1. Aliaga SM, Slater HR, Francis D, Du Sart D, Li X, Amor DJ, Alliende AM, Santa Maria L, Faundes V, Morales P, Trigo C, Salas I, Curotto B, Godler DE. {{Identification of Males with Cryptic Fragile X Alleles by Methylation-Specific Quantitative Melt Analysis}}. {Clin Chem};2016 (Feb);62(2):343-352.
BACKGROUND: FMR1 full mutations (FMs) (CGG expansion >200) in males mosaic for a normal (<45 CGG) or gray-zone (GZ) (45-54 CGG) allele can be missed with the standard 2-step fragile X syndrome (FXS) testing protocols, largely because the first-line PCR tests showing a normal or GZ allele are not reflexed to the second-line test that can detect FM. METHODS: We used methylation-specific quantitative melt analysis (MS-QMA) to determine the prevalence of cryptic FM alleles in 2 independent cohorts of male patients (994 from Chile and 2392 from Australia) referred for FXS testing from 2006 to 2013. All MS-QMA-positive cases were retested with commercial triplet primed PCR, methylation-sensitive Southern blot, and a methylation-specific EpiTYPER-based test. RESULTS: All 38 FMs detected with the standard 2-step protocol were detected with MS-QMA. However, MS-QMA identified methylation mosaicism in an additional 15% and 11% of patients in the Chilean and Australian cohorts, respectively, suggesting the presence of a cryptic FM. Of these additional patients, 57% were confirmed to carry cryptic expanded alleles in blood, buccal mucosa, or saliva samples. Further confirmation was provided by identifying premutation (CGG 55-199) alleles in mothers of probands with methylation-sensitive Southern blot. Neurocognitive assessments showed that low-level mosaicism for cryptic FM alleles was associated with cognitive impairment or autism. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial number of mosaic FM males who have cognitive impairment or autism are not diagnosed with the currently recommended 2-step testing protocol and can be identified with MS-QMA as a first-line test. Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
2. Alkhateeb JM, Hadidi MS, Alkhateeb AJ. {{Inclusion of children with developmental disabilities in Arab countries: A review of the research literature from 1990 to 2014}}. {Res Dev Disabil};2016 (Feb-Mar);49-50:60-75.
BACKGROUND: In this study, a literature review was conducted to analyze studies published from 1990 to 2014 in English-written literature on inclusion of children with developmental disabilities in Arab countries. AIMS: This study sought to review and analyze research conducted on Inclusive Education (IE) in Arab countries. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The following electronic databases were used in searching the relevant literature: ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, PsychINFO, EBSCOhost Databases, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Database, ERIC, and Google Scholar. After the publications to be included in this study were retrieved, each study was reviewed and analyzed. Each study was examined for details such as authors, title of research, publication year, country, purpose, methods, and key findings. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: The results showed that a total of 42 empirical studies related to inclusion of children with developmental disabilities in Arab countries have been published. More than two-thirds of these studies came from United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The majority of the studies were published in the last 6 years. The main parameters in these studies were: attitudes toward inclusion, barriers to inclusion, and evaluating inclusion. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The results of the current study revealed that relatively little IE research has been conducted in Arab countries. More research is warranted to test the generalizability of the results of the current study. Further research is also needed to analyze IE practices and demonstrate strategies for the effective implementation of IE in these countries.
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3. Allen ML, Craig E. {{Brief Report: Imaginative Drawing in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Learning Disabilities}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):704-712.
Here we examine imaginative drawing abilities in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and learning disabilities (LD) under several conditions: spontaneous production, with use of a template, and combining two real entities to form an ‘unreal’ entity. Sixteen children in each group, matched on mental and chronological age, were asked to draw a number of ‘impossible’ pictures of humans and dogs. Children with ASD were impaired in spontaneous drawings and included fewer impossible features than children with LD, but there was no difference when a template was provided. An autism-specific deficit was revealed in the task involving combining entities. Results suggest that children with ASD do not have a general imaginative deficit; impairment is instead related to planning demands.
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4. Barnard-Brak L, Davis TN, Schmidt M, Richman DM. {{Effects associated with on- and off-label stimulant treatment of core autism and ADHD symptoms exhibited by children with autism spectrum disorder}}. {Dev Neurorehabil};2016 (Feb);19(1):46-53.
OBJECTIVE: Families of children with autism spectrum disorder are barraged by different treatment options. Some of these options have the support of empirical evidence while others do not. Stimulant treatments are typically utilized to treat symptoms of ADHD indicating an on-label use of such treatment. METHODS: This study examines the association of stimulant treatment with the on- (symptoms of ADHD) and off- (symptoms of ASD) label symptoms among children with ASD via a non-clinical, population-based sample. RESULTS: Results indicate no significant association of stimulant treatment with a reduction of on- or off-label symptoms among children with ASD. CONCLUSION: Stimulant medications utilized in the treatment of DSM core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder would be considered an off-label use because there is limited evidence to support that stimulants are effective in treating core symptoms of ASD, which is supported by the results of the current study.
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5. Bekhet AK. {{The Mediating Effects of Positive Cognitions on Autism Caregivers’ Depression and Their Children’s Challenging Behaviors}}. {Arch Psychiatr Nurs};2016 (Feb);30(1):13-18.
Caregivers of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are prone to depression and psychological problems, which have an impact on their children’s challenging behaviors. Positive cognitions include specific positive thinking patterns that enhance one’s ability to effectively manage daily activities and promote mental health. The purpose of this research is to test the mediating effects of positive cognitions on the relationship between caregivers’ depression and their children’s challenging behaviors among 117 caregivers of persons with ASD. Positive cognitions were found to have mediating effects on the relationship between caregiver’s depression and their children’s challenging behaviors in this sample of caregivers of persons with ASD. Nurses are in a strategic position to include in their interventions those strategies that strengthen positive cognitions in order to improve the caregivers’ positive cognitions and well-being, which, in turn will have an impact on their children’s challenging behaviors.
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6. Bellando J, Fussell JJ, Lopez M. {{Autism Speaks Toolkits: Resources for Busy Physicians}}. {Clin Pediatr (Phila)};2016 (Feb);55(2):171-175.
Given the increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), it is likely that busy primary care providers (PCP) are providing care to individuals with ASD in their practice. Autism Speaks provides a wealth of educational, medical, and treatment/intervention information resources for PCPs and families, including at least 32 toolkits. This article serves to familiarize PCPs and families on the different toolkits that are available on the Autism Speaks website. This article is intended to increase physicians’ knowledge on the issues that families with children with ASD frequently encounter, to increase their ability to share evidence-based information to guide treatment and care for affected families in their practice.
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7. Benvenuto A, Battan B, Benassi F, Gialloreti LE, Curatolo P. {{Effectiveness of community-based treatment on clinical outcome in children with autism spectrum disorders: An Italian prospective study}}. {Dev Neurorehabil};2016 (Feb);19(1):1-9.
OBJECTIVE: Little is known about outcomes of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) interventions in real-life settings. The main aim of this naturalistic study was to collect real-life data on the actual ASDs treatment practices in Italy. METHODS: A cohort of 48 children undergoing community-based interventions was observed in terms of personal and environmental characteristics, treatment typology and outcomes. RESULTS: An earlier start of treatment was associated with an improvement of autistic symptoms, independently from symptoms severity (p < 0.05), but not with improvements in terms of intelligence quotient (p = 0.8). Children belonging to lower socioeconomic status families began treatment later (48.0 months) than those belonging to middle (39.8 months) or upper (39.2 months) classes (p < 0.05), and received less hours of treatment. CONCLUSION: The study showed that ASDs interventions should be observed not only in experimental settings, but also in naturalistic environments, so to appraise the actual effectiveness of integrating different treatment methods in community settings. Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
8. Bilaver LA, Cushing LS, Cutler AT. {{Prevalence and Correlates of Educational Intervention Utilization Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):561-571.
This study examined the prevalence and correlates of educational intervention utilization among U.S. preschool aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prior to recent policy changes. The analysis was based on a nationally representative longitudinal survey of children receiving special education services during the 2003-2004 school year. All children with parent or teacher identified ASD over a 3-year study period were analyzed. Outcomes included utilization of speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavior therapy, and mental health services by service sector. The analysis revealed low rates of behavioral therapy and mental health services. Parents reported that the overwhelming majority of services were received inside school only. This study identified gaps in the provision of services for young children with ASD.
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9. Bitsika V, Sharpley CF, Andronicos NM, Agnew LL. {{Prevalence, structure and correlates of anxiety-depression in boys with an autism spectrum disorder}}. {Res Dev Disabil};2016 (Feb-Mar);49-50:302-311.
BACKGROUND: Comorbidity of anxiety and depression predicts impaired treatment outcomes, poor quality of life and increased suicide risk. No study has reported on a combined measure of anxiety-depression in boys with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. AIMS: To explore the prevalence, underlying factor structure and relationships between anxiety-depression, physiological stress and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). METHODS: 150 boys (aged 6-18 years; IQ M=94.9, range=73-132) with an ASD plus their parents (135 mothers, 15 fathers) completed scales about the boys’ anxiety and depression, and the boys provided samples of their saliva in the morning and afternoon. Parents also completed the ASD Behaviour Checklist about the boys’ ASD symptoms. RESULTS: The two sources of ratings were not significantly different for prevalence of anxiety-depression but the factor structures varied between the parents’ and boys’ responses, with a four-factor solution for the boys’ ratings and a three-factor solution for the parents’ ratings. There were also differences in the correlations between cortisol and anxiety-depression and between ASD symptoms and anxiety depression across the boys’ and parents’ data. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of anxiety and depression comorbidity from parents and from children with an ASD themselves could provide a valuable adjunct datum when diagnosing ASD.
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10. Bolte S, Bartl-Pokorny KD, Jonsson U, Berggren S, Zhang D, Kostrzewa E, Falck-Ytter T, Einspieler C, Pokorny FB, Jones E, Roeyers H, Charman T, Marschik PB. {{How can clinicians detect and treat autism early? Methodological trends of technology use in research}}. {Acta Paediatr};2016 (Feb);105(2):137-144.
We reviewed original research papers that used quantifiable technology to detect early autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and identified 376 studies from 34 countries from 1965 to 2013. Publications have increased significantly since 2000, with most coming from the USA. Electroencephalogram, magnetic resonance imaging and eye tracking were the most frequently used technologies. CONCLUSION: The use of quantifiable technology to detect early ASD has increased in recent decades, but has had limited impact on early detection and treatment. Further scientific developments are anticipated, and we hope that they will increasingly be used in clinical practice for early ASD screening, diagnosis and intervention.
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11. Bottema-Beutel K, Mullins TS, Harvey MN, Gustafson JR, Carter EW. {{Avoiding the « brick wall of awkward »: Perspectives of youth with autism spectrum disorder on social-focused intervention practices}}. {Autism};2016 (Feb);20(2):196-206.
Many youth with autism spectrum disorder participate in school-based, peer-mediated intervention programs designed to improve their social experiences. However, there is little research discerning how these youth view intervention practices currently represented in the literature, information which could improve the social validity of intervention programming. In this mixed-methods study, we interviewed 33 youth with autism spectrum disorder about seven social-focused, peer-mediated intervention components. We asked participants to rate the favorability of each component to determine their degree of liking. Subsequently, we asked participants to give a rationale for their rating, in order to explore influencing factors. Chi-square tests indicated that high ratings were most prevalent for recruiting peers and family involvement and medium ratings were most prevalent for meeting with peers. Analyses of variance also indicated that preferences in the specific format intervention components were delivered. Several themes emerged from our qualitative analysis of open-ended responses, including the ramifications of adults in adolescent social life, the advantages of learning through shared activities with peers, and the effects of disclosing disability status. Our findings will offer guidance for researchers and practitioners interested in individualizing interventions to reflect student preferences. Furthermore, we document areas of concern for youth with autism spectrum disorder as they access school-based interventions.
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12. Bottema-Beutel K, White R. {{By the Book: An Analysis of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Condition Co-constructing Fictional Narratives with Peers}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):361-377.
In this discourse analytic study, we examine interactions between adolescents with autism spectrum condition (ASC) and their typically developing (TD) peers during the construction of fictional narratives within a group intervention context. We found participants with ASC contributed fewer narrative-related turns at talk than TD participants. The groups organized the activity as a means to subvert moral and social norms, and youth with ASC participated in negotiating new norms with varying degrees of success. Further, participants with ASC often prioritized making explicit links between narrative events over creative interpretations of narrative, which illustrated differing orientations to the narrative project. Our findings add an interactional dimension to existing research focusing on the psychological aspects of narrative production in individuals with ASC.
