1
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The potential for retronasally delivered olfactory stimuli to assess psychiatric conditions. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-019-00238-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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2
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Abstract
The elucidation of odour awareness in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is important. We compared the odour awareness of young children with ASD with those of typical development (TD) children using the Children's Olfactory Behavior in Everyday Life (COBEL) questionnaire, which is a self-report measure that mainly assesses odour awareness. Forty-five young boys (aged 5-6 years), including 20 children with ASD and 25 TD children, participated in this study. The total COBEL score of the young children with ASD was lower than that of the TD children (p < 0.01). Moreover, the total COBEL score was significantly correlated with the total VABS II score (p < 0.05). Our results improve understanding of the odour awareness in children with ASD.
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3
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Kinnaird E, Stewart C, Tchanturia K. The relationship of autistic traits to taste and olfactory processing in anorexia nervosa. Mol Autism 2020; 11:25. [PMID: 32276668 PMCID: PMC7146886 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00331-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a heightened prevalence of autism in anorexia nervosa (AN) compared to the general population. Autistic people with AN experience a longer illness duration and poorer treatment outcomes. Whether sensory differences in autism could contribute to altered taste and smell as a potential maintaining factor in AN is under-explored. The aim of this study was to explore whether autistic traits are associated with taste and olfaction differences in AN. METHODS The study recruited n = 40 people with AN, and n = 40 healthy controls (HC). Smell sensitivity was measured using the Sniffin' Sticks test. Taste sensitivity was measured using taste strips. Participants self-rated their autistic traits using the Autism Spectrum Quotient. RESULTS There were no significant differences on taste and olfactory outcomes between people with AN and HC. These findings did not change after controlling for the heightened levels of autistic traits in the AN group. No relationship between taste and smell outcomes and autistic traits were identified within the AN group. LIMITATIONS The current study is not able to draw conclusions about taste and smell processing in co-occurring autism and AN as it only measured levels of autistic traits, rather than comparing people with and without an autism diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS No significant associations between autistic traits and taste and smell processing in AN were identified. Future research should consider further exploring this area, including by comparing autistic women to women with AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Kinnaird
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Catherine Stewart
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kate Tchanturia
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
- Eating Disorders Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- Department of Psychology, Illia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia.
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4
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Abstract
Olfactory adaptation is an important process that allows the individual to adjust to changes in the environment. This process has been proposed to be aberrant in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, few studies have examined olfactory adaptation in children with ASD. We examined olfactory adaptation in children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children using a pulse ejection system, which resolved problems associated with previous laboratory-based olfactory psychophysical studies. Nine children with ASD and nine TD children participated in this study and all participants completed the entire experiment. Using this system, we found that the TD group showed greater adaptation than the ASD group. Our results provide a better understanding of olfactory adaptation in children with ASD.
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5
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Schriever VA, Gellrich J, von der Hagen M, Hummel T. Acquired Olfactory Dysfunction in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Chem Senses 2018; 43:571-581. [DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjy046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Valentin A Schriever
- Abteilung Neuropädiatrie an der Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse, Dresden, Germany
| | - Janine Gellrich
- Abteilung Neuropädiatrie an der Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maja von der Hagen
- Abteilung Neuropädiatrie an der Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden Medical School, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse, Dresden, Germany
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6
