1. Bhoopathi V, Wells C, Ramos-Gomez F, Atchison KA. Difficulty with Oral Health Complications in Adolescents with Developmental Disability and Obesity. JDR clinical and translational research. 2022: 23800844221090447.

INTRODUCTION: Developmental disabilities (DDs), obesity, and dental caries are highly prevalent health conditions among adolescents. Evidence indicates that a significant proportion of adolescents with DDs are obese, and those with obesity and dental caries share common risk factors. OBJECTIVE: In this first-ever US-based cross-sectional national study, we assessed the likelihood of adolescents with DDs and obesity experiencing chronic difficulty with decayed teeth, toothaches, bleeding gums, and eating and swallowing due to a health condition among adolescents with DDs and obesity compared to adolescents with no DDs or obesity. METHODS: For this secondary data analysis study, we used data of 68,942 adolescents aged 10 to 17 y from the 2016 through 2019 National Survey of Children’s Health. Weighted descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted. Four multiple logistic regression models predicting chronic difficulty in the past 12 mo with decayed teeth, toothaches, bleeding gums, and eating and swallowing due to a health condition were conducted, controlling for other variables. RESULTS: The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of experiencing chronic difficulty in the past 12 mo for adolescents with no DDs or obesity was significantly lower for decayed teeth (aOR, 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51-0.80; P < 0.0001), toothaches (aOR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.30-0.60; P < 0.0001), bleeding gums (aOR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.33-0.70; P < 0.0001), and eating or swallowing due to a health condition (aOR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.20-0.57; P < 0.0001) compared to adolescents with both DDs and obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study indicate that DD adolescents with obesity have more/greater impending oral health needs than adolescents with no DDs or obesity. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: Results of this study highlight the high oral health needs and the chronic difficulty adolescents with developmental disabilities and obesity experience compared to adolescents without developmental disabilities and obesity. Targeted oral health policies and interventions that will promote oral health among this high-risk group are recommended.

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2. Chan KKS, Yip CCH, Leung DCK. Longitudinal impact of self-stigma content and process on parental warmth and hostility among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 2022.

This study examined whether self-stigma content and process would prospectively influence parental warmth and hostility through increasing parenting stress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). On three occasions across two years, 441 Hong Kong parents of children with ASD provided questionnaire data. Path analyses showed that self-stigma content and process were associated with greater parenting stress, which was, in turn, associated with reduced parental warmth and increased parental hostility. Our findings reveal the longitudinal influences of self-stigma on parenting practices and demonstrate how these influences can be explained by parenting stress. Our findings also suggest the importance of supporting parents of children with ASD to mitigate self-stigma and associated parenting stress in improving their parenting practices.

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3. Colombet C, Alcaraz C, de la Tribonnière X, Morsa M, Rattaz C, Baghdadli A. Self-reported needs of caregivers of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 2022.

OBJECTIVES: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a major impact on caregivers. We aimed to describe caregivers’ perceptions concerning their level of knowledge about ASD and their needs to better adapt education and training programs. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted through a declarative and self-administered survey in France. RESULTS: 1,013 individuals answered the questionnaire in 2020. If most caregivers felt they had sufficient knowledge about ASD, they still expressed a high level of needs regarding acquiring knowledge, identifying available resources, and finding social/emotional support. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the high level of needs of caregivers and their expectations of improving their knowledge and skills to help the person with ASD.

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4. Cooper M, Farkas G. High School Math and Motivation for autistic students. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 2022.

Analyzing data from students in the NCES High School Longitudinal Study dataset, we drew upon expectancy-value theory to examine the role of student motivation (measured by self-efficacy, identity, utility, and interest), as mediators between 9th grade math test scores and final math GPA for autistic students. In predicting final high school math GPA, math identity was the strongest predictor for autistic students with above average test scores. Findings for autistic students contrast with results for non-autistic students whose final math GPA is strongly predicted by the direct effects of 9th grade test scores. These results suggest that seeing oneself as a « math person » may be particularly influential for autistic students with higher 9th grade math performance.

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5. Dovgan K, Gynegrowski K, Ferguson BJ. Bidirectional relationship between internalizing symptoms and gastrointestinal problems in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 2022.

Many youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience co-occurring conditions, such as gastrointestinal (GI) problems and internalizing symptoms. However, the relationship among these co-occurring problems is not well-understood. We analyzed parent reports of GI problems and internalizing symptoms of 621 youth with ASD using path models in a structural equation modeling framework. The best-fitting model was a bidirectional model wherein internalizing symptoms, including withdrawn and anxious behavior, were correlated with GI problems, including constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. This study provides a better understanding of the relationship among co-occurring conditions in youth with ASD and should encourage clinicians to consider treatment of underlying internalizing symptoms or GI problems when providing services for individuals with ASD.

