1. Bentenuto A, De Falco S, Venuti P. {{Mother-Child Play: A Comparison of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, and Typical Development}}. {Front Psychol};2016;7:1829.
The purpose of the present study was to analyze mother-child collaborative play in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) compared to children with Down Syndrome (DS) and typical developing children (TD). Children with ASD are often described as having deficient play skills, particularly in the symbolic domain. Caregivers’ involvement in child play activities increases the structural complexity of playing in both typically developing children and children with disabilities. Participants included 75 mothers and their children with ASD (n = 25), with down syndrome (n = 25) and with typical development (n = 25). Mother-child play sessions were analyzed using a coding system for exploratory and symbolic play. Results indicated that children with ASD showed more exploratory play compared to children in the other groups. No significant differences emerged between the three groups for child symbolic play or for mother play. These findings are discussed in relation to the debate about functional and symbolic play in children with ASD and in relation to the importance of setting and age for play assessment.
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2. Boada L, Parellada M. {{Seeing the doctor without fear: www.doctortea.org for the desensitization from medical visits in Autism Spectrum Disorders}}. {Rev Psiquiatr Salud Ment};2016 (Dec 07)
INTRODUCTION: Doctor Tea is an online website designed to facilitate medical visits for those with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities. People diagnosed with autism not only have greater medical needs than the general population, but also have particular characteristics that are often not accommodated by medical services. This lack of medical accommodation often creates a very complicated, and sometimes traumatic experience, when visiting medical facilities. Individuals with autism have great difficulty understanding social situations and contexts, such as medical tests or consultations, as well as difficulty in tolerating new situations and atypical sensory thresholds. Doctor Tea aims to reduce anxiety before medical consultations and procedures from a safe and well-known environment (school, home, etc.). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The website, www.doctortea.org, provides information and materials (videos, cartoon, 3D animations, pictogram sequences, etc.) about the most frequent medical procedures and practices for patients with autism. The website also offers information to the doctors and families of patients with autism about the most common medical problems associated with autism. RESULTS: A total of 17,199 different users visited the website during 2015, with a total of 23,348 online visitors from more than 70 different countries since the website’s release in November 2014. CONCLUSIONS: The familiarisation with the medical procedures and its environment appears to decrease the anxiety in patients with disabilities during medical visits, as well as optimising the effectiveness of their medical visits and tests.
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3. Bolte S. {{Autism-Europe International Congress 2016-Autism research and practice in Europe 2016}}. {Autism};2017 (Jan);21(1):3-4.
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4. Dixon DR, Linstead E, Granpeesheh D, Novack MN, French R, Stevens E, Stevens L, Powell A. {{An Evaluation of the Impact of Supervision Intensity, Supervisor Qualifications, and Caseload on Outcomes in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {Behav Anal Pract};2016 (Dec);9(4):339-348.
Ample research has shown the benefits of intensive applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD); research that investigates the role of treatment supervision, however, is limited. The present study examined the relationship between mastery of learning objectives and supervision hours, supervisor credentials, years of experience, and caseload in a large sample of children with ASD (N = 638). These data were retrieved from a large archival database of children with ASD receiving community-based ABA services. When analyzed together via a multiple linear regression, supervision hours and treatment hours accounted for only slightly more of the observed variance (r2 = 0.34) than treatment hours alone (r2 = 0.32), indicating that increased supervision hours do not dramatically increase the number of mastered learning objectives. In additional regression analyses, supervisor credentials were found to have a significant impact on the number of mastered learning objectives, wherein those receiving supervision from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) mastered significantly more learning objectives. Likewise, the years of experience as a clinical supervisor showed a small but significant impact on the mastery of learning objectives. A supervisor’s caseload, however, was not a significant predictor of the number of learning objectives mastered. These findings provide guidance for best practice recommendations.
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5. Elwin M, Schroder A, Ek L, Wallsten T, Kjellin L. {{Sensory Clusters of Adults With and Without Autism Spectrum Conditions}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Dec 05)
We identified clusters of atypical sensory functioning adults with ASC by hierarchical cluster analysis. A new scale for commonly self-reported sensory reactivity was used as a measure. In a low frequency group (n = 37), all subscale scores were relatively low, in particular atypical sensory/motor reactivity. In the intermediate group (n = 17) hyperreactivity, sensory interests and sensory/motor issues were significantly elevated in relation to the first group, but not hyporeactivity. In a high frequency subgroup (n = 17) all subscale scores were significantly elevated and co-occurrence of hyper- and hyporeactivity was evident. In a population sample, a cluster of low scorers (n = 136) and high scorers relative to the other cluster (n = 26) was found. Identification of atypical sensory reactivity is important for targeting support.