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13. Boukhris T, Sheehy O, Mottron L, Berard A. {{Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy and the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children}}. {JAMA Pediatr};2016 (Feb 1);170(2):117-124.
Importance: The association between the use of antidepressants during gestation and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children is still controversial. The etiology of ASD remains unclear, although studies have implicated genetic predispositions, environmental risk factors, and maternal depression. Objective: To examine the risk of ASD in children associated with antidepressant use during pregnancy according to trimester of exposure and taking into account maternal depression. Design, Setting, and Participants: We conducted a register-based study of an ongoing population-based cohort, the Quebec Pregnancy/Children Cohort, which includes data on all pregnancies and children in Quebec from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2009. A total of 145456 singleton full-term infants born alive and whose mothers were covered by the Regie de l’assurance maladie du Quebec drug plan for at least 12 months before and during pregnancy were included. Data analysis was conducted from October 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015. Exposures: Antidepressant exposure during pregnancy was defined according to trimester and specific antidepressant classes. Main Outcomes and Measures: Children with ASD were defined as those with at least 1 diagnosis of ASD between date of birth and last date of follow-up. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate crude and adjusted hazard ratios with 95% CIs. Results: During 904035.50 person-years of follow-up, 1054 children (0.7%) were diagnosed with ASD; boys with ASD outnumbered girls by a ratio of about 4:1. The mean (SD) age of children at the end of follow-up was 6.24 (3.19) years. Adjusting for potential confounders, use of antidepressants during the second and/or third trimester was associated with the risk of ASD (31 exposed infants; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.15-3.04). Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors during the second and/or third trimester was significantly associated with an increased risk of ASD (22 exposed infants; adjusted hazard ratio, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.20-3.93). The risk was persistent even after taking into account maternal history of depression (29 exposed infants; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.03-2.97). Conclusions and Relevance: Use of antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, during the second and/or third trimester increases the risk of ASD in children, even after considering maternal depression. Further research is needed to specifically assess the risk of ASD associated with antidepressant types and dosages during pregnancy.
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14. Chaaya M, Saab D, Maalouf FT, Boustany RM. {{Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Nurseries in Lebanon: A Cross Sectional Study}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):514-522.
In Lebanon, no estimate for autism prevalence exists. This cross-sectional study examines the prevalence of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in toddlers in nurseries in Beirut and Mount-Lebanon. The final sample included 998 toddlers (16-48 months) from 177 nurseries. We sent parents the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) for screening, and a self-administered questionnaire (associated factors). We imputed missing M-CHAT data with successful answers. Since there were no follow-up interviews for the M-CHAT, we used the positive predictive value (0.058) from a large study for prevalence estimates. ASD prevalence was 1 in 66 children (comparable to US). Ratios were: male/female: 1.05; Beirut/Mount-Lebanon: 1.2. Using a more representative sample and ascertaining results are needed for better prevalence estimates in Lebanon.
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15. Chanda S, Aoto J, Lee SJ, Wernig M, Sudhof TC. {{Pathogenic mechanism of an autism-associated neuroligin mutation involves altered AMPA-receptor trafficking}}. {Mol Psychiatry};2016 (Feb);21(2):169-177.
Neuroligins are postsynaptic cell-adhesion molecules that bind to presynaptic neurexins. Although the general synaptic role of neuroligins is undisputed, their specific functions at a synapse remain unclear, even controversial. Moreover, many neuroligin gene mutations were associated with autism, but the pathophysiological relevance of these mutations is often unknown, and their mechanisms of action uninvestigated. Here, we examine the synaptic effects of an autism-associated neuroligin-4 substitution (called R704C), which mutates a cytoplasmic arginine residue that is conserved in all neuroligins. We show that the R704C mutation, when introduced into neuroligin-3, enhances the interaction between neuroligin-3 and AMPA receptors, increases AMPA-receptor internalization and decreases postsynaptic AMPA-receptor levels. When introduced into neuroligin-4, conversely, the R704C mutation unexpectedly elevated AMPA-receptor-mediated synaptic responses. These results suggest a general functional link between neuroligins and AMPA receptors, indicate that both neuroligin-3 and -4 act at excitatory synapses but perform surprisingly distinct functions, and demonstrate that the R704C mutation significantly impairs the normal function of neuroligin-4, thereby validating its pathogenicity.
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16. Chandler S, Howlin P, Simonoff E, O’Sullivan T, Tseng E, Kennedy J, Charman T, Baird G. {{Emotional and behavioural problems in young children with autism spectrum disorder}}. {Dev Med Child Neurol};2016 (Feb);58(2):202-208.
AIM: To assess the frequency, pervasiveness, associated features, and persistence of emotional and behavioural problems in a community sample of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD: Parents (n=277) and teachers (n=228) of 4- to 8-year-olds completed the Developmental Behaviour Checklist (DBC). Intellectual ability and autism symptomatology were also assessed. A subsample repeated the DBC. RESULTS: Three-quarters of the cohort scored above the clinical cut-off on the Developmental Behaviour Checklist Primary Carer Version (DBC-P) questionnaire; almost two-thirds of these scored above cut-off on the Developmental Behaviour Checklist Teacher Version (DBC-T) questionnaire. In 81%, problems persisted above threshold 14 months later. Higher DBC-P scores were associated with greater autism symptomatology, higher deprivation index, parental unemployment, and more children in the home but not with parental education or ethnicity, or child’s age or sex. Children with IQ>70 scored higher for disruptive behaviour, depression, and anxiety symptoms; those with IQ<70 scored higher for self-absorption and hyperactivity. INTERPRETATION: The DBC identifies a range of additional behaviour problems that are common in ASD and which could be the focus for specific intervention. The results highlight the potential benefit of systematic screening for co-existing problems. Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
17. Chiang CH, Chu CL, Lee TC. {{Efficacy of caregiver-mediated joint engagement intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorders}}. {Autism};2016 (Feb);20(2):172-182.
Joint attention intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders was focused on improving joint engagement and joint attention skills. The purpose of this study was to develop a caregiver-mediated joint engagement intervention program combined with body movement play to investigate the effects of joint engagement/joint attention skills in young children with autism spectrum disorders. A quasi-experimental research design was conducted. A total of 34 young children with autism spectrum disorders aged 2-4 years were separated into an intervention and a control group. The program consisted of 20 sessions, 60 min per session, twice a week, for the target child and his or her parent. The results indicated that child-initiated supportive and coordinated joint engagement was greater for the intervention group compared with the control group at 3-month follow-up. This demonstrated that our joint engagement intervention could enhance joint engagement, especially coordinated joint engagement for young children with autism spectrum disorders. The limitations of the study and future directions were discussed.
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18. Chien HY, Gau SS, Isaac Tseng WY. {{Deficient visuospatial working memory functions and neural correlates of the default-mode network in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder}}. {Autism Res};2016 (Feb 1)
In addition to the essential features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), namely social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors, individuals with ASD may suffer from working memory deficits and an altered default-mode network (DMN). We hypothesized that an altered DMN is related to working memory deficits in those with ASD. A total of 37 adolescents with ASD and 36 age- and IQ-matched typically developing (TD) controls were analyzed. Visuospatial working memory performance was assessed using pattern recognition memory (PRM), spatial recognition memory (SRM), and paired-associates learning (PAL) tasks. The intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) of the DMN was indexed by the temporal correlations between the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging signals of pairs of DMN regions, including those between the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and between the PCC and parahippocampi (PHG). The corresponding structural connectivity of the DMN was indexed by the generalized fractional anisotropy (GFA) of the dorsal and ventral cingulum bundles on the basis of diffusion spectrum imaging data. The results showed that ASD adolescents exhibited delayed correct responses in PRM and SRM tasks and committed more errors in the PAL task than the TD controls did. The delayed responses during the PRM and SRM tasks were negatively correlated with bilateral PCC-mPFC iFCs, and PAL performance was negatively correlated with right PCC-PHG iFC in ASD adolescents. Furthermore, ASD adolescents showed significant lower GFA in the right cingulum bundles than the TD group did; the GFA value was negatively correlated with SRM performance in ASD. Our results provide empirical evidence for deficient visuospatial working memory and corresponding neural correlates within the DMN in adolescents with ASD. Autism Res 2016. (c) 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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19. Chin J, Wood E, Peters GS, Drexler DM. {{Acoustic Sample Deposition MALDI-MS (ASD-MALDI-MS): A Novel Process Flow for Quality Control Screening of Compound Libraries}}. {J Lab Autom};2016 (Feb);21(1):204-207.
In the early stages of drug discovery, high-throughput screening (HTS) of compound libraries against pharmaceutical targets is a common method to identify potential lead molecules. For these HTS campaigns to be efficient and successful, continuous quality control of the compound collection is necessary and crucial. However, the large number of compound samples and the limited sample amount pose unique challenges. Presented here is a proof-of-concept study for a novel process flow for the quality control screening of small-molecule compound libraries that consumes only minimal amounts of samples and affords compound-specific molecular data. This process employs an acoustic sample deposition (ASD) technique for the offline sample preparation by depositing nanoliter volumes in an array format onto microscope glass slides followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric (MALDI-MS) analysis. An initial study of a 384-compound array employing the ASD-MALDI-MS workflow resulted in a 75% first-pass positive identification rate with an analysis time of <1 s per sample. Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
20. Cianfaglione R, Clarke A, Kerr M, Hastings RP, Oliver C, Felce D. {{Ageing in Rett syndrome}}. {J Intellect Disabil Res};2016 (Feb);60(2):182-190.
BACKGROUND: The aim was to gain a UK national sample of people with Rett syndrome across the age range and (1) conduct a cross-sectional comparison of age groups and (2) undertake a longitudinal follow-up. METHODS: From 308 potential participants approached to take part, a sample of 91 girls and women was achieved (29.5%). Their ages ranged from 4 to 47 years, and 71 were known to have a mutation in the methyl-CpG binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene. Seventy-two of the initial sample were followed up 16 months later, and 50 returned completed assessments (69.4%). Their ages ranged from 7 to 48 years, and 42 were MECP2 positive. Parental questionnaire measures of Rett syndrome specific characteristics, impulsivity, overactivity, mood, interest and pleasure, repetitive behaviour and self-injury were administered. RESULTS: Adaptive behaviour and behavioural characteristics of Rett syndrome were similar across age groups and, where assessed, stable over time, as were repetitive behaviours generally and self-injury. There was some suggestion of deterioration in health arising with ageing, principally contributed to by deteriorations in dental and gastro-intestinal problems both with moderate effect sizes. Indicators of mood, interest and pleasure differed significantly across age groups. The total scale score significantly deteriorated over time, with a moderate effect size. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides further evidence for the post-regression stability that characterises Rett syndrome. Emergent low mood in Rett syndrome requires further research.
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21. Coeckelbergh M, Pop C, Simut R, Peca A, Pintea S, David D, Vanderborght B. {{A Survey of Expectations About the Role of Robots in Robot-Assisted Therapy for Children with ASD: Ethical Acceptability, Trust, Sociability, Appearance, and Attachment}}. {Sci Eng Ethics};2016 (Feb);22(1):47-65.
The use of robots in therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) raises issues concerning the ethical and social acceptability of this technology and, more generally, about human-robot interaction. However, usually philosophical papers on the ethics of human-robot-interaction do not take into account stakeholders’ views; yet it is important to involve stakeholders in order to render the research responsive to concerns within the autism and autism therapy community. To support responsible research and innovation in this field, this paper identifies a range of ethical, social and therapeutic concerns, and presents and discusses the results of an exploratory survey that investigated these issues and explored stakeholders’ expectations about this kind of therapy. We conclude that although in general stakeholders approve of using robots in therapy for children with ASD, it is wise to avoid replacing therapists by robots and to develop and use robots that have what we call supervised autonomy. This is likely to create more trust among stakeholders and improve the quality of the therapy. Moreover, our research suggests that issues concerning the appearance of the robot need to be adequately dealt with by the researchers and therapists. For instance, our survey suggests that zoomorphic robots may be less problematic than robots that look too much like humans.
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22. Corbett BA, Key AP, Qualls L, Fecteau S, Newsom C, Coke C, Yoder P. {{Improvement in Social Competence Using a Randomized Trial of a Theatre Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):658-672.
