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Shiota Y, Nishiyama T, Yokoyama S, Yoshimura Y, Hasegawa C, Tanaka S, Iwasaki S, Kikuchi M. Association of genetic variants with autism spectrum disorder in Japanese children revealed by targeted sequencing. Front Genet 2024; 15:1352480. [PMID: 39280100 PMCID: PMC11395840 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1352480] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) represent a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders with strong genetic predispositions. Although an increasing number of genetic variants have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD, little is known about the relationship between ASD-associated genetic variants and individual ASD traits. Therefore, we aimed to investigate these relationships. Methods Here, we report a case-control association study of 32 Japanese children with ASD (mainly with high-functioning autism [HFA]) and 36 with typical development (TD). We explored previously established ASD-associated genes using a next-generation sequencing panel and determined the association between Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) T-scores and intelligence quotient (IQ) scores. Results In the genotype-phenotype analyses, 40 variants of five genes (SCN1A, SHANK3, DYRK1A, CADPS, and SCN2A) were associated with ASD/TD phenotypes. In particular, 10 SCN1A variants passed permutation filtering (false discovery rate <0.05). In the quantitative association analyses, 49 variants of 12 genes (CHD8, SCN1A, SLC6A1, KMT5B, CNTNAP2, KCNQ3, SCN2A, ARID1B, SHANK3, DYRK1A, FOXP1, and GRIN2B) and 50 variants of 10 genes (DYRK1A, SCN2A, SLC6A1, ARID1B, CNTNAP2, SHANK3, FOXP1, PTEN, SCN1A, and CHD8) were associated with SRS T- and IQ-scores, respectively. Conclusion Our data suggest that these identified variants are essential for the genetic architecture of HFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Shiota
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Nishiyama
- Research Center for Experimental Modeling of Human Disease, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shigeru Yokoyama
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yuko Yoshimura
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan
- Institute of Human and Social Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Chiaki Hasegawa
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Sanae Tanaka
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Sumie Iwasaki
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Human and Social Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Kanazawa, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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Peristeri E, Vogelzang M, Tsimpli IM, Durrleman S. Bilingualism and second-order theory of mind development in autistic children over time: Longitudinal relations with language, executive functions, and intelligence. Autism Res 2024. [PMID: 39175368 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Theory of Mind has long been studied as a core weakness in autism spectrum disorder due to its relationship with social reciprocity, while bilingualism has been shown to compensate for autistic individuals' mentalizing weaknesses. However, our knowledge of the Theory of Mind developmental trajectories of bilingual and monolingual autistic children, as well as of the factors related to Theory of Mind development in autism spectrum disorder is still limited. The current study has examined first- and second-order Theory of Mind skills in 21 monolingual and 21 bilingual autistic children longitudinally across three time points, specifically at ages 6, 9, and 12, and also investigated associations between Theory of Mind trajectories and trajectories of the children's language, intelligence and executive function skills. The results reveal that bilingual autistic children outperformed their monolingual peers in second-order Theory of Mind at ages 9 and 12, and that intelligence and, especially, expressive vocabulary skills played a pivotal role in advancing bilingual autistic children's second-order Theory of Mind development. On the other hand, monolingual autistic children only managed to capitalize on their language and intelligence resources at age 12. The findings highlight the importance of investigating bilingualism effects on autistic children's advanced cognitive abilities longitudinally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Peristeri
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, School of English, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ianthi Maria Tsimpli
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, Faculty of Modern & Medieval Languages & Linguistics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephanie Durrleman
- Department of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Yeung TS, Greene RK, Dick CC, Duvall SW. Females evaluated for autism: characteristics and co-occurring and differential DSM-5 diagnoses. Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 38:1481-1500. [PMID: 38037328 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2023.2281709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective: While sex differences in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been identified in areas such as neurocognitive functioning, behavior patterns, and diagnostic criteria, less work has focused on differences within females referred for ASD evaluation, including those who did not go on to receive a diagnosis. This study examined psychological and behavioral characteristics and co-occurring and differential DSM-5 diagnoses between pediatric female participants who received an ASD diagnosis (ASD+) and those who did not (ASD-). Method: Data on cognitive functioning, adaptive functioning, internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, and ADOS-2 scores were analyzed among 137 3- to 20-year-old patients. The sample was divided into two age groups (ages 3-8 and ages 9-20) for analyses of between-group differences (ASD+ vs. ASD-) and predictors of group membership. Results: Females in the ASD+ group were significantly younger, had lower cognitive scores, lower internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and had higher Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) scores than those in the ASD- group. ADOS-2 scores were also the only significant predictor of ASD group membership across age groups. The ASD+ group had a higher percentage of intellectual disability while the ASD- group had higher percentages of anxiety disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and disruptive behavior disorders. Conclusions: Psychological and behavioral presentations among females referred for ASD evaluation varied with age and ASD diagnostic groups. These results highlight potential female differences in ASD referrals and identification of ASD and the need to improve care for females in consideration of demographic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tat Shing Yeung
- Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Institute on Development and Disability, Oregon Health & Science University and Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Rachel K Greene
- Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Institute on Development and Disability, Oregon Health & Science University and Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Catherine C Dick
- Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Institute on Development and Disability, Oregon Health & Science University and Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Susanne W Duvall
- Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Institute on Development and Disability, Oregon Health & Science University and Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Portland, OR, USA
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Tamas D, Brkic Jovanovic N, Stojkov S, Cvijanović D, Meinhardt–Injac B. Emotion recognition and social functioning in individuals with autism spectrum condition and intellectual disability. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300973. [PMID: 38512901 PMCID: PMC10956742 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most previous studies have examined emotion recognition in autism spectrum condition (ASC) without intellectual disability (ID). However, ASC and ID co-occur to a high degree. The main aims of the study were to examine emotion recognition in individuals with ASC and co-occurring intellectual disability (ASC-ID) as compared to individuals with ID alone, and to investigate the relationship between emotion recognition and social functioning. METHODS The sample consisted of 30 adult participants with ASC-ID and a comparison group of 29 participants with ID. Emotion recognition was assessed by the facial emotions test, while. social functioning was assessed by the social responsiveness scale-second edition (SRS-2). RESULTS The accuracy of emotion recognition was significantly lower in individuals with ASC-ID compared to the control group with ID, especially when it came to identifying angry and fearful emotions. Participants with ASC-ID exhibited more pronounced difficulties in social functioning compared to those with ID, and there was a significant negative correlation between emotion recognition and social functioning. However, emotion recognition accounted for only 8% of the variability observed in social functioning. CONCLUSION Our data indicate severe difficulties in the social-perceptual domain and in everyday social functioning in individuals with ASC-ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Tamas
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Stanka Stojkov