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Muratori F, Tonacci A, Billeci L, Catalucci T, Igliozzi R, Calderoni S, Narzisi A. Olfactory Processing in Male Children with Autism: Atypical Odor Threshold and Identification. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 47:3243-3251. [PMID: 28744761 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3250-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sensory issues are of great interest in ASD diagnosis. However, their investigation is mainly based on external observation (parent reports), with methodological limitations. Unobtrusive olfactory assessment allows studying autism neurosensoriality. Here, 20 male children with high-functioning ASD and 20 matched controls were administered a complete olfactory test battery, assessing olfactory threshold, identification and discrimination. ASD children show lower sensitivity (p = 0.041), lower identification (p = 0.014), and intact odor discrimination (p = 0.199) than controls. Comparing olfactory and clinical scores, a significant correlation was found in ASD between olfactory threshold and the CBCL social problems (p = 0.011) and aggressive behavior (p = 0.012) sub-scales. The pattern featuring peripheral hyposensitivity, high-order difficulties in odor identification and regular subcortical odor discrimination is discussed in light of hypo-priors hypothesis for autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Muratori
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tonacci
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Clinical Physiology, IFC-CNR, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | | | | | | | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
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7
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Kumazaki H, Okamoto M, Kanzaki S, Okada KI, Mimura M, Minabe Y, Kikuchi M. Approaches for Assessing Olfaction in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1820:221-228. [PMID: 29884948 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8609-5_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Olfactory traits in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are considered the strongest predictors of social impairment. Compared to other sensory abnormalities, olfactory abnormalities in individuals with ASD are poorly understood. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the current assessment in individuals with ASD. Several confounding factors have to be considered when conducting research on olfaction in individuals with ASD. Qualitative measures of olfaction contain only limited information about the olfactory stimuli. In addition, little systematic information is available about individual's actual uses of olfaction in daily life. Only a limited number of experimental studies have performed quantitative measurements of olfactory abnormalities in ASD. Therefore, clarifying the relationship between olfactory traits and the influence of real-life situations in a laboratory setting is very difficult. Some new methodologies for measuring olfactory traits are gradually becoming available. New methods that reveal important links between ASD and olfactory traits should be developed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Kumazaki
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan.
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Masako Okamoto
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- ERATO Touhara Chemosensory Signal Project, JST, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sho Kanzaki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Okada
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masaru Mimura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshio Minabe
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
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8
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Fadda R, Piras F, Doneddu G, Saba L, Masala C. Olfactory Function Assessment in Italian Subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorder. CHEMOSENS PERCEPT 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12078-017-9234-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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9
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Larsson M, Tirado C, Wiens S. A Meta-Analysis of Odor Thresholds and Odor Identification in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Psychol 2017; 8:679. [PMID: 28553238 PMCID: PMC5425471 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are often accompanied by atypical visual, auditory, and tactile sensory behavior. Evidence also suggests alterations of the olfactory system, but the pattern of findings appears mixed. To quantify this pattern systematically, we conducted a meta-analysis. Studies were included if they examined olfactory function (i.e., odor threshold, or odor identification) in ASD compared with healthy age-matched control groups. We also coded for the potential moderators gender, age, and IQ. Articles were identified through computerized literature search using Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases. A total of 11 articles compared odor threshold and/or odor identification between cases and controls (for threshold, n = 143 ASD and 148 controls; and for identification, n = 132 ASD and 139 controls). Effects sizes showed a substantial heterogeneity. As a result, the 95% prediction intervals were wide and ranged between a large negative and a large positive effect size for odor threshold, [-1.86, 2.05], and for odor identification, [-1.51, 2.52]. Exploratory analyses suggested that age and IQ may be potential moderators. To conclude, the large heterogeneity is consistent with the notion of both hyposensitivity and hypersensitivity in individuals with ASD. However, future research needs to predict and test the specific direction of the effect to provide convincing evidence for atypical olfactory functions in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Larsson
- Gösta Ekman Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stockholm UniversityStockholm, Sweden
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10
