1
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Horien C, Greene AS, Shen X, Fortes D, Brennan-Wydra E, Banarjee C, Foster R, Donthireddy V, Butler M, Powell K, Vernetti A, Mandino F, O’Connor D, Lake EMR, McPartland JC, Volkmar FR, Chun M, Chawarska K, Rosenberg MD, Scheinost D, Constable RT. A generalizable connectome-based marker of in-scan sustained attention in neurodiverse youth. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:6320-6334. [PMID: 36573438 PMCID: PMC10183743 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Difficulty with attention is an important symptom in many conditions in psychiatry, including neurodiverse conditions such as autism. There is a need to better understand the neurobiological correlates of attention and leverage these findings in healthcare settings. Nevertheless, it remains unclear if it is possible to build dimensional predictive models of attentional state in a sample that includes participants with neurodiverse conditions. Here, we use 5 datasets to identify and validate functional connectome-based markers of attention. In dataset 1, we use connectome-based predictive modeling and observe successful prediction of performance on an in-scan sustained attention task in a sample of youth, including participants with a neurodiverse condition. The predictions are not driven by confounds, such as head motion. In dataset 2, we find that the attention network model defined in dataset 1 generalizes to predict in-scan attention in a separate sample of neurotypical participants performing the same attention task. In datasets 3-5, we use connectome-based identification and longitudinal scans to probe the stability of the attention network across months to years in individual participants. Our results help elucidate the brain correlates of attentional state in youth and support the further development of predictive dimensional models of other clinically relevant phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey Horien
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- MD-PhD Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Abigail S Greene
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- MD-PhD Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Xilin Shen
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Diogo Fortes
- Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | | | - Rachel Foster
- Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | | | - Kelly Powell
- Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Francesca Mandino
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - David O’Connor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Evelyn M R Lake
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - James C McPartland
- Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Marvin Chun
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Katarzyna Chawarska
- Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Monica D Rosenberg
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Dustin Scheinost
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - R Todd Constable
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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2
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Sassu KA, Volkmar FR. Autism and intersectionality: Considerations for school‐based practitioners. Psychology in the Schools 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pits.22757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kari A. Sassu
- Department of Counseling and School Psychology Southern Connecticut State University New Haven Connecticut USA
| | - Fred R. Volkmar
- Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders Yale University School of Medicine & Southern Connecticut State University New Haven Connecticut USA
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3
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Volkmar FR, Koegel LK. Editorial 2021: A Year in Review. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:1903-1907. [PMID: 35366173 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05519-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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4
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Schjølberg S, Shic F, Volkmar FR, Nordahl-Hansen A, Stenberg N, Torske T, Larsen K, Riley K, Sukhodolsky DG, Leckman JF, Chawarska K, Øien RA. What are we optimizing for in autism screening? Examination of algorithmic changes in the M-CHAT. Autism Res 2022; 15:296-304. [PMID: 34837355 PMCID: PMC8821132 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The present study objectives were to examine the performance of the new M-CHAT-R algorithm to the original M-CHAT algorithm. The main purpose was to examine if the algorithmic changes increase identification of children later diagnosed with ASD, and to examine if there is a trade-off when changing algorithms. We included 54,463 screened cases from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Children were screened using the 23 items of the M-CHAT at 18 months. Further, the performance of the M-CHAT-R algorithm was compared to the M-CHAT algorithm on the 23-items. In total, 337 individuals were later diagnosed with ASD. Using M-CHAT-R algorithm decreased the number of correctly identified ASD children by 12 compared to M-CHAT, with no children with ASD screening negative on the M-CHAT criteria subsequently screening positive utilizing the M-CHAT-R algorithm. A nonparametric McNemar's test determined a statistically significant difference in identifying ASD utilizing the M-CHAT-R algorithm. The present study examined the application of 20-item MCHAT-R scoring criterion to the 23-item MCHAT. We found that this resulted in decreased sensitivity and increased specificity for identifying children with ASD, which is a trade-off that needs further investigation in terms of cost-effectiveness. However, further research is needed to optimize screening for ASD in the early developmental period to increase identification of false negatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Synnve Schjølberg
- a: Norwegian Institute of Public Health, University of Washington School of Medicine
| | - Frederick Shic
- b: Seattle Children’s Research Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine
| | - Fred R. Volkmar
- c: Yale Child Study Center, The Arctic University of Norway,d: Southern Connecticut University, The Arctic University of Norway
| | | | - Nina Stenberg
- f: Oslo University Hospital, The Arctic University of Norway
| | - Tonje Torske
- g: Vestre Viken Hospital:, The Arctic University of Norway
| | | | - Katherine Riley
- b: Seattle Children’s Research Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | - Roald A. Øien
- c: Yale Child Study Center, The Arctic University of Norway,h: UiT – The Arctic University of Norway,Corresponding author tel: +4793099994, PB 6070, 9037 Tromsoe, Norway
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5
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Woodbury-Smith MR, Loftin R, Westphal A, Volkmar FR. Vulnerability to Ideologically-Motivated Violence Among Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:873121. [PMID: 35401260 PMCID: PMC8990964 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.873121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are represented among those who espouse extremist thought and have committed violent acts associated with their beliefs. Media often highlight a perpetrator's psychiatric diagnosis following acts of mass violence, which in some instances has included ASD. ASD may itself not provide useful information for understanding motivations. Instead, understanding specific traits and neuropsychological and other vulnerabilities may offer an opportunity to make sense of these very complex events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Loftin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alexander Westphal
