1. Bell B. Using Video Modeling to Teach Abduction-Prevention Skills to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 2021.

Video modeling was used to teach children with autism spectrum disorder how to respond to taped stranger lure scenarios and in-situ stranger lures. A multiple baseline design across participants was used to assess treatment effects. Measures consisted of reported verbal and motor responses to three abduction scenarios and actual responses to stranger lures planted near the children’s therapy program and within the children’s communities. Each child displayed increases in appropriate responses to taped abduction scenarios and in-situ stranger lures post-treatment. One year following the intervention 90% of the participants maintained and generalized the skills. This study indicated that children with ASD could learn to respond to taped stranger lure scenarios and correspondingly demonstrate these skills in situ and maintain these skills for at least one year following treatment.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

2. Cambier J. [Simultagnosia of autistic people: a failing right hemisphere]. La Revue du praticien. 2021; 71(5): 477-81.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

3. Carlisle GK, Johnson RA, Koch CS, Lyons LA, Wang Z, Bibbo J, Cheak-Zamora N. Exploratory Study of Fecal Cortisol, Weight, and Behavior as Measures of Stress and Welfare in Shelter Cats During Assimilation Into Families of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Frontiers in veterinary science. 2021; 8: 643803.

Background: Cats are a common companion animal (CA) in US households, and many live in families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The prevalence of ASD is one in 54, and many children have behavior challenges as well as their diagnostic communication disorders. Objective: Benefits of CAs for children with ASD have been identified, but little is known about the welfare of CAs in these homes. This study explored the welfare of cats (N = 10) screened for ideal social and calm temperament using the Feline Temperament Profile (FTP) and adopted by families of children with ASD. Methods: Cat stress was measured using fecal cortisol, weight, and a behavior stress measure (cat stress score). Measures were taken at baseline in the shelter, 2-3 days after adoption, and at weeks 6, 12, and 18. Result: Outcome measures suggested the adopted cats’ stress levels did not increase postadoption; however, the small sample size limited analytical power and generalizability. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence for the success of cat adoption by families of children with ASD, when cats have been temperament screened and cat behavior educational information is provided. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

4. Crozet A, Brossier M, Garcia É, Fiasson A, Charles R, Rousselon V. [Not Available]. Sante publique (Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France). 2021; 33(2): 211-9.

OBJECTIVE: The need to train parents and professionals in autism spectrum disorders is repeatedly affirmed by public health actors, parents’ associations, specialised professionals, etc. The challenges in the children’s sector concern improved screening, a smoother care pathway and better inclusion. In 2016, the Loire Autisme Evaluation Unit set up a Training Relay Team (ERF) to support the training of childcare professionals. The ERF was set up in a context of economic insecurity, but was committed to this experiment, convinced of the validity of its action. Despite several thousand professionals trained in the department, the credits would not be renewed and the activity ceased at the end of 2019. The objective of this work is to report on how the training sessions were constructed, experienced, and linked to practices. METHOD: Through the capitalization of trainers’ experience, this study collects and analyses activity reports and interviews with professionals who have received training. RESULTS: The results describe the beneficiaries, the contents of the training courses, the dynamics created by the meetings between trainers and beneficiaries and the projects carried out. CONCLUSION: Several difficulties are noted, both on the side of the ERF for which the model of co-construction of training sessions is sometimes questioned by trained professionals who remain under the illusion of a a possible ‘turn-key’ method. The construction of new cooperation and partnerships is the achievement valued by all the protagonists.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

5. Gu Y, Han Y, Ren S, Zhang B, Zhao Y, Wang X, Zhang S, Qin J. Correlation among gut microbiota, fecal metabolites and autism-like behavior in an adolescent valproic acid-induced rat autism model. Behavioural brain research. 2022; 417: 113580.

This study aims to understand the relationship between fecal metabolites and gut microbiota in an adolescent valproic acid-induced rat autism model (VPA-exposed offspring). We analyzed the fecal samples of VPA-exposed offspring using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. Autism-like behavior was evaluated by a three-chamber sociability test and a self-grooming test. Based on these data, we analyzed the association among fecal metabolites, gut microbiota and autism-like behavior. Behavioral tests showed that VPA-exposed offspring displayed typical autism-like behavior. Forty-nine named differential fecal metabolites and 14 enriched KEGG pathways were identified between the VPA and control groups. Five fecal metabolites may be used as characteristic metabolites. The richness and diversity of gut microbiota did not differ between the two groups, while the overall composition of gut microbiota was significantly different. Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Desulfovibrio, [Eubacterium]_xylanophilum_group and Ruminococcus_2 were the characteristic genera of VPA-exposed offspring. Correlation analysis revealed a tight relationship among gut microbiota, fecal metabolites and autistic behavior in VPA-exposed offspring. This study illustrates that specific alterations in gut microbiota and fecal metabolites may be regarded as characteristics of VPA-exposed offspring. The characteristic gut microbiota and fecal metabolites as well as their relationship may play a crucial role in autism-like behavior caused by prenatal exposure to VPA.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

6. Helverschou SB, Ludvigsen LB, Hove O, Kildahl AN. Psychometric properties of the Psychopathology in Autism Checklist (PAC). International journal of developmental disabilities. 2021; 67(5): 318-26.

