1. Adamson LB, Bakeman R, Suma K, Robins DL. {{Autism Adversely Affects Auditory Joint Engagement During Parent-toddler Interactions}}. {Autism Res};2020 (Aug 18)
This study documents the early adverse effects of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on auditory joint engagement-the sharing of sounds during interactions. A total of 141 toddlers (49 typically developing [TD], 46 with ASD, and 46 with non-ASD developmental disorders [DD]; average age 22.6 months) were observed during a semi-naturalistic play session with a parent. Reactions to four types of sounds-speech about the child, instrumental music, animal calls, and mechanical noises-were observed before and as parents tried to scaffold joint engagement with the sound. Toddlers with ASD usually appeared aware of a new sound, often alerting to and orienting toward it. But compared to TD toddlers and toddlers with DD, they alerted and oriented less often to speech, a difference not found with the other sounds. Furthermore, toddlers with ASD were far less likely to spontaneously try to share the sound with the parents and to engage with the parent and the sound when parents tried to share it with them. These findings reveal how ASD can have significant effects on shared experiences with nonvisible targets in the environment that attract toddlers’ attention. Future studies should address the association between auditory joint engagement difficulties and variations in multimodal joint engagement, sensory profiles, and ASD severity and the reciprocal influence over time of auditory joint engagement experience and language development. LAY SUMMARY: Like most toddlers, toddlers with autism spectrum disorder often alert when they hear sounds like a cat’s meow or a train’s rumble. But they are less likely to alert when they hear their own name, and they are far less likely to share new sounds with their parents. These findings raise important questions about how toddlers with autism spectrum disorder experience their everyday auditory world, including how they share it with parents who can enrich this experience.
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2. Adcock KS, Chandler C, Buell EP, Solorzano BR, Loerwald KW, Borland MS, Engineer CT. {{Vagus nerve stimulation paired with tones restores auditory processing in a rat model of Rett syndrome}}. {Brain Stimul};2020 (Aug 12)
BACKGROUND: Rett syndrome is a rare neurological disorder associated with a mutation in the X-linked gene MECP2. This disorder mainly affects females, who typically have seemingly normal early development followed by a regression of acquired skills. The rodent Mecp2 model exhibits many of the classic neural abnormalities and behavioral deficits observed in individuals with Rett syndrome. Similar to individuals with Rett syndrome, both auditory discrimination ability and auditory cortical responses are impaired in heterozygous Mecp2 rats. The development of therapies that can enhance plasticity in auditory networks and improve auditory processing has the potential to impact the lives of individuals with Rett syndrome. Evidence suggests that precisely timed vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with sound presentation can drive robust neuroplasticity in auditory networks and enhance the benefits of auditory therapy. OBJECTIVE: /Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of VNS paired with tones to restore auditory processing in Mecp2 transgenic rats. METHODS: Seventeen female heterozygous Mecp2 rats and 8 female wild-type (WT) littermates were used in this study. The rats were exposed to multiple tone frequencies paired with VNS 300 times per day for 20 days. Auditory cortex responses were then examined following VNS-tone pairing therapy or no therapy. RESULTS: Our results indicate that Mecp2 mutation alters auditory cortex responses to sounds compared to WT controls. VNS-tone pairing in Mecp2 rats improves the cortical response strength to both tones and speech sounds compared to untreated Mecp2 rats. Additionally, VNS-tone pairing increased the information contained in the neural response that can be used to discriminate between different consonant sounds. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that VNS-sound pairing may represent a strategy to enhance auditory function in individuals with Rett syndrome.
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3. Augereau N, Lagdas I, Kermarrec S, Gicquel L, Martin V, Xavier J, Cohen D, Bouvet M, Rolland AC, Tordjman S. {{Premigration social adversity and autism spectrum disorder}}. {BJPsych Open};2020 (Aug 18);6(5):e92.
BACKGROUND: Several studies suggest significant relationships between migration and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but there are discrepant results. Given that no studies to date have included a pathological control group, the specificity of the results in ASD can be questioned. AIMS: To compare the migration experience (premigration, migratory trip, postmigration) in ASD and non-ASD pathological control groups, and study the relationships between migration and autism severity. METHOD: Parents’ and grandparents’ migrant status was compared in 30 prepubertal boys with ASD and 30 prepubertal boys without ASD but with language disorders, using a questionnaire including Human Development Index (HDI)/Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) of native countries. Autism severity was assessed using the Child Autism Rating Scale, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised scales. RESULTS: The parents’ and grandparents’ migrant status frequency did not differ between ASD and control groups and was not associated with autism severity. The HDI/IHDI values of native countries were significantly lower for parents and grandparents of children with ASD compared with the controls, especially for paternal grandparents. Furthermore, HDI/IDHI levels from the paternal line (father and especially paternal grandparents) were significantly negatively correlated with autism severity, particularly for social interaction impairments. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, parents’ and/or grandparents’ migrant status did not discriminate ASD and pathological control groups and did not contribute either to autism severity. However, the HDI/IHDI results suggest that social adversity-related stress experienced in native countries, especially by paternal grandparents, is potentially a traumatic experience that may play a role in ASD development. A ‘premigration theory of autism’ is then proposed.
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4. Bedford SA, Hunsche MC, Kerns CM. {{Co-occurrence, Assessment and Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Children and Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {Curr Psychiatry Rep};2020 (Aug 15);22(10):53.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to give an update on research in the past 5 years regarding the co-occurrence, assessment and treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). RECENT FINDINGS: Recent findings affirm not only a high prevalence of OCD amongst individuals with ASD (and vice versa) but also notable variability in assessment methods and results. There remain limited validated measures with which to assess OCD in those with ASD, which are often difficult to differentiate. Adapted and function-based CBT programs specifically designed for ASD demonstrate promising results, but additional randomised controlled trials are needed. Though some exciting progress has been made in the area of treatment of OCD in ASD, progress remains hampered by inconsistent measurement of OCD in ASD. Future priorities include development of brief, valid assessment tools and determining the efficacy and effectiveness of newly developed and adapted treatment programs.
