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Lazerwitz MC, Rowe MA, Trimarchi KJ, Garcia RD, Chu R, Steele MC, Parekh S, Wren-Jarvis J, Bourla I, Mark I, Marco EJ, Mukherjee P. Brief Report: Characterization of Sensory Over-Responsivity in a Broad Neurodevelopmental Concern Cohort Using the Sensory Processing Three Dimensions (SP3D) Assessment. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:3185-3192. [PMID: 36180667 PMCID: PMC9524317 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05747-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR) is an increasingly recognized challenge among children with neurodevelopmental concerns (NDC). To investigate, we characterized the incidence of auditory and tactile over-responsivity (AOR, TOR) among 82 children with NDC. We found that 70% of caregivers reported concern for their child's sensory reactions. Direct assessment further revealed that 54% of the NDC population expressed AOR, TOR, or both - which persisted regardless of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. These findings support the high prevalence of SOR as well as its lack of specificity to ASD. Additionally, AOR is revealed to be over twice as prevalent as TOR. These conclusions present several avenues for further exploration, including deeper analysis of the neural mechanisms and genetic contributors to sensory processing challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maia C Lazerwitz
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA, USA
| | - Mikaela A Rowe
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Robyn Chu
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Growing Healthy Children Therapy Services, Rescue, CA, USA
| | | | - Shalin Parekh
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jamie Wren-Jarvis
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ioanna Bourla
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ian Mark
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Pratik Mukherjee
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Alsaedi RH, Carrington S, Watters JJ. Caregivers' Assessment of the Sensory Processing Patterns Exhibited by Children with Autism in the Gulf Region. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:2693-2709. [PMID: 37171762 PMCID: PMC11286682 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05937-4] [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: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the nature, prevalence, and developmental profiles of sensory processing disorders among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The participants comprised 119 children with ASD and 30 typically developing children and their parents. The Child Sensory Profile-2 was used to assess the children's sensory processing characteristics. The children with ASD exhibited elevated sensory processing difficulties. Deficits were observed in all the sensory modalities among the children with ASD, except the visual processing modality. Age-related improvements were observed in most sensory processing domains, although non-significant differences were noted in three domains. These findings should enhance understanding of the sensory challenges faced by children with ASD and contribute to the development of individually tailored, targeted, and age-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehab H Alsaedi
- Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia.
- The Department of Special Education, Taibah University, Janadah Bin Umayyah Road, Madinah, 41477, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Suzanne Carrington
- Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - James J Watters
- Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
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3
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Silvestri R, Di Perri MC. Is iron depletion the only cause of motor restlessness in restless sleep presenting in autism spectrum disorder? J Clin Sleep Med 2024; 20:337-338. [PMID: 38174874 PMCID: PMC11019212 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.11024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalia Silvestri
- Sleep Medicine Center, UOSD of Neurophysiopathology and Movement Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Di Perri
- Sleep Medicine Center, UOSD of Neurophysiopathology and Movement Disorders, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Randell E, McNamara R, Busse M, Delport S, Williams-Thomas R, Maboshe W, Gillespie D, Milosevic S, Brookes-Howell L, Wright M, Hastings RP, McKigney AM, Glarou E, Ahuja A. Exploring critical intervention features and trial processes in the evaluation of sensory integration therapy for autistic children. Trials 2024; 25:131. [PMID: 38368387 PMCID: PMC10873975 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-07957-6] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated the clinical and cost-effectiveness of manualised sensory integration therapy (SIT) for autistic children with sensory processing difficulties in a two-arm randomised controlled trial. Trial processes and contextual factors which may have affected intervention outcomes were explored within a nested process evaluation. This paper details the process evaluation methods and results. We also discuss implications for evaluation of individual level, tailored interventions in similar populations. METHODS The process evaluation was conducted in line with Medical Research Council guidance. Recruitment, demographics, retention, adherence, and adverse effects are reported using descriptive statistics. Fidelity of intervention delivery is reported according to the intervention scoring manual. Qualitative interviews with therapists and carers were undertaken to explore the acceptability of the intervention and trial processes. Qualitative interviews with carers explored potential contamination. RESULTS Recruitment, reach and retention within the trial met expected thresholds. One hundred thirty-eight children and carers were recruited (92% of those screened and 53.5% of those who expressed an interest) with 77.5% retained at 6 months and 69.9% at 12 months post-randomisation. The intervention was delivered with structural and process fidelity with the majority (78.3%) receiving a 'sufficient dose' of intervention. However, there was considerable individual variability in the receipt of sessions. Carers and therapists reported that trial processes were generally acceptable though logistical challenges such as appointment times, travel and COVID restrictions were frequent barriers to receiving the intervention. No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS The process evaluation was highly valuable in identifying contextual factors that could impact the effectiveness of this individualised intervention. Rigorous evaluations of interventions for autistic children are important, especially given the limitations such as limited sample sizes and short-term follow-up as faced by previous research. One of the challenges lies in the variability of outcomes considered important by caregivers, as each autistic child faces unique challenges. It is crucial to consider the role of parents or other caregivers in facilitating access to these interventions and how this may impact effectiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered as ISRCTN14716440. August 11, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Monica Busse
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Melissa Wright
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Ty Dewi Sant, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Richard P Hastings
- Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal, and Research (CEDAR), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Eleni Glarou
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Alka Ahuja
- Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, UK
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Demopoulos C, Jesson X, Gerdes MR, Jurigova BG, Hinkley LB, Ranasinghe KG, Desai S, Honma S, Mizuiri D, Findlay A, Nagarajan SS, Marco EJ. Global MEG Resting State Functional Connectivity in Children with Autism and Sensory Processing Dysfunction. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.26.577499. [PMID: 38352614 PMCID: PMC10862722 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.26.577499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Sensory processing dysfunction not only affects most individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but at least 5% of children without ASD also experience dysfunctional sensory processing. Our understanding of the relationship between sensory dysfunction and resting state brain activity is still emerging. This study compared long-range resting state functional connectivity of neural oscillatory behavior in children aged 8-12 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; N=18), those with sensory processing dysfunction (SPD; N=18) who do not meet ASD criteria, and typically developing control participants (TDC; N=24) using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Functional connectivity analyses were performed in the alpha and beta frequency bands, which are known to be implicated in sensory information processing. Group differences in functional connectivity and associations between sensory abilities and functional connectivity were examined. Distinct patterns of functional connectivity differences between ASD and SPD groups were found only in the beta band, but not in the alpha band. In both alpha and beta bands, ASD and SPD cohorts differed from the TDC cohort. Somatosensory cortical beta-band functional connectivity was associated with tactile processing abilities, while higher-order auditory cortical alpha-band functional connectivity was associated with auditory processing abilities. These findings demonstrate distinct long-range neural synchrony alterations in SPD and ASD that are associated with sensory processing abilities. Neural synchrony measures could serve as potential sensitive biomarkers for ASD and SPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Demopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, 675 18 Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
- Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California-San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, S362, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Xuan Jesson
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, 1791 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304
| | - Molly Rae Gerdes
- Cortica Healthcare, Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, 4000 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903
| | - Barbora G. Jurigova
- Cortica Healthcare, Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, 4000 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903
| | - Leighton B. Hinkley
- Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California-San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, S362, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Kamalini G. Ranasinghe
- University of California-San Francisco, Department of Neurology, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Shivani Desai
- University of California-San Francisco, Department of Neurology, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Susanne Honma
- Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California-San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, S362, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Danielle Mizuiri
- Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California-San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, S362, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Anne Findlay
- Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California-San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, S362, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Srikantan S. Nagarajan
- Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California-San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, S362, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Elysa J. Marco
- Cortica Healthcare, Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, 4000 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903
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Deng J, Lei T, Du X. Effects of sensory integration training on balance function and executive function in children with autism spectrum disorder: evidence from Footscan and fNIRS. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1269462. [PMID: 37946875 PMCID: PMC10631781 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1269462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study investigates the efficacy of sensory integration training (SIT) in enhancing balance and executive functions in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with the aim of highlighting its potential for organizing and processing sensory information in the brain. Methods Utilizing Footscan for biomechanical evidence and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) for neural activation, we engaged two participant groups: a control group (n = 9) and an experimental group (n = 9). Assessments involved the Sharpened Romberg Test (SRT) for balance under varied visual conditions and the Go/No-Go task for executive function. Results The SIT intervention significantly improved balance function, particularly in Visual Deprivation (VD) scenarios. Neurophysiological data revealed heightened activation in the right Inferior Frontal Gyrus (R-IFG) and right Middle Frontal Gyrus (R-MFG), suggesting enhanced executive function. The potential of R-IFG/MFG activation as a reliable biomarker for assessing executive function in ASD was identified. Discussion The study provides empirical evidence supporting SIT's effectiveness in enhancing balance and executive functions in children with ASD. The therapy not only improves sensory processing and motor skills but also appears to compensate for sensory deficits, particularly in vision, vestibular perception, and proprioception. Enhanced neural activation in specific PFC regions underscores SIT's role in improving cognitive aspects, including inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. The multidisciplinary approach adopted for this research highlights the intricate interplay between sensory-motor functions and cognitive control in ASD, paving the way for integrated therapeutic strategies. Despite these advancements, the mechanisms through which SIT exerts these multifaceted effects require further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchen Deng
- College of Sport Arts, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Lei
- College of Graduate, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiru Du
- College of Sport Arts, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
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Monday HR, Wang HC, Feldman DE. Circuit-level theories for sensory dysfunction in autism: convergence across mouse models. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1254297. [PMID: 37745660 PMCID: PMC10513044 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1254297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit a diverse range of behavioral features and genetic backgrounds, but whether different genetic forms of autism involve convergent pathophysiology of brain function is unknown. Here, we analyze evidence for convergent deficits in neural circuit function across multiple transgenic mouse models of ASD. We focus on sensory areas of neocortex, where circuit differences may underlie atypical sensory processing, a central feature of autism. Many distinct circuit-level theories for ASD have been proposed, including increased excitation-inhibition (E-I) ratio and hyperexcitability, hypofunction of parvalbumin (PV) interneuron circuits, impaired homeostatic plasticity, degraded sensory coding, and others. We review these theories and assess the degree of convergence across ASD mouse models for each. Behaviorally, our analysis reveals that innate sensory detection behavior is heightened and sensory discrimination behavior is impaired across many ASD models. Neurophysiologically, PV hypofunction and increased E-I ratio are prevalent but only rarely generate hyperexcitability and excess spiking. Instead, sensory tuning and other aspects of neural coding are commonly degraded and may explain impaired discrimination behavior. Two distinct phenotypic clusters with opposing neural circuit signatures are evident across mouse models. Such clustering could suggest physiological subtypes of autism, which may facilitate the development of tailored therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R. Monday