- Division of Law and Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale University and Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT, United States
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6
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Abstract
In this paper we review the impact of DSM-III and its successors on the field of autism-both in terms of clinical work and research. We summarize the events leading up to the inclusion of autism as a "new" official diagnostic category in DSM-III, the subsequent revisions of the DSM, and the impact of the official recognition of autism on research. We discuss the uses of categorical vs. dimensional approaches and the continuing tensions around broad vs. narrow views of autism. We also note some areas of current controversy and directions for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fred R. Volkmar
- Yale University, New Haven, USA
- Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, USA
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7
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Volkmar FR. Celebrating 40 years since DSM-III. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:4251-4252. [PMID: 34618294 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05262-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This special section celebrates the first official recognition of Autism as a diagnostic concept in 1980 in the third edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. The articles in this special section note the many areas of significant progress made as well as areas that remain important topics for continued and future research. The official recognition of autism as a diagnostic concept has significantly advanced both clinical work and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred R Volkmar
- Yale University Child Study Center, PO Box 207900, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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8
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Volkmar FR. Editorial 2020: A Year in Review. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:2165-2189. [PMID: 34014466 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05036-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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9
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Horien C, Fontenelle S, Joseph K, Powell N, Nutor C, Fortes D, Butler M, Powell K, Macris D, Lee K, Greene AS, McPartland JC, Volkmar FR, Scheinost D, Chawarska K, Constable RT. Low-motion fMRI data can be obtained in pediatric participants undergoing a 60-minute scan protocol. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21855. [PMID: 33318557 PMCID: PMC7736342 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78885-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Performing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans of children can be a difficult task, as participants tend to move while being scanned. Head motion represents a significant confound in fMRI connectivity analyses. One approach to limit motion has been to use shorter MRI protocols, though this reduces the reliability of results. Hence, there is a need to implement methods to achieve high-quality, low-motion data while not sacrificing data quantity. Here we show that by using a mock scan protocol prior to a scan, in conjunction with other in-scan steps (weighted blanket and incentive system), it is possible to achieve low-motion fMRI data in pediatric participants (age range: 7-17 years old) undergoing a 60 min MRI session. We also observe that motion is low during the MRI protocol in a separate replication group of participants, including some with autism spectrum disorder. Collectively, the results indicate it is possible to conduct long scan protocols in difficult-to-scan populations and still achieve high-quality data, thus potentially allowing more reliable fMRI findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey Horien
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- MD-PhD Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Magnetic Resonance Research Center, 300 Cedar St, PO Box 208043, New Haven, CT, 06520-8043, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kangjoo Lee
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Abigail S Greene
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- MD-PhD Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - James C McPartland
- Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dustin Scheinost
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Katarzyna Chawarska
- Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - R Todd Constable
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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10
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Volkmar FR, Dawson G, Land R, Lord C, Loveland KA, McMahon W, Minshew N, Tager-Flusberg H. Duane F. Alexander, M.D.: August 11, 1940–February 16, 2020. J Autism Dev Disord 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04534-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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11
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Vivanti G, Volkmar FR. Review: National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Australia (Whitehouse, Evans et al. 2018). J Autism Dev Disord 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-03937-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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12
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Lewis AS, van Schalkwyk GI, Lopez MO, Volkmar FR, Picciotto MR, Sukhodolsky DG. An Exploratory Trial of Transdermal Nicotine for Aggression and Irritability in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2019. [PMID: 29536216 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3536-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), particularly the α7 nAChR, are implicated in the pathophysiology of both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and aggressive behavior. We explored the feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of targeting nAChRs using transdermal nicotine to reduce aggressive symptoms in adults with ASD. Eight subjects were randomized in a double-blind crossover trial of 7 mg transdermal nicotine or placebo, each for 1 week. All participants tolerated nicotine treatment well. Five subjects contributed data to the primary outcome, Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Irritability (ABC-I) subscale change from baseline, which was improved by nicotine compared to placebo. Sleep ratings were also improved by nicotine and correlated with ABC-I improvement. These findings support further investigation of nAChR agonists for aggression and sleep in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan S Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 184 Liberty Street, Room LV120, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA.