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5. Bury SM, Flower RL, Zulla R, Nicholas DB, Hedley D. {{Workplace Social Challenges Experienced by Employees on the Autism Spectrum: An International Exploratory Study Examining Employee and Supervisor Perspectives}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2020 (Aug 18)
Social challenges represent a significantly under-researched area when it comes to the poor employment outcomes in autism. In this exploratory study employees on the autism spectrum (N = 29) and supervisors (N = 15), representing seven continents, provided 128 written examples of workplace-based social challenges, their interpretation, consequences and resolution. Content analysis revealed that types of social challenges were individually oriented or associated with the work-environment. Social challenges were frequently attributed to internal or personal factors with direct consequences for the employee. Resolutions were more frequently targeted toward the individual than the workplace, and hindered employees’ experience of work. This international study represents a first look at the types of social challenges that impact equitable work participation of autistic people.
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6. Chaliha D, Albrecht M, Vaccarezza M, Takechi R, Lam V, Al-Salami H, Mamo J. {{A Systematic Review of the Valproic-Acid-Induced Rodent Model of Autism}}. {Dev Neurosci};2020 (Aug 18):1-37.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by repetitive behaviours, cognitive rigidity/inflexibility, and social-affective impairment. Unfortunately, few pharmacological treatments exist to alleviate these socio-behavioural impairments. Prenatal administration of valproic acid (VPA) has become an accepted animal model of ASD and has been extensively used to explore new pharmacotherapies in rodents. We conducted a systematic review of the behavioural impairments induced by the VPA model in rodents, with specific reference to 3 core socio-behavioural alterations associated with ASD: repetitive behaviours, cognitive rigidity/inflexibility, and social-affective impairment. We systematically reviewed studies attempting to alleviate these core behavioural alterations using pharmacological means. We include 132 studies exploring the prenatal effects of VPA in rodents. Gestational exposure to VPA in rodents has significant effects on rodent-equivalent measures of the 3 core behavioural traits characteristic of ASD in humans, inducing social impairments, repetitive behaviour, and cognitive rigidity/inflexibility after birth. This model’s validity has seen it used to test potential drug treatments for ASD and is likely to continue doing so. We conclude the rodent VPA model may be suitable to examine future therapeutic interventions for ASD, providing an overview of the progress made so far.
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7. Chen B. {{A preliminary study of atypical cortical change ability of dynamic whole-brain functional connectivity in autism spectrum disorder}}. {Int J Neurosci};2020 (Aug 18):1-13.
OBJECTIVES: Designing new objectively diagnostic methods of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are burning questions. Dynamic functional connectivity (DFC) methodology based on fMRI data are an effective lever to investigate changeability evolution of signal synchronization in macroscopic neural activity patterns. METHODS: Embracing the network dynamics concepts, this paper introduces changeability index ([Formula: see text]-score)which is focused on time-varying aspects of FCs, and develops a new framework for researching the roots of ASD brains at resting states in holism significance. The important process is to uncover noticeable regions and subsystems endowed with antagonistic stance in [Formula: see text]-scores of between atypical and typical DFCs of 30 healthy controls (HCs) and 48 ASD patients. RESULTS: The abnormities of edge C-scores are found across widespread brain cortex in ASD brains. For whole brain regional C-scores of ASD patients, orbitofrontal middle cortex L, inferior triangular frontal gyrus L, middle occipital gyrus L, postcentral gyrus L, supramarginal L, supramarginal R, cerebellum 8 L, and cerebellum 10 Rare endowed with significantly different [Formula: see text]-scores.At brain subsystems level, C-scores in left hemisphere, right hemisphere, top hemisphere, bottom hemisphere, frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, cerebellum sub systems are abnormal in ASD patients. CONCLUSIONS: The ASD brains have whole-brain abnormity on widespread regions. Through the strict evidence-based study, it was found that the changeability index (C-score) is a meaningful biological marker to explore cortical activity in ASD.
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8. Chen LC, Chen MH, Hsu JW, Huang KL, Bai YM, Chen TJ, Wang PW, Pan TL, Su TP. {{Association of parental depression with offspring attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder: A nationwide birth cohort study}}. {J Affect Disord};2020 (Jul 19);277:109-114.
BACKGROUND: Studies have indicated that parental depression was slightly related to the increased risk of offspring attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the association between exposure to parental depression at different neurodevelopmental stages (i.e., perinatal or postnatal period) and subsequent ADHD and ASD development remained uncertain. METHOD: 708,515 children born between 2001 and 2008 were screened for ADHD and ASD based on ICD-9-CM codes of 314 and 299 given by psychiatrists from their birth to the end of 2011. Paternal and maternal depression was separately assessed during five periods, namely those before pregnancy (pre-pregnancy), during pregnancy (perinatal), and <1, 1-3, and >3 years after childbirth (postnatal). Cox regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Both paternal and maternal depression occurring in the pre-pregnancy, perinatal and postnatal periods were significantly associated with subsequent ADHD and ASD in the offspring, with hazard ratios between 1.42 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35-1.49) and 2.25 (2.09-2.41). The chronicity and additive effect of paternal and maternal depression were related to increased risks of offspring ADHD and ASD. The effects of maternal depression were stronger than the effects of paternal depression for offspring ADHD (HR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.27-1.45) and ASD (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.05-1.46) risks. CONCLUSION: Both paternal depression and maternal depression in the pre-pregnancy, perinatal and postnatal periods increases offspring ADHD and ASD risks, and these risks increase further with increases in the duration of parental depression and with the additive effect of parental and maternal depression.