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6. Fears NE, Templin TN, Sherrod GM, Bugnariu NL, Patterson RM, Miller HL. Autistic Children Use Less Efficient Goal-Directed Whole Body Movements Compared to Neurotypical Development. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 2022.

Autistic children have differences in their movements which impact their functional performance. Virtual-reality enables researchers to study movement in safe, engaging environments. We used motion-capture to measure how 7-13-year-old autistic and neurotypical children make whole-body movements in a virtual-reality task. Although children in both groups were successful, we observed differences in their movements. Autistic children were less efficient moving to the target. Autistic children did not appear to use a movement strategy. While neurotypical children were more likely to overshoot near targets and undershoot far targets, autistic children did not modulate their strategy. Using kinematic data from tasks in virtual-reality, we can begin to understand the pattern of movement challenges experienced by autistic children.

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7. Hughes DM, Vento-Wilson M, Boyd LE. Direct Speech-Language Intervention Effects on Augmentative and Alternative Communication System Use in Adults With Developmental Disabilities in a Naturalistic Environment. American journal of speech-language pathology. 2022: 1-16.

PURPOSE: Research involving the effects of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention in adults, especially in naturalistic settings, has been identified as a critical public health need. Despite rapid advances in high-tech AAC, many adults with developmental disabilities have experienced reduced access to assistive technology and AAC, which can function as a de facto environmental barrier to participation, for these individuals. As a means of decreasing barriers to participation, this study targeted skill increases in the operational, linguistic, social, and strategic use of AAC systems. METHOD: This study used a preexperimental, single-case AB design to identify skill level changes in the operational, linguistic, social, and strategic use of their AAC system from baseline to the completion of intervention. The four adult participants with developmental disabilities and limited use of natural speech as a primary modality of communication were identified through a collaborative relationship between a communication sciences and disorder university program and a state-run adult day program for individuals who had aged out of the K-12 school system. Each participant received direct intervention in the four areas described across 7 weeks. RESULTS: Visual analysis and percent of nonoverlap of all pairs were used to identify changes in performance occurring between baseline and the conclusion of the intervention period. Results revealed increases across the specific skills, with individuals’ variation across participants and target area. Out of 22 total goals targeted, strong effect sizes were observed for 10 goals and moderate effect sizes were observed for seven. CONCLUSIONS: Skill increases in the four areas of AAC system use can be achieved with direct intervention in adults with developmental disabilities and limited use of natural speech as a primary modality of communication. This approach also underscores the value of collaborations between university training programs, providers of adult services, and adult participants as a cost-effective strategy for service delivery.

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8. Jones A, Rogers K, Sullivan K, Viljoen N. An evaluation of the diagnostic validity of the structured questionnaires of the adult Asperger’s Assessment. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 2022.

The Adult Autism Quotient (AQ), the Empathy Quotient (EQ) and the Relative’s Questionnaire (RQ) were used as part of the Adult Asperger’s Assessment (AAA) by a diagnostic service for adults without an intellectual disability with suspected autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This service is part of the National Health Service (NHS) in England. Little is known about the utility of these structured questionnaires despite wide use in clinical practice. It was investigated whether the questionnaires could discriminate between individuals with and without a diagnosis of ASD. Receiver Operating Curve analysis showed good levels of sensitivity to detect a positive diagnosis, but the specificity to exclude those without a diagnosis was poor. A binary logistic regression showed that a combination of the questionnaires also showed limited diagnostic validity. These findings have clinical implications in reviewing the efficiency of the assessment process.

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9. Klusek J, O’Connor SL, Hickey A, Hills KJ, Abbeduto L, Roberts JE. Attention/Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adolescent and Young Adult Males With Fragile X Syndrome. American journal on intellectual and developmental disabilities. 2022; 127(3): 213-30.

This study characterized the rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescent and young adult males with fragile X syndrome (FXS) using a multi-method approach integrating a DSM-based parent interview (Children’s Interview for Psychiatric Syndromes; P-ChIPS, Fristad et al., 1998) and a parent rating scale (Child Behavior Checklist; CBCL, Achenbach, 2001). Thirty-one males with FXS, aged 16-24 years, participated. Forty-two percent met DSM-5 criteria for ADHD and 35% exceeded the CBCL cut-offs. Agreement between the two classification methods was fair (κ = 0.38). Autism symptom severity and nonverbal cognitive ability did not predict ADHD diagnoses/symptoms. Results show high rates of ADHD in males with FXS during late adolescence and young adulthood, which are not accounted for by impaired nonverbal cognitive skills or autism symptom severity. DSM-based ADHD-specific scales are recommended over broadband symptom scales to improve accurate identification.

