1. Cicchetti DV. {{On Scales of Measurement in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Beyond: Where Smitty Went Wrong}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2011 (May 10)
The author examined critically three beliefs of S.S. Stevens pertaining to his quadripartite system of scales of measurement: (1) There are four scales of measurement in common usage (2) These scales and the scientific disciplines that use them can be incrementally graded for levels of reliability and validity or accuracy such that: Nominal scale variables produce the lowest levels of reliability and accuracy; with successively improving levels for Ordinal, Equal-Interval, and Equal-Ratio scales; and (3) The scale upon which a variable is measured determines the specific type of statistical test that one is permitted to apply. It was shown that each of the three beliefs is fundamentally flawed.
2. Fatemi SH, Folsom TD. {{Dysregulation of fragile X mental retardation protein and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 in superior frontal cortex of subjects with autism: a postmortem brain study}}. {Mol Autism};2011 (May 6);2(1):6.
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Fragile X syndrome is caused by loss of function of the Fragile X mental retardation-1 gene (FMR1) and shares multiple phenotypes with autism. We have previously found reduced expression of the protein product of FMR1 (FMRP) in vermis of subjects with autism. METHODS: In the current study, we have investigated levels of FMRP in the superior frontal cortex of people with autism and matched controls using Western blot analysis. Because FMRP regulates the translation of multiple genes, we also measured protein levels for downstream molecules metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptor 3 (GABR3), as well as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). RESULTS: We observed significantly reduced levels of protein for FMRP in adults with autism, significantly increased levels of protein for mGluR5 in children with autism, and significantly increased levels of GFAP in adults and children with autism. We found no change in expression of GABRbeta3. Our results for FMRP, mGluR5, and GFAP confirm our previous work in cerebellar vermis of subjects with autism. CONCLUSION: These changes may be responsible for cognitive deficits and seizure disorder in subjects with autism.
3. Fernandes FD, Amato CA, Balestro JI, Molini-Avejonas DR. {{Orientation to mothers of children of the autistic spectrum about language and communication}}. {J Soc Bras Fonoaudiol};2011 (Mar);23(1):1-7.
PURPOSE: To verify the results obtained by ten sessions of specific instruction about language and communication to mothers of children of the autistic spectrum. METHODS: Subjects were 26 mother-child dyads. The children attended language therapy in a specialized service. Five pre-planned instruction sessions and five accompanying sessions to small groups of mothers parallel to the children’s language therapy were conducted. RESULTS: The focus directed to the child’s communication allowed the identification of essential elements to the determination of successful interactive situation as joint attention, latency to answers and child’s individual interests. The individualized analysis has shown that all subjects presented progress at least in one of the assessed areas. CONCLUSION: There was a positive impact of the systematic orientations to mothers about language and communication, conducted at the same time as language therapy (and not alternatively). The formal planning and recording were flexible enough to allow adjustments to group specific needs and demands.
4. Ghanizadeh A. {{Nuclear factor kappa B may increase insight into the management of neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity in autism}}. {Expert Opin Ther Targets};2011 (May 10)
5. Mak-Fan KM, Taylor MJ, Roberts W, Lerch JP. {{Measures of Cortical Grey Matter Structure and Development in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2011 (May 10)
The current study examined group differences in cortical volume, surface area, and thickness with age, in a group of typically developing children and a group of children with ASD aged 6-15 years. Results showed evidence of age by group interactions, suggesting atypicalities in the relation between these measures and age in the ASD group. Additional vertex-based analyses of cortical thickness revealed that specific regions in the left inferior frontal gyrus (BA 44) and left precuneus showed thicker cortex for the ASD group at younger ages only. These data support the hypothesis of an abnormal developmental trajectory of the cortex in ASD, which could have profound effects on other aspects of neural development in children with ASD.
6. Matson JL, Mahan S, Fodstad JC, Worley JA, Neal D, Sipes M. {{Effects of symptoms of co-morbid psychopathology on challenging behaviours among infants and toddlers with Autistic Disorder and PDD-NOS as assessed with the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT)}}. {Dev Neurorehabil};2011;14(3):129-139.
