1
|
Gigliotti F, Giovannone F, Belli A, Sogos C. Atypical Sensory Processing in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Clinical Phenotypes in Preschool-Aged Children. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:875. [PMID: 39062324 PMCID: PMC11276037 DOI: 10.3390/children11070875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensory processing issues are frequent in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), with very variable prevalence rates ranging from 20% to 95%. This study aimed to investigate sensory processing in preschool-aged children with NDDs, to clarify the epidemiology, and to identify associated or correlated clinical and psychometric variables. METHODS A total of 141 NDD children (age range 2-5 years old) were included and enrolled in two subgroups: 72 with ASD and 69 with other NDDs. A standardized neuropsychological evaluation was assessed (Griffiths III/WPPSI-III/Leiter-R, ADOS-2) and the parents completed the CBCL ½-5, the SPM-P, and the ADI-R. RESULTS Atypical sensory processing was reported in 39.7% of the total sample, more frequently in ASD (44.4%) than in other NDDs (34.8%). No statistically significant differences were found regarding gender and developmental level. A positive correlation was found between sensory processing abnormalities and behavioral problems (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Compared to other NDDs, ASDs more frequently have atypical sensory processing and appear to present a specific vulnerability in the processing of proprioceptive and vestibular inputs. Our results suggest that sensory processing difficulties should be considered regardless of developmental level and in children with behavioral problems.
Collapse
|
2
|
Lamboglia A, Romano R, Valente D, Berardi A, Cavalli G, Giovannone F, Sogos C, Tofani M, Galeoto G. Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI): Italian Translation and Validation. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1201. [PMID: 37508698 PMCID: PMC10378622 DOI: 10.3390/children10071201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Food selectivity is among the most common problems for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The present study aims to validate the Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI) in an Italian population of children with ASD. BAMBI was translated and cross-culturally adapted following international guidelines, then we investigated internal consistency as measured by Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability, as measured by the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) in a sample of both children with ASD and with typical development (TD). A total of 131 children were recruited in a clinical and community sample. Internal consistency revealed significant data for both TD and ASD children, with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.86 and 0.71, respectively. Test-retest reliability showed excellent values for each item of the BAMBI (range 0.83-1.00). Furthermore, we investigated differences in gender and body max index; however, no significant differences were found among groups. In conclusion, the Italian version of the BAMBI showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability and it can be used for clinical and research purposes.
Collapse
|
3
|
Manti F, Giovannone F, Ciancaleoni M, De Vita G, Fioriello F, Gigliotti F, Sogos C. Psychometric Properties and Validation of the Italian Version of Ages & Stages Questionnaires Third Edition. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5014. [PMID: 36981921 PMCID: PMC10049085 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: The Ages & Stages Questionnaires Third Version (ASQ-3) identifies the risk of developmental delay in children aged 1 to 66 months. The aim of this study was to determine a reliable and valid instrument for the Italian population to enable the screening of children's development. Methods: Data from 2278 Italian children (age range: 1-66 months) were used to evaluate item discrimination power using the corrected item-total correlation. Internal consistency was analyzed by Cronbach's alpha scores and a Confirmative Factor Analysis was conducted to test the factor structure of the test. Data were also collected to examine the ASQ-3 test-retest reliability and concurrent validity, which was investigated using the Griffiths Scales of Child Development, Third Edition, the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale, Second Edition, and the Developmental Profile, Third Edition tools. In order to evaluate discriminant validity, differences between typical development children and several clinical groups have been performed. Finally, two different cut-off scores have been proposed. Results: The results showed that the questionnaires are composed of high-quality items; the original factor structure has been confirmed and strong Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients between the overall and the total for each domain (ranging from 0.73 to 0.88). The Italian version of the ASQ-3 had adequate internal consistency and a strong agreement between observations with two weeks' intervals. Moreover, the test showed a high discriminant validity due to the possibility of fully discriminating between typical development children and several clinical groups. Finally, two different cut-off scores have been identified using ROC curves in order to have a screening and a diagnostic cut-off value. Conclusion: This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Italian adaptation of ASQ-3 questionnaires. We demonstrated the validity of the ASQ-3 and determined new cut-off scores for Italian children. Early identification and accurate assessment are important starting points to better understand and anticipate the needs of children and their link to services.
