1. Berenguer C, Rosello B, Colomer C, Baixauli I, Miranda A. {{Children with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Relationships between symptoms and executive function, theory of mind, and behavioral problems}}. {Research in developmental disabilities}. 2018; 83: 260-9.
BACKGROUND: The underlying mechanisms of comorbidity between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are still unknown. Executive function (EF) deficits and theory of mind (ToM) have been the most investigated cognitive processes. AIMS: This study proposed to analyze EF, ToM and behavioral problems in children with ASD + ADHD, ADHD, ASD and typical development (TD). The relationship between ADHD and ASD symptoms with EF, ToM and behavioral problems in children with ASD + ADHD was also explored. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Participants were 124 children between 7 and 11 years old (22 ASD + ADHD, 35 ADHD, 30 ASD, and 37 TD), matched on age and IQ. Teachers evaluated EF, and parents assessed ToM skills and behavioral problems through Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Children with ASD + ADHD and ADHD showed impairments in EF whereas the difficulties in ToM skills of ASD + ADHD group were similar to ASD group. Inattention symptoms were significantly associated with EF metacognitive deficits and ToM difficulties in ASD + ADHD, while ASD symptoms were associated with total score in behavioral problems. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These findings show the complex difficulties of children with both ASD and ADHD and support the need to take these difficulties into account when designing the treatments.
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2. Borowiak K, Schelinski S, von Kriegstein K. {{Recognizing visual speech: Reduced responses in visual-movement regions, but not other speech regions in autism}}. {NeuroImage Clinical}. 2018; 20: 1078-91.
Speech information inherent in face movements is important for understanding what is said in face-to-face communication. Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have difficulties in extracting speech information from face movements, a process called visual-speech recognition. Currently, it is unknown what dysfunctional brain regions or networks underlie the visual-speech recognition deficit in ASD. We conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study with concurrent eye tracking to investigate visual-speech recognition in adults diagnosed with high-functioning autism and pairwise matched typically developed controls. Compared to the control group (n=17), the ASD group (n=17) showed decreased Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) response during visual-speech recognition in the right visual area 5 (V5/MT) and left temporal visual speech area (TVSA) – brain regions implicated in visual-movement perception. The right V5/MT showed positive correlation with visual-speech task performance in the ASD group, but not in the control group. Psychophysiological interaction analysis (PPI) revealed that functional connectivity between the left TVSA and the bilateral V5/MT and between the right V5/MT and the left IFG was lower in the ASD than in the control group. In contrast, responses in other speech-motor regions and their connectivity were on the neurotypical level. Reduced responses and network connectivity of the visual-movement regions in conjunction with intact speech-related mechanisms indicate that perceptual mechanisms might be at the core of the visual-speech recognition deficit in ASD. Communication deficits in ASD might at least partly stem from atypical sensory processing and not higher-order cognitive processing of socially relevant information.
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3. Dell’Osso L, Carpita B, Cremone IM, Muti D, Diadema E, Barberi FM, Massimetti G, Brondino N, Petrosino B, Politi P, Aguglia E, Lorenzi P, Carmassi C, Gesi C. {{The mediating effect of trauma and stressor related symptoms and ruminations on the relationship between autistic traits and mood spectrum}}. {Psychiatry research}. 2018.
An increasing number of studies highlighted significant correlations between autistic traits (AT) and mood spectrum symptoms. Moreover, recent data showed that individuals with high AT are likely to develop trauma and stressor-related disorders. This study aims to investigate the relationship between AT and mood symptoms among university students, focusing in particular on how AT interact with ruminations and trauma-related symptomatology in predicting mood symptoms. 178 students from three Italian Universities of excellence were assessed with The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5), the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum), the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), the Trauma and Loss Spectrum (TALS) and the Moods Spectrum (MOODS). Considering the AdAS Spectrum total scores, 133 subjects (74.7%) were categorized as « low scorers » and 45 subjects (25.3%) as « high scorers ». Students in the high scorer group showed significantly higher scores on RRS, TALS-SR and MOOD-SR total scores. Total and direct effects of AdAS Spectrum total score on MOODS-SR total score were both statistically significant. AdAS Spectrum total score also showed a significant indirect effect on MOODS-SR total score through TALS and RRS total scores. Results showed a significant relationship between AT and mood spectrum, which is partially mediated by ruminations and trauma/stressor-related symptomatology.
