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Greenlee JL, Lorang E, Olson RH, Rodriquez G, Yoon DM, Hartley S. Comparative analysis of electrodermal activity metrics and their association with child behavior in autism spectrum disorder. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22461. [PMID: 38388193 PMCID: PMC10901449 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Researchers are increasingly utilizing physiological data like electrodermal activity (EDA) to understand how stress "gets under the skin." Results of EDA studies in autistic children are mixed, with some suggesting autistic hyperarousal, others finding hypoarousal, and yet others detecting no difference compared to non-autistics. Some of this variability likely stems from the different techniques used to assess EDA. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate and compare commonly used metrics of EDA (frequency of peaks, average amplitude of peaks, and standard deviation of skin conductance level) using two data processing programs (NeuroKit2 and Ledalab) and their link to observed child behavior. EDA data were collected using Empatica E4 wristbands from 60 autistic children and adolescents (5-18 years old) during a 7-min play interaction with their primary caregiver. The play interaction was coded for a range of child behaviors including mood, social responsiveness, dysregulation, and cooperation. Results indicate a strong correlation between NeuroKit2 and Ledalab and a weak correlation between metrics within each program. Furthermore, the frequency of peaks was associated with more positive child social behaviors, and the magnitude of peaks was associated with less adaptive child behaviors. Recommendations for replication and the need for generalizability of this research are given.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily Lorang
- Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Robert H Olson
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Geovanna Rodriquez
- Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Dasoo Milton Yoon
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sigan Hartley
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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2
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Holyfield C, O'Neill Zimmerman T. A Scoping Review of Research Evaluating Physiological Information for Individuals With Developmental Disabilities: Augmentative and Alternative Communication Research Considerations. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2022; 65:4306-4326. [PMID: 36260340 DOI: 10.1044/2022_jslhr-22-00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Today, an ever-increasing number of technological advancements are becoming mainstream. As the availability of technological innovations increases, so do opportunities for evaluating any benefits of those innovations in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) research for individuals with developmental disabilities. One innovation that has become mainstream is the use of noninvasive wearable technology to provide physiological information (e.g., heart rate, skin conductance). Such information could be valuable in AAC research, but more information about its potential feasibility and utility is needed. METHOD A scoping review was conducted to review and report on existing research that has evaluated (a) physiological information as a communication intervention tool for individuals with developmental disabilities and (b) the relationship between physiological information from individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral and/or environmental information in real time. RESULTS Results revealed that, while little communication intervention research has been completed, descriptive research demonstrates that physiological information from individuals with developmental disabilities gathered using wearable technology corresponds meaningfully to observable environmental and behavioral events. CONCLUSIONS Future AAC research incorporating wearable technology to gather physiological information is warranted. Such research could evaluate potential benefits such as preempting challenging behavior with communication opportunities, signaling readiness for language learning, indicating AAC feature preferences, and expanding methodological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Holyfield
- Department of Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
| | - Tara O'Neill Zimmerman
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
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3
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Baker JK, Fenning RM, Erath SA, Fabian S. Parasympathetic withdrawal indexes risk for emotion dysregulation in children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2022; 15:2064-2068. [PMID: 36086895 PMCID: PMC9637759 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience significant difficulties with emotion regulation. Theory and empirical evidence suggest substantial biological contributions to regulatory challenges, which may be related to core ASD symptoms. Respiratory sinus arrythmia (RSA) is a measure of parasympathetic nervous system activity that serves as a putative biomarker for emotion regulation. Higher baseline RSA and more RSA reactivity (parasympathetic withdrawal; RSA-R) in response to challenge appear adaptive in non-clinical populations, but existing evidence for children with ASD remains inconclusive. The current study examined correlates of observed emotion dysregulation in 61 children with ASD between the ages of 6 and 10 years, including ASD symptom levels as well as both baseline RSA and concurrent RSA reactivity. Consistent with previous research, ASD symptom level was significantly correlated with observed dysregulation whereas additional factors such as child IQ were not. Baseline RSA was unrelated to observed dysregulation, but higher RSA reactivity predicted concurrent dysregulation above and beyond the contribution of child ASD symptoms. Findings contribute to an emerging understanding of dysregulation in these children, raise questions about the utility of traditional baseline RSA measures for this population, and clarify the functional significance of RSA reactivity as a risk factor for emotion dysregulation in children with ASD.