Collapse
|
4
|
Manti F, Giovannone F, Aceti F, Giacchetti N, Fioriello F, Maugeri A, Sogos C. Unraveling the Relationship between Sleep Problems, Emotional Behavior Disorders, and Stressful Life Events in Preschool Children. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11185419. [PMID: 36143065 PMCID: PMC9503080 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11185419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aims of this study were to: (1) explore sleep problems in preschool children with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), selective mutism (SM), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and (2) examine the relationship between stressful life events, sleep problems, and emotional behavior disorders in preschoolers. Methods: The parents of 213 preschool children with SM, GAD, ODD, and TD (typical development, age range 2–6 years) completed the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), the Coddington Life Events Scale, preschool version (CLES-P), and the CBCL 1½–5. Results: Eighty-three subjects reported sleep problems before the age of 2 years. Seventy-five children (86.14%) with a clinical diagnosis and eight children with TD (8.4%) exceeded the threshold level on the CSHQ. For the bedtime resistance (p = 0.042) and sleep duration subscales (p = 0.038), the SM group had significantly higher scores in comparison to the ODD group. The same pattern was also true for the sleep onset (p = 0.024) and sleep anxiety subscales (p = 0.019). The linear regression analysis model showed that the impact of stressful life events and internalizing problems could predict sleep habits in children. Conclusions: Emotional behavior disorders and stress factors should be regularly investigated in children who are referred to clinics for sleep problems. Clinicians should consider how these symptoms may exacerbate sleep problems and/or interfere with treatment.
Collapse
|
5
|
Giangiacomo E, Visaggi MC, Aceti F, Giacchetti N, Martucci M, Giovannone F, Valente D, Galeoto G, Tofani M, Sogos C. Early Neuro-Psychomotor Therapy Intervention for Theory of Mind and Emotion Recognition in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Pilot Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9081142. [PMID: 36010032 PMCID: PMC9406700 DOI: 10.3390/children9081142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to explore the effect of early neuro-psychomotor therapy to improve theory of mind skills and emotion recognition in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. A pilot study was set up, consisting of in-group training activities based on the neuro-psychomotor approach. Children were evaluated using Neuropsychological Assessment for Child (Nepsy-II), Test of Emotion Comprehension (TEC), and Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). For data analysis, one-sample Wilcoxon signed rank test was used with a significance of p < 0.05. Two children with a developmental language disorder and four children with autism spectrum disorders participated in a 3-month training program. Our findings revealed significant improvement in emotion recognition, as measured with Nepsy-II (p = 0.04), while no statistical improvement was found for theory of mind. Despite the limited sample, early neuro-psychomotor therapy improves emotion recognition skills in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. However, considering the explorative nature of the study, findings should be interpreted with caution.
Collapse
|
6
|
Tofani M, Scarcella L, Galeoto G, Giovannone F, Sogos C. Behavioral gender differences across Pre-School Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: a cross-sectional study. J Autism Dev Disord 2022:10.1007/s10803-022-05498-y. [PMID: 35290561 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05498-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing literature showing that the presentation of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) could be different according to the sex of the patient. Through the analysis of the Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised interview results of a study group consisting of 56 preschool children diagnosed with ASD potential differences in the presentation of ASD were searched. Variables investigated were verbal abilities, the presence/absence of unusual sensory interests, as well as of echolalia. The results showed significant differences between gender in restricted and repetitive behavior (p < 0.01), in particular for those children who have no unusual sensory interest (p < 0.05) and with minimal verbal ability (p < 0.05). The findings contribute providing evidences on phenotypical differences in preschool children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Collapse
|
7
|
Mammarella V, Arigliani E, Giovannone F, Cavalli G, Tofani M, Sogos C. Is it hyperlexia? Toward a deeper understanding of precocious reading skills in two cases of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. LA CLINICA TERAPEUTICA 2022; 173:15-21. [PMID: 35147641 DOI: 10.7417/ct.2022.2385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperlexia is defined by a precocious and sponta-neously acquired ability to read at preschool age. Hyperlexia appears to be a wide yet not highly studied phenomenon involving different populations and possibly including children with different neuropsy-chological profiles and outcomes. METHODS We describe two clinical cases of unrelated children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who both showed precocious and spontaneous reading ability. We report the neuropsy-chological assessment they underwent. RESULTS Both children showed above average IQ, reading skills, and text comprehension, whereas one showed below average comprehen-sion only in oral text. We question whether these two phenotypes can be considered forms of hyperlexia, as defined by the most recent and consistent observations, or a subtype of ASD with hyperlexia. CONCLUSION We conclude that our patients should be considered hyperlexic ASD, with interesting potential implications for progno-sis and rehabilitation.
Collapse
|
8
|
Scarselli V, Martucci M, Prono F, Giovannone F, Sogos C. Sleep behavior of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder during the Covid-19 pandemic: A Parent survey. LA CLINICA TERAPEUTICA 2022; 173:88-90. [PMID: 35147653 DOI: 10.7417/ct.2022.2398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by social interaction and communication deficits and restricted, repetitive interests and behaviors (1). It is very common for children with ASD to present with several comorbidities, including sleep disorders. During the Covid-19 pandemic, children with ASD have been particularly at risk of adverse effects because of their difficulties in adapting to changes in daily habits and routines. METHODS AND AIM Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate sleep habits during the Covid-19 pandemic by administering the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) to parents. RESULTS Twenty-five children of 28 (89.3%) had a score above 41 during the pandemic. Of these, 11 children also had clinically signifi-cant scores before the pandemic. DISCUSSION Our data confirm that sleep disturbances have been very common in autistic children during the Covid-19 pandemic and suggest new considerations. In particular, in our clinical sample, sleep habits seemed to improve or not change significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic in a population with a high prevalence of cli-nically significant sleep disturbances. These data confirm that in this particular context, a supportive environment (family, parent training, tele-rehabilitation) is very important for autistic people and a predicta-ble routine can help prevent stress, anxiety, and behavioral problems.