Psychiatric disorders in individuals with co-occurring autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) are common, but diagnosis presents many challenges. The Psychopathology in Autism checklist (PAC) is among the very few instruments specifically developed for this group of individuals. The psychometric properties of the PAC (i.e. criterion validity, specificity, sensitivity and predictive values) were explored by comparing scores with assessments on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) and examining how well assessment by the PAC at referral predicts final clinical diagnoses. Results indicated a significant correlation with the ABC, further supporting the validity of the PAC. Sensitivity and Specificity for specific diagnoses were variable, although positive predictive value for « any diagnosis’ was relatively high. The study confirms the potential value of the PAC as a screening checklist but highlights the need for clinical diagnosis to be based on a multimodal, multidisciplinary assessment.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

7. Jones SL, Johnson M, Alty B, Adamou M. The Effectiveness of RAADS-R as a Screening Tool for Adult ASD Populations. Autism research and treatment. 2021; 2021: 9974791.

Adult referrals to specialist autism spectrum disorder diagnostic services have increased in recent years, placing strain on existing services. It was proposed that the Ritvo Autism Asperger’s Diagnostic Scale could be used as a screening tool, in order to identify and prioritise patients most likely to receive an ASD diagnosis. This study evaluates the validity of the RAADS-R as a screening tool for ASD in an adult population. Retrospective case note analysis was used to evaluate the efficacy of the RAADS-R as a screening tool to predict ASD diagnostic outcomes in 50 service users of a NHS specialist autism service. Results indicate no association between RAADS-R scores and clinical diagnostic outcome, suggesting the RAADS-R is not an effective screening tool for identifying service users most likely to receive an ASD diagnosis. In conclusion, used as a self-report measure pre-full diagnostic assessment, the RAADS-R lacks predictive validity and is not a suitable screening tool for adults awaiting autism assessments. Future research should aim to identify reliable screening tools for this purpose.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

8. Kaur M, Eigsti IM, Bhat A. Effects of a creative yoga intervention on the joint attention and social communication skills, as well as affective states of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Research in autism spectrum disorders. 2021; 88.

BACKGROUND: Yoga is gaining popularity as a multisystem intervention due to its impact on both the physical and mental well-being of children with typical development. However, there is limited empirical evidence to support the use of this approach in school-aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The current pilot study evaluated the impact of a creative yoga intervention on the joint attention, social communication, and affective states of children with ASD. METHODS: 24 school-aged children with ASD received eight weeks of yoga (e.g., breathing, poses, relaxation) or tabletop play/academic intervention (e.g., reading, arts-crafts, building activities). Children were tested before and after the intervention using a standardized measure of responsive joint attention. Additionally, changes in socially directed verbal communication and affective states of children were assessed three times during the intervention period, i.e. during early, mid, and late intervention sessions. RESULTS: Children with ASD showed improvements in responsive joint attention in both groups in the posttest vs. the pretest. Furthermore, children in the yoga group showed improvements in socially directed verbal communication skills across the intervention sessions, i.e. greater spontaneous and responsive communication from early/mid to late intervention sessions compared to the academic group. There were no changes in affective states with the intervention, however, the yoga group showed greater interested and less negative affect compared to the academic group. CONCLUSIONS: Creative yoga intervention is a promising tool that led to improvements in intervention-related social communication skills and generalized joint attention skills of children with ASD.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

9. Kildahl AN, Bakken TL, Matre EAW, Hellerud JMA, Engebretsen MH, Helverschou SB. Case study: identification of anxiety and subsequent intervention in an adolescent male with autism, severe intellectual disability and self-injurious behaviour. International journal of developmental disabilities. 2021; 67(5): 327-38.