| | - Gerrit Ian van Schalkwyk
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Mayra Ortiz Lopez
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marina R Picciotto
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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13
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Øien RA, Vambheim SM, Hart L, Nordahl-Hansen A, Erickson C, Wink L, Eisemann MR, Shic F, Volkmar FR, Grodberg D. Sex-Differences in Children Referred for Assessment: An Exploratory Analysis of the Autism Mental Status Exam (AMSE). J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 48:2286-2292. [PMID: 29423603 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3488-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The autism mental status exam is an eight-item observational assessment that structures the way we observe and document signs and symptoms of ASD. Investigations of test performance indicate strong sensitivity and specificity using gold-standard assessment as reference standard. This study aims to explore potential sex differences in AMSE test performance and observations of 123 children referred for autism assessment. Results indicates more language deficits in females with ASD than in males with ASD and less sensory symptoms in females compared to males with ASD. The AMSE performance is similar in identifying ASD and non-ASD in females compared to males. Less disruptive behaviors in females, might cause a need for a bigger hit to other areas of development to raise concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roald A Øien
- Department of Psychology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, PB 6050, 9037, Tromsö, Norway. .,Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Sara M Vambheim
- Department of Psychology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, PB 6050, 9037, Tromsö, Norway
| | - Logan Hart
- Department of Psychology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, PB 6050, 9037, Tromsö, Norway.,Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Craig Erickson
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Logan Wink
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Martin R Eisemann
- Department of Psychology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, PB 6050, 9037, Tromsö, Norway
| | - Frederick Shic
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David Grodberg
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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14
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Jackson SLJ, Hart L, Brown JT, Volkmar FR. Brief Report: Self-Reported Academic, Social, and Mental Health Experiences of Post-Secondary Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 48:643-650. [PMID: 29022149 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3315-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Increasing numbers of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are enrolling in post-secondary academic institutions. However, research indicates that post-secondary students with ASD are struggling more than their typically developing peers, with high rates of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and an increased incidence of dropping-out before completion of their degrees. The current study utilized an online survey to gain insight into the self-reported academic, social, and mental health experiences of post-secondary students with ASD. Participants reported high levels of academic comfort, but struggled with issues of isolation/loneliness and high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Of greatest concern, were the nearly three-quarters of participants who reported lifetime suicidal behaviors. Further analysis on collected data and implications of findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott L J Jackson
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Logan Hart
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jane Thierfeld Brown
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.,College Autism Spectrum, 41 Crossroads Plaza #221, West Hartford, CT, 06117, USA
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
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15
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van Schalkwyk GI, Marin CE, Ortiz M, Rolison M, Qayyum Z, McPartland JC, Lebowitz ER, Volkmar FR, Silverman WK. Social Media Use, Friendship Quality, and the Moderating Role of Anxiety in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 47:2805-2813. [PMID: 28616856 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Social media holds promise as a technology to facilitate social engagement, but may displace offline social activities. Adolescents with ASD are well suited to capitalize on the unique features of social media, which requires less decoding of complex social information. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed social media use, anxiety and friendship quality in 44 adolescents with ASD, and 56 clinical comparison controls. Social media use was significantly associated with high friendship quality in adolescents with ASD, which was moderated by the adolescents' anxiety levels. No associations were founds between social media use, anxiety and friendship quality in the controls. Social media may be a way for adolescents with ASD without significant anxiety to improve the quality of their friendships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carla E Marin
- Yale University Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06037, USA
| | - Mayra Ortiz
- Yale University Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06037, USA
| | - Max Rolison
- Yale University Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06037, USA
| | - Zheala Qayyum
- Yale University Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06037, USA
| | - James C McPartland
- Yale University Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06037, USA
| | - Eli R Lebowitz
- Yale University Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06037, USA
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Yale University Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06037, USA
| | - Wendy K Silverman
- Yale University Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06037, USA
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16
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Øien RA, Schjølberg S, Volkmar FR, Shic F, Cicchetti DV, Nordahl-Hansen A, Stenberg N, Hornig M, Havdahl A, Øyen AS, Ventola P, Susser ES, Eisemann MR, Chawarska K. Clinical Features of Children With Autism Who Passed 18-Month Screening. Pediatrics 2018; 141:e20173596. [PMID: 29784756 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-3596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We compared sex-stratified developmental and temperamental profiles at 18 months in children screening negative for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) but later receiving diagnoses of ASD (false-negative group) versus those without later ASD diagnoses (true-negative group). METHODS We included 68 197 screen-negative cases from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (49.1% girls). Children were screened by using the 6 critical items of the M-CHAT at 18 months. Groups were compared on domains of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and the Emotionality Activity Sociability Temperament Survey. RESULTS Despite passing M-CHAT screening at 18 months, children in the false-negative group exhibited delays in social, communication, and motor skills compared with the true-negative group. Differences were more pronounced in girls. However, with regard to shyness, boys in the false-negative group were rated as more shy than their true-negative counterparts, but girls in the false-negative group were rated as less shy than their counterparts in the true-negative group. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to reveal that children who pass M-CHAT screening at 18 months and are later diagnosed with ASD exhibit delays in core social and communication areas as well as fine motor skills at 18 months. Differences appeared to be more pronounced in girls. With these findings, we underscore the need to enhance the understanding of early markers of ASD in boys and girls, as well as factors affecting parental report on early delays and abnormalities, to improve the sensitivity of screening instruments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roald A Øien
- Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway;
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Synnve Schjølberg
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Frederick Shic
- Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Domenic V Cicchetti