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | | | - Daniel E. Feldman
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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Neufeld J, Maier S, Revers M, Reisert M, Kuja-Halkola R, Tebartz van Elst L, Bölte S. Reduced brain connectivity along the autism spectrum controlled for familial confounding by co-twin design. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13124. [PMID: 37573391 PMCID: PMC10423238 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39876-y] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies on brain connectivity correlates of autism have often focused on selective connections and yielded inconsistent results. By applying global fiber tracking and utilizing a within-twin pair design, we aimed to contribute to a more unbiased picture of white matter connectivity in association with clinical autism and autistic traits. Eighty-seven twin pairs (n = 174; 55% monozygotic; 24 with clinical autism) underwent diffusion tensor imaging. Linear regressions assessed within-twin pair associations between structural brain connectivity of anatomically defined brain regions and both clinical autism and autistic traits. These were explicitly adjusted for IQ, other neurodevelopmental/psychiatric conditions and multiple testing, and implicitly for biological sex, age, and all genetic and environmental factors shared by twins. Both clinical autism and autistic traits were associated with reductions in structural connectivity. Twins fulfilling diagnostic criteria for clinical autism had decreased brainstem-cuneus connectivity compared to their co-twins without clinical autism. Further, twins with higher autistic traits had decreased connectivity of the left hippocampus with the left fusiform and parahippocampal areas. These associations were also significant in dizygotic twins alone. Reduced brainstem-cuneus connectivity might point towards alterations in low-level visual processing in clinical autism while higher autistic traits seemed to be more associated with reduced connectivity in networks involving the hippocampus and the fusiform gyrus, crucial especially for processing of faces and other (higher order) visual processing. The observed associations were likely influenced by both genes and environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Neufeld
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research; Department of Women's and Children's Health & Stockholm Health Care Services, Karolinska Institutet & Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Simon Maier
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mirian Revers
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research; Department of Women's and Children's Health & Stockholm Health Care Services, Karolinska Institutet & Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marco Reisert
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Medical Center of the University of Freiburg, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Physics, Medical Center of the University of Freiburg, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Kuja-Halkola
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ludger Tebartz van Elst
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section for Experimental Neuropsychiatry, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research; Department of Women's and Children's Health & Stockholm Health Care Services, Karolinska Institutet & Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Curtin Autism Research Group, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Parekh SA, Wren-Jarvis J, Lazerwitz M, Rowe MA, Powers R, Bourla I, Cai LT, Chu R, Trimarchi K, Garcia R, Marco EJ, Mukherjee P. Hemispheric lateralization of white matter microstructure in children and its potential role in sensory processing dysfunction. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1088052. [PMID: 37139524 PMCID: PMC10149818 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1088052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have demonstrated white matter microstructural differences between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. However, the basis of these hemispheric asymmetries is not yet understood in terms of the biophysical properties of white matter microstructure, especially in children. There are reports of altered hemispheric white matter lateralization in ASD; however, this has not been studied in other related neurodevelopmental disorders such as sensory processing disorder (SPD). Firstly, we postulate that biophysical compartment modeling of diffusion MRI (dMRI), such as Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI), can elucidate the hemispheric microstructural asymmetries observed from DTI in children with neurodevelopmental concerns. Secondly, we hypothesize that sensory over-responsivity (SOR), a common type of SPD, will show altered hemispheric lateralization relative to children without SOR. Eighty-seven children (29 females, 58 males), ages 8-12 years, presenting at a community-based neurodevelopmental clinic were enrolled, 48 with SOR and 39 without. Participants were evaluated using the Sensory Processing 3 Dimensions (SP3D). Whole brain 3 T multi-shell multiband dMRI (b = 0, 1,000, 2,500 s/mm2) was performed. Tract Based Spatial Statistics were used to extract DTI and NODDI metrics from 20 bilateral tracts of the Johns Hopkins University White-Matter Tractography Atlas and the lateralization Index (LI) was calculated for each left-right tract pair. With DTI metrics, 12 of 20 tracts were left lateralized for fractional anisotropy and 17/20 tracts were right lateralized for axial diffusivity. These hemispheric asymmetries could be explained by NODDI metrics, including neurite density index (18/20 tracts left lateralized), orientation dispersion index (15/20 tracts left lateralized) and free water fraction (16/20 tracts lateralized). Children with SOR served as a test case of the utility of studying LI in neurodevelopmental disorders. Our data demonstrated increased lateralization in several tracts for both DTI and NODDI metrics in children with SOR, which were distinct for males versus females, when compared to children without SOR. Biophysical properties from NODDI can explain the hemispheric lateralization of white matter microstructure in children. As a patient-specific ratio, the lateralization index can eliminate scanner-related and inter-individual sources of variability and thus potentially serve as a clinically useful imaging biomarker for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalin A. Parekh
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jamie Wren-Jarvis
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Maia Lazerwitz
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA, United States
| | - Mikaela A. Rowe
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Rachel Powers
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA, United States
| | - Ioanna Bourla
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lanya T. Cai
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Robyn Chu
- Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Pratik Mukherjee
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Sivayokan B, Sivayokan S, Thirunavukarasu K, Sathiadas G, Sivapathamoorthy T. The Characteristics of Autistic Children Attending a Neuro-Developmental Center in Northern Sri Lanka. Cureus 2023; 15:e35970. [PMID: 37041896 PMCID: PMC10082937 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The global prevalence of autism spectrum disorder is rising. However, the services related to autism are only slowly being developed in poor-resource nations. There is a need to understand the characteristics of autistic children in order to develop individualized, evidence-based interventions. This study aims to analyze the sociodemographic profile and initial clinical presentations of autistic children in the northern part of Sri Lanka and determine the differences in these factors between this region and the rest of the country and the globe. METHODS This retrospective descriptive study in a center for neuro-developmental disorders in Northern Sri Lanka analyzed data extracted from clinical records of 123 autistic children using a predesigned data extraction form. Descriptive analyses and chi-square tests were performed using RStudio. RESULTS Among the 123 children, 71.5% were males. The mean age of diagnosis was 3.4 years. Most children (69.9%) had mild to moderate symptoms of autism. At the time of presentation, all children had speech-related complaints, while behavioral issues, poor social interaction, and sensory issues were reported in 91.9%, 96.7%, and 78% respectively. Social stigma was found to be the prime challenge faced by caregivers. CONCLUSION The findings show that speech and language-related problems are universal among autistic children in this region, while behavioral issues, poor social interaction, and sensory issues are highly prevalent. Further, this study highlights the need for community awareness through the primary healthcare system to address delays in detecting red-flag signs of autism by parents and seeking professional help.
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Byström K, Wrangsjö B, Grahn P. COMSI ®-A Form of Treatment That Offers an Opportunity to Play, Communicate and Become Socially Engaged through the Lens of Nature-A Single Case Study about an 8-Year-Old Boy with Autism and Intellectual Disability. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16399. [PMID: 36554277 PMCID: PMC9779248 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This case study shows how an 8-year-old boy with autism and mild intellectual disability underwent positive psychological development in terms of play, social communication, and mentalization during a year and a half of group-based therapy using COMSI®-(COMmunication and Social Interaction). This eclectic treatment has a relational approach and is based on developmental psychology, knowledge of autism, and the impact of nature and animals on human health. The change in the child was been studied using both quantitative and qualitative methods. His general intellectual capacity was measured using the Wechler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, and his Mentalization Ability/Theory of Mind was assessed using three tests: Eva and Anna, Hiding the fruit and Kiki and the cat. Throughout the study period, change was documented with the help of the therapists' process notes and the parents' descriptions. The results show that support for the child comes from three different sources: nature, animals, and the therapists. Animals and nature form the basis for episodes of coordinated attention in conversation and play with therapists. The therapists' approach used sensitivity and compliance with the child's needs and focus of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Byström
- Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, SE-230 44 Lomma, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Habilitation & Health, Children and Youth Habilitation, SE-541 50 Skövde, Sweden
| | - Björn Wrangsjö
- Department of Children’s and Woman’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patrik Grahn
- Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, SE-230 44 Lomma, Sweden
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Silvestri R, Ipsiroglu OS. Behavioral sleep medicine-The need for harmonization of clinical best practice outcome measures in children and adolescents with intellectual or developmental disabilities and restless sleep. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1003019. [PMID: 36226108 PMCID: PMC9548631 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1003019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In behavioral medicine, sleep disorders, insomnia in particular, may be considered comorbidities and precipitating factors to intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). Nevertheless, sleep alterations have often been neglected in favor of daytime features and symptoms, albeit simple behavioral nighttime observations may disclose hypermotor features that characterize restless sleep. The root of most hypermotor restlessness is linked to central iron deficiency. The latter is often exacerbated by vitamin D deficiency (VDD), which interferes with both dopaminergic and serotonergic mechanisms. In this way, an imbalance affecting daytime behavior and mood is created. Several sleep-related motor disorders such as bruxism, periodic and aperiodic leg movements, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), and Restless Sleep Disorder (RSD) are commonly seen in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). However, they are rarely diagnosed and often overlooked in affected children and adolescents. As a result, not only are these disorders not adequately addressed therapeutically, but their symptoms may be worsened by the side-effects of drugs used to contain disruptive daytime behavior, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants. In children with IDDs, obesity, inactivity and metabolic effects of antipsychotics often lead to Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB), which is currently understood as an inflammatory state leading to "hyperactive" lethargy and further alterations of the hypoxic chain and vitamin D levels. Endorsing simple routine blood tests, including inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, ferritin, transferrin, and vitamin D levels, may favorably complement caregiver observations and ambulatory sleep recordings, leading to a sleep disorder diagnosis and consequent therapy. In fact, the treatment of SDB, RLS, and RSD has been copiously demonstrated to favorably impact vigilance, behavior, social competence, and academic skills in healthy and, to a greater extent, in IDD children. Thus, consulting and deliberating the root causes of functional and categorical diagnoses within a clinical framework may engender a more precise diagnosis and further benefit pediatric daytime and nighttime management of hyperactive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalia Silvestri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Sleep Medicine Center, University of Messina, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria “Gaetano Martino”, Messina, Italy
| | - Osman S. Ipsiroglu
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- H-Behaviours Research Lab, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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13
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Gomez IN, Medallon KG. Assessing Sensory Processing in Adults. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40474-022-00249-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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14
