1. Al-Kandari S, Alsalem A, Abohaimed S, Al-Orf F, Al-Zoubi M, Al-Sabah R, Shah N. {{Brief Report: Social Support and Coping Strategies of Mothers of Children Suffering from ASD in Kuwait}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2017 (Jul 06)
This cross-sectional study provides a general profile of mothers of children with ASDs in Kuwait and examines their use of social support resources and coping strategies (using the Brief COPE questionnaire). The majority of mothers reported decreased ability to perform social duties (62.4%) and take care of themselves (50.5%). Overall, 57.7% of mothers reported a decreased ability to enjoy life; this difference was more pronounced among non-Kuwaiti mothers compared to Kuwaiti mothers (p value = 0.03), and in mothers with a bachelor’s degree or higher (p value = 0.011). There was a significant association between the mothers’ ability to enjoy life and receiving support from the family (p value = 0.021) and support groups (p value = 0.003). « Religion », « Acceptance », and « Positive Reframing » were the 3 most common coping strategies.
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2. Alsehemi MA, Abousaadah MM, Sairafi RA, Jan MM. {{Public awareness of autism spectrum disorder}}. {Neurosciences (Riyadh)};2017 (Jul);22(3):213-215.
OBJECTIVE: Examine the awareness of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in our community which would help in early recognition and improved support of affected families. METHODS: A focused 20-item questionnaire was designed to survey the public awareness and knowledge of ASD. Personal interviews were conducted during an ASD awareness day, which was organized in a major shopping mall on February 20, 2015 in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: A total of 259 individuals participated in the study with 47% being <30 years of age and 57% being females. Most participants (60%) were married, educated (68% university level), and employed (54%). When asked if they knew what autism is, 88% responded positively. However, when asked to rate their degree of knowledge, 41% felt that it is weak. Females and those older than 30 years of age were more likely to feel knowledgeable (p=0.04 for females and p=0.013 for those >30 years of age). Females were more likely to think that autistic children can be employed in the future (p=0.008), whereas males were more likely to think that autism is similar to mental retardation (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: The public awareness of ASD needs improvement. Areas for targeted education were identified to help improve the quality of life of autistic children and their families.
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3. Bal VH, Farmer C, Thurm A. {{Describing Function in ASD: Using the DSM-5 and Other Methods to Improve Precision}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2017 (Jul 06)
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4. Burns CO, Matson JL. {{An evaluation of the clinical application of the DSM-5 for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder}}. {Expert Rev Neurother};2017 (Jul 10):1-9.
INTRODUCTION: The changes to the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) were met with much controversy by researchers, clinicians, and families of individuals with ASD. The goal of this paper is to review the literature on the impact of these changes. Areas covered: This paper reviews the major changes to diagnostic criteria from DSM-IV-TR to DSM-5. It emphasizes how these changes are hypothesized to impact prevalence rates, as well as trends in characteristics of individuals who would have met previous criteria for ASD but no longer qualify for a diagnosis under DSM-5. Policy issues such as access to services and research considerations are also briefly reviewed. Expert commentary: Researchers have found that the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ASD may significantly impact which children receive diagnoses, which in turn affects access to services that address impairments characteristic of this disorder. Despite the fact that the DSM-5 has now been in use for four years, fewer recent studies were identified than was expected. Future research should continue to focus on the impact of changes in criteria, as well as on translational scientific advances across disciplines.
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5. Chabane N, Manificat S. {{Diagnostic des troubles du spectre autistique, un enjeu pour un meilleur accompagnement des personnes}}. {Rev Med Suisse};2016 (Sep 21);12(531):1566-1571.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders at the origin of severe handicap. The clinical expression of these disorders is strongly variable according to the presence of an intellectual deficiency or an associated organic andor psychiatric disorder. Getting a correct diagnosis of ASD as a child or an adult can help a person and the professionals understand past difficulties, identify his or her strengths, and adapt the right kind of help. A complete diagnosis, realized by a trained multidisciplinary team, allows to define the necessary strategies of global support, in partnership with families. Treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and ability to function. These characteristics must be regularly assessed in time.