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6. Ewry DM, Fryling MJ. {{Evaluating the High-Probability Instructional Sequence to Increase the Acceptance of Foods with an Adolescent with Autism}}. {Behav Anal Pract};2016 (Dec);9(4):380-383.
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a variation of the high-probability (high-p) sequence involving bites of food as high-p tasks on the acceptance of low-probability (low-p) foods in an adolescent with autism spectrum disorder. After demonstrating the effectiveness of the high-p sequence using a reversal design, the participant’s mother implemented the intervention. Intervention effects were partially maintained during 7-month maintenance probes. Implications for research and practice are provided.
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7. Francis SM, Kim SJ, Kistner-Griffin E, Guter S, Cook EH, Jacob S. {{ASD and Genetic Associations with Receptors for Oxytocin and Vasopressin-AVPR1A, AVPR1B, and OXTR}}. {Front Neurosci};2016;10:516.
Background: There are limited treatments available for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies have reported significant associations between the receptor genes of oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) and ASD diagnosis, as well as ASD-related phenotypes. Researchers have also found the manipulation of these systems affects social and repetitive behaviors, core characteristics of ASD. Consequently, research involving the oxytocin/vasopressin pathways as intervention targets has increased. Therefore, further examination into the relationship between these neuropeptides and ASD was undertaken. In this study, we examined associations between variants in the receptor genes of vasopressin (AVPR1A, AVPR1B), oxytocin (OXTR), and ASD diagnosis along with related subphenotypes. Methods: Probands were assessed using Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, and clinical DSM-IV-TR criteria. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AVPR1B and OXTR, and microsatellites in AVPR1A were genotyped in ~200 families with a proband with ASD. Family-based association testing (FBAT) was utilized to determine associations between variants and ASD. Haplotypes composed of OXTR SNPs (i.e., rs53576-rs2254298-rs2268493) were also analyzed due to previously published associations. Results: Using the additive inheritance model in FBAT we found associations between AVPR1B SNPs (rs28632197, p = 0.005, rs35369693, p = 0.025) and diagnosis. As in other studies, OXTR rs2268493 (p = 0.050) was associated with diagnosis. rs2268493 was also associated with ASD subphenotypes of social withdrawal (p = 0.013) and Insistence on Sameness (p = 0.039). Further analyses demonstrated that the haplotype, rs2254298-rs2268493 was found to be significantly associated with diagnosis (A-T; p = 0.026). FBAT was also used to analyze AVPR1A microsatellites (RS1 and RS3). Both length variants were found to be associated with restrictive, repetitive behaviors, but not overall diagnosis. Correction for multiple comparisons was performed for SNPs tested in each gene region, only AVPR1B SNPs remained significantly associated with ASD diagnosis. Conclusions: Autism is a heterogeneous disorder with many genes and pathways that contribute to its development. SNPs and microsatellites in the receptor genes of OT and AVP are associated with ASD diagnosis and measures of social behavior as well as restricted repetitive behaviors. We reported a novel association with ASD and AVPR1B SNPs. Understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships may be helpful in the development of pharmacological interventions for the OT/AVP system.
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8. Hayward SM, McVilly KR, Stokes MA. {{Challenges for females with high functioning autism in the workplace: a systematic review}}. {Disabil Rehabil};2016 (Dec 07):1-10.
PURPOSE: Individuals with High Functioning Autism (HFA) experience high levels of underemployment and unemployment, resulting in negative economic, social, and health outcomes. Given what is known about labor market participation difficulties experienced by women generally, and the paucity of research concerning women with HFA, this systematic review synthesized what is known about the labor market experiences of women with HFA. METHOD: A systematic review of the literature concerning adult females with HFA in relation to the workplace yielded 1947 results; 11 met inclusion criteria being based on original data, but not necessarily focusing solely on women. RESULTS: The total number participants with HFA across all studies was 731 (M = 66.45, SD = 95.44, Mdn = 18.00) aged between 18 and 70 years (M = 34.38, SD = 7.71); females represented 38% (n = 279) of those sampled. The principal challenges reported for individuals with HFA at work were communication, social interaction, and stress, together with negative mental and physical health. CONCLUSION: These results should be interpreted with caution. Of the studies found, 73% were qualitative and based on small samples. Only one paper differentiated female data in analyses. These factors combined suggest large-scale mixed method research focused on females with HFA is required to gain an accurate insight into the challenges faced in the workplace, to in turn inform intervention and support. However, implications for rehabilitation based on what is known are discussed. Implication for Rehabilitation Unemployment and underemployment of persons with High Functioning Autism (HFA) poses social, health and economic issues for both individuals and the wider community. Those with HFA have the intellectual capacity to make a substantial contribution to the workplace. Based on what is known, some of the challenges for females with HFA might be similar to those experienced by men with HFA, however it is possible that there are gender-based differences (in both type and severity of challenges) that require attention.