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Boudjarane MA, Grandgeorge M, Marianowski R, Misery L, Lemonnier É. Perception of odors and tastes in autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review of assessments. Autism Res 2017; 10:1045-1057. [PMID: 28371114 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Olfaction and gustation are major sensory functions implied in processing environmental stimuli. Some evidences suggest that loss of olfactory function is an early biomarker for neurodegenerative disorders and atypical processing of odor and taste stimuli is present in several neurodevelopmental disorders, notably in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In this paper, we conducted a systematic review investigating the assessments of olfaction and gustation with psychophysics methods in individuals with ASD. Pubmed, PMC and Sciencedirect were scrutinized for relevant literature published from 1970 to 2015. In this review, fourteen papers met our inclusion criteria. They were analyzed critically in order to evaluate the occurrence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in ASD, as well as to report the methods used to assess olfaction and gustation in such conditions. Regarding to these two senses, the overall number of studies is low. Most of studies show significant difference regarding to odor or taste identification but not for detection threshold. Overall, odor rating through pleasantness, intensity and familiarity do not differ significantly between control and individuals with ASD. The current evidences can suggest the presence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in ASD. Therefore, our analysis show a heterogeneity of findings. This is due to several methodological limitations such as the tools used or population studied. Understanding these disorders could help to shed light on other atypical behavior in this population such as feeding or social behavior. Autism Res 2017, 0: 000-000. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1045-1057. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Boudjarane
- Laboratory of Neurosciences of Brest (EA4685), University of Western Brittany, Brest, France
| | - Marine Grandgeorge
- Laboratory of Neurosciences of Brest (EA4685), University of Western Brittany, Brest, France.,UMR-CNRS 6552, Animal and Human Ethology University of Rennes 1-CNRS, Rennes Cedex, France
| | - Rémi Marianowski
- Laboratory of Neurosciences of Brest (EA4685), University of Western Brittany, Brest, France.,Department of ENT, University Hospital of Brest, Brest Cedex, France
| | - Laurent Misery
- Laboratory of Neurosciences of Brest (EA4685), University of Western Brittany, Brest, France.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Brest, Brest Cedex, France
| | - Éric Lemonnier
- Laboratory of Neurosciences of Brest (EA4685), University of Western Brittany, Brest, France.,University Hospital of Limoges, Expert Center of Autism Limousin, Limoges Cedex, France (É.L.)
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11
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Mehling MH, Tassé MJ. Severity of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Current Conceptualization, and Transition to DSM-5. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 46:2000-2016. [PMID: 26873143 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-2731-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mirroring the evolution of the conceptualization of autism has been changes in the diagnostic process, including the most recent revisions to the DSM-5 and the addition of severity-based diagnostic modifiers assigned on the basis of intensity of needed supports. A review of recent literature indicates that in research stratifying individuals on the basis of autism severity, core ASD symptomology is the primary consideration. This conceptualization is disparate from the conceptualization put forth in DSM-5 in which severity determination is based on level of needed support, which is also impacted by cognitive, language, behavioral, and adaptive functioning. This paper reviews literature in this area and discusses possible instruments that may be useful to inform clinical judgment in determining ASD severity levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret H Mehling
- Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, McCampbell Hall Room 279, 1581 Dodd Dr, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Marc J Tassé
- Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, McCampbell Hall Room 279, 1581 Dodd Dr, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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12
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Beranova S, Stoklasa J, Dudova I, Markova D, Kasparova M, Zemankova J, Urbanek T, Talasek T, Luukka P, Hrdlicka M. A possible role of the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile in screening for autism: a proof-of-concept study in the specific sample of prematurely born children with birth weights <1,500 g. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2017; 13:191-200. [PMID: 28182143 PMCID: PMC5279831 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s123066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore the potential of the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile (ITSP) as a screening tool for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in prematurely born children. METHODS Parents of 157 children with birth weights <1,500 g (aged 2 years, corrected for prematurity; 88 boys, 69 girls) completed a screening battery that included the ITSP, Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), and the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile Infant-Toddler Checklist (CSBS-DP-ITC). Children with known disabilities were excluded. All the children who were screened positive on any of the screening tools subsequently underwent clinical examination including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. RESULTS We used classification trees to answer the question whether ITSP (or some of its subscales) could be combined with the M-CHAT and/or the CSBS-DP-ITC or its subscales into an effective ASD screening tool. Using the CSBS-DP-ITC, overall score, and the Sensation Seeking subscale of the ITSP, we obtained a screening tool that was able to identify all of the ASD children in our sample (confirmed by cross-validation). The proposed screening tool is scored as follows: 1) if the overall CSBS-DP-ITC value is <45.5, then the screening is positive; 2) if the overall CSBS-DP-ITC value is ≥45.5 and the z-score of the Sensation Seeking subscale of ITSP is ≥1.54, then the screening is positive; 3) otherwise, the screening is negative. CONCLUSION The use of CSBS-DP-ITC in combination with the Sensation Seeking subscale of the ITSP improved the accuracy of autism screening in preterm children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stepanka Beranova
