels of the two core symptom domains: social-communication and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests. Autistic individuals, however, are often diagnosed with other medical, developmental, and psychological co-occurring conditions. These additional challenges such as intellectual disability, limited expressive and/or receptive language, and anxiety disorders, can have a tremendous impact on the day-to-day lives of autistic individuals, for both their adaptive functioning as well as their sense of wellbeing. Furthermore, the initial presentation of core symptoms and their likelihood of changing over time are influenced by the presence of such co-occurring conditions. In order to truly understand how a person's autism impacts their life, both core symptoms as well as other challenges should be considered. This approach was recently taken by The Lancet Commission on the future of care and clinical research in autism, which proposed the term "profound autism" for a subgroup of individuals presenting with high core symptom severity, co-occurring intellectual disability, and little or no language, who require extensive long-term care. Considering other individual factors such as daily living skills, specific support needs and environmental resources would also enhance the evaluation of disability in autistic individuals. As currently employed in the assessment of intellectual disability, a multidimensional approach to autism could provide a more comprehensive system for classification of impairment. At present, however, there is no formal way to designate the combined effect of these different aspects of autism on a person's life. A comprehensive outlook that acknowledges impairments, capabilities, co-occurring conditions, and environmental factors would be useful for identifying subgroups of individuals as well as for determining individual needs and strengths in clinical assessments. Lay Summary: The severity of a person's autism is currently defined based on the severity of their core autism symptoms: impaired social-communication and the presence of restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests. But autistic people often face additional challenges such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, and anxiety disorder, that considerably impact their everyday life, wellbeing, and the need for support. A more complete view of autism severity, one that includes core symptoms as well as additional challenges, could help identify meaningful sub-groups of autistic individuals and could be useful in clinical care. Appeared originally in Autism Res 2023; 16:685-696.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einat Waizbard-Bartov
- Department of Psychology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA (Waizbard-Bartov); The MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA (Waizbard-Bartov, Amaral); Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, USA (Fein); Departments of Psychiatry and Human Development and Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA (Lord)
| | - Deborah Fein
- Department of Psychology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA (Waizbard-Bartov); The MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA (Waizbard-Bartov, Amaral); Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, USA (Fein); Departments of Psychiatry and Human Development and Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA (Lord)
| | - Catherine Lord
- Department of Psychology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA (Waizbard-Bartov); The MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA (Waizbard-Bartov, Amaral); Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, USA (Fein); Departments of Psychiatry and Human Development and Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA (Lord)
| | - David G Amaral
- Department of Psychology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA (Waizbard-Bartov); The MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA (Waizbard-Bartov, Amaral); Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, USA (Fein); Departments of Psychiatry and Human Development and Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA (Lord)
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21
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Li J, Kong X, Sun L, Chen X, Ouyang G, Li X, Chen S. Identification of autism spectrum disorder based on electroencephalography: A systematic review. Comput Biol Med 2024; 170:108075. [PMID: 38301514 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social communication and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 100 children worldwide has autism. With the global prevalence of ASD, timely and accurate diagnosis has been essential in enhancing the intervention effectiveness for ASD children. Traditional ASD diagnostic methods rely on clinical observations and behavioral assessment, with the disadvantages of time-consuming and lack of objective biological indicators. Therefore, automated diagnostic methods based on machine learning and deep learning technologies have emerged and become significant since they can achieve more objective, efficient, and accurate ASD diagnosis. Electroencephalography (EEG) is an electrophysiological monitoring method that records changes in brain spontaneous potential activity, which is of great significance for identifying ASD children. By analyzing EEG data, it is possible to detect abnormal synchronous neuronal activity of ASD children. This paper gives a comprehensive review of the EEG-based ASD identification using traditional machine learning methods and deep learning approaches, including their merits and potential pitfalls. Additionally, it highlights the challenges and the opportunities ahead in search of more effective and efficient methods to automatically diagnose autism based on EEG signals, which aims to facilitate automated ASD identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Xiaoli Kong
