1. Aguilar JM, White PJ, Fragale C, Chan JM. {{Preference for language of instruction of an English language learner with autism}}. {Dev Neurorehabil};2015 (Jun 26):1-4.
OBJECTIVE: To use a preference assessment to identify the preferred language of instruction (English or Spanish) for a child with autism living in a Spanish-speaking home and receiving school services in English only. METHODS: We used a concurrent chains method to evaluate the participant’s preference for English or Spanish instruction. Colored microswitches represented English instruction, Spanish instruction and no instruction (control). Switch presses resulted in instruction and reinforcement in either English or Spanish, or no instruction and no reinforcement. After session 10, switches were reprogrammed to control for color bias. RESULTS: The participant chose Spanish instruction most frequently. CONCLUSIONS: The participant preferred to receive instruction in Spanish. These data support previous research indicating the importance of child preference when individualizing educational programs for children with autism and that language of instruction is an important variable when working with children with autism who experience multiple languages across home and school.
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2. Alaniz ML, Galit E, Necesito CI, Rosario ER. {{Hand Strength, Handwriting, and Functional Skills in Children With Autism}}. {Am J Occup Ther};2015 (Jul-Aug);69(4):6904220030p6904220031-6904220039.
OBJECTIVE: To establish hand strength development trends in children with autism and to investigate correlations between grip and pinch strength, components of handwriting, and functional activities in children with and without autism. METHOD: Fifty-one children were divided into two groups: typically developing children and children on the autism spectrum. Each child completed testing for pinch and grip strength, handwriting legibility, pencil control, and independence in functional activities. RESULTS: The children with autism followed the same strength development trends as the typically developing children. Grip strength correlated with pencil control in both groups and with handwriting legibility in the typically developing children but not in the children with autism. Grip and pinch strength correlated with independence with functional activities in both groups. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that grip and pinch strength are important components in developing pencil control, handwriting legibility, and independence with functional fine motor tasks.
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3. Baldwin S, Costley D. {{The experiences and needs of female adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder}}. {Autism};2015 (Jun 25)
There is limited large-scale research into the lived experiences of female adults who have an autism spectrum disorder with no co-occurring intellectual disability. Drawing on the findings of an Australia-wide survey, this report presents self-report data from n = 82 women with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder in the areas of health, education, employment, social and community activities. Where relevant, comparisons are provided with the male subset of the same study population; however, in the majority of analyses, no discernible gender differences emerged. The findings highlight the diverse and complex challenges faced by women with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder, including high levels of mental health disorder, unmet support needs in education settings and the workplace, and social exclusion and isolation.
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4. Blackmon K, Bluvstein J, MacAllister WS, Avallone J, Misajon J, Hedlund J, Goldberg R, Bojko A, Mitra N, Giridharan R, Sultan R, Keller S, Devinsky O. {{Treatment Resistant Epilepsy in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Increased Risk for Females}}. {Autism Res};2015 (Jun 26)
The male:female ratio in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) averages greater than 4:1 while the male:female ratio of ASD with epilepsy averages less than 3:1. This indicates an elevated risk of epilepsy in females with ASD; yet, it is unknown whether phenotypic features of epilepsy and ASD differ between males and females with this comorbidity. The goal of this study is to investigate sex differences in phenotypic features of epilepsy and ASD in a prospective sample of 130 children and young adults with an initial ASD diagnosis and subsequent epilepsy diagnosis. All participants were characterized by standardized diagnostic inventories, parent/caregiver completed questionnaires, and medical/academic record review. Diagnostic classifications of epilepsy, ASD, and intellectual disability were performed by board certified neurologists and a pediatric neuropsychologist. Results demonstrated a lower male:female ratio (1.8:1) in individuals with ASD and treatment-resistant epilepsy relative to those with ASD and treatment-responsive epilepsy (4.9:1), indicating a higher risk of treatment-resistant epilepsy in females. Mild neuroimaging abnormalities were more common in females than males and this was associated with increased risk of treatment-resistance. In contrast, ASD symptom severity was lower in females compared with males. Findings distinguish females with ASD and epilepsy as a distinct subgroup at higher risk for a more severe epilepsy phenotype in the context of a less severe ASD phenotype. Increased risk of anti-epileptic treatment resistance in females with ASD and epilepsy suggests that comprehensive genetic, imaging, and neurologic screening and enhanced treatment monitoring may be indicated for this subgroup. Autism Res 2015. (c) 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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5. de Pontual L, Heulin M, Charles E, Heron B, Zylberberg P. {{Pathologies somatiques et autisme}}. {Arch Pediatr};2015 (May);22(5 Suppl 1):179-180.