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9. Ferguson EF, Drapalik KN, Liang J, Hua K, Feerst H, Mallory AB, Vernon TW. {{Social Interaction Skill Intervention for Autistic Adults with Intellectual Disability and Limited Language: A Pilot of the SKILL Program}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2020 (Aug 18)
There is a dearth of research that focuses on social intervention efforts for adults on the autism spectrum with intellectual disability and limited conversational language. Using a multiple baseline experimental design, this pilot investigation of the Socialization Knowledge for Individuals with Limited Language (SKILL) program evaluated a novel peer-facilitated group program specifically designed to target social interaction skills for this population. Findings from five pilot participants yielded evidence of social improvements across specific verbal skills (on-topic conversational contributions and responses) and nonverbal behaviors (eye-contact, active listening), as evidenced by coded social conversation probes and parent-report measures. These findings demonstrate the promise of a socialization intervention for a population that has historically been neglected in the social intervention research literature.
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10. Fertan E, Wong AA, Purdon MK, Weaver ICG, Brown RE. {{The Effect of Background Strain on the Behavioural Phenotypes of the MDGA2(+/-) Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {Genes Brain Behav};2020 (Aug 18):e12696.
The membrane-associated mucin (MAM) domain containing glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor 2 protein single knock-out mice (MDGA2(+/-) ) are models of ASD. We examined the behavioural phenotypes of male and female MDGA2(+/-) and wildtype mice on C57BL6/NJ and C57BL6/N backgrounds at 2 months of age and measured MDGA2, neuroligin 1 and neuroligin 2 levels at 7 months. Mice on the C57BL6/NJ background performed better than those on the C57BL6/N background in visual ability and in learning and memory performance in the Morris water maze and differed in measures of motor behavior and anxiety. Mice with the MDGA2(+/-) genotype differed from WT mice in motor, social and repetitive behaviour and anxiety, but most of these effects involved interactions between MDGA2(+/-) genotype and background strain. The background strain also influenced MDGA2 levels and NLGN2 association in MDGA2(+/-) mice. Our findings emphasize the importance of the background strain used in studies of genetically modified mice. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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11. Girardi A, Curran MS, Snyder BL. {{Healthy Intimate Relationships and the Adult With Autism}}. {J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc};2020 (Aug 18):1078390320949923.
OBJECTIVE: An adult faces many challenges; however, one experience that is often taken for granted by neurotypical individuals is building intimate relationships. The purpose of this article is to discuss the barriers for healthy intimate relationships for an individual with autism, strategies to overcome these barriers, recommendations for future practice and research, and resources to improve knowledge of this important yet overlooked topic. METHOD: Data collection was done using research journals and databases such as EBSCO, SAGE Knowledge, MEDLINE, and CINAHL. The reviewed articles were published from 2015 to the present time. During the search process, the following key phrases were used: autism spectrum disorder, intimate relationships, sexuality education, and social skills. In total, 1,400 articles were found with an additional 52 sources found through other sources, of which 31 met inclusion criteria and were subsequently reviewed. RESULTS: Although those with autism have many strengths and talents, deficits in communication and social interaction can affect the formation of healthy adult relationships, including friendships and romantic relationships. In addition to social challenges, a lack of education regarding safe and healthy relationships can put an individual with autism at risk. CONCLUSIONS: It is imperative that that individuals with autism, their families, and health care professionals are educated about the barriers and able to access educational resources and specialized curricula on this topic.
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12. Haas K, Gibbs V. {{Does a Person’s Autism Play a Role in Their Interactions with Police: The Perceptions of Autistic Adults and Parent/Carers}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2020 (Aug 18)
This study aimed to describe the impact that autistic characteristics (core features of autism and co-occurring conditions) have on interactions with police. Twelve autistic adults and 19 parent/carers were interviewed about interactions with police in the past 5 years. Using content analysis, it was found that in most (92.3%) interactions, autistic characteristics were described as having a role in the police interaction, either as a causal factor or more commonly by affecting the conduct of the interaction. In the latter case, the impact was associated with negative perceptions of the interaction. By sampling a more representative group across age, gender, functional abilities and context, this study provides insight into factors that underlie many autistic individual’s reported dissatisfaction with police interactions.
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13. Hartwell M, Keener A, Coffey S, Chesher T, Torgerson T, Vassar M. {{Brief Report: Public Awareness of Asperger Syndrome Following Greta Thunberg Appearances}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2020 (Aug 18)
Thunberg’s increased media attention coupled with her diagnosis-Asperger Syndrome (AS)-may foster help-seeking behaviors among those with similar psychiatric disorders. Using Google Trends data, we compared values of AS from the week of the UN Climate Summit through the end of the year compared to an ARIMA model predicting search interest had Thunberg not been in the media. The search trend for AS at peak was 254.07% higher than predicted and was on average 10.61 points above the projected model during this time. As the primary goal of AS intervention focuses on improving quality of life and preventing common comorbidities such as depression and anxiety, capitalizing on increased public interest in AS and help-seeking behaviors is imperative.
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14. Jones CRG, Barrett SL, Bite I, Legzdina M, Arina K, Higgins A, Honey K, Carrington SJ, Hay D, Condon J, Leekam SR. {{Development of the Signposting Questionnaire for Autism (SQ-A): measurement comparison with the 10-item Autism Spectrum Quotient-Child and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in the UK and Latvia}}. {Mol Autism};2020 (Aug 15);11(1):64.