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Randell E, Wright M, Milosevic S, Gillespie D, Brookes-Howell L, Busse-Morris M, Hastings R, Maboshe W, Williams-Thomas R, Mills L, Romeo R, Yaziji N, McKigney AM, Ahuja A, Warren G, Glarou E, Delport S, McNamara R. Sensory integration therapy for children with autism and sensory processing difficulties: the SenITA RCT. Health Technol Assess 2022; 26:1-140. [PMID: 35766242 DOI: 10.3310/tqge0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carers report unmet need for occupational therapy services addressing sensory difficulties in autism, yet insufficient evidence exists to recommend a therapeutic approach. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of sensory integration therapy for children with autism and sensory difficulties across behavioural, functional and quality-of-life outcomes. DESIGN We carried out a parallel-group randomised controlled trial, incorporating an internal pilot and a process evaluation. Randomisation utilised random permuted blocks. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Children were recruited via services and self-referral in Wales and England. Inclusion criteria were having an autism diagnosis, being in mainstream primary education and having definite/probable sensory processing difficulties. Exclusion criteria were having current/previous sensory integration therapy and current applied behaviour analysis therapy. INTERVENTION The intervention was manualised sensory integration therapy delivered over 26 weeks and the comparator was usual care. OUTCOMES The primary outcome was problem behaviours (determined using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist), including irritability/agitation, at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were adaptive behaviour, functioning and socialisation (using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales); carer stress (measured using the Autism Parenting Stress Index); quality of life (measured using the EuroQol-5 Dimensions and Carer Quality of Life); functional change (according to the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure); sensory processing (determined using the Sensory Processing Measure™ at screening and at 6 months to examine mediation effects); and cost-effectiveness (assessed using the Client Service Receipt Inventory). Every effort was made to ensure that outcome assessors were blind to allocation. RESULTS A total of 138 participants were randomised (n = 69 per group). Usual care was significantly different from the intervention, which was delivered with good fidelity and adherence and minimal contamination, and was associated with no adverse effects. Trial procedures and outcome measures were acceptable. Carers and therapists reported improvement in daily functioning. The primary analysis included 106 participants. There were no significant main effects of the intervention at 6 or 12 months. The adjusted mean difference between groups on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist - irritability at 6 months post randomisation was 0.40 (95% confidence interval -2.33 to 3.14; p = 0.77). Subgroup differences in irritability/agitation at 6 months were observed for sex of child (intervention × female = 6.42, 95% confidence interval 0.00 to 12.85; p = 0.050) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (intervention × attention deficit hyperactivity disorder = -6.77, 95% confidence interval -13.55 to -0.01; p = 0.050). There was an effect on carer stress at 6 months by region (intervention × South England = 7.01, 95% confidence interval 0.45 to 13.56; p = 0.04) and other neurodevelopmental/genetic conditions (intervention × neurodevelopmental/genetic condition = -9.53, 95% confidence interval -18.08 to -0.98; p = 0.030). Carer-rated goal performance and satisfaction increased across sessions (p < 0.001), with a mean change of 2.75 (95% confidence interval 2.14 to 3.37) for performance and a mean change of 3.34 (95% confidence interval 2.63 to 4.40) for satisfaction. Health economic evaluation suggests that sensory integration therapy is not cost-effective compared with usual care alone. LIMITATIONS Limitations included variability of the intervention setting (i.e. NHS vs. private), delay for some receiving therapy, an error in administration of Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales and no measurement of comparator arm goal performance. CONCLUSIONS The intervention did not demonstrate clinical benefit above standard care. Subgroup effects are hypothesis-generating only. The intervention is likely to be effective for individualised performance goals, although it is unclear whether effects were in addition to standard care or were maintained. FUTURE WORK Further investigation of subgroup effects is needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered as ISRCTN14716440. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 29. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa Wright
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Richard Hastings
- Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal, and Research (CEDAR) University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | - Laura Mills
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Renee Romeo
- Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nahel Yaziji
- Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Alka Ahuja
- Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, UK
| | | | - Eleni Glarou
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.,Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sue Delport
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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15
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Blume J, Kahathuduwa C, Mastergeorge A. Intrinsic Structural Connectivity of the Default Mode Network and Behavioral Correlates of Executive Function and Social Skills in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 53:1930-1941. [PMID: 35141816 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05460-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Brain connectivity of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is heterogenous, as are the behavioral manifestations. The current study investigated brain-behavior relationships in the context of social skills and executive function profiles with data from the Autism Brain Imaging Database Exchange II. We calculated connectivity measures from diffusion tensor imaging using Bayesian estimation and probabilistic tractography. Subsequently, we performed structural equation modeling by regressing three latent factors, yielded from an exploratory factor analysis, onto total default mode network (DMN) connectivity. Both social regulation processing and self-directed cognitive processing factors moderately, negatively correlated with total DMN connectivity. Our findings indicate social regulation processing difficulties in youth with ASD may be attributable to impaired connectivity between the anterior and posterior DMN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Blume
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Texas Tech University, P.O. Box 41230, Lubbock, TX, 79409-1230, USA.
| | - Chanaka Kahathuduwa
- Department of Laboratory Sciences and Primary Care, Department of Psychiatry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, USA
| | - Ann Mastergeorge
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Texas Tech University, P.O. Box 41230, Lubbock, TX, 79409-1230, USA
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16
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Eijsker N, Schröder A, Liebrand LC, Smit DJA, van Wingen G, Denys D. White matter abnormalities in misophonia. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 32:102787. [PMID: 34461433 PMCID: PMC8405911 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Misophonia is a condition in which specific ordinary sounds provoke disproportionately strong negative affect and physiological arousal. Evidence for neurobiological abnormalities underlying misophonia is scarce. Since many psychiatric disorders show white matter (WM) abnormalities, we tested for both macro and micro-structural WM differences between misophonia patients and healthy controls. We collected T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images from 24 patients and 25 matched controls. We tested for group differences in WM volume using whole-brain voxel-based morphometry and used the significant voxels from this analysis as seeds for probabilistic tractography. After calculation of diffusion tensors, we compared group means for fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and directional diffusivities, and applied tract-based spatial statistics for voxel-wise comparison. Compared to controls, patients had greater left-hemispheric WM volumes in the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, anterior thalamic radiation, and body of the corpus callosum connecting bilateral superior frontal gyri. Patients also had lower averaged radial and mean diffusivities and voxel-wise comparison indicated large and widespread clusters of lower mean diffusivity. We found both macro and microstructural WM abnormalities in our misophonia sample, suggesting misophonia symptomatology is associated with WM alterations. These biological alterations may be related to differences in social-emotional processing, particularly recognition of facial affect, and to attention for affective information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Eijsker
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Brain and Cognition, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129, Amsterdam 1001 NK, the Netherlands
| | - Arjan Schröder
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Brain and Cognition, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129, Amsterdam 1001 NK, the Netherlands
| | - Luka C Liebrand
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Brain and Cognition, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129, Amsterdam 1001 NK, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Dirk J A Smit
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Brain and Cognition, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129, Amsterdam 1001 NK, the Netherlands
| | - Guido van Wingen
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Brain and Cognition, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129, Amsterdam 1001 NK, the Netherlands
| | - Damiaan Denys
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Brain and Cognition, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129, Amsterdam 1001 NK, the Netherlands.
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17
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Abstract
Many individuals on the autism spectrum are hypersensitive to certain sensory stimuli. For this group, as well as for non-autistic individuals with sensory processing disorders, being exposed to e.g. fluorescent lights, perfume odours, and various sounds and noises can be real torment. In this article, I consider the normative implications of such offence for the design of office spaces, which is a topic that has not received any attention from philosophers. After identifying different ways in which the senses of hypersensitive workers might be protected within these spaces, I show that many of such accommodations can be made at reasonable cost, before arguing that doing so ought to be a legal requirement.
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18
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Brennan C, Weintraub H, Tennant S, Meyers C. Speech, Language, and Communication Deficits and Intervention in a Single Case of Pediatric Autoimmune Encephalitis. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2021; 30:2350-2367. [PMID: 34491819 DOI: 10.1044/2021_ajslp-20-00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The current literature on pediatric autoimmune encephalitis (AE) focuses on medical identification/diagnosis and medical treatments. Data about the identification and treatment of communication disorders in these children are limited. This clinical focus article provides an example of the speech, language, and communication characteristics, intervention, and recovery of a single child with medical diagnoses of pediatric AE and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and special education eligibility under the autism spectrum disorder category. Method This is an in-depth illustrative/descriptive case study. Medical, educational, and speech-language documentation of one child diagnosed with AE at age 7 years was reviewed. Methods included interviews with family members, teachers, and the school speech-language pathologist and reviews of documentation including evaluations, reports, and Individualized Education Programs. Results This child received special education and therapy services through his public school and a university speech-language clinic. He concurrently received medical treatment for AE and PANS. Comprehensive augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention included the use of core words, modeling, parallel talk, self-talk, expansive recasts, shared book reading, family counseling, and collaboration with the parents and the school speech-language pathologist. The child made progress on all goals despite irregular attendance to therapy due to medical complications. Discussion Because experimental research including this population is currently limited, this descriptive case study provides valuable information to clinicians, educators, pediatricians, medical diagnosticians, and anyone providing services to a child with a complex neuropsychological disorder like AE. Future research is needed with more children who have AE, especially experimental investigations of the intervention methods utilized here. Additional research of more children with AE can provide information about the scope and severity of speech, language, and communication needs and the trajectory of recovery given AAC intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Brennan
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Haley Weintraub
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Sherri Tennant
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Christina Meyers
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder
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19
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Vestibular Stimulation May Drive Multisensory Processing: Principles for Targeted Sensorimotor Therapy (TSMT). Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11081111. [PMID: 34439730 PMCID: PMC8393350 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
At birth, the vestibular system is fully mature, whilst higher order sensory processing is yet to develop in the full-term neonate. The current paper lays out a theoretical framework to account for the role vestibular stimulation may have driving multisensory and sensorimotor integration. Accordingly, vestibular stimulation, by activating the parieto-insular vestibular cortex, and/or the posterior parietal cortex may provide the cortical input for multisensory neurons in the superior colliculus that is needed for multisensory processing. Furthermore, we propose that motor development, by inducing change of reference frames, may shape the receptive field of multisensory neurons. This, by leading to lack of spatial contingency between formally contingent stimuli, may cause degradation of prior motor responses. Additionally, we offer a testable hypothesis explaining the beneficial effect of sensory integration therapies regarding attentional processes. Key concepts of a sensorimotor integration therapy (e.g., targeted sensorimotor therapy (TSMT)) are also put into a neurological context. TSMT utilizes specific tools and instruments. It is administered in 8-weeks long successive treatment regimens, each gradually increasing vestibular and postural stimulation, so sensory-motor integration is facilitated, and muscle strength is increased. Empirically TSMT is indicated for various diseases. Theoretical foundations of this sensorimotor therapy are discussed.