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4. Faraji J, Karimi M, Lawrence C, Mohajerani MH, Metz GAS. {{Non-diagnostic symptoms in a mouse model of autism in relation to neuroanatomy: the BTBR strain reinvestigated}}. {Translational psychiatry}. 2018; 8(1): 234.
Several mouse models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including the BTBR T + tf/J (BTBR) inbred strain, display a diverse array of behavioral deficits with particular face validity. Here we propose that phenotyping these preclinical models of ASD should avoid excessive reliance on appearance validity of the behavioral observations. BTBR mice were examined in three non-diagnostic symptoms modalities, beside an anatomical investigation for construct validity. The BTBR strain displayed poor sensorimotor integration as reflected by shorter stride length and greater latency on the balance beam task (BBT) when compared with C57BL/6 (B6) controls. Also, locomotor indices in the open-field task (OFT) revealed that BTBR mice traveled longer distances with a remarkably faster exploration than the B6 group in favor of hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Furthermore, analysis of spatial performance including search strategies in the Morris water task (MWT) indicated spatial impairment in the BTBR strain due to failure to employ spatial strategies during navigation. Quantitative cytoarchitectonics and volumetric examinations also indicated abnormal cortical and subcortical morphology in the BTBR mice. The results are discussed in relation to the neuroanatomical correlates of motor and cognitive impairments in the BTBR strain. We conclude that non-diagnostic autistic-like symptoms in the BTBR mouse strain can be impacted by autism risk factors in a similar way than the traditional diagnostic signs.
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5. Guo X, Duan X, Suckling J, Chen H, Liao W, Cui Q, Chen H. {{Partially impaired functional connectivity states between right anterior insula and default mode network in autism spectrum disorder}}. {Human brain mapping}. 2018.
Time-invariant resting-state functional connectivity studies have illuminated the crucial role of the right anterior insula (rAI) in prominent social impairments of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, a recent dynamic connectivity study demonstrated that rather than being stationary, functional connectivity patterns of the rAI vary significantly across time. The present study aimed to explore the differences in functional connectivity in dynamic states of the rAI between individuals with ASD and typically developing controls (TD). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data obtained from a publicly available database were analyzed in 209 individuals with ASD and 298 demographically matched controls. A k-means clustering algorithm was utilized to obtain five dynamic states of functional connectivity of the rAI. The temporal properties, frequency properties, and meta-analytic decoding were first identified in TD group to obtain the characteristics of each rAI dynamic state. Multivariate analysis of variance was then performed to compare the functional connectivity patterns of the rAI between ASD and TD groups in obtained states. Significantly impaired connectivity was observed in ASD in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate cortex, which are two critical hubs of the default mode network (DMN). States in which ASD showed decreased connectivity between the rAI and these regions were those more relevant to socio-cognitive processing. From a dynamic perspective, these findings demonstrate partially impaired resting-state functional connectivity patterns between the rAI and DMN across states in ASD, and provide novel insights into the neural mechanisms underlying social impairments in individuals with ASD.
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6. Lau-Zhu A, Fritz A, McLoughlin G. {{Overlaps and distinctions between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder in young adulthood: Systematic review and guiding framework for EEG research}}. {Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews}. 2018.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) frequently co-occur. However, we know little about the neural basis of the overlaps and distinctions between these disorders, particularly in young adulthood – a critical time window for brain plasticity across executive and socioemotional domains. Here, we systematically review 75 articles investigating ADHD and ASD in young adult samples (mean ages 16 to 26) using cognitive tasks, with neural activity concurrently measured via electroencephalography (EEG) – the most accessible neuroimaging technology. The majority of studies focused on event-related potentials (ERPs), with some beginning to capitalise on oscillatory approaches. Overlapping and specific profiles for ASD and ADHD were found mainly for four neurocognitive domains: attention processing, performance monitoring, face processing and sensory processing. No studies in this age group directly compared both disorders or considered dual diagnosis with both disorders. Moving forward, understanding of ADHD, ASD and their overlap in young adulthood would benefit from an increased focus on cross-disorder comparisons, using similar paradigms and in well-powered samples and longitudinal cohorts.