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Li W, Song C, Hu L, Wu L, Zhu Z. Influence of parental education on the intelligence quotient profiles and socially adaptive behavior of school-age children with autism spectrum disorder in eastern China. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38423538 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2300354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Intelligence quotient (IQ) and adaptive behavior are the influencing factors of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children entering mainstream schools. This study explored the association between parental education level, IQ, and adaptive behavior in ASD groups. A total of 257 school-age ASD children were enrolled in our study from January 2017 to June 2021. Their parents completed a standard demographic form, including age at autism diagnosis, gender, school placement, and parents' educational background. The Chinese version of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) was completed by a certified assessor for each enrolled child. Parents were interviewed on adaptive behavior using the Chinese version of the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Second Edition (ABAS-II). The average IQ of school-age ASD children was 76.88 (standard deviation (SD)=22.62) and boys had higher IQ levels than girls. The IQ was positively correlated with age. The General Adaptive Composite (GAC) score was 82.47 (SD=15.86) and adaptive behavior did not increase with age. ASD children who attended mainstream schools had better adaptive behavior profiles than other children. The mother's education level showed a significant correlation with the IQ and adaptive behavior of autistic children, while the father's education level did not. Consequently, better training and support for parents may help autistic children enter mainstream schools, with adaptive training being the most urgently required skill for parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Li
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Chao Song
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Lifei Hu
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhu
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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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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Keating CT, Ichijo E, Cook JL. Autistic adults exhibit highly precise representations of others' emotions but a reduced influence of emotion representations on emotion recognition accuracy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11875. [PMID: 37481669 PMCID: PMC10363153 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39070-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, studies have not yet established the mechanisms underpinning differences in autistic and non-autistic emotion recognition. The current study first investigated whether autistic and non-autistic adults differed in terms of the precision and/or differentiation of their visual emotion representations and their general matching abilities, and second, explored whether differences therein were related to challenges in accurately recognizing emotional expressions. To fulfil these aims, 45 autistic and 45 non-autistic individuals completed three tasks employing dynamic point light displays of emotional facial expressions. We identified that autistic individuals had more precise visual emotion representations than their non-autistic counterparts, however, this did not confer any benefit for their emotion recognition. Whilst for non-autistic people, non-verbal reasoning and the interaction between precision of emotion representations and matching ability predicted emotion recognition, no variables contributed to autistic emotion recognition. These findings raise the possibility that autistic individuals are less guided by their emotion representations, thus lending support to Bayesian accounts of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eri Ichijo
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer L Cook
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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8
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Faerman A, Sakallah A, Skiba S, Kansara S, Kopald BE, Lewine JD, Demopoulos C. Language Abilities are Associated with Both Verbal and Nonverbal Intelligence in Children on the Autism Spectrum. Dev Neuropsychol 2023; 48:248-257. [PMID: 37326312 PMCID: PMC10527100 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2023.2225663] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Intellectual abilities factor into levels of functioning used to characterize autism. Language difficulties are highly prevalent in autism and may impact performance on measures of intellectual abilities. As such, nonverbal tests are often prioritized in classifying intelligence in those with language difficulties and autism. However, the relationship between language abilities and intellectual performance is not well characterized, and the superiority of tests with nonverbal instructions is not well established. The current study evaluates verbal and nonverbal intellectual abilities in the context of language abilities in autism and the potential benefit of tests with nonverbal instructions. Participants were 55 children and adolescents on the autism spectrum who underwent a neuropsychological evaluation as part of a study examining language functioning in autism. Correlation analyses were performed to examine relations between expressive and receptive language abilities. Language abilities (CELF-4) were significantly correlated with all measures of both verbal (WISC-IV VCI) and nonverbal intelligence scores (WISC-IV PRI and Leiter-R). There were no significant differences between nonverbal intelligence measures with verbal or nonverbal instructions. We further discuss the role of assessment of language abilities in interpreting results of intelligence testing in populations with higher prevalence of language difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afik Faerman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Alaa Sakallah
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Division of Clinical Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, USA
| | - Sara Skiba
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Seemran Kansara
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Brandon E Kopald
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Jeffrey David Lewine
- Departments of Neurology and Psychology, University of New Mexico, USA
- Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Carly Demopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Departments of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California
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Cornoldi C, Giofrè D, Toffalini E. Cognitive characteristics of intellectually gifted children with a diagnosis of ADHD. INTELLIGENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2023.101736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
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10
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Leung FYN, Stojanovik V, Micai M, Jiang C, Liu F. Emotion recognition in autism spectrum disorder across age groups: A cross-sectional investigation of various visual and auditory communicative domains. Autism Res 2023; 16:783-801. [PMID: 36727629 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Previous research on emotion processing in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has predominantly focused on human faces and speech prosody, with little attention paid to other domains such as nonhuman faces and music. In addition, emotion processing in different domains was often examined in separate studies, making it challenging to evaluate whether emotion recognition difficulties in ASD generalize across domains and age cohorts. The present study investigated: (i) the recognition of basic emotions (angry, scared, happy, and sad) across four domains (human faces, face-like objects, speech prosody, and song) in 38 autistic and 38 neurotypical (NT) children, adolescents, and adults in a forced-choice labeling task, and (ii) the impact of pitch and visual processing profiles on this ability. Results showed similar recognition accuracy between the ASD and NT groups across age groups for all domains and emotion types, although processing speed was slower in the ASD compared to the NT group. Age-related differences were seen in both groups, which varied by emotion, domain, and performance index. Visual processing style was associated with facial emotion recognition speed and pitch perception ability with auditory emotion recognition in the NT group but not in the ASD group. These findings suggest that autistic individuals may employ different emotion processing strategies compared to NT individuals, and that emotion recognition difficulties as manifested by slower response times may result from a generalized, rather than a domain-specific underlying mechanism that governs emotion recognition processes across domains in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Y N Leung
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Vesna Stojanovik
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Martina Micai
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Cunmei Jiang
- Music College, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Liu
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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Features and effects of computer-based games on cognitive impairments in children with autism spectrum disorder: an evidence-based systematic literature review. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:2. [PMID: 36597046 PMCID: PMC9809031 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04501-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have different cognitive and intelligence profiles than typical developing individuals. Some of these children need cognitive rehabilitation. This study's main purpose is to provide a systematic review about applying computerized cognitive games for autistic children and to determine the effectiveness of such interventions. MATERIAL AND METHODS A thorough search of the ISI Web of Science, Medline (through PubMed), Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and APA PsycInfo databases was performed for articles published from inception to May 17, 2022. RESULTS Of 1746 papers, 28 studies were found to be eligible in this systematic review. Fifteen studies (53.57%) compared a Control Group (CG) with Experimental Groups (EGs), while 13 papers (46.42%) evaluated only the impact of the applied intervention in an experimental group. Major domains of cognitive functions are divided into five main categories: 1. Executive functions, 2. Social cognition/emotions, 3. Attention/concentration, 4. Learning and memory, and 5. Language. In 42.85% (12 studies) of the screened papers, social cognition and emotions were assessed after cognitive rehabilitation. The highest rate of effects reported by studies were related to social cognition enhancement. Of the total number of included studies, 17 studies reported a positive effect at all scales, of which nine were quasi-experimental, and seven were fully experimental. CONCLUSION Using suitable computerized game-based solutions could enhance cognition indexes in autistic children. Hence, further investigation is needed to determine the real effectiveness of these novel technologies.