BACKGROUND: Recognising the signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be a challenge for frontline professionals. The use of brief parent-completed questionnaires for recording the signs of ASD in school-aged children may be an important and efficient contributor to professional insight. However, to date, such questionnaires have not been designed to be used in coordination with current standardised Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnostic tools. Furthermore, the measurement characteristics of such questionnaires have been unexplored across countries that differ in levels of national autism service provision and cultural interpretation of the signs of ASD. METHODS: A new 14-item questionnaire (Signposting Questionnaire for Autism (SQ-A)) was developed using published DSM-5 items from a clinical interview, the Diagnostic Interview for Social Communication Disorders (DISCO). Measurement comparison was tested with the Short Autism Spectrum Quotient-Child (AQ-10) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Parents of 4-11-year-old children in the UK (N = 200) and Latvia (N = 104) completed all three questionnaires. Information on clinical diagnosis provided by parents led to classification into three groups: ASD diagnosis, other conditions and no conditions. In the UK, a subsample of teachers also provided cross-informant reliability. RESULTS: In both countries, there was evidence of acceptable to good internal consistency for the SQ-A, with significantly higher scores for the ASD group and evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. There was also good parent-teacher reliability for the three measures. Notably, the questionnaires designed specifically to measure autism (SQ-A, AQ-10) performed more similarly to one another compared to the broader SDQ, with differences found for the ASD group. The overall pattern of responding to the three questionnaires was highly similar between countries. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate the potential of the 14-item SQ-A to guide frontline professionals in the recognition of the signs of autism in children, facilitating the provision of appropriate support.
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15. Kanney ML, Durmer JS, Trotti LM, Leu R. {{Rethinking bedtime resistance in children with autism: is restless legs syndrome to blame?}}. {J Clin Sleep Med};2020 (Aug 17)
STUDY OBJECTIVES: In this study we investigated the clinical correlates of restless legs syndrome in children with autism and report on our experiences with response to treatment. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of children seen in our sleep center from 2016-2019 was performed to identify children with autism and chronic insomnia. Patients underwent clinical assessments for restless legs symptomatology. Overnight polysomnogram, serum ferritin testing, and response to clinical treatment data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 103 children with autism and chronic insomnia were identified (age range 2 – 19 years). Of these, 41 children (39%) were diagnosed with restless legs syndrome. The diagnosis of restless legs syndrome was associated with significantly lower serum ferritin levels (mean 29 ±18.62 ng/mL versus non-RLS 56.7 ± 17.59, P<0.001) and higher PLMS on PSG (8.12 ± 6.6 versus non-RLS 0.06 ±0.17). The presence of leg kicking, body rocking, or any symptoms involving the legs, highly correlated with the diagnosis of RLS. Positive treatment response was noted in nearly all treated patients, including those treated with oral iron supplementation alone (25 children, 23 responders), gabapentin alone (12 children, all responders), and combination therapy (3 children, all responders). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest restless legs syndrome may represent an underrecognized cause of insomnia in children with autism. Initial assessment should include a thorough query of behaviors related to nocturnal motor complaints, because restless legs syndrome may be a treatable cause of sleep disruption. Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
16. Kersten M, Coxon K, Lee H, Wilson NJ. {{Independent Community Mobility and Driving Experiences of Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A Scoping Review}}. {Am J Occup Ther};2020 (Sep/Oct);74(5):7405205140p7405205141-7405205140p7405205117.
IMPORTANCE: Autistic adults face decreased community participation for employment, education, and social activities plus barriers to driving and transportation. However, little is known about their experiences of moving around community environments. OBJECTIVE: To explore contextual issues and experiences of independent community mobility and driving for autistic adults and to determine the modes of community mobility, regions studied, and methodologies used. DATA SOURCES: Seven databases were searched from 2000 to 2019. All empirical research relating to autism, community mobility, and driving for people older than age 5 yr was mapped. Studies examining experiences of community mobility and driving were selected for scoping review. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA COLLECTION: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews methodology was used. Thirteen studies reporting specifically on autistic adults’ experiences with public transportation, driving, and pedestrian navigation of community environments were included. These studies were analyzed using concepts from the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance Model. FINDINGS: Nine studies examined experiences of autistic adults. Seven studies explored proxy perspectives. Those studies examining driving primarily focused on learner driver experiences. Although most studies reported on personal and environmental factors, some studies reported on broader social communication and personal narrative factors. None used inclusive methodology involving autistic adults. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: A broader focus on the contextual experiences of community mobility and driving is needed to support participation of autistic adults in their communities. Linking community mobility experiences with participation outcomes and expanding research to include experienced drivers and nonurban populations is an important component of this work. WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS: Occupational therapy interventions should address community mobility and driving skills before school transition. Autistic adults’ skill development may be affected by person factors such as motivation, anxiety, social skills, communication, and occupational performance desires. Environmental factors such as parental concerns, community safety, pedestrian environments, traffic volume, and public transportation design are important. Further research partnering with autistic adults could better inform future occupational therapy interventions for community mobility and driving.
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17. Lai KYC, Leung PWL, Hung SF, Shea CKS, Mo F, Che KKI, Tse CY, Lau FLF, Ma SL, Wu JCY, So S, Dadds MR. {{Gastrointestinal Problems in Chinese Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat};2020;16:1807-1815.
PURPOSE: Gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorder may constitute a subgroup with complex gut-brain interactions underlying the pathogenesis. This study examined the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in a sample of Chinese children with autism spectrum disorder, as well as the factors related to them. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The participants included a clinic sample of 107 children with autism spectrum disorder and 249 gender- and age-matched typically developing community children. RESULTS: Results found children with autism spectrum disorder to be twice as likely to suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms, reporting increased rates of constipation, abdominal migraine and aerophagia. Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis remained a significant predictor of gastrointestinal symptoms after taking into account the potential confounders that included comorbid psychopathologies, diets, and parental anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that autism spectrum disorder with gastrointestinal symptoms may constitute a subgroup within the autism spectrum disorder population that warrants further investigation.
