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Nili AN, Miller M, Zhang Y, Sherlock PR, Burns JL, Zola A, Kaat A, Wakschlag LS, Krogh-Jespersen S. What is typical: Atypical in young children's attention regulation?: Characterizing the developmental spectrum with the Multidimensional Assessment Profiles-Attention Regulation Infant-Toddler (MAPS-AR-IT) Scale. Infant Ment Health J 2023; 44:781-793. [PMID: 37919260 PMCID: PMC10947604 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.22087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
While attention dysregulation is a promising early indicator of neurodevelopmental risk, in particular attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it is difficult to characterize clinical concern due to its developmental expectability at the transition to toddlerhood. Thus, explicating the typical:atypical continuum of risk indicators is among the key future directions for research to promote early identification and intervention, and prevent decrements in the attainment of developmental milestones into early childhood. In this paper, we present the Multidimensional Assessment Profiles-Attention Regulation Infant-Toddler (MAPS-AR-IT) Scale, a novel parent-report survey of dimensional, developmentally specified indicators of attention (dys)regulation. Item Response Theory was employed to characterize the typical:atypical spectrum of both normative and more concerning dysregulation (including the contexts in which behavior occurs). We provide evidence of the validity of this measure in capturing the full typical:atypical spectrum via a longitudinal sample of typically developing children at 12-18 months of age (baseline) via concurrent scores on well-validated temperament and clinical measures. We also examine longitudinal stability and predictive validity if the MAPS-AR-IT via a clinical interview of ADHD symptoms at 24-30 months (follow-up). While not diagnostic, we present evidence of the utility of the MAPS-AR-IT in explicating individual neurodevelopmental risk and elucidating the broader typicality of behaviors related to attention (dys)regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda N Nili
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Meghan Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Yudong Zhang
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Philip R Sherlock
- Ringgold Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - James L Burns
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anne Zola
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Aaron Kaat
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lauren S Wakschlag
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sheila Krogh-Jespersen
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Fidler DJ, Van Deusen K, Prince MA, Schworer EK, Lee NR, Edgin JO, Patel LR, Daunhauer LA. Longitudinal Predictors of Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children with Down Syndrome. Dev Neuropsychol 2023; 48:280-298. [PMID: 37555433 PMCID: PMC10530357 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2023.2239401] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
This study examined longitudinal predictors of neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with Down syndrome (DS). Participants were assessed at Wave 1 during infancy on measures of looking behavior and caregivers provided infant sensory ratings. At Wave 2, child-age participants completed a developmental assessment and caregivers provided ratings of executive function, ADHD symptoms, and autism symptoms. Longer looking durations and greater sensory dysregulation during infancy were predictive of higher ADHD symptom ratings and other neurodevelopmental outcomes during childhood. The findings suggest that early indicators of neurodevelopmental dysregulation may be detectable during infancy in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J Fidler
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Kaylyn Van Deusen
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Mark A Prince
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Emily K Schworer
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nancy R Lee
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jamie O Edgin
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Lina R Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Lisa A Daunhauer
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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Wass S, Jones EJH. Editorial perspective: Leaving the baby in the bathwater in neurodevelopmental research. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 64:1256-1259. [PMID: 36597852 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental conditions are characterised by differences in the way children interact with the people and environments around them. Despite extensive investigation, attempts to uncover the brain mechanisms that underpin neurodevelopmental conditions have yet to yield any translatable insights. We contend that one key reason is that psychologists and cognitive neuroscientists study brain function by taking children away from their environment, into a controlled lab setting. Here, we discuss recent research that has aimed to take a different approach, moving away from experimental control through isolation and stimulus manipulation, and towards approaches that embrace the measurement and targeted interrogation of naturalistic, user-defined and complex, multivariate datasets. We review three worked examples (of stress processing, early activity level in ADHD and social brain development in autism) to illustrate how these new approaches might lead to new conceptual and translatable insights into neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Wass
- School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, UK