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Cruz S, Cruz R, Alcón A, Sampaio A, Merchan-Naranjo J, Rodríguez E, Parellada M, Carracedo Á, Fernández-Prieto M. How Executive Functions Correlate with Intelligence in Children and Adolescents in Autism Spectrum Disorders. JOURNAL OF COGNITION AND DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15248372.2022.2104283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cruz
- The Psychology for Positive Development Research Cente], Lusíada University Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Cruz
- Centro Nacional de Genotipado (CEGEN), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro Singular de Investigacion en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alicia Alcón
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adriana Sampaio
- Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, Research Center in Psychology (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Jessica Merchan-Naranjo
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
- Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Rodríguez
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
- Experimental Psychology Department, School of Psychology, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mara Parellada
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Carracedo
- Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica - IDIS, SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, CIMUS, CIBERER, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Montse Fernández-Prieto
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Group, Centre for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, U-711, Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Grupo de Gené tica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Chellew T, Barbaro J, Freeman NC. The Early Childhood Signs of Autism in Females: a Systematic Review. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-022-00337-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCompared to males, females are at a much greater likelihood of receiving a later diagnosis of autism, which impacts their opportunity to receive early support. To assist with early identification, this systematic literature review aimed to ascertain whether females differ from males in the early childhood signs of autism. The small number of heterogeneous studies made it difficult to draw conclusions, although it appears that females and males under 6 years of age are more similar than different in terms of their expression of autistic behaviours. Given the discrepant sex/gender ratio in autism, these findings highlight the importance of exploring whether there are different and/or specific, not yet identified, early signs of autism in females and males.
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Wolff N, Stroth S, Kamp-Becker I, Roepke S, Roessner V. Autism Spectrum Disorder and IQ - A Complex Interplay. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:856084. [PMID: 35509885 PMCID: PMC9058071 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.856084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized as a very heterogeneous child-onset disorder, whose heterogeneity is partly determined by differences in intelligence quotient (IQ). Older epidemiological studies suggested that the IQ-related spectrum tends to be skewed to the left, i.e., a larger proportion of individuals with ASD have below average intelligence, while only few individuals with ASD may have an IQ above average. This picture changed over time with broadening the spectrum view. Within the present perspective article, we discuss discrepancies in IQ profiles between epidemiological and clinical studies and identify potential underlying aspects, for example, the influence of external factors such as sample biases or differences in availability of autism health services. Additionally, we discuss the validity and reciprocal influences of ASD diagnostics and IQ measurement. We put the impact of these factors for diagnostic as well as care and support situations of patients into perspective and want to encourage further research to contribute to the conceptualization of "autism" more comprehensively including the IQ as well as to examine broader (life) circumstances, interacting factors and diagnostic requirements of given diagnoses in childhood as compared to adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Wolff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of the Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sanna Stroth
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Inge Kamp-Becker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Roepke
- Department of Psychiatry, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of the Technische Universität (TU) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Wolff N, Eberlein M, Stroth S, Poustka L, Roepke S, Kamp-Becker I, Roessner V. Abilities and Disabilities-Applying Machine Learning to Disentangle the Role of Intelligence in Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:826043. [PMID: 35308891 PMCID: PMC8927055 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.826043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a relatively common, well-known but heterogeneous neuropsychiatric disorder, specific knowledge about characteristics of this heterogeneity is scarce. There is consensus that IQ contributes to this heterogeneity as well as complicates diagnostics and treatment planning. In this study, we assessed the accuracy of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS/2) in the whole and IQ-defined subsamples, and analyzed if the ADOS/2 accuracy may be increased by the application of machine learning (ML) algorithms that processed additional information including the IQ level. Methods The study included 1,084 individuals: 440 individuals with ASD (with a mean IQ level of 3.3 ± 1.5) and 644 individuals without ASD (with a mean IQ level of 3.2 ± 1.2). We applied and analyzed Random Forest (RF) and Decision Tree (DT) to the ADOS/2 data, compared their accuracy to ADOS/2 cutoff algorithms, and examined most relevant items to distinguish between ASD and Non-ASD. In sum, we included 49 individual features, independently of the applied ADOS module. Results In DT analyses, we observed that for the decision ASD/Non-ASD, solely one to four items are sufficient to differentiate between groups with high accuracy. In addition, in sub-cohorts of individuals with (a) below (IQ level ≥4)/ID and (b) above average intelligence (IQ level ≤ 2), the ADOS/2 cutoff showed reduced accuracy. This reduced accuracy results in (a) a three times higher risk of false-positive diagnoses or (b) a 1.7 higher risk for false-negative diagnoses; both errors could be significantly decreased by the application of the alternative ML algorithms. Conclusions Using ML algorithms showed that a small set of ADOS/2 items could help clinicians to more accurately detect ASD in clinical practice across all IQ levels and to increase diagnostic accuracy especially in individuals with below and above average IQ level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Wolff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Matthias Eberlein
- Institute of Circuits and Systems, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sanna Stroth
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Luise Poustka
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Roepke
- Department of Psychiatry, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Inge Kamp-Becker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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16
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Leung FYN, Sin J, Dawson C, Ong JH, Zhao C, Veić A, Liu F. Emotion recognition across visual and auditory modalities in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. DEVELOPMENTAL REVIEW 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2021.101000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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17
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Hudock RL, Esler AN. Clinical considerations when conducting diagnostic evaluations to identify autism spectrum disorder in young children. Clin Neuropsychol 2022; 36:921-942. [DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2022.2025907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah L. Hudock
- Division of Clinical Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Amy N. Esler
- Division of Clinical Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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18
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Berchio C, Micali N. Cognitive assessment using ERP in child and adolescent psychiatry: Difficulties and opportunities. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2022; 319:111424. [PMID: 34883368 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2021.111424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Event related potentials (ERPs) represent powerful tools to investigate cognitive functioning in child and adolescent psychiatry. So far, the available body of research has largely focused on advancements in analysis methods, with little attention given to the perspective of assessment. The aim of this brief report is to provide recommendations for cognitive ERPs assessment that can be applied across diagnostic categories in child and adolescent psychiatry research. First, we discuss major issues for ERPs testing using examples from common psychiatric disorders. We conclude by summing up our recommendations for methodological standards and highlighting the potential role of ERPs in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Berchio
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Nadia Micali
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Health, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland; Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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19