Introduction: Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but knowledge is limited regarding identification and treatment of these disorders in individuals with ASD and more severe levels of intellectual disability (ID). The current case study aims to explore and describe the inpatient, psychiatric assessment in an adolescent male with ASD, severe ID and self-injurious behaviour (SIB) who was diagnosed with a co-occurring anxiety disorder. The study further aims to explore the implications of this diagnosis for subsequent intervention and care, including management of SIB. Materials and methods: Case study including multimodal, psychiatric assessment and subsequent intervention. Results: Following changes in care strategies attempting to incorporate the understanding of anxiety/trauma as contributing to SIB, a reduction of SIB was observed, and this reduced frequency was maintained when the patient was discharged from the inpatient setting. Conclusions: Though no causal inferences are possible, these experiences indicate that further research is needed regarding possible associations between SIB and anxiety in individuals with ASD, including implications for treatment. Experiences from the current case further indicate that it is possible to recognize and diagnose anxiety disorder in complex cases involving ASD, severe ID, limited verbal language skills, and severe SIB.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

10. Li R, Bruno JL, Jordan T, Miller JG, Lee CH, Bartholomay KL, Marzelli MJ, Piccirilli A, Lightbody AA, Reiss AL. Aberrant Neural Response During Face Processing in Girls With Fragile X Syndrome: Defining Potential Brain Biomarkers for Treatment Studies. Biological psychiatry Cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging. 2021.

BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents with fragile X syndrome (FXS) manifest significant symptoms of anxiety, particularly in response to face-to-face social interaction. In this study, we used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to reveal a specific pattern of brain activation and habituation in response to face stimuli in young girls with FXS, an important but understudied clinical population. METHODS: Participants were 32 girls with FXS (age: 11.8 ± 2.9 years) and a control group of 28 girls without FXS (age: 10.5 ± 2.3 years) matched for age, general cognitive function, and autism symptoms. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to assess brain activation during a face habituation task including repeated upright/inverted faces and greeble (nonface) objects. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, girls with FXS showed significant hyperactivation in the frontopolar and dorsal lateral prefrontal cortices in response to all face stimuli (upright + inverted). Lack of neural habituation (and significant sensitization) was also observed in the FXS group in the frontopolar cortex in response to upright face stimuli. Finally, aberrant frontopolar sensitization in response to upright faces in girls with FXS was significantly correlated with notable cognitive-behavioral and social-emotional outcomes relevant to this condition, including executive function, autism symptoms, depression, and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: These findings strongly support a hypothesis of neural hyperactivation and accentuated sensitization during face processing in FXS, a phenomenon that could be developed as a biomarker end point for improving treatment trial evaluation in girls with this condition.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

11. Manjra, II, Masic U. Gender diversity and autism spectrum conditions in children and adolescents: A narrative review of the methodologies used by quantitative studies. Journal of clinical psychology. 2022; 78(4): 485-502.

AIM: This narrative review aimed to analyse the methodologies used by quantitative studies to evaluate their evidence for the association between gender diversity and autism spectrum conditions (ASC) in child and adolescent population samples. METHOD: A systematic search was conducted for papers published between 2010 and 2020. RESULTS: Fifteen papers met the inclusion criteria; all reported associations between their defined versions of gender diversity and ASC. Gender diversity was characterised as « dysphoria », « variance », and/or « diverse », and was correlated across ASC categories of « symptoms », « traits », or « empathising and systemising styles of thinking ». Multiple diagnostic criteria and/or nonspecific, adult administrated measures were used to quantify youth gender experiences and ASCs. CONCLUSION: Interpretations of the findings are discussed in relation to critical appraisal of methodologies used including data collection and deduction, the characteristics of the sample population, the usage of comparison groups, and the overall quality of statistical reporting amongst others.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

12. Miller M, Sun S, Iosif AM, Young GS, Belding A, Tubbs A, Ozonoff S. Repetitive behavior with objects in infants developing autism predicts diagnosis and later social behavior as early as 9 months. Journal of abnormal psychology. 2021; 130(6): 665-75.

We evaluated repetitive behavior with objects in infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from 9 to 36 months of age, and associations between early repetitive behavior and social engagement. Infant siblings of children with ASD (high-risk) or typical development (low-risk) were administered a task eliciting repetitive object use at 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, and 36 months of age. Infants (n = 147) were classified into 1 of 3 outcome groups at 36 months: Low-Risk Non-ASD (n = 58), High-Risk Non-ASD (n = 72), and ASD (n = 17). Behavior was coded from video for frequencies of unusual visual inspection, spinning, and rotating behaviors. Differences in unusual visual inspection were most prominent, consistent, and present earliest: At 9 months, the ASD group engaged in this behavior more frequently than both other groups, persisting through 36 months. Differences in frequencies of spinning and rotating were later-appearing, more time-limited, and/or related to familial ASD risk rather than ultimate diagnosis. Sensitivity and specificity estimates for the presence of unusual visual inspection at 9 months of age were in the moderate range (.60 and .68, respectively) for ASD versus Low-Risk Non-ASD comparisons, generally increasing over time. Unusual visual inspection at 9 months predicted 12-month social behavior controlling for 9-month social behavior, but not vice versa, with no evidence of moderation by ASD diagnosis. In summary, unusual visual inspection of objects is present and stable by 9 months of age in infants developing ASD and predicts reduced social engagement three-months later. Close monitoring of this behavior may aid early detection. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