6. Chien YL, Tu EN, Gau SS. {{School Functions in Unaffected Siblings of Youths with Autism Spectrum Disorders}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2017 (Jul 06)
This study investigated school functioning among unaffected siblings of youths with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and identified the correlates for school maladjustment. We recruited 66 youths with a clinical diagnosis of ASD, aged 8-19, their unaffected siblings and 132 typically developing controls (TD). We found that ASD youths had poorer school functions than unaffected siblings and TD. Unaffected siblings had poorer attitude toward schoolwork and more severe behavioral problems at school than TD. Several associated factors for different scholastic functional domains (i.e., academic performance, attitude toward school work, social interactions, behavioral problems) in the siblings included IQ, autistic traits, inattention/oppositional symptoms, sibling relationships, etc. Our findings suggest the need of assessing school functions in unaffected siblings of ASD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration identifier: NCT01582256.
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7. DeGuzman PB, Altrui P, Allen M, Deagle CR, Keim-Malpass J. {{Mapping Geospatial Gaps in Early Identification of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {J Pediatr Health Care};2017 (Jul 06)
Despite the known developmental benefits of early intervention for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), diagnosis before age 5 years is often not achieved. Research suggests that lack of health insurance and living in rural areas and areas of severe provider shortages contribute significantly to these delays. The purpose of this project was to conduct a geospatial evaluation of potential gaps in early ASD diagnosis of uninsured children in Virginia. A secondary purpose was to show the use of geospatial analysis by pediatric nurse practitioners for policy advocacy. We mapped data from a statewide provider of ASD evaluative services associated with the Virginia Department of Health and found several communities with high numbers of uninsured children where children may not be receiving early diagnostic services. Pediatric nurse practitioners can help address community-level gaps in early identification of ASD for uninsured young children living in rural areas by conducting outreach programs to providers and families within rural communities and concurrently partnering with nurse-scientists to develop visually impactful geospatial analyses to educate legislators and further advocate for policy positions.
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8. Eapen V, Nicholls L, Spagnol V, Mathew NE. {{Current status of biological treatment options in Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {Asian J Psychiatr};2017 (Jul 06);30:1-10.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are characterised by deficits in social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviours. With an onset in early childhood, ASDs are thought to be heterogeneous, both genetically and clinically. This has led to the notion that « autism » is « autisms », however, there has been limited progress in understanding the different subgroups and the unique pathogenesis that would then allow targeted intervention. Although existing treatments are mainly symptom focussed, research is beginning to unravel the underlying genetic and molecular pathways, structural and functional neuronal circuitry involvement and the associated neurochemicals. This paper will review selected biological models with regard to pharmacological targets while also covering some of the non-pharmacological treatments such as neuro-stimulation.
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9. Huijnen C, Lexis MAS, Jansens R, de Witte LP. {{How to Implement Robots in Interventions for Children with Autism? A Co-creation Study Involving People with Autism, Parents and Professionals}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2017 (Jul 06)
The aim of this study was to gain insight into how robots can be practically implemented into current education and therapy interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This qualitative study included focus groups and co-creation sessions. 73 Participants (professionals and adults with ASD) took part in 13 focus groups to elicit requirements for robot assisted interventions. Additionally, 22 participants (professionals, parents of children with ASD and adults with ASD) generated ideas for interventions using robot KASPAR in three co-creation sessions. This study resulted in: an overview of requirements concerning the robot, end-user, environment and practical implementation; a template to systematically describe robot interventions in general and for KASPAR in particular; and finally new interventions.
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10. Iadarola S, Shih W, Dean M, Blanch E, Harwood R, Hetherington S, Mandell D, Kasari C, Smith T. {{Implementing a Manualized, Classroom Transition Intervention for Students With ASD in Underresourced Schools}}. {Behav Modif};2017 (Jul 01):145445517711437.
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in public education settings experience difficulties with transitions during classroom routines, which can result in challenging behavior. Single-subject research supports techniques for transitions, but school-based approaches often require resources and training unavailable in low-resource districts, limiting implementation. We developed and evaluated the Schedules, Tools, and Activities for Transitions (STAT) program, a short-term, manualized intervention of behavioral supports to support daily routine transitions for students with ASD (K-5) in underresourced districts. We utilized a multisite, cluster-randomized, group comparison design (immediate treatment versus waitlist) with matched pairs ( n = 150 students, 57 educators). Data indicated (a) no group differences for academic engagement or classroom independence, and (b) an advantage for STAT in reducing challenging behavior and increasing teacher fidelity. Results show preliminary support for an intervention that is feasible and perceived as sustainable in real-world settings.