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Linlin Sun
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of China, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xu Chen
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Beijing, 100120, China; The Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100032, China
| | - Gaoxiang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Xiaoli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Shengyong Chen
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, 300384, China
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22
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Dinstein I, Solomon S, Zats M, Shusel R, Lottner R, Gershon BB, Meiri G, Menashe I, Shmueli D. Large increase in ASD prevalence in Israel between 2017 and 2021. Autism Res 2024; 17:410-418. [PMID: 38193609 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3085] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Accurate estimation of annual changes in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) prevalence is critical for planning the expansion of diagnostic, education, and intervention services at an adequate rate. Previous studies from Israel have reported that ASD prevalence among 8-year-old children has increased from estimates of 0.3% in 2008 to 0.65% in 2015 and 1.3% in 2018. Here, we analyzed data acquired from the National Insurance Institute of Israeli (NII), a governmental organization that approves and monitors all ASD children who receive welfare services in Israel, and Clalit Health Services (CHS), the largest Health Maintenance Organization in Israel that provides health services to ~52% of the population. Data from both sources included annual data files from 2017 to 2021 containing the number of ASD cases per year of birth for 1-17-year-old children. This allowed us to estimate annual ASD prevalence among 3.5 million children born between 2000 and 2020 in Israel. Both data sources revealed a nearly two-fold increase in ASD prevalence among 1-17-year-old children from 2017 to 2021. Estimated prevalence rates differed across age groups with 2-3-year-old (day-care) children increasing from 0.27% to 1.19% (>4 fold change), 4-6-year-old (pre-school) children increasing from 0.8% to 1.83%, and 8-year-old children increasing from 0.82% to 1.56% in NII data. These results demonstrate that autism prevalence continues to increase in Israel with a shift towards diagnosis at earlier ages. These findings highlight the challenge facing health and education service providers in meeting the needs of a rapidly growing autism population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilan Dinstein
- Psychology Department, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Cognitive and Brain Sciences Department, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Shirley Solomon
- Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Michael Zats
- ALUT, The National Society for Children and Adults with Autism, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ronit Shusel
- ALUT, The National Society for Children and Adults with Autism, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - Gal Meiri
- Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Idan Menashe
- Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Community Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Dorit Shmueli
- Child Development Services, Clalit Healthcare, Tel Aviv, Israel
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23
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Arman S. What is the overall prognosis of preschool autism spectrum disorder diagnoses? A Cochrane Review summary with commentary. Dev Med Child Neurol 2024; 66:13-15. [PMID: 37837302 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sina Arman
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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24
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Nitzan T, Koller J, Ilan M, Faroy M, Michaelovski A, Menashe I, Meiri G, Dinstein I. The Importance of Language Delays as an Early Indicator of Subsequent ASD Diagnosis in Public Healthcare Settings. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:4535-4544. [PMID: 36222994 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05757-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that ASD children with more severe symptoms are diagnosed earlier. However, previous studies in community settings have mostly relied on retrospective parental reports without the use of quantitative standardized test scores. Here, we evaluated the association of language, cognitive, and ASD severity standardized scores with the age of diagnosis in 1-6-year-old children diagnosed in a public healthcare setting. The results revealed that language scores were the strongest variable associated with the age of diagnosis, explaining ~ 30% of the variability across children. Indeed, all children diagnosed before 30-months of age exhibited moderate-to-severe language delays. These results further substantiate the prominence of language delay as a highly visible symptom associated with earlier ASD diagnosis in community clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Nitzan
- Psychology Department, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel.
- Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
| | - Judah Koller
- Seymour Fox School of Education, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michal Ilan
- Psychology Department, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Pre-School Psychiatry Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Michal Faroy
- Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Pre-School Psychiatry Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Analya Michaelovski
- Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Zusman Child Development Center, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Idan Menashe
- Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Public Health Department, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Gal Meiri
- Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Pre-School Psychiatry Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Ilan Dinstein
- Psychology Department, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Cognitive and Brain Sciences Department, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel
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25
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Lai MC, Amestoy A, Bishop S, Brown HM, Giwa Onaiwu M, Halladay A, Harrop C, Hotez E, Huerta M, Kelly A, Miller D, Nordahl CW, Ratto AB, Saulnier C, Siper PM, Sohl K, Zwaigenbaum L, Goldman S. Improving autism identification and support for individuals assigned female at birth: clinical suggestions and research priorities. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2023; 7:897-908. [PMID: 37973254 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(23)00221-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that the higher prevalence of autism in individuals who are assigned male than assigned female at birth results from both biological factors and identification biases. Autistic individuals who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) and those who are gender diverse experience health disparities and clinical inequity, including late or missed diagnosis and inadequate support. In this Viewpoint, an international panel of clinicians, scientists, and community members with lived experiences of autism reviewed the challenges in identifying autism in individuals who are AFAB and proposed clinical and research directions to promote the health, development, and wellbeing of autistic AFAB individuals. The recognition challenges stem from the interplay between cognitive differences and nuanced or different presentations of autism in some AFAB individuals; expectancy, gender-related, and autism-related biases held by clinicians; and social determinants. We recommend that professional development for clinicians be supported by health-care systems, professional societies, and governing bodies to improve equitable access to assessment and earlier identification of autism in AFAB individuals. Autistic AFAB individuals should receive tailored support in education, identity development, health care, and social and professional sense of belonging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chuan Lai
- Child and Youth Mental Health Collaborative at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada; Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Anouck Amestoy
- Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Aquitaine Institute for Cognitive and Integrative Neurosciences, Charles Perrens Hospital, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Somer Bishop
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Heather M Brown
- Faculty of Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
- Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, Lincoln, NE, USA; Rice University Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality, School of Humanities, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alycia Halladay
- Autism Science Foundation, Scarsdale, NY, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Clare Harrop
- Department of Health Sciences and TEACCH Autism Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Emily Hotez
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marisela Huerta
- Felicity House, New York, NY, USA; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amy Kelly
- Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Villanova, PA, USA
| | - Dylan Miller
- Auxiliary Enterprises, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Christine Wu Nordahl
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and MIND Institute, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Allison B Ratto
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Division of Neuropsychology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Celine Saulnier
- Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Consulting Services, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Paige M Siper
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristin Sohl
- ECHO Autism Communities, Department of Child Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | - Sylvie Goldman
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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26
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Clements CC, Ascunce K, Nelson CA. In Context: A Developmental Model of Reward Processing, With Implications for Autism and Sensitive Periods. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:1200-1216. [PMID: 36336205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.07.861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Differences in reward processing have been associated with numerous psychiatric disorders, including autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many attempts to understand reward processing characterize differences in clinical populations after disorder onset; however, divergence may begin much earlier. In fact, the typical developmental progression of reward processing in infancy and early childhood is poorly understood. We re-conceptualize classic infant developmental constructs such as preferential looking into a Six-Component Developmental Model of Reward Processing: an infant- and young child-focused framework to guide research and assessment of reward processing across development. METHOD The extant developmental literature including recent textbooks, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses was reviewed to build a conceptual framework. We describe experimental paradigms to assess each developmental component of reward processing longitudinally from infancy. A timeline of each component's emergence was estimated. RESULTS Six components of reward processing were identified-association, discrimination, preference/valuation, effort, anticipation, and response. Selected evidence suggests emergence between birth and 6 months. Application of this model to autism led to a reinterpretation of existing disparate results, and illuminated a path to study the developmental processes underlying a popular hypothesis of autism, the motivation hypothesis. Current evidence further suggests that a sensitive period may exist for the emergence of reward processing. CONCLUSION The proposed framework offers a useful reconceptualization of the extant literature. Future longitudinal work using the suggested experimental paradigms with high-risk populations could elucidate the developmental trajectory of the components and timing of potential sensitive period(s) for each component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin C Clements
- Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Massachusetts.