13. Nowell SW, Tomaszewski B, Steinbrenner JR, Sam AM, Odom SL. Use of the Children’s Communication Checklist-2 in School-Aged Students with Autism: A Psychometric Analysis. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 2021.

Measurement of social-pragmatic communication skills is essential for clinicians and researchers working with school-aged children on the autism spectrum. Many measures of these skills require time-intensive training and coding that is impractical for clinical assessment settings. Using a sample of 299 elementary school children (M = 8.6 years, sd = 1.7) with autism whose teachers completed the Children’s Communication Checklist-2, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the CCC-2, a commonly used measure of social-pragmatic skills in order to assist researchers and clinicians in identifying the utility of this measure related to their assessment needs. Our results indicate strong psychometric properties for the CCC-2 with this population and a 3-factor model fit: Structural Language, Pragmatic Communication, and Pragmatic Social. Evidence of racial/ethnic bias was found for the structural language factor. Clinical recommendations are provided for using the CCC-2 with students with autism as reported by teachers.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

14. Otazu GH, Li Y, Lodato Z, Elnasher A, Keever KM, Li Y, Ramos RL. Neurodevelopmental malformations of the cerebellum and neocortex in the Shank3 and Cntnap2 mouse models of autism. Neuroscience letters. 2021; 765: 136257.

There are many mouse models of autism with broad use in neuroscience research. Genetic background can be a major contributor to the phenotype observed in any mouse model of disease, including genetic models of autism. C57BL/6 mice display spontaneous glio-neuronal heterotopia in the cerebellar vermis and neocortex which may also exist in mouse models of autism created on this background. In the present report, we document the presence of cerebellar and neocortical heterotopia in heterozygous and KO Shank3 and Cntnap2 mice which are due to the C57BL/6 genotype and discuss the role these malformations may play in research using these genetic models of autism.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

15. Ritschel LA, Guy L, Maddox BB. A pilot study of dialectical behaviour therapy skills training for autistic adults. Behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy. 2022; 50(2): 187-202.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder with the hallmark features of social impairment and restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour. Individuals with ASD often experience co-occurring mental health difficulties, some of which may obfuscate the ASD features themselves. Although there is a high need for mental health services for autistic adults, there are surprisingly few evidence-based treatments (EBTs) available; moreover, many mental health practitioners who are well-trained in EBTs shy away from treating autistic individuals due to lack of training in ASD. AIMS: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of dialectical behaviour therapy skills training (DBT-ST) in a sample of autistic adults without intellectual disability. METHOD: Sixteen adults with ASD were recruited from a treatment waiting list to enrol in this study, which included 24 weeks of DBT-ST delivered in a group setting. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using retention and attendance data and a participant satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Retention (81.3%) and attendance data (mean 87.5%) provided support for the feasibility of this intervention. Overall satisfaction ratings were high (mean 4.5 out of 5), and participants reported that they felt that DBT-ST would probably be helpful for others with ASD (mean 4.5 out of 5). CONCLUSIONS: The study findings provide preliminary evidence of (1) the feasibility of providing DBT-ST for autistic adults in community-based clinics, and (2) the perceived benefit of DBT-ST for this under-served population. Recommended modifications to the standard DBT-ST materials are discussed.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

16. Robert J, Duff E. The role of the NP in primary care of adults with autism spectrum disorder. The Nurse practitioner. 2021; 46(10): 44-8.