The efficacy of a peer-mediated, theatre-based intervention on social competence in participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was tested. Thirty 8-to-14 year-olds with ASD were randomly assigned to the treatment (n = 17) or a wait-list control (n = 13) group. Immediately after treatment, group effects were seen on social ability, (d = .77), communication symptoms (d = -.86), group play with toys in the company of peers (d = .77), immediate memory of faces as measured by neuropsychological (d = .75) and ERP methods (d = .93), delayed memory for faces (d = .98), and theory of mind (d = .99). At the 2 month follow-up period, group effects were detected on communication symptoms (d = .82). The results of this pilot clinical trial provide initial support for the efficacy of the theatre-based intervention.
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23. Crane L, Chester JW, Goddard L, Henry LA, Hill E. {{Experiences of autism diagnosis: A survey of over 1000 parents in the United Kingdom}}. {Autism};2016 (Feb);20(2):153-162.
A sample of 1047 parents completed an online survey about their experiences and opinions regarding the process of attaining a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder for their children. The results revealed that parents usually waited a year from when they first had concerns about their child’s development before they sought professional help. On average, there was a delay of around 3.5 years from the point at which parents first approached a health professional with their concerns to the confirmation of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Just over half of the parents surveyed were dissatisfied with the diagnostic process as a whole. Several factors predicted parents’ overall levels of satisfaction with the diagnostic process, including the time taken to receive a diagnosis, satisfaction with the information provided at diagnosis, the manner of the diagnosing professional, the stress associated with the diagnostic process and satisfaction with post-diagnostic support. Post-diagnosis, the support (if any) that was provided to parents was deemed unsatisfactory, and this was highlighted as an area of particular concern among parents.
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24. Curtin C, Humphrey K, Vronsky K, Mattern K, Nicastro S, Perrin EC. {{Expanding Horizons: A Pilot Mentoring Program Linking College/Graduate Students and Teens With ASD}}. {Clin Pediatr (Phila)};2016 (Feb);55(2):150-156.
A small pilot program of 9 youth 13 to 18 years old with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Asperger’s syndrome assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of an individualized mentoring program. Youth met weekly for 6 months with trained young adult mentors at a local boys and girls club. Participants reported improvements in self-esteem, social anxiety, and quality of life. Participants, parents, mentors, and staff reported that the program improved participants’ social connectedness. Although the pilot study was small, it provides preliminary data that mentoring for youth with ASD has promise for increasing self-esteem, social skills, and quality of life.
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25. de Vaan G, Vervloed M, Peters-Scheffer NC, van Gent T, Knoors H, Verhoeven L. {{Behavioural assessment of autism spectrum disorders in people with multiple disabilities}}. {J Intellect Disabil Res};2016 (Feb);60(2):101-112.
BACKGROUND: It is difficult to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in people with a combination of intellectual and sensory disabilities because of overlap in behaviour. The ASD typical behaviours of people with combined intellectual and sensory disabilities are often caused by their disabilities and not by ASD. Current diagnostic tools are inadequate to differentiate between people with and without ASD when they have these combined disabilities, because tools lack norms for this population or are subjective, indirect or unable to adapt to the variety of disabilities that these people may have. Because giving a correct diagnosis is necessary for treatment and support, a new observational tool was developed to diagnose ASD in people with multiple disabilities, observation of autism in people with sensory and intellectual disabilities (OASID). METHOD: Observation of autism in people with sensory and intellectual disabilities was tested on 18 participants with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities, one or dual sensory impairment, with and without ASD. Two independent experts diagnosed these participants as well in order to test the psychometric properties and differentiating abilities of OASID. RESULTS: Observation of autism in people with sensory and intellectual disabilities showed high inter-rater reliability, internal consistency of scales and content and construct validity. OASID could differentiate people with and without ASD without overlap. CONCLUSIONS: Observation of autism in people with sensory and intellectual disabilities could differentiate people with intellectual disabilities combined with sensory impairments, who clearly had or did not have signs of ASD. People with unclear signs of ADS scored in between those two groups with regard to their OASID scores. Psychometric properties of OASID are promising.
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26. Downs J, Torode I, Ellaway C, Jacoby P, Bunting C, Wong K, Christodoulou J, Leonard H. {{Family satisfaction following spinal fusion in Rett syndrome}}. {Dev Neurorehabil};2016 (Feb);19(1):31-37.
PURPOSE: We evaluated family satisfaction following spinal fusion in girls with Rett syndrome. METHODS: Families participating in the population-based and longitudinal Australian Rett Syndrome Database whose daughter had undergone spinal fusion provided data on satisfaction overall, care processes and expected changes in health and function. Content analysis of responses to open-ended questions was conducted. RESULTS: Families reported high levels of overall satisfaction and consistently high ratings in relation to surgical and ICU care. Outstanding clinical care and the development of strong partnerships with clinical staff were much appreciated by families, whereas poor information exchange and inconsistent care caused concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Family satisfaction is an important outcome within a patient-centred quality of care framework. Our findings suggest strategies to inform the delivery of care in relation to spinal fusion for Rett syndrome and could also inform the hospital care of other children with disability and a high risk of hospitalization.
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27. Elwin M, Schroder A, Ek L, Kjellin L. {{Development and pilot validation of a sensory reactivity scale for adults with high functioning autism spectrum conditions: Sensory Reactivity in Autism Spectrum (SR-AS)}}. {Nord J Psychiatry};2016 (Feb);70(2):103-110.
BACKGROUND: Unusual reactions to sensory stimuli are experienced by 90-95% of people with an autism spectrum condition (ASC). Self-reported sensory reactivity in ASC has mainly been measured with generic questionnaires developed and validated on data from the general population. Interest in sensory reactivity in ASC increased after the inclusion of hyper- and hypo-reactivity together with unusual sensory interest as diagnostic markers of ASC in the DSM-5. AIMS: To develop and pilot validate a self-report questionnaire designed from first-hand descriptions of the target group of adults diagnosed with high functioning ASC. Psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated on a sample of participants with ASC diagnoses (N = 71) and a random sample from the general population (N = 162). RESULTS: The Sensory Reactivity in Autism Spectrum (SR-AS is intended to be used as a screening tool in diagnostic processes with adults and for support in adapting compensating strategies and environmental adjustments. The internal consistency was high for both the SR-AS and its subscales. The total scale Cronbach’s alpha was 0.96 and the subscales alphas were >/= 0.80. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed best fit for a four-factor model of inter-correlated factors: hyper and hypo-reactivity, strong sensory interest and a sensory/motor factor. The questionnaire discriminated well between ASC-diagnosed participants and participants from the general population. CONCLUSIONS: The SR-AS displayed good internal consistency and discriminatory power and promising factorial validity.
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28. Fairthorne J, Hammond G, Bourke J, de Klerk N, Leonard H. {{Maternal Psychiatric Disorder and the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Intellectual Disability in Subsequent Offspring}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):523-533.
Psychiatric disorders are more common in the mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disability (ID) after the birth of their child. We aimed to assess the relationship between women’s psychiatric contacts and subsequent offspring with ASD/ID. We linked three Western Australian registers to investigate pre-existing maternal outpatient psychiatric contacts and the odds of ASD/ID in a subsequent child. Women with a previous outpatient psychiatric contact were more than twice as likely to have a child with ASD [OR 2.07 (95 % CI 1.7, 2.6)] or ID [OR 2.31 (2.1, 2.6)]. Further research exploring the effect on pregnancy outcomes of medications prescribed to women with psychiatric disorders is implicated.
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29. Gal E, Lamash L, Bauminger-Zviely N, Zancanaro M, Weiss PL. {{Using Multitouch Collaboration Technology to Enhance Social Interaction of Children with High-Functioning Autism}}. {Phys Occup Ther Pediatr};2016 (Feb);36(1):46-58.
AIMS: Children with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFASD) have major difficulties in social communication skills, which may impact their performance and participation in everyday life. The goal of this study was to examine whether the StoryTable, an intervention paradigm based on a collaborative narrative, multitouch tabletop interface, enhanced social interaction for children with HFASD, and to determine whether the acquired abilities were transferred to behaviors during other tasks. METHODS: Fourteen boys with HFASD, aged 7-12 years, participated in a 3-week, 11-session intervention. Social interactions during two nonintervention tasks were videotaped at three points in time, one prior to the intervention (pre), a second immediately following the intervention (post) and a third three weeks after the intervention (follow-up). The video-recorded files were coded using the Friendship Observation Scale to ascertain the frequencies of positive and negative social interactions and collaborative play. Differences in these behaviors were tested for significance using nonparametric statistical tests. RESULTS: There were significantly higher rates of positive social interactions and collaborative play, and lower rates of negative social interactions following the intervention suggesting generalization of the social skills learned during the intervention. Improvement was maintained when tested three weeks later. CONCLUSION: These findings provide support for the use of collaborative technology-based interventions within educational settings to enhance social interaction of children with HFASD.
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30. Garfinkel SN, Tiley C, O’Keeffe S, Harrison NA, Seth AK, Critchley HD. {{Discrepancies between dimensions of interoception in autism: Implications for emotion and anxiety}}. {Biol Psychol};2016 (Feb);114:117-126.
Emotions and affective feelings are influenced by one’s internal state of bodily arousal via interoception. Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) are associated with difficulties in recognising others’ emotions, and in regulating own emotions. We tested the hypothesis that, in people with ASC, such affective differences may arise from abnormalities in interoceptive processing. We demonstrated that individuals with ASC have reduced interoceptive accuracy (quantified using heartbeat detection tests) and exaggerated interoceptive sensibility (subjective sensitivity to internal sensations on self-report questionnaires), reflecting an impaired ability to objectively detect bodily signals alongside an over-inflated subjective perception of bodily sensations. The divergence of these two interoceptive axes can be computed as a trait prediction error. This error correlated with deficits in emotion sensitivity and occurrence of anxiety symptoms. Our results indicate an origin of emotion deficits and affective symptoms in ASC at the interface between body and mind, specifically in expectancy-driven interpretation of interoceptive information.
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31. Gonsiorowski A, Williamson RA, Robins DL. {{Brief Report: Imitation of Object-Directed Acts in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):691-697.
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) imitate less than typically developing (TD) children; however, the specific features and causes of this deficit are still unclear. The current study investigates the role of joint engagement, specifically children’s visual attention to demonstrations, in an object-directed imitation task. This sample was recruited from an early ASD screening study, which allows for an examination of these behaviors prior to formal diagnosis and ASD-specific intervention. Children with ASD imitated less than TD children; children with other developmental delays showed no significant difference from the two other screen-positive groups. Additionally, only the ASD group showed decreased visual attention, suggesting that early visual attention plays a role in the social learning of children with ASD.
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32. Gottlieb MM. {{Pitocin and autism: An analysis of oxytocin receptor desensitization in the fetus}}. {Behav Brain Res};2016 (Feb 1);298(Pt B):246-247.
The risk of Pitocin as a cause of autism attributable to oxytocin receptor desensitization in the brain of the fetus is evaluated in terms of a mathematical model. A composite unit, D, for oxytocin receptor desensitization levels is established with the form ((IU-h)/ml)E-3, where IU is the international unit for oxytocin. The desensitization values for oxytocin receptor desensitization at a concentration of 10nmol of oxytocin per liter for 3, 4.2 and 6h corresponding to 0%, 50% and 100% desensitization are calculated to be 15 D, 21 D, and 30 D, respectively. The permeability of the blood-brain barrier in the fetus to oxytocin is discussed, and the upper limit of the concentration of Pitocin in the placenta, and its possible diffusion into the blood and brain of the fetus, is calculated for a routine dose of 6milliU per minute of Pitocin over a 12h labor. This dose of Pitocin is shown to result in a desensitization value in units of D that is more than a factor of 10 below the 0% desensitization value of 15 D. This indicates that routine doses of Pitocin are not a significant cause of autism attributable to oxytocin receptor desensitization. This is consistent with the findings of a major epidemiological study of the association of Pitocin with autism in Denmark entitled, « Oxytocin-augmented labor and risk for males », Behavioral Brain Research, May 1, 2015; 284:207-212, which found no association between the use of Pitocin during labor and the incidence of autism for females, and a modest association for males.
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33. Grefer M, Flory K, Cornish K, Hatton D, Roberts J. {{The emergence and stability of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in boys with fragile X syndrome}}. {J Intellect Disabil Res};2016 (Feb);60(2):167-178.
