1. Bellebaum C, Brodmann K, Thoma P. {{Active and observational reward learning in adults with autism spectrum disorder: relationship with empathy in an atypical sample}}. {Cognitive neuropsychiatry}. 2013 Sep 2.
Introduction Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterised by disturbances in social behaviour. A prevailing hypothesis suggests that these problems are related to deficits in assigning rewarding value to social stimuli. The present study aimed to examine monetary reward processing in adults with ASDs by means of event-related potentials (ERPs). Methods Ten individuals with mild ASDs (Asperger’s syndrome and high-functioning autism) and 12 healthy control subjects performed an active and an observational probabilistic reward-learning task. Results Both groups showed similar overall learning performance. With respect to reward processing, subjects with ASDs exhibited a general reduction in feedback-related negativity (FRN) amplitude, irrespective of feedback valence and type of learning (active or observational). Individuals with ASDs showed lower scores for cognitive empathy, while affective empathy did not differ between groups. Correlation analyses revealed that higher empathy (both cognitive and affective) negatively affected performance in observational learning in controls and in active learning in ASDs (only cognitive empathy). No relationships were seen between empathy and ERPs. Conclusions Reduced FRN amplitudes are discussed in terms of a deficit in fast reward processing in ASDs, which may indicate altered reward system functioning.
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2. Taylor JL, Mailick MR. {{A Longitudinal Examination of 10-Year Change in Vocational and Educational Activities for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders}}. {Developmental psychology}. 2013 Sep 2.
The transition from adolescence to adulthood has been shown to be a time of amplified risk for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is unknown, however, whether problems in educational attainment and employment in the years after high school exit represent momentary perturbations in development or a turning point with long-lasting effects throughout adulthood. The present study addressed this question by examining 10-year trajectories of vocational and educational activities for adults with ASD, as well as the personal characteristics and environmental resources that predicted these activities. Participants were 161 adults with ASD (ages 18-52 years at the start of the study; M = 30.9) who were part of a larger longitudinal study. Data were collected at 6 time points over a 10-year period. Results indicated significant declines in the level of independence and engagement in vocational/educational activities over the study period, particularly for women. Greater independence in vocational activities was found for those with more independence in activities of daily living. After controlling for personal characteristics, receipt of more services was marginally related to greater improvement in vocational independence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved).
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3. Wood A. {{Prenatal exposure to sodium valproate is associated with increased risk of childhood autism and autistic spectrum disorder}}. {Evidence-based nursing}. 2013 Sep 2.