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Nina Stenberg
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mady Hornig
- Department of Epidemiology, and
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Alexandra Havdahl
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Anne-Siri Øyen
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Hospital, Oslo, Norway; and
| | - Pamela Ventola
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ezra S Susser
- Department of Epidemiology, and
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - Martin R Eisemann
- Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Katarzyna Chawarska
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
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17
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Volkmar FR. Editorial: 2017 in Review. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 48:965-975. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3518-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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18
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Yang YJD, Allen T, Abdullahi SM, Pelphrey KA, Volkmar FR, Chapman SB. Neural mechanisms of behavioral change in young adults with high-functioning autism receiving virtual reality social cognition training: A pilot study. Autism Res 2018. [PMID: 29517857 PMCID: PMC6001642 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Measuring treatment efficacy in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) relies primarily on behaviors, with limited evidence as to the neural mechanisms underlying these behavioral gains. This pilot study addresses this void by investigating neural and behavioral changes in a Phase I trial in young adults with high-functioning ASD who received an evidence-based behavioral intervention, Virtual Reality-Social Cognition Training over 5 weeks for a total of 10 hr. The participants were tested pre- and post-training with a validated biological/social versus scrambled/nonsocial motion neuroimaging task, previously shown to activate regions within the social brain networks. Three significant brain-behavior changes were identified. First, the right posterior superior temporal sulcus, a hub for socio-cognitive processing, showed increased brain activation to social versus nonsocial stimuli in individuals with greater gains on a theory-of-mind measure. Second, the left inferior frontal gyrus, a region for socio-emotional processing, tracked individual gains in emotion recognition with decreased activation to social versus nonsocial stimuli. Finally, the left superior parietal lobule, a region for visual attention, showed significantly decreased activation to nonsocial versus social stimuli across all participants, where heightened attention to nonsocial contingencies has been considered a disabling aspect of ASD. This study provides, albeit preliminary, some of the first evidence of the harnessable neuroplasticity in adults with ASD through an age-appropriate intervention in brain regions tightly linked to social abilities. This pilot trial motivates future efforts to develop and test social interventions to improve behaviors and supporting brain networks in adults with ASD. Autism Res 2018, 11: 713-725. © 2018 The Authors Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY This study addresses how the behavioral changes after treatment for ASD reflect underlying brain changes. Before and after receiving VR-SCT, young adults with high-functioning ASD passively viewed biological motion stimuli in a MRI scanner, tapping changes in the social brain network. The results reveal neuroplasticity in this age population, extending the window of opportunity for interventions to impact social competency in adults with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y J Daniel Yang
- Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, The George Washington University and Children's National Health System, Washington, DC.,Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Tandra Allen
- Center for BrainHealth, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
| | - Sebiha M Abdullahi
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kevin A Pelphrey
- Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, The George Washington University and Children's National Health System, Washington, DC
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Sandra B Chapman
- Center for BrainHealth, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
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19
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Abstract
The co-occurrence of psychotic and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms represents an important clinical challenge. Here we consider this problem in the context of a computational psychiatry approach that has been applied to both conditions-predictive coding. Some symptoms of schizophrenia have been explained in terms of a failure of top-down predictions or an enhanced weighting of bottom-up prediction errors. Likewise, autism has been explained in terms of similar perturbations. We suggest that this theoretical overlap may explain overlapping symptomatology. Experimental evidence highlights meaningful distinctions and consistencies between these disorders. We hypothesize individuals with ASD may experience some degree of delusions without the presence of any additional impairment, but that hallucinations are likely indicative of a distinct process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Philip R Corlett
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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20
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Leaf JB, Leaf R, McEachin J, Taubman M, Smith T, Harris SL, Freeman BJ, Mountjoy T, Parker T, Streff T, Volkmar FR, Waks A. Concerns About the Registered Behavior Technician™ in Relation to Effective Autism Intervention. Behav Anal Pract 2017. [PMID: 28630819 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-016-0145-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2014, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) initiated a program for credentialing behavior technicians. The new credential, Registered Behavior Technician™ (RBT®), is for providers of behavioral intervention to a wide range of individuals with mental health needs and developmental delays, including individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The RBT® would represent the entry-level position within the range of the BACB® credentials. Despite the increasing acceptance of this newest level of credential from the behavioral community, the authors of this paper have substantial concerns with the RBT® credential as it relates to the delivery of intervention to individuals diagnosed with ASD. The purpose of this paper is to detail these concerns and propose remedies that would ensure that individuals diagnosed with ASD receive effective behavioral intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin B Leaf
- Center for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA 90740 USA
| | - Ronald Leaf
- Center for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA 90740 USA
| | - John McEachin
- Center for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA 90740 USA
| | - Mitchell Taubman
- Center for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA 90740 USA
| | - Tristram Smith
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Sandra L Harris
- Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ USA
| | - B J Freeman
- UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | | | | | - Todd Streff
- Streff Behavior Consulting, Foristell, MO USA
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center-Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Andi Waks
- Autism Partnership Foundation, Seal Beach, CA USA
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21
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Abstract
Earlier detection and effective, evidence-based practices are gradually improving outcomes for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although some continue to need intensive support as adults, an increasing number are now going to college, becoming independent, and marrying. With the transition to adulthood, people with ASD will face a number of significant challenges. Health care providers who are knowledgeable about these challenges can help foster better outcomes and support those requiring higher levels of care. We summarize the challenges faced by youth with ASD as they transition into adulthood and note areas where more research is needed. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(6):e219-e223.].