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6. Engelhardt CR, Mazurek MO, Hilgard J, Rouder JN, Bartholow BD. {{Effects of Violent-Video-Game Exposure on Aggressive Behavior, Aggressive-Thought Accessibility, and Aggressive Affect Among Adults With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {Psychol Sci};2015 (Jun 25)
Recent mass shootings have prompted the idea among some members of the public that exposure to violent video games can have a pronounced effect on individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Empirical evidence for or against this claim has been missing, however. To address this issue, we assigned adults with and without ASD to play a violent or nonviolent version of a customized first-person shooter video game. After they played the game, we assessed three aggression-related outcome variables (aggressive behavior, aggressive-thought accessibility, and aggressive affect). Results showed strong evidence that adults with ASD, compared with typically developing adults, are not differentially affected by acute exposure to violent video games. Moreover, model comparisons provided modest evidence against any effect of violent game content whatsoever. Findings from this experiment suggest that societal concerns that exposure to violent games may have a unique effect on adults with autism are not supported by evidence.
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7. Eussen ML, Gool AR, Louwerse A, Verhulst FC, Greaves-Lord K. {{Superior Disembedding Performance in Childhood Predicts Adolescent Severity of Repetitive Behaviors: A Seven Years Follow-Up of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {Autism Res};2015 (Jun 26)
Previous research suggests that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show a detail-focused cognitive style. The aim of the current longitudinal study was to investigate whether this detail-focused cognitive style in childhood predicted a higher symptom severity of repetitive and restrictive behaviors and interests (RRBI) in adolescence. The Childhood Embedded Figures Test (CEFT) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) were administered in 87 children with ASD at the age of 6-12 years old (T1), and the ADOS was readministered 7 years later when the participants were 12-19 years old (T2). Linear regression analyses were performed to investigate whether accuracy and reaction time in the complex versus simple CEFT condition and performance in the complex condition predicted T2 ADOS RRBI calibrated severity scores (CSS), while taking into consideration relevant covariates and ADOS RRBI CSS at T1. The CEFT performance (accuracy in the complex condition divided by the time needed) significantly predicted higher ADOS RRBI CSS at T2 (DeltaR2 = 15%). This finding further supports the detail-focused cognitive style in individuals with ASD, and shows that it is also predictive of future RRBI symptoms over time. Autism Res 2015. (c) 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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8. Giarelli E, Reiff M. {{Mothers’ appreciation of chromosomal microarray analysis for autism spectrum disorder}}. {J Spec Pediatr Nurs};2015 (Jun 26)
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine mothers’ experiences with chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a descriptive qualitative study using thematic content analysis of in-depth interview with 48 mothers of children who had genetic testing for ASD. RESULTS: The principal theme, « something is missing, » included missing knowledge about genetics, information on use of the results, explanations of the relevance to the diagnosis, and relevance to life-long care. Two subordinate themes were (a) disappreciation of the helpfulness of scientific information to explain the diagnosis, and (b) returning to personal experience for interpretation. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The test « appreciated » in value when results could be linked to the phenotype.
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9. Harrop C, Gulsrud A, Kasari C. {{Does Gender Moderate Core Deficits in ASD? An Investigation into Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors in Girls and Boys with ASD}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2015 (Jun 26)
Due to the uneven gender ratio of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), girls are rarely studied independently from boys. Research focusing on restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) indicates that above the age of six girls have fewer and/or different RRBs than boys with ASD. In this study we investigated whether girls and boys with ASD demonstrated similar rates and types of RRBs in early childhood, using discrete observational coding from a video-taped play interaction. Twenty-nine girls with ASD were matched to 29 boys based on ASD severity. While boys in our sample demonstrated a greater frequency of RRBs, this was not significant and our findings indicate that girls and boys under five are more similar than dissimilar on this core deficit. However our data also revealed a trend toward gender-differential growth trajectories-a finding worthy of further investigation in larger samples.
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10. Hsieh HC, Lin HY, Chiu WH, Meng LF, Liu CK. {{Upper-Limb Rehabilitation With Adaptive Video Games for Preschool Children With Developmental Disabilities}}. {Am J Occup Ther};2015 (Jul-Aug);69(4):6904290020p6904290021-6904290025.