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20
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Elucidation of the relationship between sensory processing and white matter using diffusion tensor imaging tractography in young adults. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12088. [PMID: 34103636 PMCID: PMC8187654 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91569-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory processing and behaviors are altered during the development of connectivity between the sensory cortices and multiple brain regions in an experience-dependent manner. To reveal the relationship between sensory processing and brain white matter, we investigated the association between the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) and neural connectivity in the white matter tracts of 84 healthy young adults using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). We observed a positive relationship between AASP scores (i.e., sensory sensitivity, sensation avoiding, activity level)/subscores (i.e., sensory sensitivity–activity level, sensation avoiding–touch) and DTI parameters in the cingulum–cingulate gyrus bundle (CCG) and between AASP subscores (i.e., sensory sensitivity–auditory) and a diffusion parameter in the uncinate fasciculus (UNC). The diffusion parameters that correlated with AASP scores/subscores and AASP quadrant scores (i.e., sensory avoiding and sensitivity) were axonal diffusivity (AD) and mean diffusivity (MD) in the CCG and MD in the UNC. Moreover, the increased sensory avoiding and sensitivity scores represent the sensitization of sensory processing, and the level of diffusivity parameters indicates white matter microstructure variability, such as axons and myelin from diffusivity of water molecules. Thus, the present study suggests that the CCG and UNC are critical white matter microstructures for determining the level of sensory processing in young adults.
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21
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Mulligan S, Douglas S, Armstrong C. Characteristics of Idiopathic Sensory Processing Disorder in Young Children. Front Integr Neurosci 2021; 15:647928. [PMID: 33994966 PMCID: PMC8113623 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2021.647928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study described the developmental and behavioral characteristics of children identified with idiopathic sensory processing disorder (SPD) as well as the relations among specific types of SPD as proposed by the nosology presented by Miller et al. (2007), adaptive behavior profiles, and behaviors associated with mental functioning. A retrospective, non-experimental design applying descriptive and correlational analyses was used. Data were obtained from clinic medical records of 78 children ages 2 to 7 years who were identified with sensory processing problems affecting daily life, but who did not meet criteria for any other neurodevelopmental or mental disorders following a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. Results revealed that all SPD types as described by current typologies were well represented with the most common being the over-responsivity sensory modulation subtype. Within the sample, 53% of the children displayed more than one SPD type. Atypical externalizing and internalizing behavior scores associated with various mental disorders as measured by the child behavior checklist (CBCL) fell in the borderline dysfunctional range. Adaptive behavior for all developmental domains was below average, and the severity of SPD symptoms moderately and positively correlated with behaviors associated with mental disorders, and with lower adaptive behavior performance. It was concluded that symptoms characteristic of the various types of idiopathic SPD overlap substantially suggesting that current typologies may include more types/subtypes than are necessary or clinically useful. Children with SPD share similar, but often less severe pathological behaviors associated with other mental or related neurodevelopmental disorders. Psychometrically sound measures of SPD are needed, and further study of the neural mechanisms involved in sensory processing deficits is vital for validating idiopathic SPD as its own diagnostic entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley Mulligan
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
| | - Sarah Douglas
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
| | - Caitlin Armstrong
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
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22
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Miller LJ, Marco EJ, Chu RC, Camarata S. Editorial: Sensory Processing Across the Lifespan: A 25-Year Initiative to Understand Neurophysiology, Behaviors, and Treatment Effectiveness for Sensory Processing. Front Integr Neurosci 2021; 15:652218. [PMID: 33897385 PMCID: PMC8063042 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2021.652218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Jane Miller
- Department of Pediatrics (Emeritus), University of Colorado, Denver, CO, United States.,Sensory Therapies and Research Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder, Centennial, CO, United States
| | - Elysa J Marco
- Cortica (United States), San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Robyn C Chu
- Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Growing Healthy Children Therapy Services, Rescue, CA, United States
| | - Stephen Camarata
- School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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23
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Adra N, Cao A, Makris N, Valera EM. Sensory Modulation Disorder and its Neural Circuitry in Adults with ADHD: A Pilot Study. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 15:930-940. [PMID: 32770315 PMCID: PMC10655817 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-020-00302-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Compared to healthy controls (HCs), individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit more symptoms of sensory processing disorder (SPD), which is associated with difficulties in educational and social activities. Most studies examining comorbid SPD-ADHD have been conducted with children and have not explored relations to brain volumes. In this pilot study, we assessed a subtype of SPD, sensory modulation disorder (SMD), and its relation to select brain volumes in adults with ADHD. We administered part of the Sensory Processing 3-Dimensions Scale (SP3D) to assess subtypes of SMD and collected structural imaging scans from 25 adults with ADHD and 29 healthy controls (HCs). Relative to HCs, subjects with ADHD scored higher on sensory craving (SC) and sensory under-responsivity (SUR) subscales. Although sensory over-responsivity (SOR) was marginally higher, this was no longer true when accounting for co-occurring anxiety. In individuals with ADHD, both SC and SUR were positively associated with amygdalar volume, SUR was also positively associated with striatal volume, whereas SOR was negatively associated with posterior ventral diencephalon volume. These preliminary findings suggest that SC and SUR may be characteristic of ADHD while SOR may be driven by co-occurring anxiety. Because different modalities were associated with different brain volumes, our findings also suggest that the modalities may involve unique neural circuits, but with a partial overlap between SC and SUR. These pilot data provide support for conducting studies examining SMD in larger samples of adults with ADHD to determine reproducibility, applicability and implications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Adra
- Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aihua Cao
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Brain Science Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Nikos Makris
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eve M Valera
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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24
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Narayan A, Rowe MA, Palacios EM, Wren-Jarvis J, Bourla I, Gerdes M, Brandes-Aitken A, Desai SS, Marco EJ, Mukherjee P. Altered Cerebellar White Matter in Sensory Processing Dysfunction Is Associated With Impaired Multisensory Integration and Attention. Front Psychol 2021; 11:618436. [PMID: 33613368 PMCID: PMC7888341 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.618436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory processing dysfunction (SPD) is characterized by a behaviorally observed difference in the response to sensory information from the environment. While the cerebellum is involved in normal sensory processing, it has not yet been examined in SPD. Diffusion tensor imaging scans of children with SPD (n = 42) and typically developing controls (TDC; n = 39) were compared for fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD) across the following cerebellar tracts: the middle cerebellar peduncles (MCP), superior cerebellar peduncles (SCP), and cerebral peduncles (CP). Compared to TDC, children with SPD show reduced microstructural integrity of the SCP and MCP, characterized by reduced FA and increased MD and RD, which correlates with abnormal auditory behavior, multisensory integration, and attention, but not tactile behavior or direct measures of auditory discrimination. In contradistinction, decreased CP microstructural integrity in SPD correlates with abnormal tactile and auditory behavior and direct measures of auditory discrimination, but not multisensory integration or attention. Hence, altered cerebellar white matter organization is associated with complex sensory behavior and attention in SPD, which prompts further consideration of diagnostic measures and treatments to better serve affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisha Narayan
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Mikaela A Rowe
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA, United States
| | - Eva M Palacios
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jamie Wren-Jarvis
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ioanna Bourla
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Molly Gerdes
- Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA, United States
| | - Annie Brandes-Aitken
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Shivani S Desai
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Elysa J Marco
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA, United States
| | - Pratik Mukherjee
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Barrios-Fernández S, Gozalo M, Díaz-González B, García-Gómez A. A Complementary Sensory Tool for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 7:E244. [PMID: 33233607 PMCID: PMC7699787 DOI: 10.3390/children7110244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensory integration (SI) issues are widely described in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), impacting in their daily life and occupations. To improve their quality of life and occupational performance, we need to improve clinical and educational evaluation and intervention processes. We aim to develop a tool for measuring SI issues for Spanish children and adolescents with ASD diagnosis, to be used as a complementary tool to complete the Rivière's Autism Spectrum Inventory, a widely used instrument in Spanish speaking places to describe the severity of ASD symptoms, recently updated with a new sensory scale with three dimensions. METHODS 458 Spanish participants complemented the new questionnaire, initially formed by 73 items with a 1-5 Likert scale. RESULTS The instrument finally was composed of 41 items grouped in three factors: modulation disorders (13 items), discrimination disorders (13 items), and sensory-based motor disorders (15 items). The goodness-of-fit indices from factor analyses, reliability, and the analysis of the questionnaire's classification capability offered good values. CONCLUSIONS The new questionnaire shows good psychometric properties and seems to be a good complementary tool to complete new the sensory scale in the Rivière's Autism Spectrum Inventory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margarita Gozalo
- Psychology and Anthropology Department, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain;
| | - Beatriz Díaz-González
- Nursing and Occupational Therapy College, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain;
| | - Andrés García-Gómez
- Education Sciences Department, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain;
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Pennisi P, Giallongo L, Milintenda G, Cannarozzo M. Autism, autistic traits and creativity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cogn Process 2020; 22:1-36. [PMID: 33057954 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-020-00992-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Psychometric, historiometric and psychiatric studies are controversial on a hypothetical link between psychopathology and creativity. In this study, we will try to contribute to this debate by analysing the case of autism. Is there a relationship between autism and creativity? If so, can we find the same relationship in a watered-down form in subjects with autistic traits? In order to answer these questions, we carried out a systematic literature review of the studies on this topic published in the last 10 years. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We also conducted a meta-analysis of data. We found that in the clinical population there are fewer creative performances than in control groups; nonetheless, it is possible to delineate a medium creative profile of subjects with autism. The average creative profile of people with autism shows that they are inhibited in fluency and flexibility, but that they display a high level of detail and a particularly high level of originality in works either generated during tests or created in private time. In particular, the level of detail reached in the latter condition seems to be higher in the autistic population than in the control groups. Better linguistic skills appear to be linked to better creative performances. Linguistic tests, if compared with visual and performative tests, seem to favour the expression of originality in subjects with autism. Although our data on autistic traits are compatible with the hypothesis that a high level of autistic traits is a watered-down replica of the cognitive profile of subjects with autism, we have no sufficient data to support this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Pennisi
- Department of Adult and Childhood, Human Pathology "Gaetano Barresi"; Hospital G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria snc, 98125, Messina, Italy.
| | - Laura Giallongo
- Department of Cognitive Science, Education and Cultural Studies, University of Messina, Via Concezione 6/8, IT, 98121, Messina, Italy
| | - Giusy Milintenda
- Department of Cognitive Science, Education and Cultural Studies, University of Messina, Via Concezione 6/8, IT, 98121, Messina, Italy
| | - Michela Cannarozzo
- Department of Adult and Childhood, Human Pathology "Gaetano Barresi"; Hospital G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria snc, 98125, Messina, Italy
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Self-Regulation in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders "SR-MRehab: Un Colegio Emocionante": A Protocol Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124198. [PMID: 32545534 PMCID: PMC7345694 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Self-regulation refers to the ability to control and modulate behavior, and it can include both emotional and cognitive modulation. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders may show difficulties in self-regulation. The main objective of this study is to improve self-regulation skills in children between 6 and 11 years of age with neurodevelopmental disorders. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial will be conducted with the use of “SR-MRehab: Un colegio emocionante”, based on a non-immersive virtual reality system where virtual objects can be managed by children in a natural way using their hands. Children will be recruited from several schools of Granada (Spain) and they will be randomly allocated to two groups. An assessment will be conducted before and after the intervention and 24 weeks after the end of the intervention process. The experimental group will receive the intervention using virtual reality. The control group will receive a standard self-regulation program. Both interventions will be performed once a week for a total of 10 sessions. Changes in self-regulation, as well as the acceptability of technology with the use of SR-MRehab, will be evaluated. The results will be published and will provide evidence regarding the use of this type of intervention in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Trial registration: Registered with code NCT04418921.