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22
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Abstract
The co-occurrence of psychotic and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms represents an important clinical challenge. Here we consider this problem in the context of a computational psychiatry approach that has been applied to both conditions-predictive coding. Some symptoms of schizophrenia have been explained in terms of a failure of top-down predictions or an enhanced weighting of bottom-up prediction errors. Likewise, autism has been explained in terms of similar perturbations. We suggest that this theoretical overlap may explain overlapping symptomatology. Experimental evidence highlights meaningful distinctions and consistencies between these disorders. We hypothesize individuals with ASD may experience some degree of delusions without the presence of any additional impairment, but that hallucinations are likely indicative of a distinct process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Philip R Corlett
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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23
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Gupta AR, Westphal A, Yang DYJ, Sullivan CAW, Eilbott J, Zaidi S, Voos A, Vander Wyk BC, Ventola P, Waqar Z, Fernandez TV, Ercan-Sencicek AG, Walker MF, Choi M, Schneider A, Hedderly T, Baird G, Friedman H, Cordeaux C, Ristow A, Shic F, Volkmar FR, Pelphrey KA. Neurogenetic analysis of childhood disintegrative disorder. Mol Autism 2017; 8:19. [PMID: 28392909 PMCID: PMC5379515 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0133-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is a rare form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) of unknown etiology. It is characterized by late-onset regression leading to significant intellectual disability (ID) and severe autism. Although there are phenotypic differences between CDD and other forms of ASD, it is unclear if there are neurobiological differences. METHODS We pursued a multidisciplinary study of CDD (n = 17) and three comparison groups: low-functioning ASD (n = 12), high-functioning ASD (n = 50), and typically developing (n = 26) individuals. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES), copy number variant (CNV), and gene expression analyses of CDD and, on subsets of each cohort, non-sedated functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while viewing socioemotional (faces) and non-socioemotional (houses) stimuli and eye tracking while viewing emotional faces. RESULTS We observed potential differences between CDD and other forms of ASD. WES and CNV analyses identified one or more rare de novo, homozygous, and/or hemizygous (mother-to-son transmission on chrX) variants for most probands that were not shared by unaffected sibling controls. There were no clearly deleterious variants or highly recurrent candidate genes. Candidate genes that were found to be most conserved at variant position and most intolerant of variation, such as TRRAP, ZNF236, and KIAA2018, play a role or may be involved in transcription. Using the human BrainSpan transcriptome dataset, CDD candidate genes were found to be more highly expressed in non-neocortical regions than neocortical regions. This expression profile was similar to that of an independent cohort of ASD probands with regression. The non-neocortical regions overlapped with those identified by fMRI as abnormally hyperactive in response to viewing faces, such as the thalamus, cerebellum, caudate, and hippocampus. Eye-tracking analysis showed that, among individuals with ASD, subjects with CDD focused on eyes the most when shown pictures of faces. CONCLUSIONS Given that cohort sizes were limited by the rarity of CDD, and the challenges of conducting non-sedated fMRI and eye tracking in subjects with ASD and significant ID, this is an exploratory study designed to investigate the neurobiological features of CDD. In addition to reporting the first multimodal analysis of CDD, a combination of fMRI and eye-tracking analyses are being presented for the first time for low-functioning individuals with ASD. Our results suggest differences between CDD and other forms of ASD on the neurobiological as well as clinical level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abha R. Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | - Alexander Westphal
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | - Daniel Y. J. Yang
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | | | - Jeffrey Eilbott
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | - Samir Zaidi
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | - Avery Voos
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | | | - Pam Ventola
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | - Zainulabedin Waqar
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | - Thomas V. Fernandez
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | | | - Michael F. Walker
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | - Murim Choi
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | - Allison Schneider
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | - Tammy Hedderly
- Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Trust, Kings Health Partners AHSC, London, UK
| | - Gillian Baird
- Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Trust, Kings Health Partners AHSC, London, UK
| | - Hannah Friedman
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | - Cara Cordeaux
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | - Alexandra Ristow
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | - Frederick Shic
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | - Fred R. Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
| | - Kevin A. Pelphrey
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut USA
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24
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Abstract
Improved outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have opened a range of potential pathways during the transition to adulthood. These include attending college, entering the labor force, and achieving a degree of independent living. Less cognitively able individuals may be eligible for state benefits and may enter supported employment programs. Those attending college require careful support and planning. Practitioners need to be familiar with the unique needs of young adults with ASD. Further research should attempt to define the priorities of individuals and families with ASD making this transition and clarify the value of existing supports and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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25
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Yang YJD, Allen T, Abdullahi SM, Pelphrey KA, Volkmar FR, Chapman SB. Brain responses to biological motion predict treatment outcome in young adults with autism receiving Virtual Reality Social Cognition Training: Preliminary findings. Behav Res Ther 2017; 93:55-66. [PMID: 28384509 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by remarkable heterogeneity in social, communication, and behavioral deficits, creating a major barrier in identifying effective treatments for a given individual with ASD. To facilitate precision medicine in ASD, we utilized a well-validated biological motion neuroimaging task to identify pretreatment biomarkers that can accurately forecast the response to an evidence-based behavioral treatment, Virtual Reality-Social Cognition Training (VR-SCT). In a preliminary sample of 17 young adults with high-functioning ASD, we identified neural predictors of change in emotion recognition after VR-SCT. The predictors were characterized by the pretreatment brain activations to biological vs. scrambled motion in the neural circuits that support (a) language comprehension and interpretation of incongruent auditory emotions and prosody, and (b) processing socio-emotional experience and interpersonal affective information, as well as emotional regulation. The predictive value of the findings for individual adults with ASD was supported by regression-based multivariate pattern analyses with cross validation. To our knowledge, this is the first pilot study that shows neuroimaging-based predictive biomarkers for treatment effectiveness in adults with ASD. The findings have potentially far-reaching implications for developing more precise and effective treatments for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y J Daniel Yang
- Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, The George Washington University and Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20052, USA; Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | - Tandra Allen
- Center for BrainHealth, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
| | - Sebiha M Abdullahi
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Kevin A Pelphrey
- Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, The George Washington University and Children's National Health System, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Sandra B Chapman
- Center for BrainHealth, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
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26
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Øien RA, Hart L, Schjølberg S, Wall CA, Kim ES, Nordahl-Hansen A, Eisemann MR, Chawarska K, Volkmar FR, Shic F. Parent-Endorsed Sex Differences in Toddlers with and Without ASD: Utilizing the M-CHAT. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:126-134. [PMID: 27757737 PMCID: PMC5222910 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-2945-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in typical development can provide context for understanding ASD. Baron-Cohen (Trends Cogn Sci 6(6):248-254, 2002) suggested ASD could be considered an extreme expression of normal male, compared to female, phenotypic profiles. In this paper, sex-specific M-CHAT scores from N = 53,728 18-month-old toddlers, including n = 185 (32 females) with ASD, were examined. Results suggest a nuanced view of the "extreme male brain theory of autism". At an item level, almost every male versus female disadvantage in the broader population was consistent with M-CHAT vulnerabilities in ASD. However, controlling for total M-CHAT failures, this male disadvantage was more equivocal and many classically ASD-associated features were found more common in non-ASD. Within ASD, females showed relative strengths in joint attention, but impairments in imitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roald A Øien
- Department of Psychology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, PB 6050, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway.
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Logan Hart
- Department of Psychology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, PB 6050, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Carla A Wall
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Kim
- Center for Autism Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Martin R Eisemann
- Department of Psychology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, PB 6050, N-9037, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Katarzyna Chawarska
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Frederick Shic
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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27
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Abstract
This study was conducted to identify a potential neuroendophenotype for autism using diffusion tensor imaging. Whole-brain, voxel-based analysis of fractional anisotropy was conducted in 50 children: 19 with autism, 20 unaffected siblings, and 11 controls. Relative to controls, participants with autism exhibited bilateral reductions in fractional anisotropy across association, commissure, and projection fibers. The most severely affected tracts included the uncinate fasciculus, forceps minor, and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus. Unaffected siblings also exhibited reductions in fractional anisotropy, albeit less severe with fewer affected tracts, sparing the uncinate fasciculus and forceps minor. These results suggest the presence of a neuroendophenotype for autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger J Jou
- From the Center for Translational Developmental Neuroscience (CTDN), Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT
| | - Hannah E Reed
- From the Center for Translational Developmental Neuroscience (CTDN), Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT
| | - Martha D Kaiser
- From the Center for Translational Developmental Neuroscience (CTDN), Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT
| | - Avery C Voos
- From the Center for Translational Developmental Neuroscience (CTDN), Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- From the Center for Translational Developmental Neuroscience (CTDN), Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT
| | - Kevin A Pelphrey
- From the Center for Translational Developmental Neuroscience (CTDN), Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT
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28
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van Schalkwyk GI, Beyer C, Martin A, Volkmar FR. College students with autism spectrum disorders: A growing role for adult psychiatrists. J Am Coll Health 2016; 64:575-579. [PMID: 27347704 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2016.1205072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are increasingly attending college. This case report highlights the nature of the psychiatric difficulties these individuals may face and the potential role for college mental health practitioners. PARTICIPANTS A case of a female student with ASD presenting with significant inattentive symptoms. METHODS The authors describe the unique features of this patient's clinical presentation, discuss relevant diagnostic considerations, and make recommendations about how to best approach treatment. RESULTS This student presented with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which were first relevant during her time at college, owing to increased demands on planning and other executive functions. She was eventually responsive to treatment with a stimulant, but had more side effects early on. CONCLUSIONS As individuals with ASD attend college, their mental health needs will require treatment. However, such treatment draws on a comparatively limited evidence base, and providers need to be aware of potential challenges that may arise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chad Beyer
- a Yale Child Study Center, Yale University , New Haven , Connecticut , USA
| | - Andrés Martin
- a Yale Child Study Center, Yale University , New Haven , Connecticut , USA
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- a Yale Child Study Center, Yale University , New Haven , Connecticut , USA
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29
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Doehring
- Life Course Outcomes Research Program, A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market Street, Suite 501, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-3734, USA.