BACKGROUND: Children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) are at high risk for developing a range of behavioural disorders, including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, very few studies have investigated the comorbid profile of FXS and ADHD and the possible dissociation from the FXS and ASD profile. The present study examined the relationship of childhood temperament characteristics of the Surgency facet (activity level, impulsivity, approach, shyness, and smiling and laughter) and the severity of ADHD and ASD features at two measurement time points in childhood, preschool (ages 3-4) and at school entry (ages 5-6). METHODS: The study consisted of males with FXS measured at each time point (preschool and school entry), as well as comparison of typically developing (TD) boys at the preschool measurement time point. Parent reported measures of temperament and behavioural symptoms were collected at each time point. Multiple regression analyses were used to analyse obtained data. RESULTS: Elevated activity level scores are associated with ADHD scores at preschool age and elevated shyness and decreased smiling and laughter are strongly associated with ADHD scores upon school entry. Impulsivity emerges as a strong indicator of elevated ADHD scores around school age, but even preschool impulsivity scores demonstrate some predictive value for higher ADHD scores later in school. Finally, no Surgency characteristic was significantly related to ASD scores at any age. CONCLUSIONS: Impulsivity serves as an indicator of elevated ADHD symptoms across development periods in boys with FXS, while activity level is just indicative of higher ADHD scores at the preschool age. The Surgency facet of temperament at either age does not predict strong relationships of comorbid pathologies of ADHD and ASD in FXS. However, Surgency characteristics may serve as informative discriminative factors when studying behavioural outcomes in boys with FXS.
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34. Guastella AJ, Hickie IB. {{Oxytocin Treatment, Circuitry, and Autism: A Critical Review of the Literature Placing Oxytocin Into the Autism Context}}. {Biol Psychiatry};2016 (Feb 1);79(3):234-242.
Observed impairment in reciprocal social interaction is a diagnostic hallmark of autism spectrum disorders. There is no effective medical treatment for these problems. Psychological treatments remain costly, time intensive, and developmentally sensitive for efficacy. In this review, we explore the potential of oxytocin-based therapies for social impairments in autism. Evidence shows that acute oxytocin administration improves numerous markers critical to the social circuitry underlying social deficits in autism. Oxytocin may optimize these circuits and enhance reward, motivation, and learning to improve therapeutic outcomes. Despite this, the current evidence of therapeutic benefit from extended oxytocin treatment remains very limited. We highlight complexity in crossing from the laboratory to the autism clinical setting in evaluation of this therapeutic. We discuss a clinical trial approach that provides optimal opportunity for therapeutic response by using personalized methods that better target specific circuitry to define who will obtain benefit, at what stage of development, and the optimal delivery approach for circuitry manipulation. For the autism field, the therapeutic challenges will be resolved by a range of treatment strategies, including greater focus on specific interventions, such as oxytocin, that have a strong basis in the fundamental neurobiology of social behavior. More sophisticated and targeted clinical trials utilizing such approaches are now required, placing oxytocin into the autism context.
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35. Harrington C, Kang T. {{Disparities in Service Use and Expenditures for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in California in 2005 and 2013}}. {Intellect Dev Disabil};2016 (Feb);54(1):1-18.
This study examined service use and expenditures for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living at home and in the community in California in 2005 and 2013. The number of people assessed for IDD services increased, along with the percentage of individuals who did not receive any services between 2005 and 2013. Controlling for client needs, children age 3-21 were less likely than other age groups to receive any services using logistic regressions. All racial and ethnic minority groups were less likely to receive any services than were white populations. Females, younger people, and all racial and ethnic minority groups who received services had significantly lower expenditures, with wide geographic variations. The disparities by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and geography have persisted over time in California.
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36. Hayes SJ, Andrew M, Elliott D, Gowen E, Bennett SJ. {{Low Fidelity Imitation of Atypical Biological Kinematics in Autism Spectrum Disorders Is Modulated by Self-Generated Selective Attention}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):502-513.
We examined whether adults with autism had difficulty imitating atypical biological kinematics. To reduce the impact that higher-order processes have on imitation we used a non-human agent model to control social attention, and removed end-state target goals in half of the trials to minimise goal-directed attention. Findings showed that only neurotypical adults imitated atypical biological kinematics. Adults with autism did, however, become significantly more accurate at imitating movement time. This confirmed they engaged in the task, and that sensorimotor adaptation was self-regulated. The attentional bias to movement time suggests the attenuation in imitating kinematics might be a compensatory strategy due to deficits in lower-level visuomotor processes associated with self-other mapping, or selective attention modulated the processes that represent biological kinematics.
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37. Hepburn SL, Blakeley-Smith A, Wolff B, Reaven JA. {{Telehealth delivery of cognitive-behavioral intervention to youth with autism spectrum disorder and anxiety: A pilot study}}. {Autism};2016 (Feb);20(2):207-218.
Youth with autism spectrum disorders frequently experience significant symptoms of anxiety. Empirically supported psychosocial interventions exist, yet access is limited, especially for families in rural areas. Telehealth (i.e. videoconferencing) has potential to reduce barriers to access to care; however, little is known about the feasibility or efficacy of directly intervening with youth with autism spectrum disorders through this modality. This study details the pilot testing of a telehealth version of an empirically supported intervention targeting anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorders. The primary focus of this study is on feasibility, with evaluation of outcomes as a starting point for future randomized trials. In all, 33 families of youth with autism spectrum disorders and significant anxiety symptoms participated in this study (Telehealth Facing Your Fears (FYF) Intervention: n = 17; Wait-list control: n = 16). Youth of all functioning levels were included. Acceptability was strong; however, the usability of the technology was problematic for some families and impeded some sessions significantly. Fidelity of the telehealth version to the critical elements of the original, in vivo version was excellent. More work is needed to improve delivery of exposure practices and parent coaching. Preliminary efficacy analyses are promising, with improvements observed in youth anxiety over time (relative to a comparison group waiting for live intervention) and parent sense of competence (within group). Clearly, stronger designs are necessary to evaluate efficacy sufficiently; however, this study does provide support for further investigation of clinic-to-home videoconferencing as a direct intervention tool for youth with autism spectrum disorders and their parents.
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38. Hirata I, Mohri I, Kato-Nishimura K, Tachibana M, Kuwada A, Kagitani-Shimono K, Ohno Y, Ozono K, Taniike M. {{Sleep problems are more frequent and associated with problematic behaviors in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder}}. {Res Dev Disabil};2016 (Feb-Mar);49-50:86-99.
BACKGROUND: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often suffer from sleep problems that in turn correlate with behavioral problems. However, in Japan, there have been few studies of sleep problems in children with ASD. AIMS: This study compared sleep problems in preschoolers from the community and preschoolers with ASD in Japan, and examined whether sleep problems were related to problematic behaviors in ASD preschoolers. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Sleep problems were assessed in 965 community and 193 ASD preschoolers using the Japanese Sleep Questionnaire for Preschoolers, which was developed to assess sleep problems in Japanese preschoolers. Behavioral problems were assessed in 107 ASD preschoolers using the Child Behavior Checklist. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Compared with community preschoolers, ASD preschoolers experienced significantly more sleep problems, including obstructive sleep apnea and parasomnias. ASD preschoolers with sleep problems exhibited more behavioral problems than those without sleep problems. The severity of sleep problems, especially insomnia, was significantly correlated with behavioral problems in ASD preschoolers. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The present study suggests that sleep problems, especially obstructive sleep apnea, are more common in ASD preschoolers than in community preschoolers. The study also shows that sleep problems, especially insomnia, are related to problematic behavior in ASD preschoolers.
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39. Horlin C, Black M, Falkmer M, Falkmer T. {{Proficiency of individuals with autism spectrum disorder at disembedding figures: A systematic review}}. {Dev Neurorehabil};2016 (Feb);19(1):54-63.
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review examines the proficiency and visual search strategies of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) while disembedding figures and whether they differ from typical controls and other comparative samples. METHODS: Five databases, including Proquest, Psychinfo, Medline, CINAHL and Science Direct were used to identify published studies meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Twenty articles were included in the review, the majority of which matched participants by mental age. Outcomes discussed were time taken to identify targets, the number correctly identified, and fixation frequency and duration. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with ASD perform at the same speed or faster than controls and other clinical samples. However, there appear to be no differences between individuals with ASD and controls for number of correctly identified targets. Only one study examined visual search strategies and suggests that individuals with ASD exhibit shorter first and final fixations to targets compared with controls.
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40. House SA, Goodman DC, Weinstein SJ, Chang CH, Wasserman JR, Morden NE. {{Prescription Use among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Northern New England: Intensity and Small Area Variation}}. {J Pediatr};2016 (Feb);169:277-283 e272.
OBJECTIVE: To measure prescription use intensity and regional variation of psychotropic and 2 important nonpsychotropic drug groups among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) compared with children in the general population. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of ambulatory prescription fills from Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire all-payer administrative data, 2007-2010. RESULTS: Overall there were 13 100 children diagnosed with ASD (34 584 person years [PYs]) and 936 721 (1.7 million PYs) without ASD diagnosis. The overall prescription fill rate was 16.6 per PY in children with ASD and 4.1 per PY in the general population. Psychotropic use among children with ASDs was 9-fold the general population rate (7.80 vs 0.85 fills per PY); these children comprised 2.0% of the pediatric population but received 15.6% of psychotropics. Nonpsychotropic drug use was also higher in the population with ASD, particularly the youngest: among those under age 3 years, antibiotic use was 2-fold and antacid use nearly 5-fold the general population rate (3.2 vs 1.4 and 1.0 vs 0.2 per PY, respectively). Among children with ASDs, prescription use varied substantially across hospital service areas, as much as 3-fold for antacids and alpha agonists, more than 4-fold for benzodiazepines (5th to 95th percentile). CONCLUSIONS: The overall psychotropic and nonpsychotropic prescription intensity among children with ASDs is characterized by broad regional variation, suggesting diverse provider responses to pharmacotherapeutic uncertainty. This variation highlights a need for more research, practice-based learning, and shared decision making with caregivers surrounding therapy for children with ASDs.
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41. Kantarcioglu AS, Kiraz N, Aydin A. {{Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Yeast Species Isolated from Stool Samples of Children with Suspected or Diagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorders and In Vitro Susceptibility Against Nystatin and Fluconazole}}. {Mycopathologia};2016 (Feb);181(1-2):1-7.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a general term for a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders of brain development that limits a person’s ability to function normally. Etiology has not been clearly defined up to date. However, gut microbiota and the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and brain, the so-called microbiota-gut-brain axis, are hypothesized, which may be involved in the etiology of several mental disorders. Recent reports suggest that Candida, particularly Candida albicans, growth in intestines may cause lower absorption of carbohydrates and minerals and higher toxin levels which are thought to contribute autistic behaviors. The aim of this study was to identify the 3-year deposited yeasts isolated from stool samples of children with diagnosed or suspected ASD and to determine in vitro activity of nystatin and fluconazole against these isolates using Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute M27-A3 guidelines. A 17-year retrospective assessment was also done using our laboratory records. Among the species identified, intrinsically fluconazole-resistent Candida krusei (19.8 %) and Candida glabrata (14.8 %) with elevated MICs were remarkable. Overall, C. albicans (57.4 %) was the most commonly isolated species in 17 years. The species identification and/or antifungal susceptibility tests have to be performed using the strain isolated from stool sample, to select the appropriate antifungal agent, if antimycotic therapy is needed.
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42. Kasari C, Dean M, Kretzmann M, Shih W, Orlich F, Whitney R, Landa R, Lord C, King B. {{Children with autism spectrum disorder and social skills groups at school: a randomized trial comparing intervention approach and peer composition}}. {J Child Psychol Psychiatry};2016 (Feb);57(2):171-179.
BACKGROUND: Peer relationships improve for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in clinic-based social skills groups but rarely generalize to real world contexts. This study compares child outcomes of two social skills interventions conducted in schools with children in Kindergarten through fifth grade. METHOD: Children with ASD were randomized to one of two interventions that varied on group composition (mixed typical and ASD vs. all ASD or social difficulties) and intervention approach (didactic SKILLS based vs. activity-based ENGAGE groups). Interventions were implemented at school for 8 weeks (16 sessions) with an 8-week follow-up. Innovative measures of peer nomination and playground peer engagement, as well as teacher reports of child behavior problems and teacher-child relationship were analyzed for 137 children with ASD across four sites. RESULTS: On the primary outcome of social network connections from the peer nomination measure, there was no main effect of treatment, but there were moderator effects. Children with low teacher-child closeness or high conflict improved more in their social connections if they received the SKILLS intervention, whereas children with higher teacher-child closeness improved more if they received the ENGAGE intervention. Only two secondary outcome measures yielded significant effects of treatment. Children in the SKILLS groups increased peer engagement and decreased isolation during recess. Child behavior problems and teacher-child closeness moderated peer engagement such that children with higher behavior problems and lower closeness benefitted more from SKILLS groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that social skills groups conducted at school can affect both peer engagement during recess as well as peer acceptability. Child characteristics and teacher-child relationship prior to intervention yield important information on who might benefit from a specific social skills intervention.