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Miller M, Arnett AB, Shephard E, Charman T, Gustafsson HC, Joseph HM, Karalunas S, Nigg JT, Polanczyk GV, Sullivan EL, Jones EJH. Delineating early developmental pathways to ADHD: Setting an international research agenda. JCPP ADVANCES 2023; 3:e12144. [PMID: 37753147 PMCID: PMC10519745 DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent, impairing, and highly heritable condition typically diagnosed in middle childhood. However, it is now recognized that symptoms emerge much earlier in development. Research focused on understanding-using multiple units of analysis-the cascade of early-life (i.e., prenatal-infant-toddler) developmental changes that will later emerge as ADHD has the potential to transform early identification, prevention, and intervention. To this end, we introduce the recently established Early ADHD Consortium, an international network of investigators engaged in prospective, longitudinal studies of risk for ADHD beginning early in life, conducted within a developmental framework, and which incorporate multimethod approaches. This network seeks to harmonize measures and methodological approaches to increase the potential for data sharing and subsequent impact. Methods This perspective paper highlights the importance of investigating pre-diagnostic markers of ADHD, and potential models and mechanisms of ADHD risk and development, with the long-term objective of facilitating development of preemptive interventions that will minimize the impact of ADHD symptoms on everyday functioning and maximize health and developmental outcomes. Results We selectively describe key challenges and questions for this field related to theoretical models and developmental mechanisms in ADHD and recommend next steps for the science, including methodological, measurement, and study design considerations. We then describe potential implications for preemptive intervention development. We conclude by considering other issues including ethical concerns and the critical value of incorporating stakeholder input. Conclusions It is hoped that this perspective puts forth a research agenda that will enhance collaborative efforts and accelerate progress in understanding developmental mechanisms and the early ADHD phenotype, with implications for early intervention enhancement of healthy development for infants, young children, and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Miller
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and MIND InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Anne B. Arnett
- Division of Developmental MedicineBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of PediatricsHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Elizabeth Shephard
- Department of PsychiatryFaculdade de Medicina FMUSPUniversidade de São PauloSao PauloBrasil
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN)King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Tony Charman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN)King's College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Heather M. Joseph
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Sarah Karalunas
- Department of Psychological SciencesPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndianaUSA
| | - Joel T. Nigg
- Department of PsychiatryOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | - Guilherme V. Polanczyk
- Department of PsychiatryFaculdade de Medicina FMUSPUniversidade de São PauloSao PauloBrasil
| | - Elinor L. Sullivan
- Department of PsychiatryOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOregonUSA
| | - Emily J. H. Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive DevelopmentBirkbeck, University of LondonLondonUK
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Joseph HM, Lorenzo NE, Fisher N, Novick DR, Gibson C, Rothenberger SD, Foust JE, Chronis-Tuscano A. Research Review: A systematic review and meta-analysis of infant and toddler temperament as predictors of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 64:715-735. [PMID: 36599815 PMCID: PMC10404471 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with onset as early as preschool and impairment across the lifespan. Temperament factors, specifically those that theoretically map onto ADHD symptoms, may be early markers of risk for developing later childhood ADHD that could be identifiable in infancy or toddlerhood. This meta-analysis examined the associations between these early temperamental factors and later symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD and mapped early temperament constructs onto the three ADHD symptom dimensions. METHODS A systemic review of the literature was conducted to identify prospective longitudinal studies that included theoretically relevant temperament constructs (sustained attention, activity level, inhibition, and negative emotionality) examined from birth to 36 months old and ADHD (symptoms or diagnosis) in preschool or childhood. The association between each temperament construct and ADHD outcomes was examined using pooled standardized estimates in meta-analyses. RESULTS Forty-eight articles (n = 112,716 infants/toddlers) prospectively examined temperament and the relation to childhood ADHD symptoms or diagnosis. Activity level (k = 18) in infancy and toddlerhood was moderately associated with childhood ADHD (r = .39, CI = 0.27, 0.51, p < .001). Moderate effect sizes were also observed for sustained attention (k = 9; r = -.28, CI = -0.42, -0.12, p < .001) and negative emotionality (k = 33; r = .25, CI = 0.16, 0.34, p < .001) with ADHD. The specificity of each temperament construct for later ADHD symptom dimensions was such that activity level and negative emotionality were predictive of all three symptom dimensions (i.e., inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and combined), whereas sustained attention was only associated with combined symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Infant and toddler temperament is an early risk factor for the development of childhood ADHD that could be utilized for early intervention identification. Yet, this systematic review found that relatively few prospective longitudinal studies have examined sustained attention (k = 9) and inhibition (k = 15) in infancy and toddlerhood in relation to later ADHD highlighting the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole E. Lorenzo
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, MD
- Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, DC
| | - Nadiyah Fisher
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Cassandra Gibson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Jill E Foust