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Santegoeds E, van der Schoot E, Roording‐Ragetlie S, Klip H, Rommelse N. Neurocognitive functioning of children with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities and psychiatric disorders: profile characteristics and predictors of behavioural problems. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2022; 66:162-177. [PMID: 34378826 PMCID: PMC9290047 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the current study was twofold: first, to uncover a neurocognitive profile of normative and relative strengths and weaknesses that characterises an extremely vulnerable group of children with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID) and co-morbid psychiatric disorders, and second, to investigate the relevance of these neurocognitive functions explaining internalising and externalising symptoms. METHOD We recruited 45 children (Mage = 9.5, SDage = 1.7; range 6-13 years) with MBID (Full-Scale IQ 50-85) and at least one psychiatric disorder. Neurocognitive functioning was examined utilising the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fifth Edition (WISC-V) indices and the Cognitive Task Application (COTAPP), a comprehensive computerised self-paced task designed in such a manner that 'g' (an overall tendency of children with MBID to execute tasks with a slower reaction time and a higher error rate) has been corrected for in the administration of the task (i.e. completely self-paced) and in the operationalisation of outcome measures. Behavioural problems were measured using the CBCL and TRF. One-sample t-tests and binomial tests were carried out to compare performance with normative data. Regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between neurocognitive parameters and mental health. RESULTS Compared with normative data, very small to very large effect sizes were found, indicating clear heterogeneity amongst neurocognitive domains relevant for children with MBID. Two prominent neurocognitive weaknesses emerged: processing speed - characterised by slowness and unstableness combined with a high drift rate and delayed processing of the previous trial, particularly under higher cognitive demands - and working memory - in terms of a weaker central executive and 'slave' systems to temporarily store information. Both domains were not clearly predictive of internalising or externalising problems. CONCLUSION Children with MBID and psychiatric disorders are hampered by a strongly diminished processing speed and working memory capacity, together resulting in an overall limited processing capacity that may underlie the general developmental delays on domains that depend on fast and parallel processing of information (i.e. language, reading, mathematics and more complex forms of social cognition). Neurocognitive vulnerabilities are neither necessary nor sufficient to explain internalising and externalising problems; rather, a mismatch between the support needs and adaptations these children need, arising from their diminished processing capacity, and the inadequacy of the environment to compensate for this vulnerability may be of relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Santegoeds
- Department of Mild Intellectual DisabilitiesKarakter Child and Adolescent PsychiatryEdeThe Netherlands
| | - E. van der Schoot
- Department of Mild Intellectual DisabilitiesKarakter Child and Adolescent PsychiatryEdeThe Netherlands
| | - S. Roording‐Ragetlie
- Department of Mild Intellectual DisabilitiesKarakter Child and Adolescent PsychiatryEdeThe Netherlands
| | - H. Klip
- Karakter Child and Adolescent PsychiatryNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - N. Rommelse
- Department of Mild Intellectual DisabilitiesKarakter Child and Adolescent PsychiatryEdeThe Netherlands
- Karakter Child and Adolescent PsychiatryNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Department of PsychiatryRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
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20
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Aiello S, Vagni D, Cerasa A, Leonardi E, Carrozza C, Famà F, Campisi A, Marino F, Siracusano R, Alquino MA, Mainiero F, Germano E, Tartarisco G, Pioggia G, Gagliano A, Ruta L. Autistic Traits and Empathy in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Co-occurring Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:734177. [PMID: 34887721 PMCID: PMC8649805 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.734177] [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: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are two of the most represented neurodevelopmental conditions in childhood. The diagnostic shift introduced by the DSM-5, allowing a combined diagnosis of ADHD and ASD, poses different clinical challenges related to diagnostic overshadowing, accuracy of clinical judgment and potential delay in an ASD diagnosis in children presenting with ADHD. Here we tried to disentangle the clinical phenotype and specificity of the two co-occurring conditions in relation to autism traits and empathy, by comparing children with ASD with and without comorbid ADHD with children presenting ADHD only and children with typical development. The child versions of the Autism Quotient (C-AQ) and Empathy Quotient (C-EQ) were administered to a total sample of 198 male children between 6 and 14 years old with age appropriate language skills and normal intelligence. Univariate analysis demonstrated no significant differences in the C-AQ total and subscale scores as well as the C-EQ between children with ASD and children with ASD + ADHD, while children with ADHD alone presented an intermediate phenotype between ASD and TD. Furthermore, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was applied to discriminate among the different phenotypes. We found that the C-AQ and C-EQ were accurate at distinguishing with satisfactory reliability between: (a) ASD vs. non- ASD (N-ASD) groups comprising both ADHD and TD children (Area Under the Curve AUC 88% for C-AQ and 81% for C-EQ); (b) ASD and TD (AUC 92% for C-AQ and 95% for C-EQ); (c) ASD and ADHD (AUC 80% for C-AQ and 68% for C-EQ). Our data confirm the reliability of the C-AQ and C-EQ as behavioral markers to differentiate ASD (regardless of comorbid ADHD) from an ADHD condition and TD. Interestingly, in our sample an ADHD condition does not increase the severity of the clinical phenotype in terms of autism traits distribution and empathy, suggesting that the psychological measures detected by the two quantitative instruments are independent of ADHD traits. This evidence will contribute to the translational efforts in developing better tailored treatments and preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Aiello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - David Vagni
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Cerasa
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy.,S. Anna Institute, Crotone, Italy.,Pharmacotechnology Documentation and Transfer Unit, Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Arcavacata, Italy
| | - Elisa Leonardi
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Carrozza
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Famà
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Agrippina Campisi
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Flavia Marino
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Siracusano
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Federico II University Hospital Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Ausilia Alquino
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of the Adult and Developmental Age Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Mainiero
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eva Germano
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of the Adult and Developmental Age Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gennaro Tartarisco
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Gagliano
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Liliana Ruta
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
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21
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Seng GJ, Tseng WL, Chiu YN, Tsai WC, Wu YY, Gau SSF. Executive functions in youths with autism spectrum disorder and their unaffected siblings. Psychol Med 2021; 51:2571-2580. [PMID: 32349803 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720001075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Executive dysfunction is one of the main cognitive theories of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite evidence of deficits in executive functions in individuals with ASD, little is known about executive dysfunctions as candidate cognitive endophenotypes for ASD. In this study, we investigated executive functions in youths with ASD, their unaffected siblings and typically developing controls (TDC). METHODS We recruited 240 youths with a clinical diagnosis of ASD (aged 6-18 years), 147 unaffected siblings of ASD youths, and 240 TDC youths. TDC youths were recruited based on the age and sex distribution of the ASD youths. Participants were assessed using the verbal Digit Span test and four executive function tasks from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery, including Intra-dimensional/Extra-dimensional Shift (I/ED), Spatial Span (SSP), Spatial Working Memory (SWM), and Stocking of Cambridge (SoC). RESULTS ASD youths, relative to TDC, performed significantly worse in executive function tasks assessing verbal working memory (forward and backward digit span), set-shifting (I/ED), visuospatial working memory (SSP, SWM), and planning/problem solving (SoC). Furthermore, unaffected siblings, relative to TDC, performed worse in forward and backward digit recalls and made more errors in SWM. These results were independent of the effects of age, sex, IQ, and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support impaired executive functions in youths with ASD. However, unaffected siblings were mostly unimpaired except in the areas of verbal and spatial working memory, which may be potential cognitive endophenotypes for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Jye Seng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ling Tseng
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yen-Nan Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Che Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yu Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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22