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Charles University Second Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague
| | - Jan Stoklasa
- Department of Applied Economics, Faculty of Arts, Palacky University, Olomouc
| | - Iva Dudova
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Charles University Second Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague
| | - Daniela Markova
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Charles University First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Prague
| | - Martina Kasparova
- Department of Pediatrics, Charles University Second Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague
| | - Jana Zemankova
- Department of Pediatrics, Charles University Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Hradec Kralove
| | - Tomas Urbanek
- Institute of Psychology, Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Talasek
- Department of Applied Economics, Faculty of Arts, Palacky University, Olomouc
| | - Pasi Luukka
- Laboratory of Applied Mathematics, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Lappeenranta, Finland
| | - Michal Hrdlicka
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Charles University Second Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague
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13
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Kumazaki H, Muramatsu T, Fujisawa TX, Miyao M, Matsuura E, Okada KI, Kosaka H, Tomoda A, Mimura M. Assessment of olfactory detection thresholds in children with autism spectrum disorders using a pulse ejection system. Mol Autism 2016; 7:6. [PMID: 26788283 PMCID: PMC4717641 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-016-0071-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypical responsiveness to olfactory stimuli has been reported as the strongest predictor of social impairment in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, previous laboratory-based sensory psychophysical studies that have aimed to investigate olfactory sensitivity in children with ASD have produced inconsistent results. The methodology of these studies is limited by several factors, and more sophisticated approaches are required to produce consistent results. METHODS We measured olfactory detection thresholds in children with ASD and typical development (TD) using a pulse ejection system-a newly developed methodology designed to resolve problems encountered in previous studies. The two odorants used as stimuli were isoamyl acetate and allyl caproate. RESULTS Forty-three participants took part in this study: 23 (6 females, 17 males) children with ASD and 20 with TD (6 females, 14 males). Olfactory detection thresholds of children with ASD were significantly higher than those of TD children with both isoamyl acetate (2.85 ± 0.28 vs 1.57 ± 0.15; p < 0.001) and allyl caproate ( 3.30 ± 0.23 vs 1.17 ± 0.08; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS We found impaired olfactory detection thresholds in children with ASD. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the olfactory abnormalities that children with ASD experience. Considering the role and effect that odors play in our daily lives, insensitivity to some odorants might have a tremendous impact on children with ASD. Future studies of olfactory processing in ASD may reveal important links between brain function, clinically relevant behavior, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Kumazaki
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, 23-3, Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193 Japan ; Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582 Japan
| | - Taro Muramatsu
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582 Japan
| | - Takashi X Fujisawa
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, 23-3, Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193 Japan
| | - Masutomo Miyao
- Donguri Psycho Developmental Clinic, Setagayaterasu # 1F, 4-14-5 Minamikarasuyama, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0062 Japan
| | - Eri Matsuura
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522 Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Okada
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522 Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kosaka
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, 23-3, Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193 Japan
| | - Akemi Tomoda
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, 23-3, Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193 Japan
| | - Masaru Mimura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582 Japan
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14