Collapse
|
9
|
Sperati V, Özcan B, Romano L, Moretta T, Scaffaro S, Faedda N, Turturo G, Fioriello F, Pelosi S, Giovannone F, Sogos C, Guidetti V, Baldassarre G. Acceptability of the Transitional Wearable Companion "+ me" in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comparative Pilot Study. Front Psychol 2020; 11:951. [PMID: 32547445 PMCID: PMC7270338 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
+me is an experimental interactive soft toy, looking like a panda, developed for young children. When touched on the paws or head (inputs), the toy can emit attractive responses such as colored lights and amusing sounds (outputs). +me is wirelessly connected to a control tablet through which an adult caregiver can modify its input-output contingencies so as to produce different, rewarding response patterns using the same device. Given these features, we propose +me as a potential novel tool to support the therapy of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The allure of the device could be exploited to capture the attention and encourage the social interaction of toddlers during play activities with therapists. In this pilot study, +me was tested on two small groups of children aged 30–48 months, one group diagnosed with ASD and the second with Communication Disorder, a condition that often presents—especially at an early age—overlapping symptoms with ASD. The proposed play activities aimed to foster simple imitative behaviors and stimulate the engagement of the children. The results were compared with those of a previous test run on Typically Developed children. Preliminary observations, based on the analysis of video recordings, suggest that, on average, +me is able to encourage a positive engagement and that different groups tend to manifest some different behaviors.
Collapse
|
10
|
Manti F, Giovannone F, Sogos C. Parental Stress of Preschool Children With Generalized Anxiety or Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:415. [PMID: 31681713 PMCID: PMC6811652 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Generalized anxiety and oppositional defiant disorders are among the most common psychopathological disorders in pre-school children. We investigated the symptom rate and perception of the child's disorders in parents of preschool children with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Methods: The parents of preschool children (mean age 54.35 months, SD ± 11.60) with ODD, GAD, or typical development (TD) filled the Symptom Check List-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and the Child Behavior Checklist- 1½-5 (CBCL 1½ 5). Parents and children's diagnoses were determined by clinical assessment. Results: The parents of children with ODD reported a symptoms rate higher than parents of children with GAD or TD on most of the SCL-90-R (Global Severity Index of mental distress, p = 0.010; Somatization, p = 0.002; Paranoid Ideation, p < 0.000; and Phobic Anxiety scales, p = 0.030). Conclusions: On the CBCL scales, the parents of the ODD group overestimated the children's problems, while parents of children with GAD reported mainly children's emotional difficulties. Parents of children with ODD seem to be psychologically more vulnerable than parents of children with GAD. Parenting programs might be tailored considering the child's diagnosis and family functioning.
Collapse
|
11
|
Catino E, Di Trani M, Giovannone F, Manti F, Nunziata L, Piccari F, Sirchia V, Vannucci L, Sogos C. Screening for Developmental Disorders in 3- and 4-Year-Old Italian Children: A Preliminary Study. Front Pediatr 2017; 5:181. [PMID: 28900613 PMCID: PMC5581879 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2017.00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The "Osserviamo" project, coordinated by the Municipality of Rome and the Department of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry of Sapienza University, aimed to validate an Italian version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3 and to collect, for the first time in Italy, data on developmental disorders in a sample of 4,000 children aged 3 and 4 years. The present paper presents the preliminary results of the "Osserviamo" project. METHODS 600 parents of children between 39 and 50 months of age (divided in two age stages: 42 and 48 months) were contacted from 15 kindergarden schools. RESULTS 23.35% of the whole sample scored in the risk range of at least one developmental area of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3rd Edition (ASQ-3) and 7.78% scored in the clinical range. Specifically, 23.97% of the children in the 42-month age stage scored in the risk range and 5.79% scored in the clinical range. Males scored lower than females in the fine motor skills and personal-social development domains. Moreover, 22.79% of the children in the 48-month age stage scored in the risk range, while 9.55% scored in the clinical range. Males scored lower than females in fine motor skills. CONCLUSION Italian validation of the ASQ-3 and recruitment of all 4,000 participants will allow these data on the distribution of developmental disorders to be extended to the general Italian pediatric population. One main limitation of the study is the lack of clinical confirmation of the data yielded by the screening programme, which the authors aim to obtain in later stages of the study.
Collapse
|