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Mandic-Maravic V, Mitkovic-Voncina M, Pljesa-Ercegovac M, Savic-Radojevic A, Djordjevic M, Ercegovac M, Pekmezovic T, Simic T, Pejovic-Milovancevic M. Glutathione S-Transferase Polymorphisms and Clinical Characteristics in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:672389. [PMID: 34248709 PMCID: PMC8267579 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.672389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of developmental disorders, with different levels of symptoms, functioning, and comorbidities. Recent findings suggested that oxidative stress and genetic variability in glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) might increase the risk of ASD development. We aimed to determine whether GST polymorphisms influence the severity of symptoms as well as the cognitive and adaptive abilities in children with ASD. Methods: The sample included 113 ASD cases. All participants were genotyped for GSTA1, GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms. The clinical characteristics were determined with Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) in all of the participants. In non-verbal participants, we explored the adaptive functioning using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale II, while in verbal participants, we used the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI). Results: It was shown that the GSTA1 * CC genotype was a predictor of a lower non-verbal communication impairment as well as of a lower chance of having seizures during life. GSTM1-active genotype predicted a higher adaptive functioning. The predictive effect of GSTA1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 genotype was moderated by exposure during pregnancy (maternal smoking and medication). The GSTP1 * IleIle genotype was significantly associated to a better cognitive functioning in children with ASD. Conclusion: Besides the complex gene-environment interaction for the specific risk of developing ASD, there is also a possible complexity of interactions between genetic and environmental factors influencing the level of symptoms and impairment in people with ASD. Detoxification and antioxidant enzymes, such as GSTA1, might contribute to the core of this complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Mandic-Maravic
- Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Mitkovic-Voncina
- Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Pljesa-Ercegovac
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Savic-Radojevic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miroslav Djordjevic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- University Children's Hospital, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Ercegovac
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic of Neurology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Pekmezovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Epidemiology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Simic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Belgrade, Serbia
- Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Belgrade, Serbia
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Brief Report: An Exploration of Cognitive Flexibility of Autistic Adolescents with Low Intelligence Using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 53:1726-1732. [PMID: 34114127 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05134-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive flexibility (CF) is the ability to shift between concepts or rules. Difficulty with CF is associated with autism (i.e., ASD) as it contributes to repetitive behaviours. However, little is known about CF skills of autistic adolescents with low intelligence. This study uses the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST) to assess the CF of 36 adolescents, all with a Weschler full-scale IQ between 50 and 85, 14 of whom had an ASD diagnosis. The results indicated no statistically significant differences in WCST performance between those with and without ASD. It was also found that performance IQ significantly contributed to the WCST performance in the ASD group only, suggesting an autism-specific role of non-verbal cognitive functioning in CF.
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Park HY, Go J, Ryu YK, Choi DH, Noh JR, An JP, Oh WK, Han PL, Lee CH, Kim KS. Humulus japonicus rescues autistic‑like behaviours in the BTBR T + Itpr3 tf/J mouse model of autism. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:448. [PMID: 33880583 PMCID: PMC8060795 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Humulus japonicus (HJ) is a traditional herbal medicine that exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-tumor effects that is used for the treatment of hypertension, pulmonary disease and leprosy. Recently, it has also been reported that HJ demonstrates neuroprotective properties in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. The current study hypothesised that the administration of HJ would exhibit therapeutic effects in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder with lifelong consequences. The BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mouse model of ASD was used to investigate the anti-autistic like behavioural effects of HJ. Chronic oral administration of the ethanolic extract of HJ significantly increased social interaction, attenuated repetitive grooming behaviour and improved novel-object recognition in BTBR mice. Anti-inflammatory effects of HJ in the brain were analysed using immunohistochemistry and reverse-transcription quantitative PCR analysis. Microglia activation was markedly decreased in the striatum and hippocampus, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, were significantly reduced in the hippocampus following HJ treatment. Moreover, HJ treatment normalised the phosphorylation levels of: N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II subunit α in the hippocampus of BTBR mice. The results of the present study demonstrated that the administration of HJ may have beneficial potential for ameliorating behavioural deficits and neuroinflammation in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Yeon Park
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Go
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Kyoung Ryu
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hee Choi
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Ran Noh
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Pyo An
- Korea Bioactive Natural Material Bank, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 151‑742, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Keun Oh
- Korea Bioactive Natural Material Bank, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 151‑742, Republic of Korea
| | - Pyung-Lim Han
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Ho Lee
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Shim Kim
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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25
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Sarovic D. A Unifying Theory for Autism: The Pathogenetic Triad as a Theoretical Framework. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:767075. [PMID: 34867553 PMCID: PMC8637925 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.767075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents a unifying theory for autism by applying the framework of a pathogenetic triad to the scientific literature. It proposes a deconstruction of autism into three contributing features (an autistic personality dimension, cognitive compensation, and neuropathological risk factors), and delineates how they interact to cause a maladaptive behavioral phenotype that may require a clinical diagnosis. The autistic personality represents a common core condition, which induces a set of behavioral issues when pronounced. These issues are compensated for by cognitive mechanisms, allowing the individual to remain adaptive and functional. Risk factors, both exogenous and endogenous ones, show pathophysiological convergence through their negative effects on neurodevelopment. This secondarily affects cognitive compensation, which disinhibits a maladaptive behavioral phenotype. The triad is operationalized and methods for quantification are presented. With respect to the breadth of findings in the literature that it can incorporate, it is the most comprehensive model yet for autism. Its main implications are that (1) it presents the broader autism phenotype as a non-pathological core personality domain, which is shared across the population and uncoupled from associated features such as low cognitive ability and immune dysfunction, (2) it proposes that common genetic variants underly the personality domain, and that rare variants act as risk factors through negative effects on neurodevelopment, (3) it outlines a common pathophysiological mechanism, through inhibition of neurodevelopment and cognitive dysfunction, by which a wide range of endogenous and exogenous risk factors lead to autism, and (4) it suggests that contributing risk factors, and findings of immune and autonomic dysfunction are clinically ascertained rather than part of the core autism construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darko Sarovic
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Radiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,MedTech West, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Gomez R, Stavropoulos V, Vance A, Griffiths MD. Gifted Children with ADHD: How Are They Different from Non-gifted Children with ADHD? Int J Ment Health Addict 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-019-00125-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe present study focused on inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity differences of gifted children with and without attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Based on clinical assessment utilizing the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for Children (ADISC-IV) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Fourth Edition, attendees of a public outpatient child service (boys = 359, girls = 148), with mean age 10.60 years (SD = 3.08 years), were allocated into four groups: ADHD (N = 350), gifted (N = 15), gifted/ADHD (N = 18), and clinical controls (N = 124). The Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD-Symptoms and Normal Behavior Scale dimensionally assessed inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity variations. Compared to the gifted/ADHD group, the ADHD group had higher scores for inattention and comparable scores for hyperactivity/impulsivity. For most symptoms, the ADHD groups (gifted or not) rated higher than the non-ADHD groups (control and gifted without ADHD). Findings appeared to indicate that (i) ADHD is a valid diagnosis among children who are gifted, (ii) gifted children might tend to be less inattentive than non-gifted ADHD children, and (iii) ADHD-gifted children appear to differ from the non-ADHD-gifted children with regard to specific hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. The practical implication of these findings is that clinicians may wish to focus on these symptoms when diagnosing ADHD among children with high intelligence.