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Schiltz HK, Fenning RM, Erath SA, Baker JK. Parasympathetic functioning and sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2022; 15:2138-2148. [PMID: 36114684 PMCID: PMC9825964 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), an index of parasympathetic nervous system activity, has been linked with sleep quality among children with neurotypical development. The current study extended examination of these processes to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a group at considerable risk for sleep problems. Participants included 54 children with ASD (aged 6-10 years, 43% Hispanic). RSA data were collected via a wired MindWare system during a 3-min baseline and a 3-min challenge task. Parents reported on their children's sleep problems and sleep duration using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, Abbreviated. Although no significant correlations emerged between RSA indices and parent-reported child sleep, baseline RSA and RSA reactivity interacted in the prediction of sleep problems. For children with higher RSA reactivity, higher baseline RSA was associated with fewer sleep problems, but for children with lower RSA reactivity, baseline RSA was not predictive. No main effects or interactions of RSA predicted sleep duration. Findings suggest resilience against sleep problems for children with ASD presenting with higher baseline RSA and higher RSA reactivity. Implications of these results center upon directly targeting psychophysiology (i.e., parasympathetic nervous system regulation) as a possible mechanism to improve sleep in children with ASD, and developing personalized interventions based on physiological markers of risk and resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary K. Schiltz
- Department of PsychologyMarquette UniversityMilwaukeeWisconsinUSA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Studies, Center for AutismCalifornia State UniversityFullertonCaliforniaUSA
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human BehaviorUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Rachel M. Fenning
- Department of Child and Adolescent Studies, Center for AutismCalifornia State UniversityFullertonCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Psychological Science and The Claremont Autism CenterClaremont McKenna CollegeClaremontCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Jason K. Baker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Studies, Center for AutismCalifornia State UniversityFullertonCaliforniaUSA
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5
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Kryklywy JH, Lu A, Roberts KH, Rowan M, Todd RM. Lateralization of autonomic output in response to limb-specific threat. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0011-22.2022. [PMID: 36028330 PMCID: PMC9463978 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0011-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In times of stress or danger, the autonomic nervous system (ANS) signals the fight or flight response. A canonical function of ANS activity is to globally mobilize metabolic resources, preparing the organism to respond to threat. Yet a body of research has demonstrated that, rather than displaying a homogenous pattern across the body, autonomic responses to arousing events - as measured through changes in electrodermal activity (EDA) - can differ between right and left body locations. Surprisingly, an attempt to identify a function of ANS asymmetry consistent with its metabolic role has not been investigated. In the current study, we investigated whether asymmetric autonomic responses could be induced through limb-specific aversive stimulation. Participants were given mild electric stimulation to either the left or right arm while EDA was monitored bilaterally. In a group-level analyses, an ipsilateral EDA response bias was observed, with increased EDA response in the hand adjacent to the stimulation. This effect was observable in ∼50% of individual particpants. These results demonstrate that autonomic output is more complex than canonical interpretations suggest. We suggest that, in stressful situations, autonomic outputs can prepare either the whole-body fight or flight response, or a simply a limb-localized flick, which can effectively neutralize the threat while minimizing global resource consumption. These findings are consistent with recent theories proposing evolutionary leveraging of neural structures organized to mediate sensory responses for processing of cognitive emotional cues.Significance statementThe present study constitutes novel evidence for an autonomic nervous response specific to the side of the body exposed to direct threat. We identify a robust pattern of electrodermal response at the body location that directly receives aversive tactile stimulation. Thus, we demonstrate for the first time in contemporary research that the ANS is capable of location-specific outputs within single effector organs in response to small scale threat. This extends the canonical view of the role of ANS responses in stressful or dangerous stresses - that of provoking a 'fight or flight' response - suggesting a further role of this system: preparation of targeted limb-specific action, i.e., a flick.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy Lu
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia
| | | | - Matt Rowan
- Peter A. Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia
| | - Rebecca M Todd
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia
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6