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9. Kerns CM, Renno P, Kendall PC, Wood JJ, Storch EA. {{Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule-Autism Addendum: Reliability and Validity in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol};2016 (Dec 07):1-13.
Assessing anxiety in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is inherently challenging due to overlapping (e.g., social avoidance) and ambiguous symptoms (e.g., fears of change). An ASD addendum to the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule-Child/Parent, Parent Version (ADIS/ASA) was developed to provide a systematic approach for differentiating traditional anxiety disorders from symptoms of ASD and more ambiguous, ASD-related anxiety symptoms. Interrater reliability and convergent and discriminant validity were examined in a sample of 69 youth with ASD (8-13 years, 75% male, IQ = 68-143) seeking treatment for anxiety. The parents of participants completed the ADIS/ASA and a battery of behavioral measures. A second rater independently observed and scored recordings of the original interviews. Findings suggest reliable measurement of comorbid (intraclass correlation = 0.85-0.98, kappa = 0.67-0.91) as well as ambiguous anxiety-like symptoms (intraclass correlation = 0.87-95, kappa = 0.77-0.90) in children with ASD. Convergent and discriminant validity were supported for the traditional anxiety symptoms on the ADIS/ASA, whereas convergent and discriminant validity were partially supported for the ambiguous anxiety-like symptoms. Results provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the ADIS/ASA as a measure of traditional anxiety categories in youth with ASD, with partial support for the validity of the ambiguous anxiety-like categories. Unlike other measures, the ADIS/ASA differentiates comorbid anxiety disorders from overlapping and ambiguous anxiety-like symptoms in ASD, allowing for more precise measurement and clinical conceptualization. Ambiguous anxiety-like symptoms appear phenomenologically distinct from comorbid anxiety disorders and may reflect either symptoms of ASD or a novel variant of anxiety in ASD.
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10. Leaf JB, Cihon JH, Townley-Cochran D, Miller K, Leaf R, McEachin J, Taubman M. {{An Evaluation of Positional Prompts for Teaching Receptive Identification to Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {Behav Anal Pract};2016 (Dec);9(4):349-363.
In this study, we evaluated the effects of positional prompts on teaching receptive identification to six children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The researchers implemented a most-to-least prompting system using a three level hierarchy to teach receptive picture identification. Within the prompting hierarchy, only positional prompts were used. The most assistive prompt was placing the target stimulus 12 in. closer to the participant, the less assistive prompt was placing the target stimulus 6 in. closer to the participant, and no prompt was placing the target stimulus in line with the alternative stimuli. A non-concurrent multiple baseline design across behaviors was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the positional prompt. Results indicated that the implementation of positional prompts resulted in participants reaching mastery criterion and maintaining skills at follow-up for the majority of the participants. The results of the study have both future clinical and research implications.
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11. Lung FW, Chiang TL, Lin SJ, Shu BC. {{Urban and Education Disparity for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Taiwan Birth Cohort Study}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Dec 07)
This study aimed to determine the optimal cut-off for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening in 66-month-old children, and to explore the distribution of ASD screening and diagnosis in Taiwan. The Taiwan Birth Cohort Study dataset was used (N = 20,095). The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) cut-off point of 13/14 was considered optimal for screening of children at 66 months. More children were diagnosed with ASD in urban areas. Parents of children diagnosed with ASD had a higher level of education, but parents of children with a lower level of education were screened as being at higher risk of ASD. Urban disparity and parental level of education effected parental awareness of the illness and the rate of ASD diagnosis.