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Marton-Alper IZ, Gvirts-Provolovski HZ, Nevat M, Karklinsky M, Shamay-Tsoory SG. Herding in human groups is related to high autistic traits. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17957. [PMID: 33087785 PMCID: PMC7578000 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74951-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Herding is ubiquitous throughout all social life forms, providing beneficial outcomes. Here, we examine whether herding emerges spontaneously in human groups and whether it adheres to the core principles of herding observed in the animal kingdom. Using a computerized paradigm involving the movements of circles, we tested the emergence of spontaneous and intentional herding of 136 participants assigned into groups of four participants. Herding was assessed by measuring directional synchrony in the movements of the circles, level of cohesion, and separation between circles. We found that human groups tend to spontaneously herd, particularly in terms of directional synchrony, supporting the notion of a human herding instinct. We further asked whether individuals with high traits of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit differences in their herding tendencies. Results indicated that individuals with high ASD traits showed greater social separation from the group, compared to individuals with low ASD traits. Moreover, we found diminished spontaneous synchrony, but intact instructed synchrony in the high vs. the low ASD traits group. We contend that humans spontaneously herd with their group and suggest that the spontaneous tendency to synchronize with others is diminished in individuals with high ASD traits, though it is recovered when synchronization is intentional.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M Nevat
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - M Karklinsky
- Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - S G Shamay-Tsoory
- Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), Haifa, Israel
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Hirosawa T, Kontani K, Fukai M, Kameya M, Soma D, Hino S, Kitamura T, Hasegawa C, An KM, Takahashi T, Yoshimura Y, Kikuchi M. Different associations between intelligence and social cognition in children with and without autism spectrum disorders. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235380. [PMID: 32822358 PMCID: PMC7444496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by impaired social cognition and communication. In addition to social impairment, individuals with ASD often have intellectual disability. Intelligence is known to influence the phenotypic presentation of ASD. Nevertheless, the relation between intelligence and social reciprocity in people with ASD remains unclear, especially in childhood. To elucidate this relation, we analyzed 56 typically developing children (35 male, 21 female, aged 60–91 months) and 46 children with ASD (35 male, 11 female, aged 60–98 months) from university and affiliated hospitals. Their cognitive function was evaluated using the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children. Their social cognition was assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale. We used linear regression models to ascertain whether the associations between intelligence and social cognition of typically developing children and children with ASD are significantly different. Among the children with ASD, scores on the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children correlated significantly with social cognition, indicating that higher intelligence is associated with better social cognition. For typically developing children, however, no significant correlation was found. One explanation might be that children with ASD fully use general intelligence for successful learning in social cognition, although extensive use of intelligence might not be necessary for TD children. Alternatively, autistic impairment in social cognition can be compensated by intelligence despite a persistent deficit in social cognition. In either case, when using the SRS as a quantitative phenotype measure for ASD, the influence of intelligence must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsu Hirosawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Keiko Kontani
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mina Fukai
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Masafumi Kameya
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Daiki Soma
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shoryoku Hino
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Ishikawa Prefectural Takamatsu Hospital, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Tatsuru Kitamura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Ishikawa Prefectural Takamatsu Hospital, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Chiaki Hasegawa
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kyung-min An
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Takahashi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yuko Yoshimura
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Faculty of Education, Institute of Human and Social Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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Xie R, Sun X, Yang L, Guo Y. Characteristic Executive Dysfunction for High-Functioning Autism Sustained to Adulthood. Autism Res 2020; 13:2102-2121. [PMID: 32298047 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The comprehensiveness and severity of executive dysfunction in high-functioning autism (HFA) spectrum disorder have not reached a unified conclusion especially in patients in adulthood. Clarifying this issue is critical for guiding clinical diagnosis and targeted intervention. The primary objective of the present meta-analysis was to study the characteristics of executive function (EF) in adults with HFA compared to typically developing (TD) adults, by taking five key components into consideration, including inhibition, working memory, flexibility, planning, and fluency. The PubMed and Embase databases were searched to identify peer-reviewed studies that compared EF in adults with and without HFA from 1980 to November 2018. Hedges' g effect sizes were computed to measure the primary outcome. Moderators like age, sex, and diagnostic tools were controlled using meta-regressions. Forty-two studies satisfying the selection criteria were included, which resulted in a large sample size of 2419 participants. A moderate overall effect size for reduced EF across domains was found in adults with HFA, compared with TD (g = 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.47-0.66). Subsequently, a broad executive dysfunction was found in adults with HFA in this study (flexibility [g = 0.69], planning [g = 0.64], inhibition [g = 0.61], working memory [g = 0.48], fluency [g = 0.42]), with the predominated impairment on flexibility and planning. Taken together, these results provide evidence for the executive dysfunction hypothesis and may assist in the clinical diagnosis and targeted intervention, suggesting the necessity of sustained intervention on EF for individuals with HFA from childhood to adulthood. LAY SUMMARY: The meta-analysis explored the characteristics of EF in adults with high-functioning autism (HFA) comparing to typically developing controls. Moderate effect sizes for reduced EF across domains were found in adults with HFA, with the flexibility and planning being the most predominately impaired. A comprehensive measurement of EF in adults with HFA has important clinical implications for the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and a fundamental understanding for developmental trajectory of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rao Xie
- Peking University Sixth Hospital (Institute of Mental Health), National Clinical Research Centre for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Sun
- Peking University Sixth Hospital (Institute of Mental Health), National Clinical Research Centre for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Li Yang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital (Institute of Mental Health), National Clinical Research Centre for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Yanqing Guo
- Peking University Sixth Hospital (Institute of Mental Health), National Clinical Research Centre for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, (Peking University), Beijing, China