| | | | - Charles A Nelson
- Laboratories of Cognitive Neuroscience, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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27
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Alhozyel E, Elbedour L, Balaum R, Meiri G, Michaelovski A, Dinstein I, Davidovitch N, Kerub O, Menashe I. Association Between Early Developmental Milestones and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023; 51:1511-1520. [PMID: 37231233 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-023-01085-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Early diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been shown to lead to better prognosis. Here, we examined the association of commonly measured early developmental milestones (DMs) with later diagnosis of ASD. We conducted a case-control study of 280 children with ASD (cases) and 560 typically developed children (controls) matched to cases by date of birth, sex, and ethnicity in a control/case ratio of 2:1. Both cases and controls were ascertained from all children whose development was monitored at mother-child health clinics (MCHCs) in southern Israel. DM failure rates during the first 18 months of life in three developmental categories (motor, social, and verbal) were compared between cases and controls. Conditional logistic regression models were used to assess the independent association of specific DMs with the risk of ASD, while adjusting for demographic and birth characteristics.Significant case-control differences in DM failure rates were observed as early as 3 months of age (p < 0.001), and these differences increased with age. Specifically, cases were 2.4 times more likely to fail ≥ 1 DM at 3 months (aOR = 2.39; 95%CI = 1.41-4.06), and 15.3 times more likely to fail ≥ 3 DMs at 18 months (aOR = 15.32; 95%CI = 7.75-30.28). The most notable DM-ASD association was observed for social DM failure at 9-12 months (aOR = 4.59; 95%CI = 2.59-8.13). Importantly, the sex or ethnicity of the participants did not affect these DM-ASD associations. Our findings highlight the potential role of DMs as early signs of ASD that could facilitate earlier referral and diagnosis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einav Alhozyel
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Leena Elbedour
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Rewaa Balaum
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Gal Meiri
- Preschool Psychiatric Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Azrieli National Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Analya Michaelovski
- Azrieli National Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Child Development Center, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Ilan Dinstein
- Azrieli National Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Psychology and Brain and Cognition Departments, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Nadav Davidovitch
- Department of Health Systems Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Orly Kerub
- The Mother and Child Department, Ministry of Health, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Idan Menashe
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
- Azrieli National Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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28
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Rodriguez U, Deddah T, Kim SH, Shen M, Botteron KN, Louis Collins D, Dager SR, Estes AM, Evans AC, Hazlett HC, McKinstry R, Shultz RT, Piven J, Dang Q, Styner M, Prieto JC. IcoConv : Explainable brain cortical surface analysis for ASD classification. SHAPE IN MEDICAL IMAGING : INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP, SHAPEMI 2023, HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH MICCAI 2023, VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA, OCTOBER 8, 2023, PROCEEDINGS. SHAPEMI (WORKSHOP) (2023 : VANCOUVER, B.C.) 2023; 14350:248-258. [PMID: 38425723 PMCID: PMC10902712 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-46914-5_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we introduce a novel approach for the analysis and interpretation of 3D shapes, particularly applied in the context of neuroscientific research. Our method captures 2D perspectives from various vantage points of a 3D object. These perspectives are subsequently analyzed using 2D Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), uniquely modified with custom pooling mechanisms. We sought to assess the efficacy of our approach through a binary classification task involving subjects at high risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The task entailed differentiating between high-risk positive and high-risk negative ASD cases. To do this, we employed brain attributes like cortical thickness, surface area, and extra-axial cerebral spinal measurements. We then mapped these measurements onto the surface of a sphere and subsequently analyzed them via our bespoke method. One distinguishing feature of our method is the pooling of data from diverse views using our icosahedron convolution operator. This operator facilitates the efficient sharing of information between neighboring views. A significant contribution of our method is the generation of gradient-based explainability maps, which can be visualized on the brain surface. The insights derived from these explainability images align with prior research findings, particularly those detailing the brain regions typically impacted by ASD. Our innovative approach thereby substantiates the known understanding of this disorder while potentially unveiling novel areas of study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mark Shen
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Quyen Dang
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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Waizbard-Bartov E, Fein D, Lord C, Amaral DG. Autism severity and its relationship to disability. Autism Res 2023; 16:685-696. [PMID: 36786314 PMCID: PMC10500663 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Autism severity is currently defined and measured based exclusively on the severity levels of the two core symptom domains: social-communication and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests. Autistic individuals, however, are often diagnosed with other medical, developmental, and psychological co-occurring conditions. These additional challenges such as intellectual disability, limited expressive and/or receptive language, and anxiety disorders, can have a tremendous impact on the day-to-day lives of autistic individuals, for both their adaptive functioning as well as their sense of wellbeing. Furthermore, the initial presentation of core symptoms and their likelihood of changing over time are influenced by the presence of such co-occurring conditions. In order to truly understand how a person's autism impacts their life, both core symptoms as well as other challenges should be considered. This approach was recently taken byThe Lancet Commission on the future of care and clinical research in autism, which proposed the term "profound autism" for a subgroup of individuals presenting with high core symptom severity, co-occurring intellectual disability, and little or no language, who require extensive long-term care. Considering other individual factors such as daily living skills, specific support needs and environmental resources would also enhance the evaluation of disability in autistic individuals. As currently employed in the assessment of intellectual disability, a multidimensional approach to autism could provide a more comprehensive system for classification of impairment. At present, however, there is no formal way to designate the combined effect of these different aspects of autism on a person's life. A comprehensive outlook that acknowledges impairments, capabilities, co-occurring conditions, and environmental factors would be useful for identifying subgroups of individuals as well as for determining individual needs and strengths in clinical assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einat Waizbard-Bartov