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12. Lunsky Y, Durbin A, Brown HK, Bansal S, Heifetz M, Antoniou T. {{Health profiles and associated service use among adults with HIV and intellectual and developmental disabilities}}. {Aids};2016 (Dec 05)
OBJECTIVE (S): Due to the commonly held notion that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have low risk of HIV acquisition, we compared the prevalence of HIV infection among people with and without IDD. We also examined health status and health service use among the HIV-infected group. DESIGN: Population-based cohort study using linked administrative health and social services databases. METHODS: We compared HIV prevalence between Ontario adults with IDD (n=64,008) and a 20% random sample of Ontario adults without IDD. Among the HIV-infected group, we compared adults with and without IDD in terms of comorbid chronic physical conditions and mental health (MH) disorders, as well as use of overall health services, MH services, and HIV-specific services. RESULTS: HIV prevalence per 100,000 population did not differ for adults with IDD [163.38 (95% CI: 132.27,199.6)] and without IDD [172.45 (95 CI: 167.48,177.53)]. Among the HIV-infected group, those with IDD had more comorbid chronic physical conditions and MH disorders. They also had greater use of overall health services and MH services. Likelihood of use of HIV-specific services also differed for those with and without IDD. DISCUSSION: A similar prevalence of HIV among adults with and without IDD accentuates a need for strategies for individuals with IDD to be included in HIV prevention efforts. High prevalence of chronic physical and MH comorbidity and health service use among the HIV infected group with IDD highlight a need for comprehensive and coordinated treatment plans to optimize outcomes for this complex patient group.
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13. Shen IH, Lin SC, Wu YY, Chen CL. {{An Event-Related Potential Study on the Perception and the Recognition of Face, Facial Features, and Objects in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders}}. {Percept Mot Skills};2016 (Dec 07)
The study investigated whether children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) showed atypical patterns of brain specialization for face processing, whether the response to familiar and unfamiliar faces, facial features, and objects were different from typically developing children. Event-related potentials were recorded in 5- to 8-year-old children (12 children with ASD, 12 typically developing children) using passive viewing paradigm. The fastest P1 latencies to faces and the largest P1 amplitudes to objects were observed in both participant groups. Both groups exhibited larger N170 response to faces and eyes, F(3, 66) = 46.94, p < .0001). However, earlier P1 and N170 latencies were found on left hemisphere in children with ASD, respectively, F(1, 83) = 4.32, p = .04; F(1, 83) = 6.73, p = .01, indicating an atypical face processing pattern. All children showed a significant effect of familiarity for objects and mouths, F(1, 71) = 33.97, p < .0001; F(1, 71 = 15.94, p = .0002. Children with ASD revealed smaller negative central to faces relative to typically developing children. Face processing abnormalities revealed in children with ASD very likely exist. Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
14. Sterling A, Warren SF. {{Parenting of children with Down syndrome compared to fragile X syndrome}}. {Dev Neurorehabil};2016 (Dec 07):1-4.
Children with Down syndrome (DS) and fragile X syndrome (FXS) struggle with language development. Parenting variables, such as responsiveness to children’s communication attempts (Maternal Responsivity), and techniques used to support and teach appropriate behavior (Behavior Management) are known to have a significant impact on early child development. We examined these two aspects of parenting style via coded, videotaped parent-child interactions in two groups of participants matched on child age (2-5 years) and child expressive language level: mothers of children with DS and mothers of children with FXS. The mothers differed in their use of gestures and redirecting the child’s attention. Overall, mothers in both groups of children appeared to adapt appropriately to their children’s developmental needs.
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15. van Boxtel JJ, Peng Y, Su J, Lu H. {{Individual Differences in High-level Biological Motion Tasks Correlate with Autistic Traits}}. {Vision Res};2016 (Dec 02)
Human actions are rich in social cues and play an essential role in interacting with the social environment. Hence, the perception of biological motion (i.e., movement elicited by humans and other animals) is considered to be an important gauge of a person’s social cognition capacities. It has been well-documented that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with difficulties in social interactions. In the present study, we examined whether individual differences in biological motion perception relate to the degree of autistic traits among people in the typically-developing population. We employed three tasks that require different degrees of involvement of global action processing: action discrimination in noise, action inversion effect in binocular rivalry, and inter-personal interaction recognition. We found that individuals with higher numbers of autistic traits showed similar action discrimination performance as individuals with fewer autistic traits but exhibited a reduced inversion effect in binocular rivalry, and a decreased ability to recognize meaningful human interactions. These findings provide converging evidence that global processing of biological motion is affected in people with a high degree of autistic traits.