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Velikonja T, Fett AK, Velthorst E. Patterns of Nonsocial and Social Cognitive Functioning in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry 2019; 76:135-151. [PMID: 30601878 PMCID: PMC6439743 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.3645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Many studies have investigated impairments in cognitive domains in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, to date, a comprehensive overview on the patterns of cognitive functioning is lacking. OBJECTIVE To provide an overview of nonsocial and social cognitive functioning in various domains in adults with ASD, allowing for comparison of the severity of deficits between different domains. DATA SOURCES A literature search performed in an academic medical setting was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and Medline databases with the combination of the following free-text and Medical Subject Headings where applicable: [cogniti* OR neurocogniti* OR neuropsycholog* OR executive function* OR IQ OR intelligence quotient OR social cognition OR emotion perception OR affect perception OR emotion recognition OR attribution OR ToM OR mentalising OR mentalizing OR prosody OR social knowledge OR mind reading OR social cue OR social judgment] AND [autis* OR ASD OR Asperger OR Asperger's OR PDD OR pervasive developmental disorder]. The search was further limited to studies published between 1980 (first inclusion of autism diagnosis in the DSM-III) and July 2018. STUDY SELECTION Studies included were published as a primary peer-reviewed research article in English, included individuals with ASD 16 years or older, and assessed at least 1 domain of neurocognitive functioning or social cognition using standard measures. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Of 9892 articles identified and screened, 75 met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review and meta-analysis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Hedges g effect sizes were computed, and random-effects models were used for all analyses. Moderators of between-study variability in effect sizes were assessed using meta-regressions. RESULTS The systematic review and meta-analysis included 75 studies, with a combined sample of 3361 individuals with ASD (mean [SD] age, 32.0 [9.3] years; 75.9% male) and 5344 neurotypical adults (mean [SD] age, 32.3 [9.1] years; 70.1% male). Adults with ASD showed large impairments in theory of mind (g = -1.09; 95% CI, -1.25 to -0.92; number of studies = 39) and emotion perception and processing (g = -0.80; 95% CI, -1.04 to -0.55; n = 18), followed by medium impairments in processing speed (g = -0.61; 95% CI, -0.83 to -0.38; n = 21) and verbal learning and memory (g = -0.55; 95% CI, -0.86 to -0.25; n = 12). The least altered cognitive domains were attention and vigilance (g = -0.30; 95% CI, -0.81 to 0.21; n = 5) and working memory (g = -0.23; 95% CI, -0.47 to 0.01; n = 19). Meta-regressions confirmed robustness of the results. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that adults with ASD show impairments in social cognitive domains and in specific nonsocial cognitive domains. These findings contribute to the understanding of the patterns of cognitive functioning in adults with ASD and may assist in the identification of targets for cognitive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjasa Velikonja
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York,The Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Anne-Kathrin Fett
- Department of Psychology, City University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Velthorst
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York,The Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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Torske T, Nærland T, Øie MG, Stenberg N, Andreassen OA. Metacognitive Aspects of Executive Function Are Highly Associated with Social Functioning on Parent-Rated Measures in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 11:258. [PMID: 29375332 PMCID: PMC5767603 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by social dysfunction. Even though executive dysfunction has been recognized as important in understanding ASD, the findings are inconsistent. This might be due to different definitions of executive function (EF), which part of EF that has been studied, structured vs. unstructured tasks, inclusion of different moderators (age, IQ, sex) and different diagnostic categories within the spectrum. The main finding is that people with ASD have more EF difficulties than normal controls and more difficulties on open-end tasks than on structured cognitive tasks. Since some EF difficulties may not be observable in a laboratory setting, informant measures might have higher ecological validity than neuropsychological tests. Evidence suggests that executive dysfunctions are associated with social impairments, but few studies have investigated the details of this relationship, and it remains unclear what types of EF deficits are relevant for the social problems of individuals with ASD. Here we investigated which EF domains were associated with various domains of social function on parent-rated measures. A total of 86 children and adolescents with a diagnosis of ASD were included and tested for general cognitive abilities. Parents completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Multiple regression analysis revealed significant associations between SRS scores and age, sex, total IQ and the BRIEF indexes. The Metacognition Index from the BRIEF added significantly to the prediction of the SRS total score and the subscales Social Communication, Social Motivation and Autistic Mannerisms. The findings suggest that metacognitive aspects of EF are of particular importance for social abilities in children and adolescents with ASD. Earlier research has shown that typically developing (TD) children have a different relationship between EF and social function than children with ASD. They found that in TD children the EF domain related to behavioral regulation was most important to social function. The results from the current study may have implications for understanding the cognitive components of the social problems that define ASD, and may be relevant in developing more targeted clinical EF interventions related to core ASD dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonje Torske
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | - Terje Nærland
- NevSom Department of Rare Disorders and Disabilities, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete G Øie
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Research Department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Nina Stenberg
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Pop B, Niculae AȘ, Pop TL, Răchișan AL. Individuals with autism have higher 8-Iso-PGF2α levels than controls, but no correlation with quantitative assay of Paraoxonase 1 serum levels. Metab Brain Dis 2017; 32:1943-1950. [PMID: 28808839 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-017-0083-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a very large set of neurodevelopmental issues with diverse clinical outcomes. Various hypotheses have been put forth for the etiology of autism spectrum disorder, including issues pertaining to oxidative stress. In this study, we conducted measurements of serum 8-Iso-Prostaglanding F2 α (8-iso-PGF2α, which is the results of non-enzimatically mediated polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation) in a population of individuals with autism and a control group of age and sex matched controls. A quantitative assay of Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) was conducted. Data regarding comorbidities, structural MRI scans, medication, intelligence quotient (IQ) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale scores (CARS) were also included in our study. Our results show that patients diagnosed with autism have higher levels of 8-iso-PGF2α than their neurotypical counterparts. Levels of this particular metabolite, however, do not correlate with quantitative serum levels of Paraoxonase 1, which has been shown to be altered in individuals with autism. Neither 8-iso-PGF2α nor quantitative levels of PON1 provide any meaningful correlation with clinical or neuroimaging data in this study group. Future research should focus on providing data regarding PON 1 phenotype, in addition to standard quantitative measurements, in relation to 8-iso-PGF2α as well as other clinical and structural brain findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Pop
- Department of Pediatrics Psychiatry, Iuliu Hatieganu University Of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ospatariei Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandru-Ștefan Niculae
- Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Pediatrics Clinic, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-5 Crisan Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Tudor Lucian Pop
- Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Pediatrics Clinic, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-5 Crisan Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andreea Liana Răchișan
- Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Pediatrics Clinic, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 3-5 Crisan Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Abstract
Early autism research focused on behavior and cognition. In recent decades, the pace of research has accelerated, and advances in imaging and genetics have allowed the accumulation of biological data. Nevertheless, a coherent picture of the syndrome at either phenotypic or biological level has not emerged. We see two fundamental obstacles to progress in basic understanding of autism. First, the two defining features (impairment in social interactions and communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests) are historically seen as integrally related. Others hold that these two major traits are fractionable and must be studied independently, casting doubt on autism as a coherent syndrome. Second, despite much recent research on brain structure and function, environmental factors, and genetics/genomics, findings on the biological level have not generally aligned well with those on the phenotypic level. In the first two sections, we explore these challenges, and in the third section, we review approaches that may facilitate progress, such as (1) including in studies all individuals defined by social impairment without regard to repetitive behaviors, (2) forming narrowly defined subtypes by thorough characterization on specific features, both diagnostic and non-diagnostic, (3) focusing on characteristics that may be relatively robust to environmental influence, (4) studying children as early as possible, minimizing environmental influence, and including longitudinal course as an important part of the phenotype, (5) subtyping by environmental risk factors, (6) distinguishing between what participants can do and what they typically do, and (7) aggregating large data sets across sites. (JINS, 2017, 23, 903-915).