- Department of Psychology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
- The MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Deborah Fein
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Catherine Lord
- Departments of Psychiatry and Human Development and Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David G. Amaral
- The MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
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30
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Sohl K, Levinstein L, James A, Greer S, Boles K, Curran AB, Mahurin M, Mazurek MO, Nanclares V. ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Autism STAT: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study of Community-Based Primary Care Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2023; 44:e177-e184. [PMID: 36978232 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children can be reliably diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by a highly trained clinician as early as 12 to 24 months of age, but recent estimates indicate that the average age of diagnosis is 4.4 years. We hypothesized that trained primary care physicians and practitioners can reliably and accurately diagnose children 14 to 48 months with unambiguous symptoms of ASD. METHODS Through this diagnostic accuracy study, 20 patients diagnosed with ASD by clinicians trained through the ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Autism STAT program participated in an independent gold-standard evaluation at a regional autism center. Caregiver perceptions of the diagnostic process were also assessed. RESULTS Of the 20 patients who received a diagnosis of ASD by a trained clinician and completed the study, 19 diagnoses were confirmed by a gold-standard evaluation. Caregivers indicated that undergoing diagnosis in their local community rather than an autism specialty center was helpful (4.8/5 on a 5-point Likert scale, n = 19). Results of this study demonstrate that primary care clinicians can be trained to reliably diagnose ASD in children 14 to 48 months with unambiguous symptoms. CONCLUSION Diagnosis in the primary care setting may lead to earlier diagnosis and quicker connection to evidence-based therapies and interventions. Given the potential impact of increasing access to high-quality diagnostic services, the role of primary care clinicians in the diagnosis of ASD should be further evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Sohl
- University of Missouri, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | | | - Alexandra James
- University of Missouri, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Sophia Greer
- University of Missouri, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO
| | - Katrina Boles
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | | | - Melissa Mahurin
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Micah O Mazurek
- University of Virginia, School of Education and Human Development, Charlottesville, VA
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31
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Rouphael M, Gerges P, Andres C, Sacre Y, Bitar T, Hleihel W. Evaluation of the Lebanese Adults' Knowledge Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4622. [PMID: 36901632 PMCID: PMC10001669 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The daily functioning and overall well-being of people with ASD depends largely on understanding how the wider public views ASD. Indeed, an increased level of ASD knowledge in the general population may result in earlier diagnosis, earlier intervention, and better overall outcomes. The present study aimed to examine the current state of ASD knowledge, beliefs, and sources of information in a Lebanese general population sample, to identify the factors that could influence this knowledge. A total of 500 participants were involved in this cross-sectional study, which was conducted in Lebanon between May 2022 and August 2022 using the Autism Spectrum Knowledge scale, General Population version (ASKSG). Overall, the participants' understanding of autism spectrum disorder was low, with a mean score of 13.8 (6.69) out of 32, or 43.1%. The highest knowledge score was found for items related to knowledge of the symptoms and associated behaviors (52%). However, the level of knowledge regarding the etiology and prevalence, assessment and diagnosis, treatment, outcomes, and prognosis of the disease was low (29%, 39.2%, 46%, and 43.4%, respectively). Moreover, age, gender, place of residence, sources of information, and ASD case were all statistically significant predictors of ASD knowledge (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.012, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). The general public in Lebanon perceive a lack of awareness and insufficient knowledge regarding ASD. This results in delayed identification and intervention, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes in patients. Raising awareness about autism among parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals should be a top priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Rouphael
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
- UMR Inserm 1253 Ibrain, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Perla Gerges
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
| | - Christian Andres
- UMR Inserm 1253 Ibrain, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Yonna Sacre
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
| | - Tania Bitar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
| | - Walid Hleihel
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
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Rollins PR, De Froy AM. Reexamining Pathways Early Autism Intervention in Children Before and After the Third Birthday: A Randomized Control Trial. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:1189-1201. [PMID: 35596830 PMCID: PMC9123830 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05599-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We reexamined the efficacy of Pathways early autism intervention using generalized measures of social communication and language skills administered by an unfamiliar adult in a novel environment. Generalized measures improve on sources of measurement bias. Sixty-seven autistic children blocked on age (under versus over 3 years) were randomly assigned to 15 weeks of Pathways or services-as-usual. Age moderated the effects of Pathways for social communication. Specifically, Pathways had a significantly large effect for children under 3 and a small effect that approached significance for children over 3. Pathways also had a small effect on expressive speech/language skills. Results replicate previous findings of the efficacy of Pathways on proximal and distal skills and support the importance of early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Rosenthal Rollins
- Callier Center for Communication Disorders, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 1966 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA.