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10. Lee MH, Min A, Park C, Kim I. How Do Sleep Disturbances Relate to Daytime Functions, Care-related Quality of Life, and Parenting Interactions in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder?. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 2022.

Sleep disturbance is prevalent in caregivers and associated with negative physical, mental, and functional outcomes. This study examined the effects of sleep disturbance on daytime functions (sleepiness, fatigue, mood, cognitive alertness), care-related quality of life, and daily parenting interactions in 20 mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder for 10 consecutive days using ecological momentary assessment design. Participants responded about daytime functions four times and care-related quality of life and daily parenting interactions once using an online survey. Sleep disturbance was significantly related to all daytime functions and frustration with childcare. Therefore, development of sleep hygiene interventions is warranted to effectively reduce the impact of sleep disturbance and enable these mothers to better tackle daily physical and mental challenges.

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11. Lorang E, Hong J, DaWalt LS, Mailick M. Change in Maladaptive Behavior Affects Intergenerational Relationships in Fragile X Syndrome. American journal on intellectual and developmental disabilities. 2022; 127(3): 231-48.

This study investigated the bidirectional effects of change in maladaptive behaviors among adolescents and adults with fragile X syndrome (FXS) and change in their intergenerational family relationships over a 7.5-year period. Indicators of the intergenerational family relationship between premutation carrier mothers and their adolescent or adult son/daughter with FXS included a measure of the quality of the relationship, as well as descriptions provided by mothers of their relationship with their son/daughter (positive remarks, critical remarks). Maladaptive behaviors decreased, maternal positive remarks increased, and maternal critical remarks and relationship quality remained stable over time. Bidirectional effects of change were observed in predicting maladaptive behaviors and maternal positive remarks, although maladaptive behaviors more strongly predicted positive remarks than the reciprocal association. This research suggests prioritizing maladaptive behaviors in the context of family interventions.

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12. Rosello R, Martinez-Raga J, Tomas JM, Mira A, Cortese S. Cognitive and behavioral profiles in children with autism spectrum disorder with and without Attention-Deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Child and adolescent mental health. 2022.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the developmental trajectories of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with and without comorbid ADHD is relevant to tailor care plans. This prospective study assessed, for the first time, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and learning outcomes in adolescence of children with ASD-ADHD and in those with ASD+ADHD in childhood. Possible predictors of severity of ASD core symptoms in adolescence were also evaluated. METHODS: Forty-five adolescents without intellectual disability, 26 diagnosed in childhood with ASD-ADHD and 19 with ASD+ADHD, were evaluated at baseline (mean age: 8.6 ± 1.3) and at 5-year follow-up (mean age: 12.9 ± 0.9). Parents and teachers completed questionnaires on executive functions, theory of mind (ToM), emotional/behavioral difficulties (EBD), and learning style at both time points.. RESULTS: Overall different developmental trajectories for the two groups were found. In general, deficits in metacognition processes, ToM skills, EBD, and learning abilities were more pronounced in the ASD+ group. Over time, the ASD+ADHD group, but not the ASD-ADHD, tended to improve in EBD and metacognition but their level of development continued to be lower compared with ASD+ADHD. EBD in childhood were significant predictors of autism core symptoms of adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the importance of an early identification of comorbid ADHD symptoms in ASD to offer treatment strategies based on specific developmental trajectories.

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13. Saima S, Ihara H, Ogata H, Gito M, Murakami N, Oto Y, Ishii A, Takahashi A, Nagai T. Relationship Between Sensory Processing and Autism Spectrum Disorder-Like Behaviors in Prader-Willi Syndrome. American journal on intellectual and developmental disabilities. 2022; 127(3): 249-63.

The relationship between sensory processing and ASD-like and associated behaviors in patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) remains relatively unexplored. Examining this relationship, 51 adults with PWS were administered the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Autism Society Japan Rating Scale (PARS), Short Sensory Profile (SSP-J), Food-Related Problem Questionnaire (FRPQ), and Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC-J). Based on SSP-J z-scores, participants were classified into three severity groups. Analysis of variance was performed to compare the behavioral scores of these three groups. Statistically significant group differences were observed in PARS (p = .006, ηp2 = .194) and ABC-J (p = .006, ηp2 = .193) scores. Our findings suggest that the level of sensory processing may predict ASD-like and aberrant behaviors in adults with PWS, implying the importance of a proper assessment for early intervention.