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Broad Cognitive Profile in Children and Adolescents with HF-ASD and in Their Siblings: Widespread Underperformance and its Clinical and Adaptive Correlates. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:2153-2162. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3137-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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35
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Chong A, Malavasi F, Israel S, Khor CC, Yap VB, Monakhov M, Chew SH, Lai PS, Ebstein RP. ADP ribosyl-cyclases (CD38/CD157), social skills and friendship. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 78:185-192. [PMID: 28212520 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Why some individuals seek social engagement while others shy away has profound implications for normal and pathological human behavior. Evidence suggests that oxytocin (OT), the paramount human social hormone, and CD38 that governs OT release, contribute to individual differences in social skills from intense social involvement to extreme avoidance that characterize autism. To explore the neurochemical underpinnings of sociality, CD38 expression of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) was measured in Han Chinese undergraduates. First, CD38 mRNA levels were correlated with lower Autism Quotient (AQ), indicating enhanced social skills. AQ assesses the extent of autistic-like traits including the propensity and dexterity needed for successful social engagement in the general population. Second, three CD157 eQTL SNPs in the CD38/CD157 gene region were associated with CD38 expression. CD157 is a paralogue of CD38 and is contiguous with it on chromosome 4p15. Third, association was also observed between the CD157 eQTL SNPs, CD38 expression and AQ. In the full model, CD38 expression and CD157 eQTL SNPs altogether account for a substantial 14% of the variance in sociality. Fourth, functionality of CD157 eQTL SNPs was suggested by a significant association with plasma oxytocin immunoreactivity products. Fifth, the ecological validity of these findings was demonstrated with subjects with higher PBL CD38 expression having more friends, especially for males. Furthermore, CD157 sequence variation predicts scores on the Friendship questionnaire. To summarize, this study by uniquely leveraging various measures reveals salient elements contributing to nonkin sociality and friendship, revealing a likely pathway underpinning the transition from normality to psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Chong
- Dept. of Psychology, National University of Singapore, S117570, Singapore.
| | - Fabio Malavasi
- Lab of Immunogenetics, Dept. of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
| | | | | | - Von Bing Yap
- Dept. of Statistics & Applied Probability, National University of Singapore, S117570, Singapore
| | - Mikhail Monakhov
- Dept. of Psychology, National University of Singapore, S117570, Singapore
| | - Soo Hong Chew
- Dept. of Economics, National University of Singapore, S117570, Singapore
| | - Poh San Lai
- Dept. of Paediatrics, National University of Singapore, S119228, Singapore
| | - Richard P Ebstein
- Dept. of Psychology, National University of Singapore, S117570, Singapore.
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Veatch OJ, Sutcliffe JS, Warren ZE, Keenan BT, Potter MH, Malow BA. Shorter sleep duration is associated with social impairment and comorbidities in ASD. Autism Res 2017; 10:1221-1238. [PMID: 28301091 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Sleep disturbance, particularly insomnia, is common in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Furthermore, disturbed sleep affects core symptoms and other related comorbidities. Understanding the causes and consequences of sleep disturbances in children with ASD is an important step toward mitigating these symptoms. To better understand the connection between sleep duration and ASD severity, we analyzed ASD-related symptoms using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), IQ scores, and parent reports of the average amount of time slept per night that were available in the medical histories of 2,714 children with ASD in the Simons Simplex Collection (SSC). The mean (SD) sleep duration was 555 minutes. Sleep duration and severity of core ASD symptoms were negatively correlated, and sleep duration and IQ scores were positively correlated. Regression results indicated that more severe social impairment, primarily a failure to develop peer relationships, is the core symptom most strongly associated with short sleep duration. Furthermore, increased severity for numerous maladaptive behaviors assessed on the Child Behavior Checklist, as well as reports of attention deficit disorder, depressive disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder were associated with short sleep duration. Severity scores for social/communication impairment and restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) were increased, and IQ scores were decreased, for children reported to sleep ≤420 minutes per night (lower 5th percentile) compared to children sleeping ≥660 minutes (upper 95th percentile). Our results indicate that reduced amounts of sleep are related to more severe symptoms in children with ASD. Autism Res 2017. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1221-1238. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia J Veatch
- Department of Neurology, Sleep Disorders Division, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Medicine, Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - James S Sutcliffe
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Zachary E Warren
- Department of Pediatric Nashville, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Brendan T Keenan
- Department of Medicine, Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Melissa H Potter
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Beth A Malow
- Department of Neurology, Sleep Disorders Division, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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McGonigle-Chalmers M, McCrohan F. Using inclusive sampling to highlight specific executive functioning impairments in autism spectrum disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2017; 64:244-254. [PMID: 34141312 PMCID: PMC8115571 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2017.1288887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of the study is to help identify the nature of impaired executive functioning (EF) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is also argued that participant sampling by age alone should inform experimental research on EF, as selection through IQ matching may weaken any experimental effects. Methods: Sixteen children with ASD across a wide range of Nonverbal IQ (NVIQ) and 16 neurotypical control children matched on age alone were given two different types of computerized sequencing game. Both required top-down organization, but in one case the sequence had to be self-generated while in the second it had to be learned and strictly followed. Measures of learning success in relation to NVIQ, and information processing demands were made. Results: Children with ASD were significantly impaired on the first task only, especially when the processing demands were increased. The effects were particularly pronounced for children with below average NVIQ. Conclusions: The study indicates a selective problem with self-organized sequencing in ASD with implications for certain real world contexts, but also points to a need for more inclusive sampling of children in order to fully expose specific executive impairments in autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fiona McCrohan
- Psychology Department, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK
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Chahboun S, Vulchanov V, Saldaña D, Eshuis H, Vulchanova M. Can You Play with Fire and Not Hurt Yourself? A Comparative Study in Figurative Language Comprehension between Individuals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168571. [PMID: 28036344 PMCID: PMC5201294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with High functioning autism (HFA) are distinguished by relative preservation of linguistic and cognitive skills. However, problems with pragmatic language skills have been consistently reported across the autistic spectrum, even when structural language is intact. Our main goal was to investigate how highly verbal individuals with autism process figurative language and whether manipulation of the stimuli presentation modality had an impact on the processing. We were interested in the extent to which visual context, e.g., an image corresponding either to the literal meaning or the figurative meaning of the expression may facilitate responses to such expressions. Participants with HFA and their typically developing peers (matched on intelligence and language level) completed a cross-modal sentence-picture matching task for figurative expressions and their target figurative meaning represented in images. We expected that the individuals with autism would have difficulties in appreciating the non-literal nature of idioms and metaphors, despite intact structural language skills. Analyses of accuracy and reaction times showed clearly that the participants with autism performed at a lower level than their typically developing peers. Moreover, the modality in which the stimuli were presented was an important variable in task performance for the more transparent expressions. The individuals with autism displayed higher error rates and greater reaction latencies in the auditory modality compared to the visual stimulus presentation modality, implying more difficulty. Performance differed depending on type of expression. Participants had more difficulty understanding the culturally-based expressions, but not expressions grounded in human experience (biological idioms). This research highlights the importance of stimulus presentation modality and that this can lead to differences in figurative language comprehension between typically and atypically developing individuals. The current study also contributes to current debates on the role of structural language in figurative language comprehension in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobh Chahboun
- Language Acquisition and Language Processing Lab, Department of Language and Literature, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Valentin Vulchanov
- Language Acquisition and Language Processing Lab, Department of Language and Literature, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - David Saldaña
- Language, Cognition and Individual Differences Lab, Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Hendrik Eshuis
- Language Acquisition and Language Processing Lab, Department of Language and Literature, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mila Vulchanova
- Language Acquisition and Language Processing Lab, Department of Language and Literature, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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An evidenced-based perspective on the validity of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the context of high intelligence. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 71:21-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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