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11. Kunchulia M, Tatishvili T, Lomidze N, Parkosadze K, Thomaschke R. {{Time-based event expectancies in children with Autism spectrum disorder}}. {Exp Brain Res};2017 (Jul 06)
Here, we studied the time-based event expectancies in children with Autism spectrum disorder. Nine children with Autism spectrum disorders and ten (6-11 years) typically developing children participated. In a choice-response task with two different pre-target intervals, participants had to indicate the left or right direction of a target stimulus. The target was predicted by the duration of the pre-target interval with 80% validity. We found that, in children with Autism spectrum disorder, in contrast to typically developing children, the formation of time-based event expectancies was restricted to the relatively longer pre-target interval. This pattern is rather typical for healthy young adults. These findings indicate that children with Autism spectrum disorder are able to form time-based event expectancies, and that, similar to healthy young adults, longer pre-target intervals enable them to make more optimal temporal predictions.
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12. Manouilenko I, Humble MB, Georgieva J, Bejerot S. {{Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders in adults. A blinded study}}. {Psychiatry Res};2017 (Jul 06);257:21-26.
The aim of the present study was to examine the clinical utility of complex auditory brainstem response (c-ABR) and investigate if c-ABR is helpful in the diagnostic procedure. Thirty-one adult psychiatric patients, thoroughly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (n=16), ADHD (n=8), or schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) (n=7) and 15 healthy controls (HC), were blindly assessed with SensoDetect BERA. This c-ABR correctly identified psychiatric diagnoses in 4 patients (13%) and provided partially correct diagnoses in 11 more patients. Of the 15 HC, 6 were misclassified as psychiatric patients. The Cohen s kappa coefficient (kappa) was substantial for HC (kappa=0.67), fair for SSD (kappa=0.37), slight for ADHD (kappa=0.09) and without agreement in ASD (kappa=-0.03). In conclusion, we found the c-ABR method unhelpful and unreliable as a tool in clinical diagnostics.
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13. Marsack CN, Perry TE. {{Aging in Place in Every Community: Social Exclusion Experiences of Parents of Adult children With Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {Res Aging};2017 (Jan 01):164027517717044.
This article offers an examination of aging processes of lifelong caregivers and the possibilities for social exclusion place experienced by parents of adult children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study of parental caregivers ( n = 51) sheds light on how enduring caregiving roles can lead to social exclusion in three ways: misunderstanding of ASD and stigma, the complexity of the caregiving roles, and impact on daily routines including challenges with long-term planning for both the adult children and the parental caregivers. Implications for practice to address social exclusion include education and building greater communication ties among family member for family members and advocacy for more and higher quality services including respite care. This article concludes with discussion of the impact of this aging, yet caregiving population and the need for knowledge about aging processes and anticipating aging for these caregivers.
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14. McDonald TAM. {{Discriminative and Criterion Validity of the Autism Spectrum Identity Scale (ASIS)}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2017 (Jul 06)
Individuals on the autism spectrum face stigma that can influence identity development. Previous research on the 22-item Autism Spectrum Identity Scale (ASIS) reported a four-factor structure with strong split-sample cross-validation and good internal consistency. This study reports the discriminative and criterion validity of the ASIS with other measures. Adults (n = 1139) who have, or identify with, an autism spectrum diagnosis took a nationally distributed online survey that also included demographic questions and measures for stigma, self-esteem, and quality of life (QoL). All four ASIS factors discriminated from measures of stigma and self-esteem. The ASIS also showed good criterion validity with the factors of Positive Difference and Changeability demonstrating widespread relationships with subjective quality of life in the expected directions.
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15. Shelton AL, Cornish K, Fielding J. {{Long Term Verbal Memory Recall Deficits in Fragile X Premutation Females}}. {Neurobiol Learn Mem};2017 (Jul 06)
Carriers of a FMR1 premutation allele (between 55 and 199 CGG repeats) are at risk of developing a wide range of medical, psychiatric and cognitive disorders, including executive dysfunction. These cognitive deficits are often less severe for female premutation carriers compared to male premutation carriers, albeit similar in nature. However, it remains unclear whether female premutation carriers who exhibit executive dysfunction also record verbal learning and memory deficits like those of their male counterparts. Here we employed the CVLT to assess verbal learning and memory function in 19 female premutation carriers, contrasting performance with 19 age- and IQ-matched controls. Group comparisons revealed similar performance during the learning and short delay recall phases of the CVLT. However, after a long delay period, female premutation carriers remembered fewer words for both free and cued recall trials, but not during recognition trials. These findings are consistent with reports for male premutation carriers, and suggest that aspects of long term memory may be adversely affect in a subgroup of premutation carriers with signs of executive dysfunction.