- Health Sciences Library System, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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Carter Leno V, Begum-Ali J, Goodwin A, Mason L, Pasco G, Pickles A, Garg S, Green J, Charman T, Johnson MH, Jones EJH. Infant excitation/inhibition balance interacts with executive attention to predict autistic traits in childhood. Mol Autism 2022; 13:46. [PMID: 36482366 PMCID: PMC9733024 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00526-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism is proposed to be characterised by an atypical balance of cortical excitation and inhibition (E/I). However, most studies have examined E/I alterations in older autistic individuals, meaning that findings could in part reflect homeostatic compensation. To assess the directionality of effects, it is necessary to examine alterations in E/I balance early in the lifespan before symptom emergence. Recent explanatory frameworks have argued that it is also necessary to consider how early risk features interact with later developing modifier factors to predict autism outcomes. METHOD We indexed E/I balance in early infancy by extracting the aperiodic exponent of the slope of the electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum ('1/f'). To validate our index of E/I balance, we tested for differences in the aperiodic exponent in 10-month-old infants with (n = 22) and without (n = 27) neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a condition thought to be characterised by alterations to cortical inhibition. We then tested for E/I alterations in a larger heterogeneous longitudinal cohort of infants with and without a family history of neurodevelopmental conditions (n = 150) who had been followed to early childhood. We tested the relevance of alterations in E/I balance and our proposed modifier, executive attention, by assessing whether associations between 10-month aperiodic slope and 36-month neurodevelopmental traits were moderated by 24-month executive attention. Analyses adjusted for age at EEG assessment, sex and number of EEG trials. RESULTS Infants with NF1 were characterised by a higher aperiodic exponent, indicative of greater inhibition, supporting our infant measure of E/I. Longitudinal analyses showed a significant interaction between aperiodic slope and executive attention, such that higher aperiodic exponents predicted greater autistic traits in childhood, but only in infants who also had weaker executive functioning abilities. LIMITATIONS The current study relied on parent report of infant executive functioning-type abilities; future work is required to replicate effects with objective measures of cognition. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest alterations in E/I balance are on the developmental pathway to autism outcomes, and that higher executive functioning abilities may buffer the impact of early cortical atypicalities, consistent with proposals that stronger executive functioning abilities may modify the impact of a wide range of risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Carter Leno
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Jannath Begum-Ali
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Amy Goodwin
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Luke Mason
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Greg Pasco
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Pickles
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Shruti Garg
- Faculty of Biological Medical and Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan Green
- Faculty of Biological Medical and Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Tony Charman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mark H Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
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Begum‐Ali J, Goodwin A, Mason L, Pasco G, Charman T, Johnson MH, Jones EJ. Altered theta-beta ratio in infancy associates with family history of ADHD and later ADHD-relevant temperamental traits. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022; 63:1057-1067. [PMID: 35187652 PMCID: PMC9540467 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uncovering the neural mechanisms that underlie symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) requires studying brain development prior to the emergence of behavioural difficulties. One new approach to this is prospective studies of infants with an elevated likelihood of developing ADHD. METHODS We used a prospective design to examine an oscillatory electroencephalography profile that has been widely studied in both children and adults with ADHD - the balance between lower and higher frequencies operationalised as the theta-beta ratio (TBR). In the present study, we examined TBR in 136 10-month-old infants (72 male and 64 female) with/without an elevated likelihood of developing ADHD and/or a comparison disorder (Autism Spectrum Disorder; ASD). RESULTS Infants with a first-degree relative with ADHD demonstrated lower TBR than infants without a first-degree relative with ADHD. Further, lower TBR at 10 months was positively associated with temperament dimensions conceptually related to ADHD at 2 years. TBR was not altered in infants with a family history of ASD. CONCLUSIONS This is the first demonstration that alterations in TBR are present prior to behavioural symptoms of ADHD. However, these alterations manifest differently than those sometimes observed in older children with an ADHD diagnosis. Importantly, altered TBR was not seen in infants at elevated likelihood of developing ASD, suggesting a degree of specificity to ADHD. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that there are brain changes associated with a family history of ADHD observable in the first year of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannath Begum‐Ali
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive DevelopmentDepartment of Psychological SciencesBirkbeck, University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Amy Goodwin
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental SciencesInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Luke Mason
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive DevelopmentDepartment of Psychological SciencesBirkbeck, University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Greg Pasco
- Psychology DepartmentInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Tony Charman
- Psychology DepartmentInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Mark H. Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive DevelopmentDepartment of Psychological SciencesBirkbeck, University of LondonLondonUK,Department of PsychologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Emily J.H. Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive DevelopmentDepartment of Psychological SciencesBirkbeck, University of LondonLondonUK