| | - Adrienne M De Froy
- Callier Center for Communication Disorders, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 1966 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
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33
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Access to Care After Autism Diagnosis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quality Improvement Project. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2023; 44:e73-e79. [PMID: 36729474 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify barriers and improve access to services for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Sixty-two patients diagnosed with ASD between March 23 and June 30, 2020, at a large urban safety net hospital were identified by chart review. Patients were called from January to March 2021 and queried regarding access to services. Brief interventions were provided as part of a modified Plan-Do-Study-Act approach. A second chart review was conducted between April and May 2021 to determine whether families accessed any additional services. RESULTS At the time of initial evaluation, 12 patients (19%) had been able to access all recommended services, 32 (52%) had been able to access some recommended services, and 9 (15%) were not able to access any services. Service levels for 9 families (15%) were undetermined. Sixteen patients (26%) lacked any follow-up with their developmental behavioral pediatrician since their initial evaluation. Thirty patients (48%) reported changes to their individualized educational program or early intervention services, and 17 patients (27%) were receiving in-home applied behavior analysis. After the brief intervention, 13 patients had accessed new services, and 9 patients previously lost to follow-up had completed an appointment. CONCLUSION Patients diagnosed with ASD in the spring of 2020 had significant difficulty accessing community services. The transition to telemedicine exacerbated this hospital's difficulty contacting patients for follow-up. Additional research is needed to fully characterize the disruptions to services experienced by patients diagnosed with ASD during the pandemic and to increase accessibility and equity of care.
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Ilan M, Faroy M, Zachor D, Manelis L, Waissengreen D, Michaelovski A, Avni I, Menashe I, Koller J, Dinstein I, Meiri G. Children with autism exhibit similar longitudinal changes in core symptoms when placed in special or mainstream education settings. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023:13623613221142394. [PMID: 36632654 PMCID: PMC10375002 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221142394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Today, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are placed in mainstream or special education settings somewhat arbitrarily with no clear clinical recommendations. Here, we compared changes in core ASD symptoms, as measured by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd edition (ADOS-2) clinical assessment, across ASD preschool children placed in special or mainstream education. Longitudinal changes in ADOS-2 scores did not differ significantly across settings over a 1- to 2-year period. While some children improved in core ASD symptoms, others deteriorated in both settings. This highlights the need to identify specific criteria for establishing meaningful placement recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Ilan
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.,Soroka University Medical Center, Israel
| | - Michal Faroy
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.,Soroka University Medical Center, Israel.,The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Israel
| | | | - Liora Manelis
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.,Soroka University Medical Center, Israel
| | - Danel Waissengreen
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.,Soroka University Medical Center, Israel
| | | | - Inbar Avni
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Gal Meiri
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.,Soroka University Medical Center, Israel
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Pham C, Bacon EC, Grzybowski A, Carter-Barnes C, Arias S, Xu R, Lopez L, Courchesne E, Pierce K. Examination of the impact of the Get SET Early program on equitable access to care within the screen-evaluate-treat chain in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023:13623613221147416. [PMID: 36629055 PMCID: PMC10333446 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221147416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Delays in autism spectrum disorder identification and access to care could impact developmental outcomes. Although trends are encouraging, children from historically underrepresented minority backgrounds are often identified at later ages and have reduced engagement in services. It is unclear if disparities exist all along the screen-evaluation-treatment chain, or if early detection programs such as Get SET Early that standardize, these steps are effective at ameliorating disparities. As part of the Get SET Early model, primary care providers administered a parent-report screen at well-baby examinations, and parents designated race, ethnicity, and developmental concerns. Toddlers who scored in the range of concern, or whose primary care provider had concerns, were referred for an evaluation. Rates of screening and evaluation engagement within ethnic/racial groups were compared to US Census data. Age at screen, evaluation, and treatment engagement and quantity was compared across groups. Statistical models examined whether key factors such as parent concern were associated with ethnicity or race. No differences were found in the mean age at the first screen, evaluation, or initiation or quantity of behavioral therapy between participants. However, children from historically underrepresented minority backgrounds were more likely to fall into the range of concern on the parent-report screen, their parents expressed developmental concerns more often, and pediatricians were more likely to refer for an evaluation than their White/Not Hispanic counterparts. Overall results suggest that models that support transparent tracking of steps in the screen-evaluation-treatment chain and service referral pipelines may be an effective strategy for ensuring equitable access to care for all children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ronghui Xu