Purpose: To examine whether level of symptoms of co-morbid psychopathology exacerbated challenging behaviours in young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Method: Using the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT)-Part 2 which measures co-morbid symptoms and the BISCUIT- Part 3 which examines challenging behaviours, 362 infants and toddlers with ASD were evaluated. Results: Findings showed that participants scoring high on symptoms of Avoidance and Tantrum/Conduct problems had greater rates of aggressive/destructive behaviours, self-injurious behaviours (SIB) and stereotypies compared to those with low scores. Participants with high levels of Inattention/Impulsivity or Eat/Sleep concerns, compared to those with low levels, demonstrated greater aggressive/destructive behaviour and stereotypies. For symptoms of Anxiety/Repetitive Behaviours, participants with high scores displayed greater levels of stereotypies. Conclusions: Symptoms of co-morbid psychopathology are present at a very early age for children with ASD and elevated levels of these symptoms may exacerbate challenging behaviours.
7. Oriel KN, George CL, Peckus R, Semon A. {{The effects of aerobic exercise on academic engagement in young children with autism spectrum disorder}}. {Pediatr Phys Ther};2011 (Summer);23(2):187-193.
PURPOSE: : To determine whether participation in aerobic exercise before classroom activities improves academic engagement and reduces stereotypic behaviors in young children with autism spectrum disorder. METHODS: : This study employed a within-subjects crossover design, using a treatment condition (aerobic exercise) and a control condition, across 4 classrooms. The treatment condition included 15 minutes of running/jogging followed by a classroom task. The control condition included a classroom task not preceded by exercise. The number of stereotypic behaviors, percentage of on-task behavior, and correct/incorrect responses were measured. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare differences between conditions. RESULTS: : Statistically significant improvements were found in correct responding following exercise (P < .05). No significant differences were found for on-task behavior or stereotypic behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: : Consistent with findings in older children, these results indicate that aerobic exercise prior to classroom activities may improve academic responding in young children with autism spectrum disorder.
8. Riby DM, Brown PH, Jones N, Hanley M. {{Brief Report: Faces Cause Less Distraction in Autism}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2011 (May 7)
Individuals with autism have difficulties interpreting face cues that contribute to deficits of social communication. When faces need to be processed for meaning they fail to capture and hold the attention of individuals with autism. In the current study we illustrate that faces fail to capture attention in a typical manner even when they are non-functional to task completion. In a visual search task with a present butterfly target an irrelevant face distracter significantly slows performance of typical individuals. However, participants with autism (n = 28; mean 10 years 4 months) of comparable non-verbal ability are not distracted by the faces. Interestingly, there is a significant relationship between level of functioning on the autism spectrum and degree of face capture or distraction.
9. Rossignol DA, Frye RE. {{Substantial Problems with Measuring Brain Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2011 (May 10)
10. Silva LM, Schalock M. {{Autism Parenting Stress Index: Initial Psychometric Evidence}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2011 (May 10)
Data validating the Autism Parenting Stress Index (APSI) is presented for 274 children under age six. Cronbach’s alpha was .827. As a measure of parenting stress specific to core and co-morbid symptoms of autism, the APSI is unique. It is intended for use by clinicians to identify areas where parents need support with parenting skills, and to assess the effect of intervention on parenting stress. Mean parenting stress in the autism group was four times that of the typical group and double that of the other developmental delay group [F(2,272) = 153; p < 001]. An exploratory factor analysis suggested three factors impacting parenting stress: one relating to core deficits, one to co-morbid behavioral symptoms, and one to co-morbid physical symptoms.