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Yale Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
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30
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Abstract
Autism is a prevalent and strongly genetic brain-based disorder. Early focus in the field on the relevance of psychogenic factors led to the blaming of parents for the occurrence of the disorder, and as a result mainstream research on psychotherapeutic approaches has until recently been limited. Although psychoanalytic approaches continue to be considered of limited relevance for these individuals, dynamic theory is both informative and informed by conceptual approaches to the understanding of autism. Theory of mind in particular is a prominent model for understanding the core deficits of autism and bears strong resemblance to the concept of mentalization. Although cognitive-behavioral and social skills interventions may form the cornerstone of psychotherapy for individuals with autism, the formation of a treatment alliance remains crucial and may require a particular willingness for flexibility on the part of the therapist.
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31
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Abstract
Although autism was first reported in 1943 nearly 40 years elapsed before the disorder was included as an official diagnosis in the American (DSM) classification system. In the last two decades guidelines for the diagnosis of this, and related, conditions have evolved based on a growing body of research. An important recent development has been the convergence of the American (DSM) and International (ICD) diagnostic systems. Although these two official systems differ somewhat in format and intended use, the advent of consistent approaches to the diagnosis of autism will facilitate both research and clinical service. Data that have informed the development of these systems are reviewed and areas of continuing controversy are noted.
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32
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Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurogenetic disorder in which a period of typical development is followed by loss of previously acquired skills. Once thought to occur exclusively in females, increasing numbers of male cases of RTT have been reported. This systematic review included 36 articles describing 57 cases of RTT in males. Mutations of the MECP2 gene were present in 56 % of cases, and 68 % of cases reported other genetic abnormalities. This is the first review of published reports of RTT in male patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Reichow
- AJ Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA.
- University of Florida, 1345Q Norman Hall, PO Box 117050, Gainesville, FL, 32661-7050, USA.
| | | | - Tara Lutz
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Isaac C Smith
- AJ Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
- Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, USA
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33
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Smith IC, Reichow B, Volkmar FR. The Effects of DSM-5 Criteria on Number of Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. J Autism Dev Disord 2016; 45:2541-52. [PMID: 25796195 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2423-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of research has raised concerns about the number of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to DSM-IV-TR who may no longer qualify for diagnoses under the new DSM-5 criteria, published in May 2013. The current study systematically reviews 25 articles evaluating samples according to both DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5 ASD criteria. Consistent with previous reviews, the majority of included studies indicated between 50 and 75% of individuals will maintain diagnoses. We conducted visual analyses of subgroups using harvest plots and found the greatest decreases among high-functioning populations with IQs over 70 and/or previous diagnoses of PDD-NOS or Asperger's disorder. We discuss the potential research and clinical implications of reduced numbers of individuals diagnosed with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac C Smith
- Yale Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Rd., New Haven, CT, 06520, USA,
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34
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale University, PO Box 207900, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | - James C McPartland
- Child Study Center, Yale University, PO Box 207900, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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35
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van Schalkwyk GI, Klingensmith K, Volkmar FR. Gender identity and autism spectrum disorders. Yale J Biol Med 2015; 88:81-3. [PMID: 25744543 PMCID: PMC4345542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we briefly summarize much of the existing literature on gender-related concerns and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), drawing attention to critical shortcomings in our current understanding and potential clinical implications. Some authors have concluded that gender identity disorder (GID), or gender dysphoria (GD), is more common in individuals with ASD, providing a range of potential explanations. However, existing literature is quantitatively limited, and our capacity to draw conclusions is further complicated by conceptual challenges regarding how gender identity is best understood. Discourses that emphasize gender as a component of identity formation are gaining prominence and seem particularly salient when applied to ASD. Individuals with ASD should enjoy equal rights with regard to treatment for gender dysphoria. Clinicians may be able to assist individuals in understanding this aspect of their identity by broadening the social frame and facilitating an exploration of gender roles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fred R. Volkmar
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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36
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Grapel JN, Cicchetti DV, Volkmar FR. Sensory features as diagnostic criteria for autism: sensory features in autism. Yale J Biol Med 2015; 88:69-71. [PMID: 25745375 PMCID: PMC4345540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we examined the frequency of sensory-related issues as reported by parents in a large sample of school-age adolescents and adults with autism/autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [1] as compared to a group of individuals receiving similar clinical evaluations for developmental/behavioral difficulties but whose final diagnoses were not on the autism spectrum. In no comparison were the features examined predictive of autism or autism spectrum in comparison to the non-ASD sample. Only failure to respond to noises had sensitivity above .75 in the comparison of the broader autism spectrum group, but specificity was poor. While sensory issues are relatively common in autism/ASD, they are also frequent in other disorders. These results question the rationale for including sensory items as a diagnostic criterion for autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan N. Grapel
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Fred R. Volkmar
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Volkmar FR. Editorial: 2014 in review. J Autism Dev Disord 2015; 45:613-25. [PMID: 25672259 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2382-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Volkmar FR, Grigorenko E. Special issue: in honor of Sara S. Sparrow, Ph.D. J Autism Dev Disord 2014; 44:249. [PMID: 24390591 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-013-2026-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fred R Volkmar