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43. Keehn B, Nair A, Lincoln AJ, Townsend J, Muller RA. {{Under-reactive but easily distracted: An fMRI investigation of attentional capture in autism spectrum disorder}}. {Dev Cogn Neurosci};2016 (Feb);17:46-56.
For individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), salient behaviorally-relevant information often fails to capture attention, while subtle behaviorally-irrelevant details commonly induce a state of distraction. The present study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the neurocognitive networks underlying attentional capture in sixteen high-functioning children and adolescents with ASD and twenty-one typically developing (TD) individuals. Participants completed a rapid serial visual presentation paradigm designed to investigate activation of attentional networks to behaviorally-relevant targets and contingent attention capture by task-irrelevant distractors. In individuals with ASD, target stimuli failed to trigger bottom-up activation of the ventral attentional network and the cerebellum. Additionally, the ASD group showed no differences in behavior or occipital activation associated with contingent attentional capture. Rather, results suggest that to-be-ignored distractors that shared either task-relevant or irrelevant features captured attention in ASD. Results indicate that individuals with ASD may be under-reactive to behaviorally-relevant stimuli, unable to filter irrelevant information, and that both top-down and bottom-up attention networks function atypically in ASD. Lastly, deficits in target-related processing were associated with autism symptomatology, providing further support for the hypothesis that non-social attentional processes and their neurofunctional underpinnings may play a significant role in the development of sociocommunicative impairments in ASD.
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44. Kieffer E, Nicod JC, Gardes N, Kastner C, Becker N, Celebi C, Pirrello O, Rongieres C, Koscinski I, Gosset P, Moutou C. {{Improving preimplantation genetic diagnosis for Fragile X syndrome: two new powerful single-round multiplex indirect and direct tests}}. {Eur J Hum Genet};2016 (Feb);24(2):221-227.
Fragile X syndrome (FraX) is caused by the expansion of an unstable CGG repeat located in the Fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1) gene. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can be proposed to couples at risk of transmitting the disease, that is, when the female carries a premutation or a full mutation. We describe two new single-cell, single-round multiplex PCR for indirect and direct diagnosis of FraX on biopsied embryos. These tests include five unpublished, highly heterozygous simple sequence repeats, and the co-amplification of non-expanded CGG repeats for the direct test. Heterozygosity of the new markers ranged from 69 to 81%. The mean rate of non-informative marker included in the tests was low (26% and 23% for the new indirect and direct tests, respectively). This strategy allows offering a PGD for FraX to 96% of couples requesting it in our centre. A conclusive genotype was obtained in all cells with a rate of cells presenting an allele dropout ranging from 17% for the indirect test to 26% for the direct test. The new indirect test was applied for eight PGD cycles: 32 embryos were analysed, 9 were transferred and 3 healthy babies were born. By multiplexing these highly informative markers, robustness of the diagnosis is improved and the loss of potentially healthy embryos (because they are non-diagnosed or misdiagnosed) is limited. This may increase the chances of success of couples requesting a PGD for FraX, in particular, when premature ovarian insufficiency in premutated women leads to a reduced number of embryos available for analysis.
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45. King BH. {{Assessing Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children After Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy}}. {JAMA Pediatr};2016 (Feb 1);170(2):111-112.
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46. Kondo MA, Gray LJ, Pelka GJ, Leang SK, Christodoulou J, Tam PP, Hannan AJ. {{Affective dysfunction in a mouse model of Rett syndrome: Therapeutic effects of environmental stimulation and physical activity}}. {Dev Neurobiol};2016 (Feb);76(2):209-224.
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with mutations in the X-linked gene encoding methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and consequent dysregulation of brain maturation. Patients suffer from a range of debilitating physical symptoms, however, behavioral and emotional symptoms also severely affect their quality of life. Here, we present previously unreported and clinically relevant affective dysfunction in the female heterozygous Mecp2(tm1Tam) mouse model of RTT (129sv and C57BL6 mixed background). The affective dysfunction and aberrant anxiety-related behavior of the Mecp2(+) (/) (-) mice were found to be reversible with environmental enrichment (EE) from 4 weeks of age. The effect of exercise alone (via wheel running) was also explored, providing the first evidence that increased voluntary physical activity in an animal model of RTT is beneficial for some phenotypes. Mecp2(+) (/) (-) mutants displayed elevated corticosterone despite decreased Crh expression, demonstrating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation. EE of Mecp2(+) (/) (-) mice normalized basal serum corticosterone and hippocampal BDNF protein levels. The enrichment-induced rescue appears independent of the transcriptional regulation of the MeCP2 targets Bdnf exon 4 and Crh. These findings provide new insight into the neurodevelopmental role of MeCP2 and pathogenesis of RTT, in particular the affective dysfunction. The positive outcomes of environmental stimulation and physical exercise have implications for the development of therapies targeting the affective symptoms, as well as behavioral and cognitive dimensions, of this devastating neurodevelopmental disorder. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 209-224, 2016.
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47. Kreider CM, Bendixen RM, Young ME, Prudencio SM, McCarty C, Mann WC. {{Social networks and participation with others for youth with learning, attention, and autism spectrum disorders: Reseaux sociaux et participation avec les autres, chez des adolescents ayant des troubles d’apprentissage, de l’attention et du spectre de l’autisme}}. {Can J Occup Ther};2016 (Feb);83(1):14-26.
BACKGROUND: Social participation involves activities and roles providing interactions with others, including those within their social networks. PURPOSE: This study sought to characterize social networks and participation with others for 36 youth, ages 11 to 16 years, with (n = 19) and without (n = 17) learning disability, attention disorder, or high-functioning autism. METHOD: Social networks were measured using methods of personal network analysis. The Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment With Whom dimension scores were used to measure participation with others. Youth from the clinical group were interviewed regarding their experiences within their social networks. FINDINGS: Group differences were observed for six social network variables and in the proportion of overall, physical, recreational, social, and informal activities engaged with family and/or friends. Qualitative findings explicated strategies used in building, shaping, and maintaining social networks. IMPLICATIONS: Social network factors should be considered when seeking to understand social participation.
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48. Lovell B, Wetherell MA. {{The psychophysiological impact of childhood autism spectrum disorder on siblings}}. {Res Dev Disabil};2016 (Feb-Mar);49-50:226-234.
OBJECTIVE: The negative impact of caring for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on parents’ psychophysiological functioning has been widely evidenced. However, siblings, who also face emotional, social and physical challenges associated with having a brother/sister with ASD, have been less widely studied. This study examined the psychophysiological impact of childhood ASD on siblings. METHODS: A sample of 25 siblings of children with ASD (and their mothers) and a control group of 20 siblings of neuro-typical children (and their mothers) completed questionnaires assessing: (a) demographic and lifestyle information, (b) family characteristics, (c) child behaviour problems, (d) social support and (e) depressive symptomology. Saliva samples were collected at several time points on two consecutive days, and estimates of the cortisol awakening response (CAR), diurnal cortisol slope and mean diurnal cortisol output were derived. RESULTS: Total depressive symptoms were higher in siblings of children with ASD compared with controls. Group differences with respect to depressive symptomology were driven more by emotional than functional problems. With respect to physiological functioning, groups were comparable on all cortisol indices. In siblings of children with ASD, social support, especially from parents and close friends, predicted total depressive symptoms, as did the behaviour problems of their brother/sister with ASD. CONCLUSION: Siblings of children with ASD experience greater emotional problems and overall depressive symptoms compared with a control group. Interventions that enhance social support, as well as helping siblings better understand the behaviour problems of their brother/sister with ASD, might be effective for alleviating depressive symptoms.
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49. Luo SY, Wu LQ, Duan RH. {{Molecular medicine of fragile X syndrome: based on known molecular mechanisms}}. {World J Pediatr};2016 (Feb);12(1):19-27.
BACKGROUND: Extensive research on fragile X mental retardation gene knockout mice and mutant Drosophila models has largely expanded our knowledge on mechanism-based treatment of fragile X syndrome (FXS). In light of these findings, several clinical trials are now underway for therapeutic translation to humans. DATA SOURCES: Electronic literature searches were conducted using the PubMed database and ClinicalTrials.gov. The search terms included « fragile X syndrome », « FXS and medication », « FXS and therapeutics » and « FXS and treatment ». Based on the publications identified in this search, we reviewed the neuroanatomical abnormalities in FXS patients and the potential pathogenic mechanisms to monitor the progress of FXS research, from basic studies to clinical trials. RESULTS: The pathological mechanisms of FXS were categorized on the basis of neuroanatomy, synaptic structure, synaptic transmission and fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) loss of function. The neuroanatomical abnormalities in FXS were described to motivate extensive research into the region-specific pathologies in the brain responsible for FXS behavioural manifestations. Mechanism-directed molecular medicines were classified according to their target pathological mechanisms, and the most recent progress in clinical trials was discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Current mechanism-based studies and clinical trials have greatly contributed to the development of FXS pharmacological therapeutics. Research examining the extent to which these treatments provided a rescue effect or FMRP compensation for the developmental impairments in FXS patients may help to improve the efficacy of treatments.
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50. Mari-Bauset S, Llopis-Gonzalez A, Zazpe I, Mari-Sanchis A, Suarez-Varela MM. {{Nutritional Impact of a Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diet in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):673-684.
We compared anthropometric values, nutrient intake, the Healthy Eating Index and food variety in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 20 on a gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet and 85 on a regular diet in Valencia (Spain) using 3-days food diaries. Those on the GFCF diet had a lower weight, body mass index, and total energy, pantothenic acid, calcium, phosphorus and sodium intake, but a higher intake of fiber, legumes, and vegetables. Further, the GFCF diet group had a better quality of fat intake, but needed supplementation with vitamin D. Randomized controlled trials are required to explore long-term effects of this diet on anthropometric and nutritional status (the focus of our study), but also behavioral symptoms, in children with ASD.
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51. McEwen FS, Stewart CS, Colvert E, Woodhouse E, Curran S, Gillan N, Hallett V, Lietz S, Garnett T, Ronald A, Murphy D, Happe F, Bolton P. {{Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder in community settings using the Development and Well-Being Assessment: validation in a UK population-based twin sample}}. {J Child Psychol Psychiatry};2016 (Feb);57(2):161-170.
BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of people are being referred for the assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The NICE (UK) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend gathering a developmental history using a tool that operationalises ICD/DSM criteria. However, the best-established diagnostic interview instruments are time consuming, costly and rarely used outside national specialist centres. What is needed is a brief, cost-effective measure validated in community settings. We tested the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) for diagnosing ASD in a sample of children/adolescents representative of those presenting in community mental health settings. METHODS: A general population sample of twins (TEDS) was screened and 276 adolescents were selected as at low (CAST score < 12; n = 164) or high risk for ASD (CAST score >/= 15 and/or parent reported that ASD suspected/previously diagnosed; n = 112). Parents completed the ASD module of the DAWBA interview by telephone or online. Families were visited at home: the ADI-R and autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) were completed to allow a best-estimate research diagnosis of ASD to be made. RESULTS: Development and Well-Being Assessment ASD symptom scores correlated highly with ADI-R algorithm scores (rho = .82, p < .001). Good sensitivity (0.88) and specificity (0.85) were achieved using DAWBA computerised algorithms. Clinician review of responses to DAWBA questions minimally changed sensitivity (0.86) and specificity (0.87). Positive (0.82-0.95) and negative (0.90) predictive values were high. Eighty-six per cent of children were correctly classified. Performance was improved by using it in conjunction with the ADOS. CONCLUSIONS: The DAWBA is a brief structured interview that showed good sensitivity and specificity in this general population sample. It requires little training, is easy to administer (online or by interview) and diagnosis is aided by an algorithm. It holds promise as a tool for assisting with assessment in community settings and may help services implement the recommendations made by NICE and the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding diagnosis of young people on the autism spectrum. Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
52. Ming X, Patel R, Kang V, Chokroverty S, Julu PO. {{Respiratory and autonomic dysfunction in children with autism spectrum disorders}}. {Brain Dev};2016 (Feb);38(2):225-232.