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Schiltz HK, Fenning RM, Erath SA, Baucom BRW, Baker JK. Electrodermal Activity Moderates Sleep-Behavior Associations in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2022; 50:823-835. [PMID: 35032292 PMCID: PMC10826639 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-00900-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Relative to children without autism spectrum disorder (ASD), children with ASD experience elevated sleep problems that can contribute to behavioral comorbidities. This study explored the interaction between psychophysiology and sleep to determine which children with ASD may be at risk for, or resilient to, effects of poor sleep on daytime behavior. Participants included 48 children (aged 6-10 years) with ASD. Measures of sympathetic nervous system activity (electrodermal activity; EDA) were collected during a baseline and in response to a laboratory challenge task. Parents reported on their children's sleep problems and behavioral functioning, including broad externalizing symptoms and situational noncompliance, using standardized questionnaires and a clinical interview. EDA moderated the significant positive associations between sleep problems and both behavioral outcomes. The link between sleep problems and broad externalizing symptoms and situational noncompliance was positive and significant in the context of lower baseline EDA and nonsignificant in the context of higher baseline EDA. Sleep problems also interacted with EDA reactivity in predicting situational noncompliance, but not broad externalizing symptoms. Findings highlight the complex interplay among sleep, daytime behavior, and psychophysiology in children with ASD. Results are interpreted in the context of differential susceptibility and dual-risk frameworks. This study underscores the importance of high-quality sleep for children with ASD, especially those with the biological sensitivity or vulnerability factors (i.e., EDA) identified in this study. Clinical implications are discussed, and directions for future research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary K Schiltz
- Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jason K Baker
- California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA
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7
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Ou Y, Belzer C, Smidt H, de Weerth C. Development of the gut microbiota in healthy children in the first ten years of life: associations with internalizing and externalizing behavior. Gut Microbes 2022; 14:2038853. [PMID: 35188073 PMCID: PMC8865293 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2038853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence indicates that psychopathological disorders are associated with the gut microbiota. However, data are largely lacking from long-term longitudinal birth cohorts, especially those comprising low-risk healthy individuals. Therefore, this study aims to describe gut microbiota development in healthy children from birth till age 10 years, as well as to investigate potential associations with internalizing and externalizing behavior. RESULTS Fecal microbial composition of participants in an ongoing longitudinal study (N = 193) was analyzed at 1, 3 and 4 months, and 6 and 10 years of age by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Based on these data, three clusters were identified in infancy, two of which were predominated by Bifidobacterium. In childhood, four clusters were observed, two of which increased in prevalence with age. One of the childhood clusters, similar to an enterotype, was highly enriched in genus-level taxon Prevotella_9. Breastfeeding had marked associations with microbiota composition up till age 10, implying an extended role in shaping gut microbial ecology. Microbial clusters were not associated with behavior. However, Prevotella_9 in childhood was positively related to mother-reported externalizing behavior at age 10; this was validated in child reports. CONCLUSIONS This study validated previous findings on Bifidobacterium-enriched and -depleted clusters in infancy. Importantly, it also mapped continued development of gut microbiota in middle childhood. Novel associations between gut microbial composition in the first 10 years of life (especially Prevotella_9), and externalizing behavior at age 10 were found. Replications in other cohorts, as well as follow-up assessments, will help determine the significance of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangwenshan Ou
- Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 8033, EH Wageningen, 6700Netherlands,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9010, 6500GL Nijmegen, Netherlands,CONTACT Yangwenshan Ou Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 8033, 6700EH Wageningen; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Clara Belzer
- Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 8033, EH Wageningen, 6700Netherlands
| | - Hauke Smidt
- Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 8033, EH Wageningen, 6700Netherlands
| | - Carolina de Weerth
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9010, 6500GL Nijmegen, Netherlands
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8
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Matsushima K, Matsubayashi J, Toichi M, Funabiki Y, Kato T, Awaya T, Tsuchida R, Kato T. Atypical Physiological Response to Less Controllable Sensory Stimulation in Children with ASD. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2022; 50:1363-1377. [DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-00927-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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9
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Agostinho D, Correia R, Catarina Duarte I, Sousa D, Abreu R, Pina Rodrigues A, Castelo-Branco M, Simoes M. Parametric fMRI analysis of videos of variable arousal levels reveals different dorsal vs ventral activation preferences between autism and controls. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2021; 2021:6412-6415. [PMID: 34892579 DOI: 10.1109/embc46164.2021.9630013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Atypical sensory processing is now considered a ubiquitous feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is responsible for the atypical sensory-based behaviours seen in these individuals. Specifically, emotional arousal is a critical ASD target since it comprises emotion regulation and sensory processing, two core aspects of autism. So, in this project, we used task-based fMRI and a well-catalogued dataset of videos with variable arousal levels to characterize the sensory processing of emotional arousal content in ASD and typically developed controls. Our analysis revealed a difference in the secondary attention network where ASD individuals showed a clear yet lateralized preference to the dorsal attention network, whereas the neurotypical individuals preferred the ventral attention network.