OBJECTIVE: This study used a novel device to make video games accessible to children with developmental disabilities (DD) by modifying the training software and interfaces to enhance motor training. METHOD: In the pretest-posttest design, 20 children (13 boys, 7 girls; mean age = 5.2 yr) with DD received adaptive upper-limb motor rehabilitation consisting of fifteen 30-min individual sessions 3 times per week for 5 wk. RESULTS: Improvement in Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration and Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition, scores for children with DD indicated significant differences between pretest and posttest. CONCLUSION: The rehabilitation device modified for the needs of children with DD is effective in improving visual-motor performance of children with DD.
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11. James S, Stevenson SW, Silove N, Williams K. {{Chelation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)}}. {Cochrane Database Syst Rev};2015 (May 11);5:CD010766.
BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that the severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms is positively correlated with the level of circulating or stored toxic metals, and that excretion of these heavy metals, brought about by the use of pharmaceutical chelating agents, results in improved symptoms. OBJECTIVES: To assess the potential benefits and adverse effects of pharmaceutical chelating agents (referred to as chelation therapy throughout this review) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following databases on 6 November 2014: CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process, Embase, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and 15 other databases, including three trials registers. In addition we checked references lists and contacted experts. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials of pharmaceutical chelating agents compared with placebo in individuals with ASD. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected studies, assessed them for risk of bias and extracted relevant data. We did not conduct a meta-analysis, as only one study was included. MAIN RESULTS: We excluded nine studies because they were non-randomised trials or were withdrawn before enrolment. We included one study, which was conducted in two phases. During the first phase of the study, 77 children with ASD were randomly assigned to receive seven days of glutathione lotion or placebo lotion, followed by three days of oral dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA). Forty-nine children who were found to be high excreters of heavy metals during phase one continued on to phase two to receive three days of oral DMSA or placebo followed by 11 days off, with the cycle repeated up to six times. The second phase thus assessed the effectiveness of multiple doses of oral DMSA compared with placebo in children who were high excreters of heavy metals and who received a three-day course of oral DMSA. Overall, no evidence suggests that multiple rounds of oral DMSA had an effect on ASD symptoms. AUTHORS’ CONCLUSIONS: This review included data from only one study, which had methodological limitations. As such, no clinical trial evidence was found to suggest that pharmaceutical chelation is an effective intervention for ASD. Given prior reports of serious adverse events, such as hypocalcaemia, renal impairment and reported death, the risks of using chelation for ASD currently outweigh proven benefits. Before further trials are conducted, evidence that supports a causal link between heavy metals and autism and methods that ensure the safety of participants are needed.
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12. Kong MY. {{Diagnosis and History Taking in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Dealing with the Challenges}}. {Front Pediatr};2015;3:55.
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13. Leung MT, Li HL. {{Hierarchical phrase-based grammatical analysis of language samples from Cantonese-speaking children with and without autism}}. {Clin Linguist Phon};2015 (Jun 26):1-12.
The present study made a reference to Zhu Dexi’s phrase-based grammar approach to analyse Cantonese utterances hierarchically into 14 syntactic structures (SS). A total of 68 speech samples from Cantonese-speaking children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) were collected. The mean length of utterance in words (MLUw), the number of syntactic structures (NOSS), the number of different syntactic structures (NODSS) and the flexibility of syntactic structures (FSS) of the samples were calculated. Comparisons among four groups of typically developing (TD) children revealed that all the indexes show developmental changes across age stages. Comparisons between ASD subjects and their age-matched (AM) and MLUw-matched (MM) normal peers were done. MLUw, NOSS and NODSS and FSS could be used to distinguish autistic children from their AM normal peers, but only FSS could be used to distinguish ASD from MM groups qualitatively and quantitatively. The lack of production of SP, V1O/SV2 and Coord1Coord2 with low FSS may be one of the factors that will affect ASD children’s further syntactic development.
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14. Matlis S, Boric K, Chu CJ, Kramer MA. {{Robust disruptions in electroencephalogram cortical oscillations and large-scale functional networks in autism}}. {BMC Neurol};2015;15(1):97.
BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are increasingly prevalent and have a significant impact on the lives of patients and their families. Currently, the diagnosis is determined by clinical judgment and no definitive physiological biomarker for ASD exists. Quantitative biomarkers obtainable from clinical neuroimaging data – such as the scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) – would provide an important aid to clinicians in the diagnosis of ASD. The interpretation of prior studies in this area has been limited by mixed results and the lack of validation procedures. Here we use retrospective clinical data from a well-characterized population of children with ASD to evaluate the rhythms and coupling patterns present in the EEG to develop and validate an electrophysiological biomarker of ASD. METHODS: EEG data were acquired from a population of ASD (n = 27) and control (n = 55) children 4-8 years old. Data were divided into training (n = 13 ASD, n = 24 control) and validation (n = 14 ASD, n = 31 control) groups. Evaluation of spectral and functional network properties in the first group of patients motivated three biomarkers that were computed in the second group of age-matched patients for validation. RESULTS: Three biomarkers of ASD were identified in the first patient group: (1) reduced posterior/anterior power ratio in the alpha frequency range (8-14 Hz), which we label the « peak alpha ratio », (2) reduced global density in functional networks, and (3) a reduction in the mean connectivity strength of a subset of functional network edges. Of these three biomarkers, the first and third were validated in a second group of patients. Using the two validated biomarkers, we were able to classify ASD subjects with 83 % sensitivity and 68 % specificity in a post-hoc analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that clinical EEG can provide quantitative biomarkers to assist diagnosis of autism. These results corroborate the general finding that ASD subjects have decreased alpha power gradients and network connectivities compared to control subjects. In addition, this study demonstrates the necessity of using statistical techniques to validate EEG biomarkers identified using exploratory methods.
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15. Oreve MJ, Speranza M. {{Reperage et diagnostic precoces de l’enfant autiste: les outils cliniques}}. {Arch Pediatr};2015 (May);22(5 Suppl 1):177-178.
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16. Petner-Arrey J, Howell-Moneta A, Lysaght R. {{Facilitating employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disability through parents and social networks}}. {Disabil Rehabil};2015 (Jun 26):1-7.
PURPOSE: People with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) have historically had high unemployment and underemployment rates and continue to face significant barriers to attaining and sustaining employment. The purpose of this research, conducted in Ontario, Canada was to better understand the experiences of people with IDD gaining and keeping productivity roles. METHOD: We used qualitative semi-structured interviews with 74 participants with IDD and their families or caregivers as proxies regarding the employment of a person with IDD. We selected a sample of persons from three different geographic regions in Ontario, Canada, and analyzed data through coding methods consistent with a grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate the importance of parents and other members of social and family networks relative to connecting with work options and sustaining work over time, especially through continued advocacy and investment. Parents helped individuals with IDD negotiate the right job fit, though they often encountered challenges as a result of their efforts. CONCLUSION: Practitioners must understand how to support parents to be effective advocates for their adult children with IDD, assist them to develop and maintain their social networks and help them to avoid caregiver burnout. Implications for Rehabilitation People with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) face numerous challenges in indentifying work options and overcoming barriers to employment. Parents and other non-paid support members of social networks can be instrumental in ensuring that persons with IDD not only secure initial job placements, but also sustain employment and employment alternatives. Professionals that support persons with IDD can direct their efforts to helping persons with IDD develop strong social connections, as well as helping parents to prevent burnout.
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17. Pineda R, Melchior K, Oberle S, Inder T, Rogers C. {{Assessment of Autism Symptoms During the Neonatal Period: Is There Early Evidence of Autism Risk?}}. {Am J Occup Ther};2015 (Jul-Aug);69(4):6904220010p6904220011-6904220010p6904220011.
OBJECTIVE: To define neonatal social characteristics related to autism risk. METHOD: Sixty-two preterm infants underwent neonatal neurobehavioral testing. At age 2 yr, participants were assessed with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition. RESULTS: Positive autism screening was associated with absence of gaze aversion, chi = 5.90, p =.01, odds ratio = 5.05, and absence of endpoint nystagmus, chi = 4.78, p = .02, odds ratio = 8.47. Demonstrating gaze aversion was related to better language outcomes, t(55) = -3.07, p </= .003. Displaying endpoint nystagmus was related to better language outcomes, t(61) = -3.06, p = .003, cognitive outcomes, t(63) = -5.04, p < .001, and motor outcomes, t(62) = -2.82, p = .006. CONCLUSION: Atypical social interactions were not observed among infants who later screened positive for autism. Instead, the presence of gaze aversion and endpoint nystagmus was related to better developmental outcomes. Understanding early behaviors associated with autism may enable early identification and lead to timely therapy activation to improve function.