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7. Lunden JW, Durens M, Phillips AW, Nestor MW. {{Cortical interneuron function in autism spectrum condition}}. {Pediatric research}. 2018.
Cortical interneurons (INs) are a diverse group of neurons that project locally and shape the function of neural networks throughout the brain. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that a proper balance of glutamate and GABA signaling is essential for both the proper function and development of the brain. Dysregulation of this system may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum condition (ASC). We evaluate the development and function of INs in rodent and human models and examine how neurodevelopmental dysfunction may produce core symptoms of ASC. Finding common physiological mechanisms that underlie neurodevelopmental disorders may lead to novel pharmacological targets and candidates that could improve the cognitive and emotional symptoms associated with ASC.
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8. Nomi JS, Molnar-Szakacs I, Uddin LQ. {{Insular function in autism: Update and future directions in neuroimaging and interventions}}. {Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry}. 2018; 89: 412-26.
The insular cortex, hidden within the lateral sulcus of the human brain, participates in a range of cognitive, affective, and sensory functions. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition affecting all of these functional domains, has increasingly been linked with atypical activation and connectivity of the insular cortices. Here we review the latest research linking atypical insular function to a range of behaviors characteristic of ASD, with an emphasis on neuroimaging findings in the domains of social cognition and executive function. We summarize some of the recent work linking the insula to interventions in autism, including oxytocin-based pharmacological treatments and music therapy. We suggest that future directions likely to yield significant insights into insular pathology in ASD include the analysis of the dynamics of this brain region. We also conclude that more basic research is necessary on the use of oxytocin pharmacotherapy, and larger studies addressing participant heterogeneity are needed on the use of music therapy in ASD. Long-term studies are needed to ascertain sustained effects of these interventions.
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9. Pepper KL, Demetriou EA, Park SH, Song YC, Hickie IB, Cacciotti-Saija C, Langdon R, Piguet O, Kumfor F, Thomas EE, Guastella AJ. {{Autism, early psychosis, and social anxiety disorder: understanding the role of social cognition and its relationship to disability in young adults with disorders characterized by social impairments}}. {Translational psychiatry}. 2018; 8(1): 233.
Impairments in social cognition are believed contribute to disability, particularly for disorders characterized by difficulties in social interaction. There has been little transdiagnostic investigation of this across social cognition domains in young adults. A total of 199 young adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; N = 53), early psychosis (EP; N = 51), and social anxiety disorder (SAD; N = 64) were compared against neurotypical controls (NT; N = 31) on a battery of lower and higher-order and self-report social cognition measures. For both ASD and EP, participants showed impaired performance on all lower-order emotion recognition tasks and one higher-order social cognition test. Self-reports of empathy were reduced in all clinical groups and particularly in ASD. For SAD, despite showing no objective social cognition impairment, self-reported empathy was reduced to the same level as EP. Discriminant analysis revealed that self-reported empathy and lower-order emotion recognition tests provide best capacity to differentiate groups. Regressions predicting disability revealed depression as the strongest predictor across all disability measures. Empathy provided additional predictive value for social disability and social interaction anxiety. Overall, results support a similar social-cognitive development profile across ASD and EP. While self-reported empathy differentiated between groups, discrepancy between objective social cognition test performance and self-reported empathy in the SAD group suggests probable threat-related self-monitoring report biases that likely further influence all group outcomes. As depression and empathy were the most important predictors of disability, regardless of diagnostic group, research is required to explore targeted interventions for difficulties in these domains to reduce disability.
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10. Relia S, Ekambaram V. {{Pharmacological Approach to Sleep Disturbances in Autism Spectrum Disorders with Psychiatric Comorbidities: A Literature Review}}. {Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland)}. 2018; 6(4).
