1. Delorey TM. {{Somatosensory and Sensorimotor Consequences Associated with the Heterozygous Disruption of the Autism Candidate Gene, Gabrb3}}. {Behav Brain Res} (Aug 7)
2. Eldevik S, Hastings RP, Hughes JC, Jahr E, Eikeseth S, Cross S. {{Using participant data to extend the evidence base for intensive behavioral intervention for children with autism}}. {Am J Intellect Dev Disabil} (Sep);115(5):381-405.
Abstract We gathered individual participant data from 16 group design studies on behavioral intervention for children with autism. In these studies, 309 children received behavioral intervention, 39 received comparison interventions, and 105 were in a control group. More children who underwent behavioral intervention achieved reliable change in IQ (29.8%) compared with 2.6% and 8.7% for comparison and control groups, respectively, and reliable change in adaptive behavior was achieved for 20.6% versus 5.7% and 5.1%, respectively. These results equated to a number needed to treat of 5 for IQ and 7 for adaptive behavior and absolute risk reduction of 23% and 16%, respectively. Within the behavioral intervention sample, IQ and adaptive behavior at intake predicted gains in adaptive behavior. Intensity of intervention predicted gains in both IQ and adaptive behavior.
3. Lawlor MC. {{Autism and Anthropology?}}. {Ethos} (Mar);38(1):167-171.
4. Murray MJ. {{Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in the Context of Autism Spectrum Disorders}}. {Curr Psychiatry Rep} (Aug 7)
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are frequently marked by symptoms consistent with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), namely inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Recent work has established that about half of the ASD population also meets diagnostic criteria for ADHD, although the comorbid diagnoses are precluded by the DSM-IV-TR. Individuals with co-occurring ASD and ADHD symptoms are more severely impaired, with significant deficits seen in social processing, adaptive functioning, and executive control. Children with ASD and ADHD symptoms are also prone to motor problems, which lead to especially poor outcomes. Recent work has also demonstrated high rates of ASD symptoms in a subset of children with ADHD. Medication studies have demonstrated the efficacy of methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and guanfacine, among others, in treating ADHD symptoms co-occurring with ASD. However, these effects were not as great as those seen when treating primary ADHD, and they are less well-tolerated in the ASD population.
5. Puleo CM, Kendall PC. {{Anxiety Disorders in Typically Developing Youth: Autism Spectrum Symptoms as a Predictor of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment}}. {J Autism Dev Disord} (Aug 7)
Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were assessed (Social Responsiveness Scale-Parent (SRS-P); coded in-session behavior) in typically-developing, anxiety-disordered children (N = 50) treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Study 1: children with moderate autistic symptomology (per SRS-P) were significantly more likely to improve from family CBT (FCBT) than individual CBT (ICBT; OR = 8.67). Coded behavior did not predict outcome. Study 2: CBT components were compared by treatment and ASD symptom status. At-home exposure completion was greater in FCBT and there was an interaction in child involvement for treatment and ASD status. Though both treatments reduced anxiety, FCBT outperformed ICBT for children with moderate ASD symptoms, a benefit potentially linked to more at-home exposures and greater child involvement in FCBT.