Adults with autism spectrum disorder have poorer physical and psychological health outcomes compared with individuals who are neurotypical and benefit from exceptional primary care. NPs are uniquely positioned to reform primary care and eliminate inequities, and can help influence practice standards and optimize care for these patients through education, advocacy, and health promotion.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

17. Stewart SL, Celebre A, Iantosca JA, Poss JW. Autism Spectrum Screening Checklist (ASSC): The Development of a Scale to Identify High-Risk Individuals Within the Children’s Mental Health System. Frontiers in psychiatry. 2021; 12: 709491.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex childhood onset neurodevelopmental disorder that has become the fastest growing developmental disability. Due to the increased demand for diagnostic assessments and subsequent increased wait times, standardized screening as part of regular clinical practice is needed. More specifically, there is an important need for the development of a more streamlined screening tool within an existing assessment system to identify those at greatest risk of having ASD. The current study utilized data from ~17,000 assessments obtained within the province of Ontario, based on the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health (ChYMH) and Child and Youth Mental Health and Developmental Disability (ChYMH-DD), to develop a scale to identify children who have a higher likelihood of having autism. The scale was then tested on a trial population with data from the interRAI Early Years instrument. Further analyses examined the predictive validity of the scale. The Autism Spectrum Screening Checklist (ASSC) was found to be a good predictor of ASD with a sensitivity of 0.73 and specificity of 0.62, at the recommended cut-point of 2+. The results were consistent across several age ranges, specifically from 2 to 21 years of age. The ASSC scale provides an initial screen to help identify children and youth at heightened risk for autism within larger populations being assessed as part of routine practice. The main goal for the development and implementation of the ASSC scale is to harness the power of the existing interRAI assessment system to provide a more efficient, effective screening and referral process. This will ultimately help improve patient outcomes through needs-based care.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

18. Zahir FR. Understanding environmental epigenomics in autism spectrum disorder: an interview with Farah R Zahir. Epigenomics. 2021; 13(17): 1341-5.

In this interview, Dr Farah R Zahir speaks with Storm Johnson, Commissioning Editor for Epigenomics, on her work to date in the field of epigenomics, autism and intellectual disability. Dr Farah R Zahir specializes in the identification of novel genetic and epigenetic causes for neurodevelopmental diseases. Her PhD, awarded in 2011 by the University of British Columbia (UBC), resulted in the characterization of new intellectual disability (ID) syndromes, as well as discovery of several new causative genes for the disorder. She was awarded the prestigious James Miller Memorial Prize for integrating basic and clinical science in 2010. Her PhD dissertation was nominated for the Governor General’s gold medal – the highest possible accolade at UBC for doctoral research work. She then completed a postdoctoral tenure in Canada’s premier Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, where she used whole-genome-sequencing methods to comprehensively assess genetic, molecular and structural causes for ID, employing several firsts for bioinformatic data mining in the field. During her postdoctorate she won three distinguished awards and was a fellow of the Canadian Institute of Health Research, ranking in the top 2% nationally. Dr Zahir was appointed as an Assistant Professor at the Hamad Bin Khalifa University in 2016, where she led a group focused on neurogenomics and neuroepigenomics research. She was a founding member of the Precision and Genomics Medicine graduate program there. Currently she has rejoined UBC’s department of Medical Genetics. Among her most significant achievements is the establishment of the novel Zahir Friedman syndrome, an intellectual disability/autism spectrum disorder syndrome that is caused by a major epigenomic regulator. Her current primary research interest is how epigenomics can be changed by environmental impacts and how these effects may be harnessed for neurodevelopmental disorders’ prophylaxis and therapeutics.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)

19. Zwaigenbaum L, Bishop S, Stone WL, Ibanez L, Halladay A, Goldman S, Kelly A, Klaiman C, Lai MC, Miller M, Saulnier C, Siper P, Sohl K, Warren Z, Wetherby A. Rethinking autism spectrum disorder assessment for children during COVID-19 and beyond. Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research. 2021; 14(11): 2251-9.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unique challenges for families and caregivers, as well as for autism-focused clinicians, who are faced with providing a thorough and accurate evaluation of children’s specific needs and diagnoses in the absence of in-person assessment tools. The shift to telehealth assessments has challenged clinicians to reconsider approaches and assumptions that underlie the diagnostic assessment process, and to adopt new ways of individualizing standard assessments according to family and child needs. Mandates for physical distancing have uncovered deficiencies in diagnostic practices for suspected autism and have illuminated biases that have posed obstacles preventing children and families from receiving the services that they truly need. This Commentary outlines several considerations for improving diagnostic practices as we move forward from the current pandemic and continue to strive to build an adaptable, sustainable, equitable, and family-centered system of care. LAY SUMMARY: Physical distancing and the abrupt end to in-person services for many children on the autism spectrum has forced clinicians to examine the existing challenges with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnostic assessment and consider things they want to keep and things that should be changed in the years ahead. New approaches such as telehealth both alleviated and exacerbated existing disparities, and brought into stark focus the importance of equitable and timely access to family-centered care. This commentary suggests ways of improving clinical practices related to ASD assessment to continue along this path.

Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)