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16. Varcin KJ, Alvares GA, Uljarevic M, Whitehouse AJO. {{Prenatal maternal stress events and phenotypic outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {Autism Res};2017 (Jul 06)
There is significant heterogeneity amongst individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in symptom presentation and severity. An understanding of the factors that contribute to and modulate symptom severity are critical to informing prognosis, stratification, and treatment decisions. Maternal prenatal stress exposure is a nonspecific risk factor for a wide array of neurodevelopmental outcomes in subsequent offspring. Emerging evidence suggests that prenatal maternal stress may increase ASD risk and contribute to variability in autism-like traits in the general population. In the current study, we aimed to determine whether prenatal maternal exposure to stressful life events is associated with symptom severity amongst individuals with ASD. We performed multiple regression analyses to examine associations between retrospectively recalled maternal prenatal stressful life events and the severity of ASD-associated symptoms in 174 children with ASD (Mage = 9.09 years; SD = 3.81). ASD-related symptom severity was measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale and communication abilities were measured using the Children’s Communication Checklist. Exposure to prenatal stressful life events was a significant predictor of ASD-related symptom severity (t = 2.014; P = .048) and communication abilities (t = -2.925; P = .004) amongst children with ASD, even after controlling for a range of sociodemographic and obstetric variables. Follow-up analyses demonstrated significant increases in symptom severity only in the context of multiple (two or more) prenatal stressful life events. Together, these findings indicate that ASD, in the context of prenatal maternal stress exposure, may be associated with a more severe phenotype, particularly when there are multiple prenatal exposures. Autism Res 2017. (c) 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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17. Varga E, Nemes C, Bock I, Tancos Z, Berzsenyi S, Levay G, Roman V, Kobolak J, Dinnyes A. {{Establishment of an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line from a 9-year old male with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)}}. {Stem Cell Res};2017 (May);21:19-22.
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from a clinically characterized patient with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The PMBCs were reprogrammed with the human OSKM transcription factors using the Sendai-virus delivery system. The pluripotency of transgene-free iPSCs was verified by immunocytochemistry for pluripotency markers and by spontaneous in vitro differentiation towards the 3 germ layers. Furthermore, the iPSC line showed normal karyotype. Our model might offer a good platform to study the pathomechanism of ASD, also for drug testing, early biomarker discovery and gene therapy studies.
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18. Watanabe T, Rees G. {{Brain network dynamics in high-functioning individuals with autism}}. {Nat Commun};2017 (Jul 05);8:16048.
Theoretically, autism should be underpinned by aberrant brain dynamics. However, how brain activity changes over time in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains unknown. Here we characterize brain dynamics in autism using an energy-landscape analysis applied to resting-state fMRI data. Whereas neurotypical brain activity frequently transits between two major brain states via an intermediate state, high-functioning adults with ASD show fewer neural transitions due to an unstable intermediate state, and these infrequent transitions predict the severity of autism. Moreover, in contrast to the controls whose IQ is correlated with the neural transition frequency, IQ scores of individuals with ASD are instead predicted by the stability of their brain dynamics. Finally, such brain-behaviour associations are related to functional segregation between brain networks. These findings suggest that atypical functional coordination in the brains of adults with ASD underpins overly stable neural dynamics, which supports both their ASD symptoms and cognitive abilities.
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19. White SW, Elias R, Capriola-Hall NN, Smith IC, Conner CM, Asselin SB, Howlin P, Getzel EE, Mazefsky CA. {{Development of a College Transition and Support Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2017 (Jul 06)
Empirically based, consumer-informed programming to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) transitioning to college is needed. Informed by theory and research, the Stepped Transition in Education Program for Students with ASD (STEPS) was developed to address this need. The first level (Step 1) supports high school students and the second level (Step 2) is for postsecondary students with ASD. Herein, we review the extant research on transition supports for emerging adults with ASD and describe the development of STEPS, including its theoretical basis and how it was informed by consumer input. The impact of STEPS on promotion of successful transition into college and positive outcomes for students during higher education is currently being evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.