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18. Lei J, Russell A. {{I Have a Fear of Negative Evaluation, Get Me Out of Here! Examining Latent Constructs of Social Anxiety and Autistic Traits in Neurotypical and Autistic Young People}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2020 (Aug 18)
Understanding shared and unique constructs underlying social communication difficulties in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) can address potential diagnostic overshadowing when evaluating SAD in the context of autism. Using self-report measures, factor analyses examined constructs underlying autistic traits, social anxiety, internalising symptoms and wellbeing amongst 267 neurotypical (17-19 years) and 145 autistic (15-22 years) students in the UK. Shared constructs across measures assessed general social communication competency (e.g., social distress in new situations and peer relationships). Fear of Negative Evaluation (FNE) was identified in both samples as a stable construct unique to social anxiety. Adapting interventions targeting SAD in autism should target FNE during adolescence which marks a period of heightened peer interaction and social vulnerability.
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19. McBride GR, Stephenson KAJ, Comer G, Flanagan O. {{The Use of Oral Midazolam to Facilitate the Ophthalmic Examination of Children with Autism and Developmental Disorders}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2020 (Aug 18)
Ophthalmic examinations of developmentally delayed/autistic children are challenging. Oral midazolam may be a viable alternative to general anaesthesia for this indication. Single-centre retrospective cohort study (January 2018-March 2020). Oral midazolam (0.5 mg/kg, max 15 mg). Metrics included: patient demographics, examination completion rate, duration of stay and adverse events. 50 oral midazolam examinations were performed (45 patients). Mean age was 79.12 months. All had developmental delay (66.67% autism). Time to ophthalmic examination was 60.31 minutes. Eye examination was successfully completed in 98%. No adverse events were reported. Mean stay was 3.35 hours. Oral midazolam (0.5 mg/kg, max 15 mg) is associated with safe, successful completion of ophthalmic examinations in children previously unexaminable in clinic.
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20. Miranda-Lourenço C, Duarte ST, Palminha C, Gaspar C, Rodrigues TM, Magalhães-Cardoso T, Colino-Oliveira M, Gomes R, Ferreira S, Xapelli S, Armstrong J, García-Cazorla À, Correia-de-Sá P, Sebastião AM, Diógenes MJ. {{Impairment of adenosinergic system in Rett syndrome: Novel therapeutic target to boost BDNF signalling}}. {Neurobiol Dis};2020 (Aug 13):105043.
Rett syndrome (RTT; OMIM#312750) is mainly caused by mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene (methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene; OMIM*300005), which leads to impairments in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signalling. The boost of BDNF mediated effects would be a significant breakthrough but it has been hampered by the difficulty to administer BDNF to the central nervous system. Adenosine, an endogenous neuromodulator, may accomplish that role since through A(2A)R it potentiates BDNF synaptic actions in healthy animals. We thus characterized several hallmarks of the adenosinergic and BDNF signalling in RTT and explored whether A(2A)R activation could boost BDNF actions. For this study, the RTT animal model, the Mecp2 knockout (Mecp2(-/y)) (B6.129P2 (C)-Mecp2tm1.1Bird/J) mouse was used. Whenever possible, parallel data was also obtained from post-mortem brain samples from one RTT patient. Ex vivo extracellular recordings of field excitatory post-synaptic potentials in CA1 hippocampal area were performed to evaluate synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation (LTP). RT-PCR was used to assess mRNA levels and Western Blot or radioligand binding assays were performed to evaluate protein levels. Changes in cortical and hippocampal adenosine content were assessed by liquid chromatography with diode array detection (LC/DAD). Hippocampal ex vivo experiments revealed that the facilitatory actions of BDNF upon LTP is absent in Mecp2(-/y) mice and that TrkB full-length (TrkB-FL) receptor levels are significantly decreased. Extracts of the hippocampus and cortex of Mecp2(-/y) mice revealed less adenosine amount as well as less A(2A)R protein levels when compared to WT littermates, which may partially explain the deficits in adenosinergic tonus in these animals. Remarkably, the lack of BDNF effect on hippocampal LTP in Mecp2(-/y) mice was overcome by selective activation of A(2A)R with CGS2168. Overall, in Mecp2(-/y) mice there is an impairment on adenosinergic system and BDNF signalling. These findings set the stage for adenosine-based pharmacological therapeutic strategies for RTT, highlighting A(2A)R as a therapeutic target in this devastating pathology.
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21. Natale R, Weerakoon S, Woody MT, Kolomeyer E, Pena K, Schladant M, Bulotsky-Shearer RJ, Messiah SE. {{Parent Concerns Regarding Pediatric Obesity in Community-Based Programs Serving Children with Developmental Disabilities}}. {Child Care Health Dev};2020 (Aug 16)
BACKGROUND: Previous studies show a higher prevalence of obesity among preschool-age children with developmental disabilities (DD) versus children who are typically developing (TD). Little is known about parent concerns about obesity in young children with DD. The purpose of this study was to examine concerns regarding pediatric obesity among parents who had a preschool-age child with DD compared to parents with a child who is TD. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis occurred at baseline entry into one of three community-based programs. Parents of a child with DD (n=815) or TD (n=563) were asked obesity-related questions about their child and in general. Multinomial and logistic regression unadjusted and adjusted models were run to generate the odds of obesity concerns based on disability status. RESULTS: The average child age was 38 months. Parent concerns about pediatric obesity differed by disability status. Unadjusted odds of parents ‘doing anything to control their child’s weight’ was 38% lower among parents of a child with DD versus TD (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.82). The adjusted odds of perceiving that their child was underweight was 83% higher among parents of a child with DD compared to parents of a child who is TD (aOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.27, 2.64). Parents of a child with DD were 179% more likely to believe that childhood obesity is a public health problem (aOR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.88, 3.96). The models were adjusted for age, sex, and race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that parents of preschool age children with DD are more likely to acknowledge that obesity is a public health concern. Since some parents of children with DD are concerned about their child’s weight, families of preschool-age children with DD may be receptive to the delivery of healthy weight strategies in community-based programs.