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Dimond D, Schuetze M, Smith RE, Dhollander T, Cho I, Vinette S, Ten Eycke K, Lebel C, McCrimmon A, Dewey D, Connelly A, Bray S. Reduced White Matter Fiber Density in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:1778-1788. [PMID: 30668849 PMCID: PMC6418389 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences in brain networks and underlying white matter abnormalities have been suggested to underlie symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, robustly characterizing microstructural white matter differences has been challenging. In the present study, we applied an analytic technique that calculates structural metrics specific to differently-oriented fiber bundles within a voxel, termed "fixels". Fixel-based analyses were used to compare diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data from 25 individuals with ASD (mean age = 16.8 years) and 27 typically developing age-matched controls (mean age = 16.9 years). Group comparisons of fiber density (FD) and bundle morphology were run on a fixel-wise, tract-wise, and global white matter (GWM) basis. We found that individuals with ASD had reduced FD, suggestive of decreased axonal count, in several major white matter tracts, including the corpus callosum (CC), bilateral inferior frontal-occipital fasciculus, right arcuate fasciculus, and right uncinate fasciculus, as well as a GWM reduction. Secondary analyses assessed associations with social impairment in participants with ASD, and showed that lower FD in the splenium of the CC was associated with greater social impairment. Our findings suggest that reduced FD could be the primary microstructural white matter abnormality in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Dimond
- Department of Neuroscience, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Child and Adolescent Imaging Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada
| | - Manuela Schuetze
- Department of Neuroscience, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Child and Adolescent Imaging Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada
| | - Robert E Smith
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne VIC, Australia.,The Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne VIC, Australia
| | - Thijs Dhollander
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne VIC, Australia.,The Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne VIC, Australia
| | - Ivy Cho
- Department of Psychological Clinical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Vinette
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada
| | - Kayla Ten Eycke
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Owerko Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Child and Adolescent Imaging Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Owerko Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada
| | - Adam McCrimmon
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Owerko Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Owerko Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada
| | - Alan Connelly
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne VIC, Australia.,The Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne VIC, Australia
| | - Signe Bray
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Child and Adolescent Imaging Research Program, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Owerko Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada
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29
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Crasta JE, Salzinger E, Lin MH, Gavin WJ, Davies PL. Sensory Processing and Attention Profiles Among Children With Sensory Processing Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Integr Neurosci 2020; 14:22. [PMID: 32431600 PMCID: PMC7214749 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2020.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explores the differences in the profile of relationships between sensory processing and attention abilities among children with sensory processing disorder (SPD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and typically developing (TD) children. The Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-Ch), a performance-based measure of attention, was administered to 69 children (TD: n = 24; SPD: n = 21; ASD: n = 24), ages 6-10 years. All participants' parents completed the Short Sensory Profile (SSP), a standardized parent-report measure of sensory-related behaviors. Discriminant analyses using the TEA-Ch and the SSP domains revealed two classification functions; the first revealed that both clinical groups significantly differed from the TD group with greater sensory processing challenges in the categories of auditory filtering, under-responsive/seeks sensation, low energy/weak, and taste/smell sensitivity subscales of the SSP. The second function discriminated between the two clinical groups, indicating that children with ASD had significantly greater control and sustained attention deficits and less sensory issues than did children with SPD. Together, the two functions correctly classified 76.8% of the participants as to their group membership. The different profiles of sensory processing and attention abilities in children with SPD and ASD may provide guidance in identifying appropriate individualized therapeutic strategies for these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jewel E. Crasta
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Occupational Therapy Division, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Emily Salzinger
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Mei-Heng Lin
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - William J. Gavin
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Neuroscience, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Patricia L. Davies
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Neuroscience, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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30
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Molholm S, Murphy JW, Bates J, Ridgway EM, Foxe JJ. Multisensory Audiovisual Processing in Children With a Sensory Processing Disorder (I): Behavioral and Electrophysiological Indices Under Speeded Response Conditions. Front Integr Neurosci 2020; 14:4. [PMID: 32116583 PMCID: PMC7026671 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2020.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maladaptive reactivity to sensory inputs is commonly observed in neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism, ADHD). Little is known, however, about the underlying neural mechanisms. For some children, atypical sensory reactivity is the primary complaint, despite absence of another identifiable neurodevelopmental diagnosis. Studying Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) may well provide a window into the neuropathology of these symptoms. It has been proposed that a deficit in sensory integration underlies the SPD phenotype, but objective quantification of sensory integration is lacking. Here we used neural and behavioral measures of multisensory integration (MSI), which would be affected by impaired sensory integration and for which there are well accepted objective measures, to test whether failure to integrate across the senses is associated with atypical sensory reactivity in SPD. An autism group served to determine if observed differences were unique to SPD. Methods We tested whether children aged 6–16 years with SPD (N = 14) integrate multisensory inputs differently from age-matched typically developing controls (TD: N = 54), or from children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD: N = 44). Participants performed a simple reaction-time task to the occurrence of auditory, visual, and audiovisual stimuli presented in random order, while high-density recordings of electrical brain activity were made. Results Children with SPD showed large reductions in the extent to which they benefited from multisensory inputs compared to TDs. The ASD group showed similarly reduced response speeding to multisensory relative to unisensory inputs. Neural evidence for MSI was seen across all three groups, with the multisensory response differing from the sum of the unisensory responses. Post hoc tests suggested the possibility of enhanced MSI in SPD in timeframes consistent with cortical sensory registration (∼60 ms), followed by reduced MSI during a timeframe consistent with object formation (∼130 ms). The ASD group also showed reduced MSI in the later timeframe. Conclusion Children with SPD showed reduction in their ability to benefit from redundant audio-visual inputs, similar to children with ASD. Neurophysiological recordings, on the other hand, showed that major indices of MSI were largely intact, although post hoc testing pointed to periods of potential differential processing. While these exploratory electrophysiological observations point to potential sensory-perceptual differences in multisensory processing in SPD, it remains equally plausible at this stage that later attentional processing differences may yet prove responsible for the multisensory behavioral deficits uncovered here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Molholm
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States.,Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicin, Bronx, NY, United States.,The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Jeremy W Murphy
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Juliana Bates
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Elizabeth M Ridgway
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - John J Foxe
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States.,Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicin, Bronx, NY, United States.,The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
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31
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A truncating Aspm allele leads to a complex cognitive phenotype and region-specific reductions in parvalbuminergic neurons. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:66. [PMID: 32066665 PMCID: PMC7026184 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0686-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are heterogeneous and identifying shared genetic aetiologies and converging signalling pathways affected could improve disease diagnosis and treatment. Truncating mutations of the abnormal spindle-like microcephaly associated (ASPM) gene cause autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) in humans. ASPM is a positive regulator of Wnt/β-Catenin signalling and controls symmetric to asymmetric cell division. This process balances neural progenitor proliferation with differentiation during embryogenesis, the malfunction of which could interfere with normal brain development. ASPM mutations may play a role also in other neurodevelopmental disorders, nevertheless, we lack the details of how or to what extent. We therefore assessed neurodevelopmental disease and circuit endophenotypes in mice with a truncating Aspm1-7 mutation. Aspm1-7 mice exhibited impaired short- and long-term object recognition memory and markedly enhanced place learning in the IntelliCage®. This behaviour pattern is reminiscent of a cognitive phenotype seen in mouse models and patients with a rare form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as in mouse models of altered Wnt signalling. These alterations were accompanied by ventriculomegaly, corpus callosum dysgenesis and decreased parvalbumin (PV)+ interneuron numbers in the hippocampal Cornu Ammonis (CA) region and thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). PV+ cell number correlated to object recognition (CA and TRN) and place learning (TRN). This opens the possibility that, as well as causing MCPH, mutant ASPM potentially contributes to other neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD through altered parvalbuminergic interneuron development affecting cognitive behaviour. These findings provide important information for understanding the genetic overlap and improved treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders associated with ASPM.
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32
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Wang GF, Li WL, Han Y, Gao L, Dai W, Su YY, Zhang X. Sensory Processing Problems and Comorbidities in Chinese Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:4097-4108. [PMID: 31267289 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04125-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the relationship between sensory processing problems and sleep disturbances, emotional and behavioral problems and mealtime behavioral problems in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This study examined those relationships in Chinese preschool children with ASD using a case-control design. Atypical sensory processing was associated with increased risks of sleep disturbances, emotional and behavioral problems, and abnormal mealtime behaviors in the children with ASD, whereas sensory processing problems were significantly correlated with abnormal mealtime behaviors only in the typically developing children. Based on our findings, clinicians must collect information about sensory problems when a child with ASD experiences sleep disturbances and emotional and behavioral problems or presents abnormal mealtime behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geng-Fu Wang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Wen-Lei Li
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China.,Teaching Management Center of School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Su
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China.,Experimental Teaching Center of Preventive Medicine, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China.