- University of California, San Diego, USA
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36
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Penner M, Senman L, Andoni L, Dupuis A, Anagnostou E, Kao S, Solish A, Shouldice M, Ferguson G, Brian J. Concordance of Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Made by Pediatricians vs a Multidisciplinary Specialist Team. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2252879. [PMID: 36696109 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.52879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Wait times for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis are lengthy because of inadequate supply of specialist teams. General pediatricians may be able to diagnose some cases of ASD, thereby reducing wait times. OBJECTIVE To determine the accuracy of ASD diagnostic assessments conducted by general pediatricians compared with a multidisciplinary team (MDT). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prospective diagnostic study was conducted in and a specialist assessment center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Ontario general pediatrician practices from June 2016 to March 2020. Children were younger than 5.5 years, referred with a developmental concern, and without an existing ASD diagnosis. Data analysis was performed from October 2021 to February 2022. EXPOSURES The pediatrician and MDT each conducted blinded assessments and recorded a decision as to whether the child had ASD. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Main outcomes included sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). A logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with accurate pediatrician assessment for children with or without an ASD diagnosis. RESULTS Seventeen pediatricians (12 women [71%]) participated in the study and referred 106 children (79 boys [75%]; mean [SD] age, 41.9 [13.3] months). Sixty participants (57%) were from minoritized racial and ethnic groups (eg, Black, Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, and multiracial). Seventy-two participants (68%) received a diagnosis of ASD by the MDT. Sensitivity and specificity of the pediatrician assessments compared with MDT were 0.75 (95% CI, 0.67-0.83) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.62-0.91), respectively. The PPV of the pediatrician assessments was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.80-0.94) (ie, 89% agreement with the MDT), and NPV was 0.60 (95% CI, 0.49-0.70) (ie, 60% agreement with the MDT). Higher pediatrician certainty (odds ratio [OR], 3.33; 95% CI, 1.71-7.34; P = .001) was associated with increased diagnostic accuracy for children with ASD. Lower accuracy was seen for children with higher Visual Reception subscale developmental skills (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89-0.97; P = .001), speaking abilities (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.03-0.67; P = .03), and White race (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.10-0.97; P = .04). Age, gender, and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition composite scores were not significantly associated with the accuracy of assessments. All 7 children with a sibling with ASD received an accurate diagnosis; otherwise, no significant factors were identified for accuracy in children without ASD. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study of concordance of autism assessment between pediatricians and an expert MDT in young children found high accuracy when general pediatricians felt confident and lower accuracy when ruling out ASD. These findings suggest that children with co-occurring delays may be potential candidates for community assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Penner
- Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lili Senman
- Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lana Andoni
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston
| | - Annie Dupuis
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shawn Kao
- Pediatricians Alliance of Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abbie Solish
- Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michelle Shouldice
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Paediatric Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Genevieve Ferguson
- Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Brian