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14. Vincent LB, Asmus JM, Lyons GL, Born T, Leamon M, DenBleyker E, McIntire H. Evaluating the effectiveness of a reverse inclusion Social Skills intervention for children on the Autism Spectrum. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 2022.

Schools need effective, generalizable, and socially valid social skills interventions to better support the social inclusion and peer relationships of their students on the autism spectrum. We evaluated a Pivotal Response Treatment-based, naturalistic social skills intervention implemented daily by school personnel in reverse inclusion school settings with four students on the autism spectrum (K-2nd grade). Using a single-case experimental design, results indicated that the students on the autism spectrum showed increases in the percent of time engaged in cooperative play with peers during the intervention (p = .0026) and moderate changes in social interactions were determined through systematic visual analysis. However, these changes in social behaviors did not generalize to natural inclusive school settings.

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15. Waddington H, Macaskill E, Whitehouse AJO, Billingham W, Alvares GA. Parent-reported atypical development in the first year of life and age of autism diagnosis. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 2022.

This study examined whether parent-reported atypical development in their child’s first year was associated with age of diagnosis and age when parents first needed to consult a specialist about their child’s development. It involved 423 children who participated in the Australian Autism Biobank. Most parents retrospectively identified ≥ 1 domain of atypical child development. Atypical development in most domains was associated with an earlier age when parents felt specialist consultation was needed. Atypical development in the « gaze abnormalities », « lack of response to social stimuli », and « no social communication » subdomains within the social domain was associated with an earlier age of diagnosis, as was atypical development in the « hypo/hypersensitivity » and « preoccupation with parts of objects » subdomains within the stereotyped/restricted behavior domain.

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16. Willsey HR, Willsey AJ, Wang B, State MW. Genomics, convergent neuroscience and progress in understanding autism spectrum disorder. Nature reviews Neuroscience. 2022.

More than a hundred genes have been identified that, when disrupted, impart large risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Current knowledge about the encoded proteins – although incomplete – points to a very wide range of developmentally dynamic and diverse biological processes. Moreover, the core symptoms of ASD involve distinctly human characteristics, presenting challenges to interpreting evolutionarily distant model systems. Indeed, despite a decade of striking progress in gene discovery, an actionable understanding of pathobiology remains elusive. Increasingly, convergent neuroscience approaches have been recognized as an important complement to traditional uses of genetics to illuminate the biology of human disorders. These methods seek to identify intersection among molecular-level, cellular-level and circuit-level functions across multiple risk genes and have highlighted developing excitatory neurons in the human mid-gestational prefrontal cortex as an important pathobiological nexus in ASD. In addition, neurogenesis, chromatin modification and synaptic function have emerged as key potential mediators of genetic vulnerability. The continued expansion of foundational ‘omics’ data sets, the application of higher-throughput model systems and incorporating developmental trajectories and sex differences into future analyses will refine and extend these results. Ultimately, a systems-level understanding of ASD genetic risk holds promise for clarifying pathobiology and advancing therapeutics.

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17. Yitik Tonkaz G, Esin IS, Turan B, Uslu H, Dursun OB. Determinants of Leaky Gut and Gut Microbiota Differences in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Siblings. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 2022.

Leaky gut hypothesis is one of the well-known theory which tries to explain etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Unfortunately there is still a gap of evidence to investigate the corner points of the hypothesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of leaky gut in children with ASD, their siblings and healthy controls. Intestinal microbiota was found to be similar between ASD and sibling groups. Biological markers of bacterial translocation showed a significant difference in the sibling group, whereas the marker indicating local inflammation was not different between the groups. The findings from this study did not support the role of Gut microbiota or leaky gut on the etiology of autism.

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18. Yon-Hernández JA, Wojcik DZ, García-García L, Franco-Martín MA, Canal-Bedia R. Differences in daily life executive functioning between people with autism and people with schizophrenia. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 2022.

This is a comparative analysis of everyday executive functioning between individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD) and controls using Dysexecutive Questionnaire-Spanish (DEX-Sp), to identify patterns of difficulties. Also we assessed the relationship between EF and adaptive behavior as measured by the Vineland Adaptive Behavioral Scale-II. Common areas of everyday executive functions were established as problematic in individuals with ASD and SSD related to Disinhibition and Apathy, while Disorganization and Impulsivity was gravely affected in ASD group only. The degree of Dysexecutive Syndrome was predictive of adaptive behavior in ASD group only. These suggest that DEX-Sp could be a useful tool in differentiating areas of strength and weaknesses in clinical groups such as ASD and SDD.

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