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Byström K, Grahn P, Hägerhäll C. Vitality from Experiences in Nature and Contact with Animals-A Way to Develop Joint Attention and Social Engagement in Children with Autism? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4673. [PMID: 31771215 PMCID: PMC6926568 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Animals are increasingly included in treatment for children with autism, and research has shown positive effects, such as increased social initiatives, decreased typical autistic behaviors, and decreased stress. However, there are still knowledge gaps, for example, on underlying mechanisms and effects from longer treatment duration. The purpose of this study is to contribute to these gaps and ask questions about the ways in which animals and nature can improve conditions for psychological development through support from therapists. The method is based on grounded theory. Data comes from a treatment model (duration 1½ years, a total of nine children), from environmental psychology and developmental psychology, both typical and atypical as in autism. The results consist of three key categories; reduce stress and instill calm, arouse curiosity and interest, and attract attention spontaneously. These three key categories are related to an underlying core variable, vitality forms, which was described by Daniel Stern and, according to him, is important in forming overall experiences. The starting point is the brain's way of encoding many internal and external events based on movement perception. Here it is argued that the vitality forms from nature and animals are particularly favorable for effecting development-promoting interactions with a therapist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Byström
- Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden; (P.G.); (C.H.)
- Region Västra Götaland, Habilitation & Health, Children and Youth Habilitation, 541 50 Skövde, Sweden
| | - Patrik Grahn
- Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden; (P.G.); (C.H.)
| | - Caroline Hägerhäll
- Department of Work Science, Business Economics and Environmental Psychology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden; (P.G.); (C.H.)
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34
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Lane SJ, Reynolds S. Sensory Over-Responsivity as an Added Dimension in ADHD. Front Integr Neurosci 2019; 13:40. [PMID: 31555103 PMCID: PMC6742721 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2019.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Years of research have added to our understanding of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). None-the-less there is still much that is poorly understood. There is a need for, and ongoing interest in, developing a deeper understanding of this disorder to optimally identify risk and better inform treatment. Here, we present a compilation of findings examining ADHD both behaviorally and using neurophysiologic markers. Drawing on early work of McIntosh and co-investigators, we examined response to sensory challenge in children with ADHD, measuring HPA activity and electrodermal response (EDR) secondary to sensory stressors. In addition, we have examined the relationship between these physiologic measures, and reports of behavioral sensory over-responsivity and anxiety. Findings suggest that sensory responsivity differentiates among children with ADHD and warrants consideration. We link these findings with research conducted both prior to and after our own work and emphasize that there a growing knowledge supporting a relationship between ADHD and sensory over-responsivity, but more research is needed. Given the call from the National Institute of Health to move toward a more dimensional diagnostic process for mental health concerns, and away from the more routine categorical diagnostic process, we suggest sensory over-responsivity as a dimension in the diagnostic process for children with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly J. Lane
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health and Human Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Stacey Reynolds
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Kathryn Lawrence Dragas Sensory Processing and Stress Evaluation Laboratory, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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35
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Schneider ML, Moore CF, Ahlers EO, Barnhart TE, Christian BT, DeJesus OT, Engle JW, Holden JE, Larson JA, Moirano JM, Murali D, Nickles RJ, Resch LM, Converse AK. PET Measures of D1, D2, and DAT Binding Are Associated With Heightened Tactile Responsivity in Rhesus Macaques: Implications for Sensory Processing Disorder. Front Integr Neurosci 2019; 13:29. [PMID: 31379528 PMCID: PMC6652150 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2019.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory processing disorder (SPD), a developmental regulatory condition characterized by marked under- or over-responsivity to non-noxious sensory stimulation, is a common but poorly understood disorder that can profoundly affect mood, cognition, social behavior and adaptive life skills. Little is known about the etiology and neural underpinnings. Clinical research indicates that children with SPD show greater prevalence of difficulties in complex cognitive behavior including working memory, behavioral flexibility, and regulation of sensory and affective functions, which are related to prefrontal cortex (PFC), striatal, and midbrain regions. Neuroimaging may provide insight into mechanisms underlying SPD, and animal experiments provide important evidence that is not available in human studies. Rhesus monkeys (N = 73) were followed over a 20-year period from birth into old age. We focused on a single sensory modality, the tactile system, measured at 5-7 years, because of its critical importance for nourishment, attachment, and social reward in development. Positron emission tomography imaging was conducted at ages 12-18 years to quantify the availability of the D1 and D2 subtypes of the DA receptor (D1R and D2R), and the DA transporter (DAT). Heightened tactile responsivity was related to (a) elevated D1R in PFC overall, including lateral, ventrolateral, medial, anterior cingulate (aCg), frontopolar, and orbitofrontal (OFC) subregions, as well as nucleus accumbens (Acb), (b) reduced D2R in aCg, OFC, and substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area, and (c) elevated DAT in putamen. These findings suggest a mechanism by which DA pathways may be altered in SPD. These pathways are associated with reward processing and pain regulation, providing top-down regulation of sensory and affective processes. The balance between top-down cognitive control in the PFC-Acb pathway and bottom-up motivational function of the VTA-Acb-PFC pathway is critical for successful adaptive function. An imbalance in these two systems might explain DA-related symptoms in children with SPD, including reduced top-down regulatory function and exaggerated responsivity to stimuli. These results provide more direct evidence that SPD may involve altered DA receptor and transporter function in PFC, striatal, and midbrain regions. More work is needed to extend these results to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Schneider
- Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Colleen F Moore
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Psychology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Elizabeth O Ahlers
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Todd E Barnhart
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Bradley T Christian
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Onofre T DeJesus
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jonathan W Engle
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - James E Holden
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Julie A Larson
- Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jeffrey M Moirano
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dhanabalan Murali
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Robert J Nickles
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Leslie M Resch
- Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Van Hulle CA, Lemery-Chalfant K, Hill Goldsmith H. Parent-Offspring Transmission of Internalizing and Sensory over-Responsivity Symptoms in Adolescence. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 46:557-567. [PMID: 28393325 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-017-0300-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Reactions to sensory experiences are an overlooked correlate of affective regulation, despite the importance of bodily states on psychological processes. Children who display sensory over-responsivity (i.e., adverse reactions to typical sensations) are at greater risk for developing affective disorders. We extended this literature to adolescents and their middle-aged parents. Participants in a birth record-based study of families of adolescent twins (N = 506 families; 1012 adolescents; 53% female) completed a subset of items from the Adult Sensory Profile. We derived adolescent self-reported internalizing disorder symptoms and parent affective diagnoses from structured diagnostic interviews. Structural equation models tested the relationship between parent sensory over-responsivity symptoms and affective diagnoses and their adolescent offspring's sensory over-responsivity and internalizing symptoms. Adolescent sensory over-responsivity symptoms were correlated with internalizing disorder symptoms. Parents with a diagnosis of anxiety or depression (mothers only) reported more frequent SOR symptoms than parents without a diagnosis. Parent depression was significantly related to adolescent sensory over-responsivity symptoms, over and above parent sensory over-responsivity symptoms (β = 0.26, p < 0.001 for mothers; β = 0.13, p = 0.004 for fathers). Father alcohol abuse/dependency also predicted offspring sensory over-responsivity symptoms. Offspring of parents with affective disorders were at additional risk for sensory dysregulation via parents' influence on offspring internalizing problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Van Hulle
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| | | | - H Hill Goldsmith
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Payabvash S, Palacios EM, Owen JP, Wang MB, Tavassoli T, Gerdes M, Brandes-Aitken A, Marco EJ, Mukherjee P. Diffusion tensor tractography in children with sensory processing disorder: Potentials for devising machine learning classifiers. Neuroimage Clin 2019; 23:101831. [PMID: 31035231 PMCID: PMC6488562 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.101831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The "sensory processing disorder" (SPD) refers to brain's inability to organize sensory input for appropriate use. In this study, we determined the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) microstructural and connectivity correlates of SPD, and apply machine learning algorithms for identification of children with SPD based on DTI/tractography metrics. A total of 44 children with SPD and 41 typically developing children (TDC) were prospectively recruited and scanned. In addition to fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD), we applied probabilistic tractography to generate edge density (ED) and track density (TD) from DTI maps. For identification of children with SPD, accurate classification rates from a combination of DTI microstructural (FA, MD, AD, and RD), connectivity (TD) and connectomic (ED) metrics with different machine learning algorithms - including naïve Bayes, random forest, support vector machine, and neural networks - were determined. In voxel-wise analysis, children with SPD had lower FA, ED, and TD but higher MD and RD compared to TDC - predominantly in posterior white matter tracts including posterior corona radiata, posterior thalamic radiation, and posterior body and splenium of corpus callosum. In stepwise penalized logistic regression, the only independent variable distinguishing children with SPD from TDC was the average TD in the splenium (p < 0.001). Among different combinations of machine learning algorithms and DTI/connectivity metrics, random forest models using tract-based TD yielded the highest accuracy in classification of SPD - 77.5% accuracy, 73.8% sensitivity, and 81.6% specificity. Our findings demonstrate impaired microstructural and connectivity/connectomic integrity in children with SPD, predominantly in posterior white matter tracts, and with reduced TD of the splenium of corpus callosum as the most distinctive pattern. Applying machine learning algorithms, these connectivity metrics can be used to devise novel imaging biomarkers for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedmehdi Payabvash
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America; Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Eva M Palacios
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Julia P Owen
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Maxwell B Wang
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Teresa Tavassoli
- Department of Psychology and Clinical Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Molly Gerdes
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Anne Brandes-Aitken
- Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Elysa J Marco
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America; Department of Pediatric Neurology, Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA, United States of America
| | - Pratik Mukherjee
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America.