Autism is a developmental disability that can cause significant emotional, social and behavioral dysfunction. Sleep disorders co-occur in approximately half of the patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Sleep problems in individuals with ASD have also been associated with poor social interaction, increased stereotypy, problems in communication, and overall autistic behavior. Behavioral interventions are considered a primary modality of treatment. There is limited evidence for psychopharmacological treatments in autism; however, these are frequently prescribed. Melatonin, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and alpha agonists have generally been used with melatonin, having a relatively large body of evidence. Further research and information are needed to guide and individualize treatment for this population group.
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11. Schrott B, Kasperzack D, Weber L, Becker K, Burghardt R, Kamp-Becker I. {{Effectiveness of the Stepping Stones Triple P Group Parenting Program as an Additional Intervention in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Effects on Parenting Variables}}. {Journal of autism and developmental disorders}. 2018.
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often are faced with the challenges of difficult parenting situations. We explored the effectiveness of the Stepping Stones Triple P (SSTP) group parent training as an additional intervention in the treatment of ASD. Parents (n = 23) went through a waiting period and participated afterwards in the training program. We assessed parenting variables via self-report measures. After the intervention, there was a significant reduction of over-reactive parenting behaviors, role restriction and an increase in parental self-efficacy. At follow-up, the effects remained stable and we additionally found a reduction of laxness and less parenting stress. Effect sizes were high (eta(2): 0.18-0.24). The SSTP, offered as an additional intervention in the treatment of ASD, proved to be effective in enhancing parenting.
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12. Siu QKY, Yi H, Chan RCH, Chio FHN, Chan DFY, Mak WWS. {{The Role of Child Problem Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Symptoms and Parenting Stress: A Primary School-Based Study}}. {Journal of autism and developmental disorders}. 2018.
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) reported higher stress than those of typically developing children. The role of child problem behaviors in the relationship between autism spectrum symptoms and parenting stress is little known. A total of 731 parents of 177 children with ASD and 554 typically developing children in primary schools (6-11 years old) completed an ASD screening survey containing measures of parenting stress and child problem behaviors. While autism spectrum symptoms were positively associated with parenting stress, the relationship was mediated by child problem behaviors. Results suggest neither the severity of autism spectrum symptoms nor knowledge of ASD diagnosis was a primary source of parenting stress. A hypothesized path model was tested using structural equation modeling.
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13. Waizbard-Bartov E, Yehonatan-Schori M, Golan O. {{Personal Growth Experiences of Parents to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {Journal of autism and developmental disorders}. 2018.
Experiences of parenting a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have mostly been studied in relation to hardship. The current study explored personal growth experiences of Israeli parents to children with ASD, specifically in relation to Tedeschi and Calhoun’s crisis-related growth model. Nineteen parents were interviewed, and qualitative categorical content analysis was performed. Four major growth themes emerged: Empowerment and personal strength, Existential perspective/spiritual-emotional experience, Interpersonal and Expertise, professional or political involvement. Themes were largely consistent with the crisis-related growth model, with some being unique to the current subject of inquiry. Findings indicated growth might occur differently in different cultures. Clinically, with some parents, the focus regarding the parenting of their child with ASD should be shifted from adjustment to growth.
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14. Wang G, Kino M, Yamauchi K, Wang RH. {{Correlations between features of event-related potentials and Autism Spectrum Quotient scores}}. {Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia}. 2018.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and is characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction. ASD includes a continuum from mild to severe expression of autistic traits. The purpose of the present study was to investigate correlations between event-related potentials (ERPs) during visual-auditory priming, and Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) scores, which include subscores in 5 different areas: social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, communication, and imagination. High-density electroencephalograms were recorded while participants performed a visual-auditory priming task that required categorization of auditory stimuli presented following a semantically congruent or incongruent visual primer. Differences in ERPs to auditory targets following semantically congruent and incongruent primers occurred between 200ms and 600ms at the posterior temporal electrodes. Amplitudes associated with incongruent auditory stimuli at P7 were negatively correlated with overall AQ scores, and positively correlated with communication subscores. Amplitudes associated with congruent stimuli were positively correlated with attention to detail subscores. In addition, PO7 amplitudes were negatively correlated with communication subscores. The results demonstrate significant correlations between electrophysiological features of cross-modal priming and AQ scores. Our findings suggest that electrophysiological parameters may be useful tools to evaluate the severity of autistic trait expression.