INTRODUCTION: Cardiac parasympathetic hypofunction has been reported in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This usually is linked to respiratory dysrhythmia which has been documented in some children with ASD. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the cardiorespiratory functions in ASD to elucidate the physiologic basis of behaviors. METHODS: Nineteen children with ASD and 18 age matched controls underwent autonomic function monitoring at a defined resting state using the NeuroScope. The non-invasive real time beat-to-beat blood pressure was measured by Portapres and fed into the NeuroScope where heart rate, cardiac vagal tone and cardiac sensitivity to baroreceptor were derived from the EKG and blood pressure waveforms using the Vagosoft software; and respiratory rate and rhythm were measured simultaneously by plethysmograph. Respiration was analyzed breath by breath using our prior published methods. RESULTS: Various respiratory dysrhythmias, particularly Biot’s and Cheyne-Stokes respiration, were detected in children with ASD, who also exhibited greater variability in respiratory rhythm and amplitudes than controls. The respiratory dysrhythmia in children with ASD was associated with a lower cardiac vagal activity. CONCLUSION: The Biot’s breathing and Cheyne-Stokes respiration coupled with cardiac vagal hypofunction in ASD suggest a brainstem dysfunction consistent with our previous findings. The low parasympathetic activity could explain in part the chronic sensory hyperarousal state in children with ASD.
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53. Mitchell DB, Szczerepa A, Hauser-Cram P. {{Spilling over: Partner parenting stress as a predictor of family cohesion in parents of adolescents with developmental disabilities}}. {Res Dev Disabil};2016 (Feb-Mar);49-50:258-267.
Family cohesion relates to positive outcomes for both parents and children. Maintaining cohesion may be especially challenging for families of adolescents with developmental disabilities, yet this has been studied infrequently in this group. We investigated cohesion in these families, particularly with respect to partner stress, using the notion of the ‘spillover effect’ as a model. Adolescents with disabilities and their parents participated. Parents reported on teen adaptive and problem behaviours and on marital satisfaction, parenting stress, and family cohesion. The stress of one partner was tested as a predictor of the quality of family cohesion reported by the other. Adolescent behaviour problems were negative predictors of family cohesion in mothers, and marital satisfaction positively predicted cohesion for both parents. Above other factors, greater partner stress predicted poorer family cohesion for both fathers and mothers. Marital satisfaction acted as a suppressor of this relation. To improve the overall climate of families, care providers should take into consideration individual relationships, including the marital relationship. In addition, the possibility of spillover from one individual to another should be recognized as a factor in family functioning. Family-centred practices are likely to lead to greater feelings of cohesion and overall better individual and family well-being.
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54. Moore DJ, Reidy J, Heavey L. {{Attentional allocation of autism spectrum disorder individuals: Searching for a Face-in-the-Crowd}}. {Autism};2016 (Feb);20(2):163-171.
A study is reported which tests the proposition that faces capture the attention of those with autism spectrum disorders less than a typical population. A visual search task based on the Face-in-the-Crowd paradigm was used to examine the attentional allocation of autism spectrum disorder adults for faces. Participants were required to search for discrepant target images from within 9-image arrays. Both participants with autism spectrum disorder and control participants demonstrated speeded identification of faces compared to non-face objects. This indicates that when attention is under conscious control, both autism spectrum disorder and typically developing comparison adults show an attentional bias for faces, which contrasts with previous research which found an absence of an attentional bias for faces in autism spectrum disorder. Theoretical implications of this differentiation are discussed.
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55. Oerlemans AM, Hartman CA, Franke B, Buitelaar JK, Rommelse NN. {{Does the cognitive architecture of simplex and multiplex ASD families differ?}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):489-501.
Children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their unaffected siblings from 54 simplex (SPX, one individual in the family affected) and 59 multiplex (MPX, two or more individuals affected) families, and 124 controls were assessed on intelligence, social cognition and executive functions. SPX and MPX ASD probands displayed similar cognitive profiles, but within-family contrasts were highest in SPX families, suggesting SPX-MPX stratification may help parse etiological heterogeneity of ASD. Unaffected siblings (regardless SPX or MPX) were mostly unimpaired, suggesting that cognitive problems may be part of the defining features of ASD, rather than being an endophenotypic trait. Except for affective prosody, which appeared to be the most sensitive cognitive marker for detecting familial risk for ASD.
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56. Ollington N. {{Comparison of a direct and an indirect approach for the functional assessment of insistence on sameness in a child with autism spectrum disorder and a typically developing child}}. {Dev Neurorehabil};2016 (Feb);19(1):38-45.
OBJECTIVE: To compare indirect and direct functional assessment of insistence on sameness associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typical development. METHODS: Parents rated the function of insistence on sameness for a 6-year-old boy with ASD (Peter) and a typically developing 4-year-old boy (Nathan) using the Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS). Ratings were compared to the results of a direct assessment. RESULTS: The results of the assessment procedures were mainly consistent for Peter and suggested that his tendency to insist on sameness was maintained by sensory consequences. The finding of an attention function for Nathan in the play-based assessment was consistent with previous functional assessment studies surrounding typically developing children, but in contrast to the MAS. CONCLUSION: While the play-based assessment may be more suitable for assessing the high rate insistence on sameness observed in individuals with ASD, the MAS may be more suitable for low rate insistence on sameness.
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57. O’Reilly M, Lester JN, Muskett T. {{Erratum to: Discourse/Conversation Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):360.
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58. O’Reilly M, Lester JN, Muskett T. {{Discourse/Conversation Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):355-359.
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59. Oswald TM, Winter-Messiers MA, Gibson B, Schmidt AM, Herr CM, Solomon M. {{Sex Differences in Internalizing Problems During Adolescence in Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):624-636.
We hypothesized that the double hit conferred by sex and diagnosis increases the risk for internalizing disorders in adolescent females with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In a sample of 32 adolescents with ASD and 32 controls, we examined the effects of sex, diagnostic factors, and developmental stages on depression and anxiety. A 3-way interaction revealed that females with ASD exhibited greater depressive symptoms than males with ASD and female controls particularly during early adolescence; therefore, females with ASD might have a unique combination of genetic, hormonal, and psychosocial vulnerabilities that heighten their risk for depression during early adolescence. Additionally, the ASD group reported high levels of separation anxiety and panic in late adolescence, possibly indicating atypical development of independence.
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60. Ouyang M, Cheng H, Mishra V, Gong G, Mosconi MW, Sweeney J, Peng Y, Huang H. {{Atypical age-dependent effects of autism on white matter microstructure in children of 2-7 years}}. {Hum Brain Mapp};2016 (Feb);37(2):819-832.
Atypical age-dependent changes of white matter (WM) microstructure play a central role in abnormal brain maturation of the children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but their early manifestations have not been systematically characterized. The entire brain core WM voxels were surveyed to detect differences in WM microstructural development between 31 children with ASD of 2-7 years and 19 age-matched children with typical development (TD), using measurements of fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity (RD) from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The anatomical locations, distribution, and extent of the core WM voxels with atypical age-dependent changes in a specific tract or tract group were delineated and evaluated by integrating the skeletonized WM with a digital atlas. Exclusively, unidirectional FA increases and RD decreases in widespread WM tracts were revealed in children with ASD before 4 years, with bi-directional changes found for children with ASD of 2-7 years. Compared to progressive development that raised FA and lowered RD during 2-7 years in the TD group, flattened curves of WM maturation were found in multiple major WM tracts of all five tract groups, particularly associational and limbic tracts, in the ASD group with trend lines of ASD and TD crossed around 4 years. We found atypical age-dependent changes of FA and RD widely and heterogeneously distributed in WM tracts of children with ASD. The early higher WM microstructural integrity before 4 years reflects abnormal neural patterning, connectivity, and pruning that may contribute to aberrant behavioral and cognitive development in ASD. Hum Brain Mapp 37:819-832, 2016. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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61. Penn AH, Carver LJ, Herbert CA, Lai TS, McIntire MJ, Howard JT, Taylor SF, Schmid-Schonbein GW, Dobkins KR. {{Breast Milk Protects Against Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Infants at High Risk for Autism During Early Development}}. {J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr};2016 (Feb);62(2):317-327.
OBJECTIVES: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often report gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction in their children. The objectives of the present study were to determine whether infants at high risk for developing ASD (ie, siblings of children diagnosed as having ASD) show greater prevalence of GI problems and whether this prevalence is associated with diet and age at weaning from breast milk. METHODS: Using questionnaires, diet history and GI problems were tracked prospectively and retrospectively in 57 high-risk infants and for comparison in 114 low-risk infants (infants from families without ASD history). RESULTS: In low-risk infants, prevalence of GI symptoms, in aggregate, did not vary with diet or age of weaning. By contrast, high-risk infants with GI symptoms were weaned earlier than those without symptoms (P < 0.04), and high-risk infants showed greater prevalence of GI symptoms, in aggregate, on a no breast milk diet than on an exclusive breast milk diet (P < 0.017). Constipation, in particular, was more prevalent in high-risk infants compared with low-risk infants (P = 0.01), especially on a no breast milk diet (P = 0.002). High-risk infants who completed weaning earlier than 6 months showed greater prevalence of constipation (P = 0.001) and abdominal distress (P = 0.004) than those fully weaned after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: The greater prevalence of GI symptoms in high-risk infants suggests that GI dysfunction during early infant development may be a part of the ASD endophenotype. Late weaning and exclusive breast milk were associated with protection against GI symptoms in high-risk infants. Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
62. Pinto R, Rijsdijk F, Ronald A, Asherson P, Kuntsi J. {{The Genetic Overlap of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autistic-like Traits: an Investigation of Individual Symptom Scales and Cognitive markers}}. {J Abnorm Child Psychol};2016 (Feb);44(2):335-345.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) frequently co-occur. However, due to previous exclusionary diagnostic criteria, little is known about the underlying causes of this covariation. Twin studies assessing ADHD symptoms and autistic-like traits (ALTs) suggest substantial genetic overlap, but have largely failed to take into account the genetic heterogeneity of symptom subscales. This study aimed to clarify the phenotypic and genetic relations between ADHD and ASD by distinguishing between symptom subscales that characterise the two disorders. Moreover, we aimed to investigate whether ADHD-related cognitive impairments show a relationship with ALT symptom subscales; and whether potential shared cognitive impairments underlie the genetic risk shared between the ADHD and ALT symptoms. Multivariate structural equation modelling was conducted on a population-based sample of 1312 twins aged 7-10. Social-communication ALTs correlated moderately with both ADHD symptom domains (phenotypic correlations around 0.30) and showed substantial genetic overlap with both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity (genetic correlation = 0.52 and 0.44, respectively). In addition to previously reported associations with ADHD traits, reaction time variability (RTV) showed significant phenotypic (0.18) and genetic (0.32) association with social-communication ALTs. RTV captured a significant proportion (24 %) of the genetic influences shared between inattention and social-communication ALTs. Our findings suggest that social-communication ALTs underlie the previously observed phenotypic and genetic covariation between ALTs and ADHD symptoms. RTV is not specific to ADHD symptoms, but is also associated with social-communication ALTs and can, in part, contribute to an explanation of the co-occurrence of ASD and ADHD.
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63. Pugliese CE, Anthony LG, Strang JF, Dudley K, Wallace GL, Naiman DQ, Kenworthy L. {{Longitudinal Examination of Adaptive Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Influence of Executive Function}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):467-477.
This study characterizes longitudinal change in adaptive behavior in 64 children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without intellectual disability evaluated on multiple occasions, and examines whether prior estimate of executive function (EF) problems predicts future adaptive behavior scores. Compared to standardized estimates for their developmental stage, adaptive behavior in most participants was impaired and did not improve over time. Prior EF predicted later adaptive behavior in daily living skills and socialization domains after controlling for age and IQ. Self-monitoring behaviors robustly predicted later adaptive behavior in all domains (d = 0.60-0.94). Results support targeting treatment of adaptive skills in ASD, as well as the importance of assessing for EF problems that may contribute to adaptive behavior difficulties.