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Payabvash S, Palacios EM, Owen JP, Wang MB, Tavassoli T, Gerdes M, Brandes-Aitken A, Mukherjee P, Marco EJ. White Matter Connectome Correlates of Auditory Over-Responsivity: Edge Density Imaging and Machine-Learning Classifiers. Front Integr Neurosci 2019; 13:10. [PMID: 30983979 PMCID: PMC6450221 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2019.00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory over-responsivity (SOR) commonly involves auditory and/or tactile domains, and can affect children with or without additional neurodevelopmental challenges. In this study, we examined white matter microstructural and connectome correlates of auditory over-responsivity (AOR), analyzing prospectively collected data from 39 boys, aged 8–12 years. In addition to conventional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) maps – including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD); we used DTI and high-resolution T1 scans to develop connectome Edge Density (ED) maps. The tract-based spatial statistics was used for voxel-wise comparison of diffusion and ED maps. Then, stepwise penalized logistic regression was applied to identify independent variable (s) predicting AOR, as potential imaging biomarker (s) for AOR. Finally, we compared different combinations of machine learning algorithms (i.e., naïve Bayes, random forest, and support vector machine (SVM) and tract-based DTI/connectome metrics for classification of children with AOR. In direct sensory phenotype assessment, 15 (out of 39) boys exhibited AOR (with or without neurodevelopmental concerns). Voxel-wise analysis demonstrates extensive impairment of white matter microstructural integrity in children with AOR on DTI maps – evidenced by lower FA and higher MD and RD; moreover, there was lower connectome ED in anterior-superior corona radiata, genu and body of corpus callosum. In stepwise logistic regression, the average FA of left superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) was the single independent variable distinguishing children with AOR (p = 0.007). Subsequently, the left SLF average FA yielded an area under the curve of 0.756 in receiver operating characteristic analysis for prediction of AOR (p = 0.008) as a region-of-interest (ROI)-based imaging biomarker. In comparative study of different combinations of machine-learning models and DTI/ED metrics, random forest algorithms using ED had higher accuracy for AOR classification. Our results demonstrate extensive white matter microstructural impairment in children with AOR, with specifically lower connectomic ED in anterior-superior tracts and associated commissural pathways. Also, average FA of left SLF can be applied as ROI-based imaging biomarker for prediction of SOR. Finally, machine-learning models can provide accurate and objective image-based classifiers for identification of children with AOR based on white matter tracts connectome ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedmehdi Payabvash
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Eva M Palacios
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Julia P Owen
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Maxwell B Wang
- University of Pittsburg School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Teresa Tavassoli
- Department of Psychology and Clinical Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Molly Gerdes
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Annie Brandes-Aitken
- Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Pratik Mukherjee
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Elysa J Marco
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatric Neurology, Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA, United States
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Kilroy E, Aziz-Zadeh L, Cermak S. Ayres Theories of Autism and Sensory Integration Revisited: What Contemporary Neuroscience Has to Say. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9030068. [PMID: 30901886 PMCID: PMC6468444 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9030068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal sensory-based behaviors are a defining feature of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Dr. A. Jean Ayres was the first occupational therapist to conceptualize Sensory Integration (SI) theories and therapies to address these deficits. Her work was based on neurological knowledge of the 1970’s. Since then, advancements in neuroimaging techniques make it possible to better understand the brain areas that may underlie sensory processing deficits in ASD. In this article, we explore the postulates proposed by Ayres (i.e., registration, modulation, motivation) through current neuroimaging literature. To this end, we review the neural underpinnings of sensory processing and integration in ASD by examining the literature on neurophysiological responses to sensory stimuli in individuals with ASD as well as structural and network organization using a variety of neuroimaging techniques. Many aspects of Ayres’ hypotheses about the nature of the disorder were found to be highly consistent with current literature on sensory processing in children with ASD but there are some discrepancies across various methodological techniques and ASD development. With additional characterization, neurophysiological profiles of sensory processing in ASD may serve as valuable biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring of therapeutic interventions, such as SI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Kilroy
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| | - Lisa Aziz-Zadeh
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| | - Sharon Cermak
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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Payabvash S, Palacios EM, Owen JP, Wang MB, Tavassoli T, Gerdes M, Brandes-Aitken A, Cuneo D, Marco EJ, Mukherjee P. White Matter Connectome Edge Density in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Potential Imaging Biomarkers Using Machine-Learning Models. Brain Connect 2019; 9:209-220. [PMID: 30661372 PMCID: PMC6444925 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2018.0658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior neuroimaging studies have reported white matter network underconnectivity as a potential mechanism for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we examined the structural connectome of children with ASD using edge density imaging (EDI), and then applied machine-learning algorithms to identify children with ASD based on tract-based connectivity metrics. Boys aged 8-12 years were included: 14 with ASD and 33 typically developing children. The edge density (ED) maps were computed from probabilistic streamline tractography applied to high angular resolution diffusion imaging. Tract-based spatial statistics was used for voxel-wise comparison and coregistration of ED maps in addition to conventional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD). Tract-based average DTI/connectome metrics were calculated and used as input for different machine-learning models: naïve Bayes, random forest, support vector machines (SVMs), and neural networks. For these models, cross-validation was performed with stratified random sampling ( × 1,000 permutations). The average accuracy among validation samples was calculated. In voxel-wise analysis, the body and splenium of corpus callosum, bilateral superior and posterior corona radiata, and left superior longitudinal fasciculus showed significantly lower ED in children with ASD; whereas, we could not find significant difference in FA, MD, and RD maps between the two study groups. Overall, machine-learning models using tract-based ED metrics had better performance in identification of children with ASD compared with those using FA, MD, and RD. The EDI-based random forest models had greater average accuracy (75.3%), specificity (97.0%), and positive predictive value (81.5%), whereas EDI-based polynomial SVM had greater sensitivity (51.4%) and negative predictive values (77.7%). In conclusion, we found reduced density of connectome edges in the posterior white matter tracts of children with ASD, and demonstrated the feasibility of connectome-based machine-learning algorithms in identification of children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedmehdi Payabvash
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Eva M. Palacios
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Julia P. Owen
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- University of Pittsburg School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Maxwell B. Wang
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Teresa Tavassoli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Molly Gerdes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Anne Brandes-Aitken
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Daniel Cuneo
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Elysa J. Marco
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Pratik Mukherjee
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Kato Y, Kagitani-Shimono K, Matsuzaki J, Hanaie R, Yamamoto T, Tominaga K, Watanabe Y, Mohri I, Taniike M. White Matter Tract-Cognitive Relationships in Children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. Psychiatry Investig 2019; 16:220-233. [PMID: 30934190 PMCID: PMC6444094 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2019.01.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present study was to clarify the relationship between white matter tracts and cognitive symptoms in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS We examined the cognitive functions of 17 children with high-functioning ASD and 18 typically developing (TD) controls and performed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography. We compared the results between the groups and investigated the correlations between the cognitive scores and DTI parameters within each group. RESULTS The Comprehension scores in the ASD group exhibited a positive correlation with mean diffusivity (MD) in the forceps minor (F minor). In the TD group, the Comprehension scores were positively correlated with fractional anisotropy (FA) in the right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFO) and left anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), and negatively correlated with MD in the left ATR, radial diffusivity (RD) in the right IFO, and RD in the left ATR. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the Matching Numbers scores and MD in the left uncinate fasciculus and F minor, and RD in the F minor. Furthermore, the Sentence Questions scores exhibited a positive correlation with RD in the right inferior longitudinal fasciculus. Relative to TD controls, the specific tract showing a strong correlation with the cognitive scores was reduced in the ASD group. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that white matter tracts connecting specific brain areas may exhibit a weaker relationship with cognitive functions in children with ASD, resulting in less efficient cognitive pathways than those observed in TD children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Kato
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kuriko Kagitani-Shimono
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Junko Matsuzaki
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryuzo Hanaie
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoka Yamamoto
- Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koji Tominaga
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Watanabe
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ikuko Mohri
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masako Taniike
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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42
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Differences in Oculomotor Function between Children with Sensory Processing Disorder and Typical Development. Optom Vis Sci 2019; 96:172-179. [DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000001343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Randell E, McNamara R, Delport S, Busse M, Hastings RP, Gillespie D, Williams-Thomas R, Brookes-Howell L, Romeo R, Boadu J, Ahuja AS, McKigney AM, Knapp M, Smith K, Thornton J, Warren G. Sensory integration therapy versus usual care for sensory processing difficulties in autism spectrum disorder in children: study protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial. Trials 2019; 20:113. [PMID: 30744672 PMCID: PMC6371421 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3205-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common lifelong condition affecting 1 in 100 people. ASD affects how a person relates to others and the world around them. Difficulty responding to sensory information (noise, touch, movement, taste, sight) is common, and might include feeling overwhelmed or distressed by loud or constant low-level noise (e.g. in the classroom). Affected children may also show little or no response to these sensory cues. These 'sensory processing difficulties' are associated with behaviour and socialisation problems, and affect education, relationships, and participation in daily life. Sensory integration therapy (SIT) is a face-to-face therapy or treatment provided by trained occupational therapists who use play-based sensory-motor activities and the just-right challenge to influence the way the child responds to sensation, reducing distress, and improving motor skills, adaptive responses, concentration, and interaction with others. With limited research into SIT, this protocol describes in detail how the intervention will be defined and evaluated. METHODS This is a two-arm pragmatic individually 1:1 randomised controlled trial with an internal pilot of SIT versus usual care for primary school aged children (aged 4 to 11 years) with ASD and sensory processing difficulties; 216 children will be recruited from multiple sources. Therapy will be delivered in clinics meeting full fidelity criteria for manualised SIT over 26 weeks (face-to-face sessions: two per week for 10 weeks, two per month for 2 months; telephone call: one per month for 2 months). Follow-up assessments will be completed at 6 and 12 months post-randomisation. Prior to recruitment, therapists will be invited to participate in focus groups/interviews to explore what is delivered as usual care in trial regions; carers will be invited to complete an online survey to map out their experience of services. Following recruitment, carers will be given diaries to record their contact with services. Following intervention, carer and therapist interviews will be completed. DISCUSSION Results of this trial will provide high-quality evidence on the clinical and cost effectiveness of SIT aimed at improving behavioural, functional, social, educational, and well-being outcomes for children and well-being outcomes for carers and families. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN14716440 . Registered on 8 November 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Randell
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, 4th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Rachel McNamara
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, 4th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sue Delport
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Ty Dewi Sant, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Monica Busse
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, 4th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Richard P. Hastings
- Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal, and Research (CEDAR) University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Centre for Developmental Psychiatry and Psychology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Gillespie
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, 4th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Rhys Williams-Thomas
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, 4th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lucy Brookes-Howell
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, 4th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Renee Romeo
- Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Janet Boadu
- Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Martin Knapp
- Department of Social Policy, London School of Economics, London, UK
| | - Kathryn Smith
- Mind Body Brain Connections Ltd, Threemilestone Industrial Estate, Truro, UK
| | | | - Gemma Warren
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, 4th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