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22. Neece C, McIntyre LL, Fenning R. {{Examining the impact of COVID-19 in ethnically diverse families with young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities}}. {J Intellect Disabil Res};2020 (Aug 18)
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic introduced challenges to families with young children with developmental delays. Beyond the widespread concerns surrounding illness, loss of employment and social isolation, caregivers are responsible for overseeing their children’s educational and therapeutic programmes at home often without the much needed support of professionals. METHOD: The present study sought to examine the impact of COVID-19 in 77 ethnically, linguistically and socioeconomically diverse families with young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in California and Oregon, who were participating in larger intervention studies. Parents responded to five interview questions about the impact of the pandemic, services for their child, silver linings or positive aspects, coping and their concerns about the long-term impact of the pandemic. RESULTS: Parents reported that their biggest challenge was being at home caring for their children with the loss of many essential services. Parents reported some positive aspects of the pandemic, especially being together as a family. Although there were positive aspects of the situation, many parents expressed concern about long-term impacts of the pandemic on their children’s development, given the loss of services, education and social engagement opportunities. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that parents of young children with IDD report significant challenges at home during the pandemic. Professional support, especially during the reopening phases, will be critical to support family well-being and child developmental outcomes.
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23. Rabeyron T, Robledo Del Canto JP, Carasco E, Bisson V, Bodeau N, Vrait FX, Berna F, Bonnot O. {{A randomized controlled trial of 25 sessions comparing music therapy and music listening for children with autism spectrum disorder}}. {Psychiatry Res};2020 (Aug 8);293:113377.
BACKGROUND: Music therapy is based on the use of musical elements by a trained and qualified therapist. Clinical researches have suggested that children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) may benefit from MT. In this regard, this study examines if MT is more effective than simply listening to music for children with ASD. METHOD: A 8-month RCT has been carried out comparing music therapy (MT) to music listening (ML) for children with ASD aged from 4 to 7 years old. Thirty-seven participants were randomly assigned to one of the two groups (MT vs. ML). The outcome measures were the Clinical Global Impression (CGI), the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) in each condition (MT and ML). RESULTS: CGI scores decreased more for participants in the MT than in the ML condition. This clinical improvement was associated with an improvement of autistic symptoms on lethargy and stereotypy ABC subscales. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that music therapy is more efficient than music listening for children with ASD. The present study thus supports the consideration of MT as a rightful add-on to ASD healthcare programs.
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24. Schwartzman JM, Corbett BA. {{Higher depressive symptoms in early adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder by self- and parent-report compared to typically-developing peers}}. {Res Autism Spectr Disord};2020 (Sep);77
BACKGROUND: Depression is more prevalent among male early adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) than their typically- developing (TD) peers, but findings are limited to two male-only studies. Therefore, a broader understanding of depressive symptoms among both male and female early adolescents with ASD in larger samples is needed. Self- and parent-ratings are frequently used, yet rater differences may emerge and provide unique insights. METHOD: Ratings of adolescent depressive symptoms were examined among 230 early adolescents (10:0-13:5 years) with and without ASD using self- (Children’s Depression Inventory, Second Edition; CDI-2) and parent- report (Child Behavior Checklist; CBCL) measures. The influence of diagnostic group (ASD vs. TD) and rater (early adolescent vs. parent) on ratings were examined with Full Scale IQ and sex as covariates. Additionally, the reliability and strength of agreement between raters were examined. RESULTS: Higher depressive symptoms were reported by both raters in the ASD group (Borderline range) compared to the TD group (Average range). The interaction of diagnostic group and rater was nonsignificant, but significant main effects emerged. Sex was a significant covariate, but Full Scale IQ was not. The reliability and strength of agreement between raters in the ASD group only were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that depressive symptoms may be higher in both male and female early adolescents with ASD across self- and parent- reports. However, measurement of depression in ASD may be complicated by nonsignificant reliability and strength of agreement between raters. Results have implications for screening and intervention for early adolescents with ASD.
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25. Skewes JC, Kemp T, Paton B, Hohwy J. {{How are attention, learning, and social cognition related on the non-clinical autistic spectrum?}}. {Acta Psychol (Amst)};2020 (Aug 12);210:103157.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – and autistic traits more generally – are associated with a heterogeneous pattern of differences in cognitive function. These include differences in associative learning, attention, and processing of social information. All three cognitive functions have importance in clinical, educational, and research contexts. The present study investigates the relationships between these functions in the context of autistic traits in the neurotypical population. In an online study, we asked a group of over 400 people to complete the Autism Spectrum Quotient questionnaire. We also asked participants to complete one of two standard attentional learning paradigms – either a Kamin blocking or an attentional highlighting task. To investigate the relation of attention and learning to social information processing, we incorporated social cues in one of each kind of paradigm. We found Kamin blocking increased with increasing number of autistic traits, in particular the sub-trait attention switching, but only for non-social cues. We found that highlighting decreased with increasing number of traits, in particular the sub-trait communication, but only for social cues. We interpret these findings as evidence of a crucial role for attention in other characteristics of the broader autistic phenotype, and discuss the relevance of these results for cognitive explanations of autistic traits and symptoms.