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18. Sowden S, Koehne S, Catmur C, Dziobek I, Bird G. {{Intact Automatic Imitation and Typical Spatial Compatibility in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenging the Broken Mirror Theory}}. {Autism Res};2015 (Jun 26)
A lack of imitative behavior is frequently described as a core feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and is consistent with claims of mirror neuron system dysfunction in these individuals. Previous research has questioned this characterization of ASD however, arguing that when tests of automatic imitation are used-which do not require higher-level cognitive processing-imitative behavior is intact or even enhanced in individuals with ASD. In Experiment 1, 60 adult individuals with ASD and a matched Control group completed an automatic imitation task in which they were required to perform an index or a middle finger lift while observing a hand making either the same, or the alternate, finger movement. Both groups demonstrated a significant imitation effect whereby actions were executed faster when preceded by observation of the same action, than when preceded by the alternate action. The magnitude of this « imitation effect » was statistically indistinguishable in the ASD and Control groups. Experiment 2 utilized an improved automatic imitation paradigm to demonstrate that, when automatic imitation effects are isolated from those due to spatial compatibility, increasing autism symptom severity is associated with an increased tendency to imitate. Notably, there was no association between autism symptom severity and spatial compatibility, demonstrating the specificity of the link between ASD symptoms and increased imitation. These results provide evidence against claims of a lack of imitative behavior in ASD, and challenge the « Broken Mirror Theory of Autism. » Autism Res 2015. (c) 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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19. Tierney C, Mayes S, Lohs SR, Black A, Gisin E, Veglia M. {{How Valid Is the Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorder When a Child Has Apraxia of Speech?}}. {J Dev Behav Pediatr};2015 (Jun 24)
OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine if the Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorder (CASD) was inadvertently overemphasizing autism symptoms in a population of children without autism. METHODS: Children noted with communication delays were referred to both a developmental pediatrician and a speech and language pathologist for an apraxia and autism evaluation. All children who underwent both autism and apraxia evaluations and met rule-in or rule-out criteria for both diagnoses were included in the study, resulting in a sample size of 30. RESULTS: Our results show that 63.6% of children initially diagnosed with autism also had apraxia, 36.8% of children initially diagnosed with apraxia also had autism, 23.3% had neither, and 23.3% had both. Overall diagnostic accuracy for the CASD was 96.7%. Overall accuracy for the CASD for children without apraxia was 100% and accuracy for children with apraxia was 94.7%. Specificity for the CASD was 100%, while sensitivity was 90.9%. The PPV was 100% and the NPV was 95.0%. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the CASD does not overemphasize autism symptoms in a population of children without autism. It also shows that autism and apraxia are highly comorbid. Thus, it is important to monitor all children diagnosed with apraxia for signs of autism and all children diagnosed with autism for signs of apraxia. This will help identify children as early as possible and allow them access to services appropriate to their needs.
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20. Wigston C, Falkmer M, Vaz S, Parsons R, Falkmer T. {{Participation in extracurricular activities for children with and without siblings with autism spectrum disorder}}. {Dev Neurorehabil};2015 (Jun 26):1-15.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the number, frequency, enjoyment and performance in extracurricular activities of siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to their typically developing (TD) peers, and to identify differences between actual and desired participation. METHODS: A case-control study with 30 siblings of children with ASD and 30 siblings of TD children was conducted using the Paediatric Interest Profiles and a questionnaire. RESULTS: Siblings of children with ASD participated in fewer extracurricular activities than those with TD siblings. ASD symptoms were significantly associated with the sibling participating in fewer extracurricular activities. Children with TD siblings had higher enjoyment scores in relaxation activities than children with siblings with ASD. CONCLUSION: While results were mainly positive, some differences indicated that having a sibling with ASD may impact participation in extracurricular activities. Assessments of participation barriers, as well as support to minimise participation restrictions among siblings of children with ASD are required.
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21. Yu L, Fan Y, Deng Z, Huang D, Wang S, Zhang Y. {{Pitch Processing in Tonal-Language-Speaking Children with Autism: An Event-Related Potential Study}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2015 (Jun 26)
The present study investigated pitch processing in Mandarin-speaking children with autism using event-related potential measures. Two experiments were designed to test how acoustic, phonetic and semantic properties of the stimuli contributed to the neural responses for pitch change detection and involuntary attentional orienting. In comparison with age-matched (6-12 years) typically developing controls (16 participants in Experiment 1, 18 in Experiment 2), children with autism (18 participants in Experiment 1, 16 in Experiment 2) showed enhanced neural discriminatory sensitivity in the nonspeech conditions but not for speech stimuli. The results indicate domain specificity of enhanced pitch processing in autism, which may interfere with lexical tone acquisition and language development for children who speak a tonal language.