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Tavassoli T, Brandes-Aitken A, Chu R, Porter L, Schoen S, Miller LJ, Gerdes MR, Owen J, Mukherjee P, Marco EJ. Sensory over-responsivity: parent report, direct assessment measures, and neural architecture. Mol Autism 2019; 10:4. [PMID: 30740199 PMCID: PMC6360663 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-019-0255-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sensory processing difficulties are common across neurodevelopmental disorders. Thus, reliable measures are needed to understand the biological underpinnings of these differences. This study aimed to define a scoring methodology specific to auditory (AOR) and tactile (TOR) over-responsivity. Second, in a pilot cohort using MRI Diffusion Tensor Imaging, we performed a proof of concept study of whether children with AOR showed measurable differences in their white matter integrity. Methods This study included children with AOR and TOR from a mixed neurodevelopmental disorder cohort including autism and sensory processing dysfunction (n = 176) as well as neurotypical children (n = 128). We established cohorts based on sensory over-responsivity using parent report (Short Sensory Profile (SSP)) and direct assessment (Sensory Processing-Three Dimensions: Assessment (SP-3D:A)) measures. With a subset of the children (n = 39), group comparisons, based on AOR phenotype, were conducted comparing the white matter fractional anisotropy in 23 regions of interest. Results Using direct assessment, 31% of the children with neurodevelopmental disorders had AOR and 27% had TOR. The inter-test agreement between SSP and SP-3D:A for AOR was 65% and TOR was 50%. Children with AOR had three white matter tracts showing decreased fractional anisotropy relative to children without AOR. Conclusions This study identified cut-off scores for AOR and TOR using the SSP parent report and SP-3D:A observation. A combination of questionnaire and direct observation measures should be used in clinical and research settings. The SSP parent report and SP-3D:A direct observation ratings overlapped moderately for sensory related behaviors. Based on these preliminary structural neuroimaging results, we suggest a putative neural network may contribute to AOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Tavassoli
- 1Department of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | | | - Robyn Chu
- Sensory Therapies and Research (STAR) Institute, Greenwood Village, CO USA
| | - Lisa Porter
- Sensory Therapies and Research (STAR) Institute, Greenwood Village, CO USA
| | - Sarah Schoen
- Sensory Therapies and Research (STAR) Institute, Greenwood Village, CO USA.,Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals, Provo, UT USA
| | - Lucy Jane Miller
- Sensory Therapies and Research (STAR) Institute, Greenwood Village, CO USA.,4University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO USA.,Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals, Provo, UT USA
| | - Molly Rae Gerdes
- 6Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Julia Owen
- 7Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Pratik Mukherjee
- 8Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Elysa J Marco
- 6Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA.,9Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA.,Research Division, Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA USA
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Brandes-Aitken A, Anguera JA, Chang YS, Demopoulos C, Owen JP, Gazzaley A, Mukherjee P, Marco EJ. White Matter Microstructure Associations of Cognitive and Visuomotor Control in Children: A Sensory Processing Perspective. Front Integr Neurosci 2019; 12:65. [PMID: 30692921 PMCID: PMC6339953 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2018.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Recent evidence suggests that co-occurring deficits in cognitive control and visuomotor control are common to many neurodevelopmental disorders. Specifically, children with sensory processing dysfunction (SPD), a condition characterized by sensory hyper/hypo-sensitivity, show varying degrees of overlapping attention and visuomotor challenges. In this study, we assess associations between cognitive and visuomotor control abilities among children with and without SPD. In this same context, we also examined the common and unique diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tracts that may support the overlap of cognitive control and visuomotor control. Method: We collected cognitive control and visuomotor control behavioral measures as well as DTI data in 37 children with SPD and 25 typically developing controls (TDCs). We constructed regressions to assess for associations between behavioral performance and mean fractional anisotropy (FA) in selected regions of interest (ROIs). Results: We observed an association between behavioral performance on cognitive control and visuomotor control. Further, our findings indicated that FA in the anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC), the anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), and the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) are associated with both cognitive control and visuomotor control, while FA in the superior corona radiata (SCR) uniquely correlate with cognitive control performance and FA in the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC) and the cerebral peduncle (CP) tract uniquely correlate with visuomotor control performance. Conclusions: These findings suggest that children who demonstrate lower cognitive control are also more likely to demonstrate lower visuomotor control, and vice-versa, regardless of clinical cohort assignment. The overlapping neural tracts, which correlate with both cognitive and visuomotor control suggest a possible common neural mechanism supporting both control-based processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Brandes-Aitken
- Neuroscape Center, Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Physiology, Radiology, and Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Joaquin A Anguera
- Neuroscape Center, Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Physiology, Radiology, and Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Yi-Shin Chang
- Neuroscape Center, Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Physiology, Radiology, and Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Carly Demopoulos
- Neuroscape Center, Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Physiology, Radiology, and Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Julia P Owen
- Neuroscape Center, Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Physiology, Radiology, and Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Adam Gazzaley
- Neuroscape Center, Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Physiology, Radiology, and Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Pratik Mukherjee
- Neuroscape Center, Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Physiology, Radiology, and Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Elysa J Marco
- Neuroscape Center, Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Physiology, Radiology, and Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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46
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Grinevich V, Stoop R. Interplay between Oxytocin and Sensory Systems in the Orchestration of Socio-Emotional Behaviors. Neuron 2018; 99:887-904. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Androschuk A, He RX, Weber S, Rosenfelt C, Bolduc FV. Stress Odorant Sensory Response Dysfunction in Drosophila Fragile X Syndrome Mutants. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:242. [PMID: 30135642 PMCID: PMC6092503 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory processing dysfunction (SPD) is present in most patients with intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Silencing expression of the Fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene leads to Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common single gene cause of ID and ASD. Drosophila have a highly conserved FMR1 ortholog, dfmr1. dfmr1 mutants display cognitive and social defects reminiscent of symptoms seen in individuals with FXS. We utilized a robust behavioral assay for sensory processing of the Drosophila stress odorant (dSO) to gain a better understanding of the molecular basis of SPD in FXS. Here, we show that dfmr1 mutant flies present significant defects in dSO response. We found that dfmr1 expression in mushroom bodies is required for dSO processing. We also show that cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling via PKA is activated after exposure to dSO and that several drugs regulating both cAMP and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels significantly improved defects in dSO processing in dfmr1 mutant flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaura Androschuk
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Richard X He
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Savannah Weber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Cory Rosenfelt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Francois V Bolduc
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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48
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Gładysz D, Krzywdzińska A, Hozyasz KK. Immune Abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorder-Could They Hold Promise for Causative Treatment? Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:6387-6435. [PMID: 29307081 PMCID: PMC6061181 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0822-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by impairments in language and communication development, social behavior, and the occurrence of stereotypic patterns of behavior and interests. Despite substantial speculation about causes of ASD, its exact etiology remains unknown. Recent studies highlight a link between immune dysfunction and behavioral traits. Various immune anomalies, including humoral and cellular immunity along with abnormalities at the molecular level, have been reported. There is evidence of altered immune function both in cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood. Several studies hypothesize a role for neuroinflammation in ASD and are supported by brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, as well as evidence of microglial activation. It has been shown that immune abnormalities occur in a substantial number of individuals with ASD. Identifying subgroups with immune system dysregulation and linking specific cellular immunophenotypes to different symptoms would be key to defining a group of patients with immune abnormalities as a major etiology underlying behavioral symptoms. These determinations would provide the opportunity to investigate causative treatments for a defined patient group that may specifically benefit from such an approach. This review summarizes recent insights into immune system dysfunction in individuals with ASD and discusses the potential implications for future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Gładysz
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Kamil K Hozyasz
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland.
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Hudac CM, DesChamps TD, Arnett AB, Cairney BE, Ma R, Webb SJ, Bernier RA. Early enhanced processing and delayed habituation to deviance sounds in autism spectrum disorder. Brain Cogn 2018; 123:110-119. [PMID: 29550506 PMCID: PMC5893357 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit difficulties processing and encoding sensory information in daily life. Cognitive response to environmental change in control individuals is naturally dynamic, meaning it habituates or reduces over time as one becomes accustomed to the deviance. The origin of atypical response to deviance in ASD may relate to differences in this dynamic habituation. The current study of 133 children and young adults with and without ASD examined classic electrophysiological responses (MMN and P3a), as well as temporal patterns of habituation (i.e., N1 and P3a change over time) in response to a passive auditory oddball task. Individuals with ASD showed an overall heightened sensitivity to change as exhibited by greater P3a amplitude to novel sounds. Moreover, youth with ASD showed dynamic ERP differences, including slower attenuation of the N1 response to infrequent tones and the P3a response to novel sounds. Dynamic ERP responses were related to parent ratings of auditory sensory-seeking behaviors, but not general cognition. As the first large-scale study to characterize temporal dynamics of auditory ERPs in ASD, our results provide compelling evidence that heightened response to auditory deviance in ASD is largely driven by early sensitivity and prolonged processing of auditory deviance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Hudac
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, CHDD Box 357920, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Trent D DesChamps
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, CHDD Box 357920, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Anne B Arnett
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, CHDD Box 357920, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Brianna E Cairney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, CHDD Box 357920, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ruqian Ma
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, CHDD Box 357920, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sara Jane Webb
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, CHDD Box 357920, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Disabilities, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 2001 8th Ave #400, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
| | - Raphael A Bernier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, CHDD Box 357920, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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50
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Marco EJ, Aitken AB, Nair VP, da Gente G, Gerdes MR, Bologlu L, Thomas S, Sherr EH. Burden of de novo mutations and inherited rare single nucleotide variants in children with sensory processing dysfunction. BMC Med Genomics 2018; 11:50. [PMID: 29801487 PMCID: PMC5970458 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-018-0362-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In children with sensory processing dysfunction (SPD), who do not meet criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disability, the contribution of de novo pathogenic mutation in neurodevelopmental genes is unknown and in need of investigation. We hypothesize that children with SPD may have pathogenic variants in genes that have been identified as causing other neurodevelopmental disorders including ASD. This genetic information may provide important insight into the etiology of sensory processing dysfunction and guide clinical evaluation and care. Methods Eleven community-recruited trios (children with isolated SPD and both biological parents) underwent WES to identify candidate de novo variants and inherited rare single nucleotide variants (rSNV) in genes previously associated with ASD. Gene enrichment in these children and their parents for transmitted and non-transmitted mutation burden was calculated. A comparison analysis to assess for enriched rSNV burden was then performed in 2377 children with ASD and their families from the Simons Simplex Collection. Results Of the children with SPD, 2/11 (18%), were identified as having a de novo loss of function or missense mutation in genes previously reported as causative for neurodevelopmental disorders (MBD5 and FMN2). We also found that the parents of children with SPD have significant enrichment of pathogenic rSNV burden in high-risk ASD candidate genes that are inherited by their affected children. Using the same approach, we confirmed enrichment of rSNV burden in a large cohort of children with autism and their parents but not unaffected siblings. Conclusions Our findings suggest that SPD, like autism, has a genetic basis that includes both de novo single gene mutations as well as an accumulated burden of rare inherited variants from their parents. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12920-018-0362-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elysa Jill Marco
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA, 9415, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, Box 0110, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Anne Brandes Aitken
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA, 9415, USA
| | - Vishnu Prakas Nair
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA, 9415, USA
| | - Gilberto da Gente
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA, 9415, USA
| | - Molly Rae Gerdes
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA, 9415, USA
| | | | - Sean Thomas
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 2nd Floor, Box #0560, San Francisco, CA, 94158-2549, USA
| | - Elliott H Sherr
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA, 9415, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, Box 0110, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Institute of Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, S965, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0794, USA
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