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26. Tsukamoto M, Taura S, Yamanaka H, Hitosugi T, Yokoyama T. {{Prediction of appropriate formula for nasotracheal tube size in developmental disability children}}. {Clin Oral Investig};2020 (Aug 17)
OBJECTIVES: Developmental disability children have differences in growth. Therefore, tube size selection is important for nasotracheal intubation. In our previous study for healthy children undergoing dental surgery, height was the most suitable factor to predict nasotracheal tube size. The aim of this study was to find the most suitable formula for selection of nasotracheal tube size for them, retrospectively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Developmental disability children aged 2 to 10 years were included in this study. They were intubated nasotracheally from April 2012 until May 2017. Their actually intubated tube sizes were checked. The predicted tube sizes were calculated according to the formulas by the backgrounds: the diameter of the trachea at the 6th cervical (C6), 7th cervical (C7), and 2nd thoracic vertebrae (T2) in X-ray. The actually intubated tube sizes were compared with predicted sizes. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s regression analysis. RESULTS: The tube sizes with 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 mm ID were intubated in 75 patients. The age-based formula was the most suitable; the correlation coefficients (r(2)) were 0.9027 (vs age), 0.5434 (vs height), 0.3779 (vs weight), 0.0785 (vs C6), 0.2279 (vs C7), and 0.3065 (Th2) (p < 0.01). However, 0.5-mm smaller size tubes were more frequently intubated actually. Their correspondence rate to the predicted size was 48% (5.0 mm), 52% (5.5 mm), and 39% (6.0 mm), respectively. CONCLUSION: The age-based formula could be the most suitable for predicting nasotracheal tube size in developmental disability children aged 2 to 10 years. One smaller size by the age formula was most suitable at first trial tube. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present data indicate that the selection of nasotracheal tube using one smaller size by the age formula (ID = 4 + age [years]/4) might be useful for developmental disability children. Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
27. Whelan M, McGillivray J, Rinehart NJ. {{The Association Between Autism Spectrum Traits and the Successful Transition to Mainstream Secondary School in an Australian School-Based Sample}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2020 (Aug 18)
The transition to secondary school is an important educational milestone impacting wellbeing and academic achievement. Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder may be vulnerable during transition however little is known about how Autism Spectrum (AS) traits influence transition outcomes. Generalised estimating equations were used to examine how AS traits were associated with four indicators of successful transition in a school-based sample of 51 students. Higher AS traits were associated with lower quality of life, school belonging and mental health, however the hypothesised decline after school transition was not supported. Characteristics of both the primary and secondary school appeared to be contributing to the wellbeing of students with high AS traits which could be clarified by further investigation with a larger sample.
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28. Yassin W, Nakatani H, Zhu Y, Kojima M, Owada K, Kuwabara H, Gonoi W, Aoki Y, Takao H, Natsubori T, Iwashiro N, Kasai K, Kano Y, Abe O, Yamasue H, Koike S. {{Machine-learning classification using neuroimaging data in schizophrenia, autism, ultra-high risk and first-episode psychosis}}. {Transl Psychiatry};2020 (Aug 17);10(1):278.
Neuropsychiatric disorders are diagnosed based on behavioral criteria, which makes the diagnosis challenging. Objective biomarkers such as neuroimaging are needed, and when coupled with machine learning, can assist the diagnostic decision and increase its reliability. Sixty-four schizophrenia, 36 autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and 106 typically developing individuals were analyzed. FreeSurfer was used to obtain the data from the participant’s brain scans. Six classifiers were utilized to classify the subjects. Subsequently, 26 ultra-high risk for psychosis (UHR) and 17 first-episode psychosis (FEP) subjects were run through the trained classifiers. Lastly, the classifiers’ output of the patient groups was correlated with their clinical severity. All six classifiers performed relatively well to distinguish the subject groups, especially support vector machine (SVM) and Logistic regression (LR). Cortical thickness and subcortical volume feature groups were most useful for the classification. LR and SVM were highly consistent with clinical indices of ASD. When UHR and FEP groups were run with the trained classifiers, majority of the cases were classified as schizophrenia, none as ASD. Overall, SVM and LR were the best performing classifiers. Cortical thickness and subcortical volume were most useful for the classification, compared to surface area. LR, SVM, and DT’s output were clinically informative. The trained classifiers were able to help predict the diagnostic category of both UHR and FEP Individuals.
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29. Yoder PJ, Stone WL, Edmunds SR. {{Parent utilization of ImPACT intervention strategies is a mediator of proximal then distal social communication outcomes in younger siblings of children with ASD}}. {Autism};2020 (Aug 18):1362361320946883.
Later born siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are at elevated risk for language delay or ASD. One way to manage this risk may be for parents to use techniques taught in Improving Parents as Communication Teachers (ImPACT) with the younger siblings during the period in which language delay and ASD may be too subtle to be diagnosed. ImPACT targets children’s play, imitation, and communication skills. Improvement in these skills may reduce the severity of language delays and social communication deficits associated with ASD. In this study, 97 younger siblings of children with ASD and their primary parents were randomly assigned to ImPACT or a control group. We measured whether parents used ImPACT teaching strategies and whether children used the skills that ImPACT targets. We also measured children’s later language ability and social communication skills. The results confirmed our predictions that parents’ use of ImPACT strategies improves language ability by improving children’s motor imitation and communication skills. Use of ImPACT also had a positive effect on children’s language delay and ASD symptoms, supporting the clinical value of the findings. The study’s methodological strengths make this one of the most rigorous tests of ImPACT and supports one way to manage the risk of language delay and ASD in younger siblings of children with ASD.