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64. Reiner O, Karzbrun E, Kshirsagar A, Kaibuchi K. {{Regulation of neuronal migration, an emerging topic in autism spectrum disorders}}. {J Neurochem};2016 (Feb);136(3):440-456.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass a group of neurodevelopmental diseases that demonstrate strong heritability, however, the inheritance is not simple and many genes have been associated with these disorders. ASD is regarded as a neurodevelopmental disorder, and abnormalities at different developmental stages are part of the disease etiology. This review provides a general background on neuronal migration during brain development and discusses recent advancements in the field connecting ASD and aberrant neuronal migration. We propose that neuronal migration impairment may be an important common pathophysiology in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This review provides a general background on neuronal migration during brain development and discusses recent advancements in the field connecting ASD and aberrant neuronal migration.
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65. Rodriguez AM. {{Learning to Apply Algebra in the Community for Adults With Intellectual Developmental Disabilities}}. {Intellect Dev Disabil};2016 (Feb);54(1):19-31.
Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are routinely excluded from algebra and other high-level mathematics courses. High school students with IDD take courses in arithmetic and life skills rather than having an opportunity to learn algebra. Yet algebra skills can support the learning of money and budgeting skills. This study explores the feasibility of algebra instruction for adults with IDD through an experimental curriculum. Ten individuals with IDD participated in a 6-week course framing mathematics concepts within the context of everyday challenges in handling money. The article explores classroom techniques, discusses student strategies, and proposes possible avenues for future research analyzing mathematics instructional design strategies for individuals with IDD.
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66. Rollins PR, Campbell M, Hoffman RT, Self K. {{A community-based early intervention program for toddlers with autism spectrum disorders}}. {Autism};2016 (Feb);20(2):219-232.
This study examined Pathways Early Autism Intervention, a community-based, parent-mediated, intensive behavioral and developmental intervention program for children with autism spectrum disorders that could be used as a model for state-funded early intervention programs. A single-subject, multiple-baseline, across-participants design was used. Four boys with autism spectrum disorder and their mothers participated. Interventionists made weekly home visits and worked with caregivers to establish and maintain face-to-face reciprocal social interaction and eye contact. Each session included a 10-min video of parent-child interaction. Evidence of intervention effectiveness was measured by percentage of nonoverlapping data points. Social validity was measured using questionnaire items in regard to parents’ perception of the intervention. The intervention was effective for the measures of eye contact, social engagement, and verbal reciprocity but not for nonverbal turn taking. Parents perceived the intervention as beneficial and easy to learn and incorporate into daily life.
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67. Rumbak DM, Mowrey W, S WS, Sarwahi V, Djukic A, Killinger JS, Katyal C. {{Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis in Rett Syndrome With an Emphasis on Respiratory Failure and Opioid Usage}}. {J Child Neurol};2016 (Feb);31(2):153-158.
Our objective was to characterize our experience with 8 patients with Rett syndrome undergoing scoliosis surgery in regard to rates of respiratory failure and rates of ventilator-acquired pneumonia in comparison to patients with neurologic scoliosis and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This study was a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing scoliosis surgery at a tertiary children’s hospital. Patients were divided into 3 groups: (1) adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, (2) neurologic scoliosis, and (3) Rett syndrome. There were 133 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, 48 patients with neurologic scoliosis, and 8 patients with Rett syndrome. We found that patients with Rett syndrome undergoing scoliosis surgery have higher rates of respiratory failure and longer ventilation times in the postoperative period when compared with both adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and neurologic scoliosis patients. There is insufficient evidence to suggest a difference in the incidence of ventilator-acquired pneumonia between the Rett syndrome and the neurologic scoliosis group. We believe our findings are the first in the literature to show a statistically significant difference between these 3 groups in regard to incidence of respiratory failure.
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68. Russo JF, Sheth SA, McKhann GM, 2nd. {{Using Deep Brain Stimulation to Rescue Memory in Rett Syndrome}}. {Neurosurgery};2016 (Feb);78(2):N16-17.
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69. Salomone E, Beranova S, Bonnet-Brilhault F, Briciet Lauritsen M, Budisteanu M, Buitelaar J, Canal-Bedia R, Felhosi G, Fletcher-Watson S, Freitag C, Fuentes J, Gallagher L, Garcia Primo P, Gliga F, Gomot M, Green J, Heimann M, Jonsdottir SL, Kaale A, Kawa R, Kylliainen A, Lemcke S, Markovska-Simoska S, Marschik PB, McConachie H, Moilanen I, Muratori F, Narzisi A, Noterdaeme M, Oliveira G, Oosterling I, Pijl M, Pop-Jordanova N, Poustka L, Roeyers H, Roge B, Sinzig J, Vicente A, Warreyn P, Charman T. {{Use of early intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder across Europe}}. {Autism};2016 (Feb);20(2):233-249.
Little is known about use of early interventions for autism spectrum disorder in Europe. Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder aged 7 years or younger (N = 1680) were recruited through parent organisations in 18 European countries and completed an online survey about the interventions their child received. There was considerable variation in use of interventions, and in some countries more than 20% of children received no intervention at all. The most frequently reported interventions were speech and language therapy (64%) and behavioural, developmental and relationship-based interventions (55%). In some parts of Europe, use of behavioural, developmental and relationship-based interventions was associated with higher parental educational level and time passed since diagnosis, rather than with child characteristics. These findings highlight the need to monitor use of intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder in Europe in order to contrast inequalities.
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70. Santomauro D, Sheffield J, Sofronoff K. {{Depression in Adolescents with ASD: A Pilot RCT of a Group Intervention}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):572-588.
Depression is a potentially life threatening affective disorder that is highly prevalent in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a cognitive behavioural intervention for depression in adolescents with ASD. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group, or wait-list control group. Although recruitment was extremely difficult, attendance was favourable and attrition was low, and participants reported being satisfied with the programme. No significant treatment effect was revealed on the Beck Depression Inventory or Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. However despite the small sample size (n = 20), there was a trending treatment effect measured by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale: Depression Subscale. Limitations and areas of future research are discussed.
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71. Scheeren AM, Banerjee R, Koot HM, Begeer S. {{Self-Presentation and the Role of Perspective Taking and Social Motivation in Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):649-657.
We compared self-presentation abilities of 132 children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to those of 41 typically developing (TD) peers, and examined the potential link with their social motivation and perspective taking. Participants introduced themselves to an interviewer in a baseline condition (without incentive) and a self-promotion condition (with incentive). Children with ASD (6-12 years) were just as likely as or even more likely than TD children to highlight personal characteristics that would increase their chances of obtaining the incentive. Thus, they were strategic in their self-presentation. However, adolescents with ASD (12-19 years) were less strategic than TD adolescents as well as children with ASD. We discuss the role of social motivation and perspective taking in children’s self-presentation.
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72. Schunke O, Schottle D, Vettorazzi E, Brandt V, Kahl U, Baumer T, Ganos C, David N, Peiker I, Engel AK, Brass M, Munchau A. {{Mirror me: Imitative responses in adults with autism}}. {Autism};2016 (Feb);20(2):134-144.
Dysfunctions of the human mirror neuron system have been postulated to underlie some deficits in autism spectrum disorders including poor imitative performance and impaired social skills. Using three reaction time experiments addressing mirror neuron system functions under simple and complex conditions, we examined 20 adult autism spectrum disorder participants and 20 healthy controls matched for age, gender and education. Participants performed simple finger-lifting movements in response to (1) biological finger and non-biological dot movement stimuli, (2) acoustic stimuli and (3) combined visual-acoustic stimuli with different contextual (compatible/incompatible) and temporal (simultaneous/asynchronous) relation. Mixed model analyses revealed slower reaction times in autism spectrum disorder. Both groups responded faster to biological compared to non-biological stimuli (Experiment 1) implying intact processing advantage for biological stimuli in autism spectrum disorder. In Experiment 3, both groups had similar ‘interference effects’ when stimuli were presented simultaneously. However, autism spectrum disorder participants had abnormally slow responses particularly when incompatible stimuli were presented consecutively. Our results suggest imitative control deficits rather than global imitative system impairments.
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73. Sharpe K, Di Pietro N, Illes J. {{In the Know and in the News: How Science and the Media Communicate About Stem Cells, Autism and Cerebral Palsy}}. {Stem Cell Rev};2016 (Feb);12(1):1-7.
Stem cell research has generated considerable attention for its potential to remediate many disorders of the central nervous system including neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cerebral palsy (CP) that place a high burden on individual children, families and society. Here we characterized messaging about the use of stem cells for ASD and CP in news media articles and concurrent dissemination of discoveries through conventional science discourse. We searched LexisNexis and Canadian Newsstand for news articles from the US, UK, Canada and Australia in the period between 2000 and 2014, and PubMed for peer reviewed articles for the same 10 years. Using in-depth content analysis methods, we found less cautionary messaging about stem cells for ASD and CP in the resulting sample of 73 media articles than in the sample of 87 science papers, and a privileging of benefits over risk. News media also present stem cells as ready for clinical application to treat these neurodevelopmental disorders, even while the science literature calls for further research. Investigative news reports that explicitly quote researchers, however, provide the most accurate information to actual science news. The hope, hype, and promise of stem cell interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders, combined with the extreme vulnerability of these children and their families, creates a perfect storm in which journalists and stem cell scientists must commit to a continued, if not even more robust, partnership to promote balanced and accurate messaging.
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74. Sheppard DP, Kvavilashvili L, Ryder N. {{Event-based prospective memory in mildly and severely autistic children}}. {Res Dev Disabil};2016 (Feb-Mar);49-50:22-33.
BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of research into the development of prospective memory (PM) in typically developing children but research is limited in autistic children (Aut) and rarely includes children with more severe symptoms. AIMS: This study is the first to specifically compare event-based PM in severely autistic children to mildly autistic and typically developing children. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Fourteen mildly autistic children and 14 severely autistic children, aged 5-13 years, were matched for educational attainment with 26 typically developing children aged 5-6 years. Three PM tasks and a retrospective memory task were administered. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Results showed that severely autistic children performed less well than typically developing children on two PM tasks but mildly autistic children did not differ from either group. No group differences were found on the most motivating (a toy reward) task. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The findings suggest naturalistic tasks and motivation are important factors in PM success in severely autistic children and highlights the need to consider the heterogeneity of autism and symptom severity in relation to performance on event-based PM tasks.
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75. Smith IM. {{Expanding our understanding of behavioural difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder}}. {Dev Med Child Neurol};2016 (Feb);58(2):121-122.
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76. Sterponi L, de Kirby K. {{A Multidimensional Reappraisal of Language in Autism: Insights from a Discourse Analytic Study}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):394-405.
In this article, we leverage theoretical insights and methodological guidelines of discourse analytic scholarship to re-examine language phenomena typically associated with autism. Through empirical analysis of the verbal behavior of three children with autism, we engage the question of how prototypical features of autistic language-notably pronoun atypicality, pragmatic deficit, and echolalia-might conceal competencies and interactional processes that are largely invisible in mainstream research. Our findings offer a complex picture of children with autism in their use of language to communicate, interact and experience others. Such a picture also deepens our understanding of the interactional underpinnings of autistic children’s speech. Finally, we describe how our findings offer fruitful suggestions for clinical intervention.
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77. Takahashi H, Komatsu S, Nakahachi T, Ogino K, Kamio Y. {{Relationship of the Acoustic Startle Response and Its Modulation to Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Typical Development Children and Those with Autism Spectrum Disorders}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):534-543.
Auditory hyper-reactivity is a common sensory-perceptual abnormality in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which interrupts behavioral adaptation. We investigated acoustic startle response (ASR) modulations in 17 children with ASD and 27 with typical development (TD). Compared to TD, children with ASD had larger ASR magnitude to weak stimuli and more prolonged peak startle-latency. We could not find significant difference of prepulse inhibition (PPI) or habituation in ASD children compared to TD. However, habituation and PPI at 70-dB prepulses were negatively related to several subscales of Social Responsiveness Scale and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, when considering all children. Comprehensive investigation of ASR and its modulation might increase understanding of the neurophysiological impairments underlying ASD and other mental health problems in children.
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78. Tick B, Colvert E, McEwen F, Stewart C, Woodhouse E, Gillan N, Hallett V, Lietz S, Garnett T, Simonoff E, Ronald A, Bolton P, Happe F, Rijsdijk F. {{Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Mental Health Problems: Exploring Etiological Overlaps and Phenotypic Causal Associations}}. {J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry};2016 (Feb);55(2):106-113 e104.
OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have highlighted the impact of coexisting mental health problems in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). No twin studies to date have reported on individuals meeting diagnostic criteria of ASD. This twin study reports on the etiological overlap between the diagnosis of ASD and emotional symptoms, hyperactivity, and conduct problems measured with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. METHOD: Genetic and environmental influences on the covariance between ASD and coexisting problems were estimated, in line with the correlated risks model prediction. Phenotypic causality models were also fitted to explore alternative explanations of comorbidity: namely, that coexisting problems are the result of or result in ASD symptoms; that they increase recognition of ASD; or that they arise due to an over-observation bias/confusion when differentiating between phenotypes. RESULTS: More than 50% of twins with broad spectrum/ASD met the borderline/abnormal levels cut-off criteria for emotional symptoms or hyperactivity, and approximately 25% met these criteria for the 3 reported problems. In comparison, between 13% and 16% of unaffected twins scored above the cut-offs. The phenotypic correlation between ASD and emotional symptoms was explained entirely by genetic influences and accompanied by a moderate genetic correlation (0.42). The opposite was true for the overlap with conduct problems, as nonshared-environmental factors had the strongest impact. For hyperactivity, the best-fitting model suggested a unidirectional phenotypic influence of hyperactivity on ASD. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a possible effect of hyperactivity on identification of ASD. The lack of genetic influences on conduct problems-ASD overlap further supports the genetic independence of these 2 phenotypes. Finally, the co-occurrence of emotional symptoms in ASD, compared to other co-occurring problems, is completely explained by common genetic effects.
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79. Tseng A, Wang Z, Huo Y, Goh S, Russell JA, Peterson BS. {{Differences in neural activity when processing emotional arousal and valence in autism spectrum disorders}}. {Hum Brain Mapp};2016 (Feb);37(2):443-461.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often have difficulty recognizing and interpreting facial expressions of emotion, which may impair their ability to navigate and communicate successfully in their social, interpersonal environments. Characterizing specific differences between individuals with ASD and their typically developing (TD) counterparts in the neural activity subserving their experience of emotional faces may provide distinct targets for ASD interventions. Thus we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and a parametric experimental design to identify brain regions in which neural activity correlated with ratings of arousal and valence for a broad range of emotional faces. Participants (51 ASD, 84 TD) were group-matched by age, sex, IQ, race, and socioeconomic status. Using task-related change in blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) fMRI signal as a measure, and covarying for age, sex, FSIQ, and ADOS scores, we detected significant differences across diagnostic groups in the neural activity subserving the dimension of arousal but not valence. BOLD-signal in TD participants correlated inversely with ratings of arousal in regions associated primarily with attentional functions, whereas BOLD-signal in ASD participants correlated positively with arousal ratings in regions commonly associated with impulse control and default-mode activity. Only minor differences were detected between groups in the BOLD signal correlates of valence ratings. Our findings provide unique insight into the emotional experiences of individuals with ASD. Although behavioral responses to face-stimuli were comparable across diagnostic groups, the corresponding neural activity for our ASD and TD groups differed dramatically. The near absence of group differences for valence correlates and the presence of strong group differences for arousal correlates suggest that individuals with ASD are not atypical in all aspects of emotion-processing. Studying these similarities and differences may help us to understand the origins of divergent interpersonal emotional experience in persons with ASD. Hum Brain Mapp 37:443-461, 2016. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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80. Urbanowicz A, Leonard H, Girdler S, Ciccone N, Downs J. {{Parental perspectives on the communication abilities of their daughters with Rett syndrome}}. {Dev Neurorehabil};2016 (Feb);19(1):17-25.
OBJECTIVE: This study describes, from the perspective of parents, how females with Rett syndrome communicate in everyday life and the barriers and facilitators to successful communication. METHODS: Sixteen interviews were conducted with parents with a daughter with Rett syndrome with a pathogenic mutation in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed using directed content analysis. RESULTS: All parents reported their daughters were able to express discomfort and pleasure, and make requests and choices using a variety of modalities including vocalisations, body movements and eye gaze. Parents also reported their daughters understood most of what they said and that the level of functional abilities, such as mobility, and environmental factors, such as characteristics of the communication partner, influenced successful communication. CONCLUSIONS: The perspectives of parents are integral to the assessment of communication abilities and have the potential to inform communication interventions for girls and women with Rett syndrome.
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81. Vanmarcke S, Van Der Hallen R, Evers K, Noens I, Steyaert J, Wagemans J. {{Ultra-Rapid Categorization of Meaningful Real-Life Scenes in Adults With and Without ASD}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):450-466.
In comparison to typically developing (TD) individuals, people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) appear to be worse in the fast extraction of the global meaning of a situation or picture. Ultra-rapid categorization [paradigm developed by Thorpe et al. (Nature 381:520-522, 1996)] involves such global information processing. We therefore tested a group of adults with and without ASD, without intellectual disability, on a set of ultra-rapid categorization tasks. Individuals with ASD performed equally well as TD individuals except when the task required the categorization of social interactions. These results argue against a general deficit in ultra-rapid gist perception in people with ASD, while suggesting a more specific problem with the fast processing of information about social relations.
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82. Walsh JA, Creighton SE, Rutherford MD. {{Emotion Perception or Social Cognitive Complexity: What Drives Face Processing Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder?}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):615-623.
Some, but not all, relevant studies have revealed face processing deficits among those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In particular, deficits are revealed in face processing tasks that involve emotion perception. The current study examined whether either deficits in processing emotional expression or deficits in processing social cognitive complexity drive face processing deficits in ASD. We tested adults with and without ASD on a battery of face processing tasks that varied with respect to emotional expression processing and social cognitive complexity. Results revealed significant group differences on tasks involving emotional expression processing, but typical performance on a non-emotional but socially complex task. These results support an emotion processing rather than a social complexity explanation for face processing deficits in ASD.
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83. Wheeler AC, Raspa M, Bishop E, Bailey DB, Jr. {{Aggression in fragile X syndrome}}. {J Intellect Disabil Res};2016 (Feb);60(2):113-125.
BACKGROUND: Individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS), especially men, have long been described as presenting with significant behavioural challenges. Despite this known aspect of the phenotype, there has been little research exploring the prevalence, frequency, nature or consequences of aggressive behaviour in FXS. METHODS: This study used survey methodology to gather caregiver reports on the types, frequency and severity of aggressive behaviour in 774 individuals with FXS. RESULTS: Based on caregiver report, nearly all (>90%) male and female individuals were reported to have engaged in some aggression over the previous 12 months, with a third of male cases and slightly fewer than 20% of female cases being described as engaging in moderate to severe aggression or being diagnosed or treated for aggression. Further, aggressive behaviours in male individuals were serious enough that 30% had caused injuries to caregivers and 22% had caused injuries to peers or friends. Sensory issues and hyperactivity were significant predictors of the frequency of aggressive acts, while sensory issues and anxiety were predictive of the severity of aggression. Traditional behaviour management techniques as well as medication was described as the most common and successful treatment options. CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive behaviours are a significant concern for a subsample of both male and female individuals with FXS. Given that sensory concerns were predictive of both the frequency and the severity of aggression suggests these behaviours may be a reactive means of escaping uncomfortable situations.
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84. Windham GC, Lyall K, Anderson M, Kharrazi M. {{Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk in Relation to Maternal Mid-Pregnancy Serum Hormone and Protein Markers from Prenatal Screening in California}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):478-488.
We examined prenatal screening markers and offspring autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using California statewide data on singleton births in 1996 and 2002. Second trimester levels of unconjugated estriol (uE3), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) were compared between mothers of children with ASD (n = 2586) and of non-cases (n = 600,103). Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated by logistic regression. Lower uE3 (AOR for < 10th percentile vs. 25th-74th percentiles = 1.21, 95 % CI 1.06-1.37), and higher MSAFP (AOR = 1.21, 95 % CI 1.07-1.37 for > 90th percentile) were significantly associated with ASD. A U-shaped relationship was seen for hCG (AOR = 1.16, 95 % CI 1.02-1.32 for < 10th percentile; AOR = 1.19, 95 % CI 1.05-1.36 for > 90th percentile). Our results further support prenatal hormone involvement in ASD risk.
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85. Young HE, Falco RA, Hanita M. {{Randomized, Controlled Trial of a Comprehensive Program for Young Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):544-560.
This randomized, controlled trial, comparing the Comprehensive Autism Program (CAP) and business as usual programs, studied outcomes for 3-5 year old students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants included 84 teachers and 302 students with ASD and their parents. CAP utilized specialized curricula and training components to implement specific evidence-based practices both at school and home. A comprehensive set of outcome areas was studied. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to estimate the treatment impact. CAP had small positive impacts on the students’ receptive language (effect size of .13) and on their social skills as rated by teachers (effect size of .19). Treatment effects were moderated by severity of ASD.
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86. Yu B. {{Bilingualism as Conceptualized and Bilingualism as Lived: A Critical Examination of the Monolingual Socialization of a Child with Autism in a Bilingual Family}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):424-435.
This is an ethnographic and discourse analytic case study of a bilingual, minority-language family of a six-year-old child with autism whose family members were committed to speaking English with him. Drawing on family language policy, the study examines the tensions between the family members’ stated beliefs, management efforts, and their actual practices around language use with their child. The findings show that many assumptions held by family members about language use and bilingualism were inconsistent with their everyday language practices. A practice and discourse-analytic approach to bilingualism offers a theoretical and methodological lens through which to investigate these discrepancies and to recast the interactional achievements between the child and his parents as situated bilingual practices.
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87. Zaal-Schuller IH, de Vos MA, Ewals FV, van Goudoever JB, Willems DL. {{End-of-life decision-making for children with severe developmental disabilities: The parental perspective}}. {Res Dev Disabil};2016 (Feb-Mar);49-50:235-246.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The objectives of this integrative review were to understand how parents of children with severe developmental disorders experience their involvement in end-of-life decision-making, how they prefer to be involved and what factors influence their decisions. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO. The search was limited to articles in English or Dutch published between January 2004 and August 2014. We included qualitative and quantitative original studies that directly investigated the experiences of parents of children aged 0-18 years with severe developmental disorders for whom an end-of-life decision had been considered or made. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: We identified nine studies that met all inclusion criteria. Reportedly, parental involvement in end-of-life decision-making varied widely, ranging from having no involvement to being the sole decision-maker. Most parents preferred to actively share in the decision-making process regardless of their child’s specific diagnosis or comorbidity. The main factors that influenced parents in their decision-making were: their strong urge to advocate for their child’s best interests and to make the best (possible) decision. In addition, parents felt influenced by their child’s visible suffering, remaining quality of life and the will they perceived in their child to survive. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Most parents of children with severe developmental disorders wish to actively share in the end-of-life decision-making process. An important emerging factor in this process is the parents’ feeling that they have to stand up for their child’s interests in conversations with the medical team.
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88. Zamora I, Williams ME, Higareda M, Wheeler BY, Levitt P. {{Brief Report: Recruitment and Retention of Minority Children for Autism Research}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):698-703.
Given the underrepresentation of ethnic minorities in health research (Heiat et al. in Arch Int Med 162(15):1-17, 2002; Kelly et al. in J Nat Med Assoc 97:777-783, 2005; United States Department of Health and Human Services. Monitoring adherence to the NIH policy on the inclusion of women and minorities as subjects in clinical research. http://orwh.od.nih.gov/research/inclusion/reports.asp , 2013), this study evaluated promising strategies to effectively recruit Latinos into genetic research on autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The study included 97 children, aged 5-17 years, with ASD; 82.5 % of the participants were identified as Latino/Hispanic. Traditional and culture-specific recruitment and retention strategies were compared between the Latino and non-Latino groups. Culture-specific, parent-centered approaches were found to be successful in engaging and retaining Latino participants for research involving genetic testing.
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89. Zeedyk SM, Cohen SR, Eisenhower A, Blacher J. {{Perceived Social Competence and Loneliness Among Young Children with ASD: Child, Parent and Teacher Reports}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Feb);46(2):436-449.
Perceived loneliness and social competence were assessed for 127 children with ASD without comorbid ID, 4-7 years old, through child self-report. Using an abbreviated version of the Loneliness and Social Dissatisfaction Questionnaire (LSDQ; Cassidy and Asher in Child Dev 63:250-365, 1992), the majority of children reported friendships, yet a considerable proportion also reported social difficulties. Factor analysis of the abbreviated LSDQ identified three factors, which were significantly associated with parent- and teacher-reported variables. Regression analyses revealed parent-reported social skills deficits and teacher-reported conflict in the student-teacher relationship to be associated with child-reported loneliness. Implications for practice are discussed.