11. Skokauskas N, Gallagher L. {{Mental health aspects of autistic spectrum disorders in children}}. {J Intellect Disabil Res};2011 (May 10)
Background Previous studies have reported variable and at times opposite findings on comorbid psychiatric problems in children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Aims This study aimed to examine patterns of comorbid psychiatric problems in children with ASD and their parents compared with IQ matched controls and their parents. Methods Behavioural/emotional problems were evaluated in a sample of children with ASD [a diagnosis of ASD was given if they met criteria for ASD on both of the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised) and ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule)] and an age and IQ matched control group using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL/6-18). Parental psychological distress for both groups was evaluated with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Results There were 59 (88%) boys and 8 (12%) girls in the ASD group. Similarly, 57 (85%) of the control group were male and 10 (15%) were female. The groups did not differ significantly on mean age, mean IQ scores, gender and parents mean age. Results of the CBCL/6-18 revealed that the majority of parents reported their child with ASD as having either internalising (clinical range: 47.8%; borderline range: 16.4%) or externalising problems (clinical range: 10.4%; borderline range: 20.9%). In the control group more parents reported their children having externalising (clinical range: 46.3%; borderline range: 16.4%) than internalising problems (clinical range: 35.8%; borderline range: 11.9%). Almost a half of the ASD group met CBCL DSM criteria for clinically significant attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (44.78%) and anxiety (46.2%) problems. Based on the Brief Symptom Inventory Global Severity Index 22.4% of fathers and 23.8% of mothers of ASD children produced scores that were indicative of possible psychopathology. Conclusions High rates of clinically significant psychiatric problems were detected in ASD children, with anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder being the most frequently detected syndromes.
12. Tamanaha AC, Perissinoto J. {{Comparison of the evolutional process of children with autism spectrum disorders in different language therapeutic interventions}}. {J Soc Bras Fonoaudiol};2011 (Mar);23(1):8-12.
PURPOSE: To analyze and compare the extension and the speed of the evolutional process of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in direct and indirect interventions as opposed to only indirect intervention. METHODS: The design of this study is a clinical trial. The sample was composed of 11 children diagnosed with Autism (n=6) and Asperger syndrome (n=5) by a multidisciplinary team, that attended specialized speech-language pathology therapy at the institution were the study was carried out. These children were randomly divided into two groups: Therapy Group (TG) – composed by six subjects receiving both direct and indirect intervention; and Orientation Group (OG) – constituted by five subjects receiving exclusively indirect intervention. It was used the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) to interview the mothers, and the Sample of Vocal Behavior (SVB), in three occasions: at the beginning of the intervention process (time 0), six months later (time 1) and 12 months later (time 2). RESULTS: It was observed greater speed and extension in the evolutional process of the TG Group, both in the analysis of the Autism Behavior Checklist (total and partial scores) and the Sample of Vocal Behavior, especially in the item Full Language. The performance of children with Asperger syndrome was considered more positive when compared to that of children with autism. There was greater evolution in younger children and with normal, mild, and moderate adaptive functioning. CONCLUSION: The tendency towards better performance of the children attending direct and indirect intervention showed that this association is fundamental in the therapeutic process of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
13. Vander Net J, Sprong M. {{Commentary on « the effects of aerobic exercise on academic engagement in young children with autism spectrum disorder »}}. {Pediatr Phys Ther};2011 (Summer);23(2):193.
14. Worley JA, Matson JL, Kozlowski AM. {{The effects of hearing impairment on symptoms of autism in toddlers}}. {Dev Neurorehabil};2011;14(3):171-176.
Objective: Individuals diagnosed with certain medical conditions, such as those with hearing loss or impairment, may present with symptoms that mimic those of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate how hearing-compromised toddlers would score relative to toddlers diagnosed with an ASD on a measure of autism symptomatology. Methods: The Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT) was utilized to compare toddlers diagnosed with an ASD or who had hearing problems. Results: The BISCUIT was effective in differentiating between children with ASD and those with hearing problems. However, atypically developing toddlers scored significantly lower than those with compromised hearing within the communication domain. Conclusion: Communication impairment, albeit lower than in toddlers with ASD, is present in toddlers with compromised hearing. As such, this factor should be taken into account when assessing for ASD in toddlers with hearing loss or impairment.
15. Zimmer MH, Hart LC, Manning-Courtney P, Murray DS, Bing NM, Summer S. {{Food Variety as a Predictor of Nutritional Status Among Children with Autism}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2011 (May 10)
The frequency of selective eating and nutritional deficiency was studied among 22 children with autism and an age matched typically developing control group. Children with autism ate fewer foods on average than typically developing children. (33.5 vs. 54.5 foods, P < .001) As compared to typical controls, children with autism had a higher average intake of magnesium, and lower average intake of protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. Selective eaters were significantly more likely than typical controls to be at risk for at least one serious nutrient deficiency (P < .001).