- Yale University Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06520-7900, USA,
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Volkmar FR. The Puberty Video for Boys with Asperger Syndrome (and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Level 1) DVD $25.00, 48 Minutes and Managing Puberty, Social Challenges, and (Almost) Everything: A Video Guide for Girls: DVD, $25.00, 80 Minutes; Coulter Video (http://coultervideo.com). J Autism Dev Disord 2014; 45:1497. [PMID: 25432100 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2285-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale University, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06405, USA,
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Cicchetti DV, Lord C, Koenig K, Klin A, Volkmar FR. Erratum to: Reliability of the ADI-R for the Single Case-Part II: Clinical Versus Statistical Significance. J Autism Dev Disord 2014; 45:274. [PMID: 25425245 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2322-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred R. Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520; ,
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Abstract
There has been a marked increase in interest in early identification of young children with and at risk for autism. This interest has reflected advances in research as well as an awareness of the potential for major changes in long-term outcome as a result of intervention. Several issues have complicated these efforts. There continue to be challenges to implementation of effective screening and diagnostic approaches in young children. Although the body of evidence-based research on treatment has increased, it remains limited. Despite these issues, important findings have emerged that may assist in fostering better approaches to screening, diagnosis, and documenting treatment impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center , Yale University, New Haven, CT , USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P Hazen
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, YAW 6A, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Voos AC, Pelphrey KA, Tirrell J, Bolling DZ, Vander Wyk B, Kaiser MD, McPartland JC, Volkmar FR, Ventola P. Neural mechanisms of improvements in social motivation after pivotal response treatment: two case studies. J Autism Dev Disord 2013; 43:1-10. [PMID: 23104615 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-012-1683-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pivotal response treatment (PRT) is an empirically validated behavioral treatment that has widespread positive effects on communication, behavior, and social skills in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For the first time, functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to identify the neural correlates of successful response to PRT in two young children with ASD. Baseline measures of social communication, adaptive behavior, eye tracking and neural response to social stimuli were taken prior to treatment and after 4 months of PRT. Both children showed striking gains on behavioral measures and also showed increased activation to social stimuli in brain regions utilized by typically developing children. These results suggest that neural systems supporting social perception are malleable through implementation of PRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery C Voos
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Since Kanner's first description of autism there have been a number of changes in approaches to diagnosis with certain key continuities . Since the Fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) appeared in 1994 there has been an explosion in research publications. The advent of changes in DSM-5 presents some important moves forward as well as some potential challenges. METHODS The various relevant studies are summarized. RESULTS If research diagnostic instruments are available, many (but not all) cases with a DSM-IV diagnosis of autism continue to have this diagnosis. The overall efficiency of this system falls if only one source of information is available and, particularly, if the criteria are used outside the research context. The impact is probably greatest among the most cognitively able cases and those with less classic autism presentations. CONCLUSIONS Significant discontinuities in diagnostic practice raise significant problems for both research and clinical services. For DSM-5, the impact of these changes remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 207900, New Haven, CT 06520-7900, USA.
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Volkmar FR. Editorial: 2012 in Review. J Autism Dev Disord 2013; 43:753-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-013-1788-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred R. Volkmar
- Child Study Center; Yale University; New Haven; CT; 06520; USA
| | - Julie M. Wolf
- Child Study Center; Yale University; New Haven; CT; 06520; USA
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Abstract
The World Wide Web is a common method for obtaining information on autism spectrum disorders, however, there are no guidelines for finding websites with high quality. We conducted two studies examining the characteristics and/or quality of autism websites in 2009 and 2010. We found websites with a .gov top-level domain had a statistically significant association with high quality websites and websites offering a product or service and websites promoting a non-evidence-based practice had a statistically significant association with poor quality websites. Based on our work we concluded that online information should not replace the information consumers obtain from professionals. Further implications for practice, overview of study limitations and future directions are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Reichow
- Yale Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT 06519, USA.
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Abstract
The World Wide Web is one of the most common methods used by parents to find information on autism spectrum disorders and most consumers find information through search engines such as Google or Bing. However, little is known about how the search engines operate or the consistency of the results that are returned over time. This study presents the results of analyses of searches from 2009, 2010, and 2011 for information on autism. We found that over time, consumers are likely to have different search experiences yielding different results, and we urge consumers to use caution when using the World Wide Web to obtain information on autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Reichow
- Yale Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT 06519, USA.
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Abstract
Since Kanner's classic description of the syndrome of early infantile autism in 1943, conceptions of the disorder have evolved while retaining important continuity with what Kanner viewed as the hallmarks of the condition—social impairment (autism) and difficulties in dealing with change in the nonsocial world (insistence on sameness). This paper reviews the history of this evolution and the important potential advantages and disadvantages of changes being contemplated for DSM-5. The convergence of diagnostic approach in DSM-IV and ICD-10 provided a shared system that fostered a tremendous body of research. The changes proposed in DSM-5 may impact both research comparability and service eligibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, PO Box 207900 (230 South Frontage Rd), New Haven, CT 06520-7900, USA.
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