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Dingsdale H, Garay SM, Tyson HR, Savory KA, Sumption LA, Kelleher JS, Langley K, Van Goozen S, John RM. Cord serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels at birth associate with temperament outcomes at one year. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 150:47-53. [PMID: 35354099 PMCID: PMC9225956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.03.009] [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: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Altered serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are consistently linked with neurological disorders. BDNF is also increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly those found more frequently in males. At birth, male infants naturally have significantly lower serum BDNF levels (∼10-20% lower than females), which may render them more vulnerable to neurodevelopmental disorders. We previously characterized serum BDNF levels in mothers and their newborn infants as part of the Grown in Wales Study. Here, we analyzed whether cord serum BDNF levels at birth correlate with sex-specific outcomes at one year. The Bayley Scale of Infant Development, Third Edition (BSID-III) and Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery (Lab-TAB) tasks were used to assess infant behavior and neurodevelopment at 12-14 months (mean ± SD: 13.3 ± 1.6 months; 46% male; n = 56). We found no relationship between serum BDNF levels at birth and BSID-III neurodevelopmental outcomes (cognitive or language), nor with infant behaviors in the Lab-TAB unpredictable mechanical toy or maternal separation tasks. In the sustained attention task, there was a significant positive relationship between serum BDNF and infant negative affect (B = 0.06, p = 0.018) and, for boys only, between serum BDNF and intensity of facial interest (B = 0.03, p = 0.005). However, only the latter remained after correction for multiple testing. This sex-specific association between cord serum BDNF and a parameter of attention at 12-14 months provides some support for the hypothesis that reduced serum BDNF levels at birth are linked to an increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Dingsdale
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | | | - Hannah R. Tyson
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | | | | | | | - Kate Langley
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Stephanie Van Goozen
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Rosalind M. John
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK,Corresponding author.
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White H, Heck A, Jubran R, Chroust A, Bhatt RS. Average fixation duration in infancy: Stability and predictive utility. INFANCY 2022; 27:866-886. [PMID: 35624554 DOI: 10.1111/infa.12483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The current study examined the stability, consistency, and predictive utility of average fixation durations in infancy. In Study 1, infants' (N = 80) average fixation duration when viewing social stimuli was found to show strong relative stability from 3.5 to 9 months of age. In Study 2, strong within-infant consistency was found in 3.5-month-old infants' (N = 73) average fixation durations to social and nonsocial stimuli. In Study 3, 3.5- to 9-month-old infants' (N = 89) average fixation duration was found to systematically vary with parent-reported symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at 4-6 years of age. These results suggest that average fixation duration serves as a stable and systematic measure of individual differences in cognitive development beginning early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah White
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alison Heck
- Department of Psychology, Berea College, Berea, Kentucky, USA
| | - Rachel Jubran
- Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences, University of Montevallo, Montevallo, Alabama, USA
| | - Alyson Chroust
- College of Arts and Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ramesh S Bhatt
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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INTERSTAARS: Attention training for infants with elevated likelihood of developing ADHD: A proof-of-concept randomised controlled trial. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:644. [PMID: 34930893 PMCID: PMC8688472 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01698-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is first diagnosed during middle childhood, when patterns of difficulty are often established. Pre-emptive approaches that strengthen developing cognitive systems could offer an alternative to post-diagnostic interventions. This proof-of-concept randomised controlled trial (RCT) tested whether computerised gaze-based attention training is feasible and improves attention in infants liable to develop ADHD. Forty-three 9- to 16-month-old infants with a first-degree relative with ADHD were recruited (11/2015-11/2018) at two UK sites and randomised with minimisation by site and sex to receive 9 weekly sessions of either (a) gaze-contingent attention training (intervention; n = 20); or (b) infant-friendly passive viewing of videos (control, n = 23). Sessions were delivered at home with blinded outcome assessments. The primary outcome was a composite of attention measures jointly analysed via a multivariate ANCOVA with a combined effect size (ES) from coefficients at baseline, midpoint and endpoint (Registration: ISRCTN37683928 ). Uptake and compliance was good but intention-to-treat analysis showed no significant differences between 20 intervention and 23 control infants on primary (ES -0.4, 95% CI -0.9 to 0.2; Complier-Average-Causal Effect ES -0.6, 95% CI -1.6 to 0.5) or secondary outcomes (behavioural attention). There were no adverse effects on sleep but a small increase in post-intervention session fussiness. Although feasible, there was no support for short-term effects of gaze-based attention training on attention skills in early ADHD. Longer-term outcomes remain to be assessed. The study highlights challenges and opportunities for pre-emptive intervention approaches to the management of ADHD.
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