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Luisier AC, Petitpierre G, Ferdenzi C, Clerc Bérod A, Giboreau A, Rouby C, Bensafi M. Odor Perception in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and its Relationship to Food Neophobia. Front Psychol 2015; 6:1830. [PMID: 26648891 PMCID: PMC4664613 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical sensory functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been well documented in the last decade for the visual, tactile and auditory systems, but olfaction in ASD is still understudied. The aim of the present study was to examine whether children with ASD and neuro-typically (NT) developed children differed in odor perception, at the cognitive (familiarity and identification ability), sensorimotor (olfactory exploration) and affective levels (hedonic evaluation). Because an important function of the sense of smell is its involvement in eating, from food selection to appreciation and recognition, a potential link between odor perception and food neophobia was also investigated. To these ends, 10 children between 6 and 13 years old diagnosed with ASD and 10 NT control children were tested. To compare performance, 16 stimuli were used and food neophobia was assessed by the parents on a short food neophobia scale. Results revealed that (i) significant hedonic discrimination between attractive and aversive odors was observed in NT (p = 0.005; d = 2.378) and ASD children (p = 0.042; d = 0.941), and (ii) hedonic discrimination level was negatively correlated with food neophobia scores in ASD (p = 0.007) but not NT children. In conclusion, this study offers new insights into odor perception in ASD children, highlighting a relationship between odor hedonic reactivity and eating behavior. This opens up new perspectives on both (i) the role of olfaction in the construction of eating behavior in ASD children, and (ii) the measurement and meaning of food neophobia in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Claude Luisier
- Research Center in Neurosciences of Lyon, CNRS UMR5292, INSERM U1028, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 Lyon, France ; Senso5 Foundation Sion, Switzerland ; Institute of Special Education, University of Fribourg Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | - Camille Ferdenzi
- Research Center in Neurosciences of Lyon, CNRS UMR5292, INSERM U1028, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 Lyon, France
| | | | - Agnes Giboreau
- Research Center in Neurosciences of Lyon, CNRS UMR5292, INSERM U1028, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 Lyon, France ; Center for Food and Hospitality Research, Institut Paul Bocuse Ecully, France
| | - Catherine Rouby
- Research Center in Neurosciences of Lyon, CNRS UMR5292, INSERM U1028, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 Lyon, France
| | - Moustafa Bensafi
- Research Center in Neurosciences of Lyon, CNRS UMR5292, INSERM U1028, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 Lyon, France
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15
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Baum SH, Stevenson RA, Wallace MT. Behavioral, perceptual, and neural alterations in sensory and multisensory function in autism spectrum disorder. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 134:140-60. [PMID: 26455789 PMCID: PMC4730891 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Although sensory processing challenges have been noted since the first clinical descriptions of autism, it has taken until the release of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013 for sensory problems to be included as part of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the diagnostic profile. Because sensory information forms the building blocks for higher-order social and cognitive functions, we argue that sensory processing is not only an additional piece of the puzzle, but rather a critical cornerstone for characterizing and understanding ASD. In this review we discuss what is currently known about sensory processing in ASD, how sensory function fits within contemporary models of ASD, and what is understood about the differences in the underlying neural processing of sensory and social communication observed between individuals with and without ASD. In addition to highlighting the sensory features associated with ASD, we also emphasize the importance of multisensory processing in building perceptual and cognitive representations, and how deficits in multisensory integration may also be a core characteristic of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Baum
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ryan A Stevenson
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark T Wallace
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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16
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Tonacci A, Billeci L, Tartarisco G, Ruta L, Muratori F, Pioggia G, Gangemi S. [Formula: see text]Olfaction in autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Child Neuropsychol 2015; 23:1-25. [PMID: 26340690 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2015.1081678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Olfactory function is a well-known early biomarker for neurodegeneration and neural functioning in the adult population, being supported by a number of brain structures that could be dysfunctioning in neurodegenerative processes. Evidence has suggested that atypical sensory and, particularly, olfactory processing is present in several neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). In this paper, we present data obtained by a systematic literature review, conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, regarding the possible association between olfaction and ASDs, and analyze them critically in order to evaluate the occurrence of olfactory impairment in ASDs, as well as the possible usefulness of olfactory evaluation in such conditions. The results obtained in this analysis suggested a possible involvement of olfactory impairment in ASDs, underlining the importance of olfactory evaluation in the clinical assessment of ASDs. This assessment could be potentially included as a complementary evaluation in the diagnostic protocol of the condition. Methods for study selection and inclusion criteria were specified in advance and documented in PROSPERO protocol #CRD42014013939.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tonacci