- Autism Research Centre, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Shirwaikar RD, Sarwari I, Najam M, M SH. Has Machine Learning Enhanced the Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder? Crit Rev Biomed Eng 2023; 51:1-14. [PMID: 37522537 DOI: 10.1615/critrevbiomedeng.v51.i1.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological condition that limits an individual's capacity for communication and learning throughout their life. Although symptoms of Autism can be diagnosed in individuals of different ages, it is labeled as a developmental disorder because symptoms typically start to show up in the initial 2 years of childhood. Autism has no single known cause but multiple factors contribute to its etiology in children. Because symptoms and severity of ASD vary in every individual, there could be many causes. Detection of ASD in the early stages is crucial for providing a path for rehabilitation that enhances the quality of life and integrates the ASD person into the social, family, and professional spheres. Assessment of ASD includes experienced observers in neutral environments, which brings constraints and biases to a lack of credibility and fails to accurately reflect performance in terms of real-world scenarios. To get around these limitations, the conducted review offers a thorough analysis of the impact on the individual and the ones living around them and most recent research on how these techniques are implemented in the diagnosis of ASD. As a result of improvements in technology, assessments now include processing unconventional data than can be collected from measurements arising out of laboratory chemistry or of electrophysiological origin. Examples of these technologies include virtual reality and sensors including eye-tracking imaging. Studies have been conducted towards recognition of emotion and brain networks to identify functional connectivity and discriminate between people with ASD and people who are thought to be typically developing. Diagnosis of Autism has recently made substantial use of long short term memory (LSTM), convolutional neural network (CNN) and its variants, the random forest (RF) and naive Bayes (NB) machine learning techniques. It is hoped that researchers will develop methodologies that increase the probability of identification of ASD in its varied forms and contribute towards improved lifestyle for patients with ASD and those affected by the pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudresh Deepak Shirwaikar
- Department of Computer Engineering, Agnel Institute of Technology and Design (AITD), Goa University, Assagao, Goa, India, 403507
| | - Iram Sarwari
- Department of Information Science and Engineering, Ramaiah Institute of Technology (RIT), Bangalore, Karnataka, India 560064
| | - Mehwish Najam
- Department of Information Science and Engineering, Ramaiah Institute of Technology (RIT), Bangalore, Karnataka, India 560064
| | - Shama H M
- BMS Institute of Technology and Management (BMSIT), Bangalore, Karnataka, India 560064
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Saban-Bezalel R, Zachor DA, Ben-Itzchak E. Relationship between cognitive ability and predictors for age at the time of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Psychiatry Res 2022; 315:114696. [PMID: 35809494 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased awareness of the need for early diagnosis and intervention; however, not all children are diagnosed at preschool age. In the literature, findings regarding factors that may play a role in later diagnosis are inconsistent. Presence or absence of intellectual disability is a possible factor. This study aimed to identify factors associated with later diagnosis of ASD among children grouped according to low and high cognitive levels. Data of children who were previously diagnosed with ASD between 2002 and 2016 at a national autism center were analyzed. Better cognitive ability, having more siblings, and previous diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were predictors of later diagnosis among the entire cohort. Children exhibiting lower cognitive levels (LC-ASD; DQ/IQ < 70; n = 209) were diagnosed much earlier. Among this group, later ASD diagnosis was predicted by poorer adaptive behavior, more severe restricted and repetitive behaviors, and previous diagnosis of epilepsy. In the higher cognitive level group (HC-ASD; DQ/IQ ≥ 70; n = 321), familial variables and more severe social impairments were predictors of later ASD diagnosis. Clinicians should be aware of variables that may affect ASD diagnostic age among children with varying cognitive abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Saban-Bezalel
- Bruckner Center for Autism Research, Department of Communication Disorders, Ariel University, Israel.
| | - Ditza A Zachor
- The Autism Center/ALUT, Department of Pediatrics, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Zerifin, 70300, Israel
| | - Esther Ben-Itzchak
- Bruckner Center for Autism Research, Department of Communication Disorders, Ariel University, Israel
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Penney AM, Greenson J, Schwartz IS, Estes AM. "On-Time Autism Intervention": A Diagnostic Practice Framework to Accelerate Access. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:784580. [PMID: 35250660 PMCID: PMC8891635 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.784580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well-documented that autism can be reliably diagnosed by age two and that early signs emerge most often between 18 and 24 months. However, despite the increased awareness and focus on early diagnosis, the average age of diagnosis is over 4 years old; even later for Black children and those who are Medicaid-eligible. In this paper, we will propose a framework for accurate and accelerated autism diagnosis for children before age three. The proposed framework emphasizes a collaborative diagnostic process, which relies heavily on Birth to Three provider knowledge and expertise. Considerations for next steps are presented. This approach could increase access to diagnosis of young children soon after first signs of autism emerge.
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