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30. Yoder PJ, Stone WL, Edmunds SR. {{For which younger siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder does parent-mediated intervention work?}}. {Autism};2020 (Aug 18):1362361320943373.
In this second of two primary papers, we examined two pre-intervention characteristics that might describe for whom a parent-implemented intervention, « Improving Parents As Communication Teachers, » worked. Investigators randomized 97 high-risk siblings and their primary parent to either the Improving Parents As Communication Teachers or control group, used intent-to-treat analysis, and used assessors and coders who were blinded to group assignment. We predicted that a combined risk score (incorporating young siblings’ sex, multiplex status, and behavioral risk) would describe the subgroup for whom Improving Parents As Communication Teachers affected the targeted skills related to reducing communication challenges. We also predicted that pre-intervention level of parents’ depressive symptoms would describe the parents whose parenting stress and effectiveness as parents would be improved by learning to use Improving Parents As Communication Teachers. In girls with only one older sibling with autism spectrum disorder and who scored at low risk on an autism spectrum disorder screen, parental receipt of Improving Parents As Communication Teachers training had an indirect effect on children’s expressive language ability or autism spectrum disorder diagnosis through earlier effects on high-risk siblings’ intentional communication or expressive vocabulary. We did not confirm our prediction regarding Improving Parents As Communication Teachers’ effect on parenting-related stress or sense of parenting effectiveness.
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31. Zhang SH, Wang P, Yang BR, Zhong YY, Wang YF. {{[Characteristics of executive function in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder comorbid with high functioning autism]}}. {Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi};2020 (Aug 18);100(31):2446-2451.
Objective: To explore the characteristics of executive function in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder comorbid with high functioning autism. Methods: A total of 165 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD group), 65 children with attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder comorbid with high functioning autism (ADHD-HFA group), and 84 healthy controls (control group) (based on the criteria of DSM-5) were recruited from the Outpatient Clinic of Child Healthcare Department of Shen Zhen Children’s Hospital. The Rey complex figure test (RCFT), trail making test (TMT), Stroop color-word test were used to assess working memory, shifting and inhibition. Results: ADHD group (2.1±1.9, 7±5, 2.1±2.0 and 7±5) and ADHD-HFA group (2.0±2.0, 7±6, 2.0±2.1 and 6±5) performed worse than control group (3.4±2.0, 10±5, 3.4±2.0 and 10±6) in Rey complex figure test (all P<0.05). ADHD group ((171±8) s, (27.40±0.82) s and (52.29±1.62) s) and ADHD-HFA group ((197±11) s, (29.7±1.1) s and (58.6±2.1) s) group took longer time on the TMT-2, Stroop2 and Stroop4 test than control group ((135±18) s, (22.4±1.9) s and (38.7±3.8) s) (all P<0.05). In children with low intelligence quotient (IQ), ADHD group ((30±8) s) and ADHD-HFA group ((34±9) s) performed worse on Stroop3 test than control group ((20±4) s) (all P<0.05). In children with average IQ, ADHD group ((19±5) s and (24±8) s) took longer time on the Stroop1 and Stroop3 test than control group ((16±3) s and (19±4) s) (all P<0.05). In children with high IQ, ADHD-HFA group ((20±8) s) spent more time on Stroop1 than control group ((15±4) s) (P<0.05). Inattention symptoms were associated with the time on TMT-2 of ADHD-HFA group (r=0.275 and 0.329, all P<0.05). The score of item 1 in autism spectrum screening questionnaire (ASSQ) was negatively correlated with immediate recall structure and detail scores as well as delay structure scores of Rey complex figure test (r=-0.358, -0.326 and -0.306, all P<0.05). The score of item 4 was positively correlated with errors of Stroop4 (r=0.296, P<0.05). The score of item 22 was positively correlated with time of color interference (r=0.279, P<0.05). Conclusions: Children with ADHD-HFA are likely to demonstrate the spatial working memory, shifting and inhibition deficits associated with ADHD alone. Some domains of executive function impairment in ADHD-HFA group are related with symptoms of inattention/hyperactivity and autism. Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
32. Zhong H, Xiao R, Ruan R, Liu H, Li X, Cai Y, Zhao J, Fan X. {{Neonatal curcumin treatment restores hippocampal neurogenesis and improves autism-related behaviors in a mouse model of autism}}. {Psychopharmacology (Berl)};2020 (Aug 15)
RATIONALE: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction, repetitive stereotyped behaviors, and cognitive impairments. Curcumin has been indicated to be neuroprotective against neurological and psychological disorders. However, the role of curcumin in autistic phenotypes remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: In the current study, we evaluated the effects of neonatal curcumin treatment on behavior and hippocampal neurogenesis in BTBRT(+)ltpr3(tf)/J (BTBR) mice, a model of autism. METHODS: C57BL/6J (C57) and BTBR mouse pups were treated with 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or curcumin (20 mg/kg) from postnatal day 6 (P6) to P8. Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) were evaluated on P8, and neurogenesis was measured on P24 by immunofluorescence. A battery of behavioral tests was carried out when the mice were 8 weeks of age. RESULTS: Neonatal curcumin treatment improved autism-related symptoms in BTBR mice, enhancing sociability, reducing repetitive behaviors, and ameliorating cognitive impairments. Furthermore, the suppression of hippocampal neurogenesis in BTBR mice was greatly rescued after neonatal curcumin treatment, leading to an increase in neurogenic processes and an increase in NPC proliferation concomitant with an expansion of the NPC pool on P8, and NPC differentiation towards the neuronal lineage was promoted in the DG of BTBR mice on P24. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that neonatal curcumin treatment elicits a therapeutic response through the restoration of hippocampal neurogenesis in BTBR mice and thus may represent a promising novel pharmacological strategy for ASD treatment.