- a National Research Council of Italy - Institute of Clinical Physiology , IFC-CNR, Pisa Unit , Pisa , Italy
| | - Lucia Billeci
- a National Research Council of Italy - Institute of Clinical Physiology , IFC-CNR, Pisa Unit , Pisa , Italy
| | - Gennaro Tartarisco
- b National Research Council of Italy - Institute of Clinical Physiology , IFC-CNR, Messina Unit , Messina , Italy
| | - Liliana Ruta
- b National Research Council of Italy - Institute of Clinical Physiology , IFC-CNR, Messina Unit , Messina , Italy.,c Department of Developmental Neuroscience , Stella Maris Scientific Institute , Calambrone, Pisa , Italy
| | - Filippo Muratori
- c Department of Developmental Neuroscience , Stella Maris Scientific Institute , Calambrone, Pisa , Italy
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- b National Research Council of Italy - Institute of Clinical Physiology , IFC-CNR, Messina Unit , Messina , Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- d Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School and Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology , University Hospital "G. Martino" , Messina , Italy
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Rozenkrantz L, Zachor D, Heller I, Plotkin A, Weissbrod A, Snitz K, Secundo L, Sobel N. A Mechanistic Link between Olfaction and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Biol 2015; 25:1904-10. [PMID: 26144969 PMCID: PMC4518448 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Internal action models (IAMs) are brain templates for sensory-motor coordination underlying diverse behaviors [1]. An emerging theory suggests that impaired IAMs are a common theme in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [2–4]. However, whether impaired IAMs occur across sensory systems and how they relate to the major phenotype of ASD, namely impaired social communication [5], remains unclear. Olfaction relies on an IAM known as the sniff response, where sniff magnitude is automatically modulated to account for odor valence [6–12]. To test the failed IAM theory in olfaction, we precisely measured the non-verbal non-task-dependent sniff response concurrent with pleasant and unpleasant odors in 36 children—18 with ASD and 18 matched typically developing (TD) controls. We found that whereas TD children generated a typical adult-like sniff response within 305 ms of odor onset, ASD children had a profoundly altered sniff response, sniffing equally regardless of odor valance. This difference persisted despite equal reported odor perception and allowed for 81% correct ASD classification based on the sniff response alone (binomial, p < 0.001). Moreover, increasingly aberrant sniffing was associated with increasingly severe ASD (r = −0.75, p < 0.001), specifically with social (r = −0.72, p < 0.001), but not motor (r < −0.38, p > 0.18), impairment. These results uncover a novel ASD marker implying a mechanistic link between the underpinnings of olfaction and ASD and directly linking an impaired IAM with impaired social abilities. Olfactory sniffing offers a language and task-free measure of autism and its severity Aberrant sniffing implicates sensory-motor loops at the mechanistic heart of autism Aberrant sniffing links sensory-motor impairments with social impairments in autism
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron Rozenkrantz
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzel Street, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
| | - Ditza Zachor
- The Autism Center and Department of Pediatrics, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, 1 Road 44, Zerifin 70300, Israel
| | - Iris Heller
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzel Street, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Anton Plotkin
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzel Street, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Aharon Weissbrod
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzel Street, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Kobi Snitz
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzel Street, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Lavi Secundo
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzel Street, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Noam Sobel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzel Street, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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18
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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the olfactory and psychophysical performances in a 13-year-old boy with intellectual disability and severe hypoplasia of the corpus callosum and of the olfactory bulbs, compared to controls.Methods: The Sniffin’ Sticks Identification Test was administered to the patient and to a patient control child with cognitive delay, with the same mental (5 years) and chronological age, but normal brain magnetic resonance image. Two typically developing control participants, aged 13 and 5, were also evaluated. Psychophysical tests were performed during the olfactory assessment by smart portable sensors.Results: A significant decrease in olfactory function and a different psychophysical response to stimuli were observed in the patient compared to control participants, suggesting absence of ‘odorous stress’. A higher olfactory score but a similar psychophysical trend was found in the patient control with cognitive delay, while the two other control participants showed a selective increase of the anxiety state depending on the odour presented.Conclusions: Olfactory dysfunction is reported in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Low-cost, portable devices to assess olfactory function are proposed for use with children with intellectual disability. Stress monitoring by unobtrusive platforms provides discriminant information in this subset, as compared to controls.
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Ashwin C, Chapman E, Howells J, Rhydderch D, Walker I, Baron-Cohen S. Enhanced olfactory sensitivity in autism spectrum conditions. Mol Autism 2014; 5:53. [PMID: 25908951 PMCID: PMC4407326 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-5-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) report heightened olfaction. Previous sensory experiments in people with ASC have reported hypersensitivity across visual, tactile, and auditory domains, but not olfaction. The aims of the present study were to investigate olfactory sensitivity in ASC, and to test the association of sensitivity to autistic traits. Methods We recruited 17 adult males diagnosed with ASC and 17 typical adult male controls and tested their olfactory sensitivity using the Alcohol Sniff Test (AST), a standardised clinical evaluation of olfactory detection. The AST involves varying the distance between subject and stimulus until an odour is barely detected. Participants with ASC also completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) as a measure of autism traits. Results The ASC group detected the odour at a mean distance of 24.1 cm (SD =11.5) from the nose, compared to the control group, who detected it at a significantly shorter mean distance of 14.4 cm (SD =5.9). Detection distance was independent of age and IQ for both groups, but showed a significant positive correlation with autistic traits in the ASC group (r =0.522). Conclusions This is the first experimental demonstration, as far as the authors are aware, of superior olfactory perception in ASC and showing that greater olfactory sensitivity is correlated with a higher number of autistic traits. This is consistent with results from previous findings showing hypersensitivity in other sensory domains and may help explain anecdotal and questionnaire accounts of heightened olfactory sensitivity in ASC. Results are discussed in terms of possible underlying neurophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Ashwin
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK ; Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY UK
| | - Emma Chapman
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Jessica Howells
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Danielle Rhydderch
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
| | - Ian Walker
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY UK
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK ; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, CLASS Clinic, Cambridge, CB21 5EF UK
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Attems J, Walker L, Jellinger KA. Olfactory bulb involvement in neurodegenerative diseases. Acta Neuropathol 2014; 127:459-75. [PMID: 24554308 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-014-1261-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory dysfunction is a common and early symptom of many neurodegenerative diseases, particularly of Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and mild cognitive impairment heralding its progression to dementia. The neuropathologic changes of olfactory dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases may involve the olfactory epithelium, olfactory bulb/tract, primary olfactory cortices, and their secondary targets. Olfactory dysfunction is related to deposition of pathological proteins, α-synuclein, hyperphosphorylated tau protein, and neurofilament protein in these areas, featured by neurofibrillary tangles, Lewy bodies and neurites inducing a complex cascade of molecular processes including oxidative damage, neuroinflammation, and cytosolic disruption of cellular processes leading to cell death. Damage to cholinergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic systems is likely involved, since such damage is most marked in those diseases with severe anosmia. Recent studies of olfactory dysfunction have focused its potential as an early biomarker for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders and their disease progression. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on neuropathological and pathophysiological changes of the olfactory system in the most frequent neurodegenerative diseases, in particular AD and synucleinopathies. We also present neuropathological findings in the olfactory bulb and tract in a large autopsy cohort (n = 536, 57.8 % female, mean age 81.3 years). The severity of olfactory bulb HPτ, Aβ, and αSyn pathology correlated and increased significantly (P < 0.001) with increasing neuritic Braak stages, Thal Aβ phases, and cerebral Lewy body pathology, respectively. Hence, further studies are warranted to investigate the potential role of olfactory biopsies (possibly restricted to the olfactory epithelium) in the diagnostic process of neurodegenerative diseases in particular in clinical drug trials to identify subjects showing early, preclinical stages of neurodegeneration and to stratify clinically impaired cohorts according to the underlying cerebral neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Attems
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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