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10
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Holmes J, Mareva S, Bennett MP, Black MJ, Guy J. Higher-order dimensions of psychopathology in a neurodevelopmental transdiagnostic sample. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 130:909-922. [PMID: 34843293 PMCID: PMC8628482 DOI: 10.1037/abn0000710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hierarchical dimensional models of psychopathology derived for adult and child community populations offer more informative and efficient methods for assessing and treating symptoms of mental ill health than traditional diagnostic approaches. It is not yet clear how many dimensions should be included in models for youth with neurodevelopmental conditions. The aim of this study was to delineate the hierarchical dimensional structure of psychopathology in a transdiagnostic sample of children and adolescents with learning-related problems, and to test the concurrent predictive value of the model for clinically, socially, and educationally relevant outcomes. A sample of N = 403 participants from the Centre for Attention Learning and Memory (CALM) cohort were included. Hierarchical factor analysis delineated dimensions of psychopathology from ratings on the Conner's Parent Rating Short Form, the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. A hierarchical structure with a general p factor at the apex, broad internalizing and broad externalizing spectra below, and three more specific factors (specific internalizing, social maladjustment, and neurodevelopmental) emerged. The p factor predicted all concurrently measured social, clinical, and educational outcomes, but the other dimensions provided incremental predictive value. The neurodevelopmental dimension, which captured symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and executive function and emerged from the higher-order externalizing factor, was the strongest predictor of learning. This suggests that in struggling learners, cognitive and affective behaviors may interact to influence learning outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joni Holmes
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge
| | - Silvana Mareva
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge
| | - Marc P Bennett
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge
| | - Melissa J Black
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge
| | - Jacalyn Guy
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge
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11
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Moffitt JM, Baker JK, Fenning RM, Erath SA, Messinger DS, Zeedyk SM, Paez SA, Seel S. Parental Socialization of Emotion and Psychophysiological Arousal Patterns in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2021; 49:401-412. [PMID: 33459921 PMCID: PMC10826638 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-020-00745-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at considerable risk for difficulties with emotion regulation and related functioning. Although it is commonly accepted that parents contribute to adaptive child regulation, as indexed by observable child behavior, theory and recent evidence suggest that parenting may also influence relevant underlying child physiological tendencies. The current study examined concurrent associations between two elements of parental socialization of emotion and measures of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity in 61 children with ASD aged 6 to 10 years. To index parental socialization, parents reported on their reactions to their children's negative emotions, and parental scaffolding was coded from a dyadic problem-solving task. Children's baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), electrodermal reactivity (EDA-R), and RSA reactivity in response to challenge were obtained as measures of the children's physiological activity. Regression analyses indicated that supportive parent reactions were related to higher child baseline RSA, a biomarker of regulatory capacity. Fewer unsupportive parent reactions and higher quality scaffolding were associated with higher EDA-R, a physiological index of inhibition. The identification of these concurrent associations represents a first step in understanding the complex and likely bidirectional interplay between parent socialization and child physiological reactivity and regulation in this high-risk population.
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12
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Fong HX, Cornish K, Kirk H, Ilias K, Shaikh MF, Golden KJ. Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown in Malaysia: An Examination of the Psychological Well-Being of Parent-Child Dyads and Child Behavior in Families With Children on the Autism Spectrum. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:733905. [PMID: 34721108 PMCID: PMC8555492 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.733905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns have adversely impacted children on the autism spectrum and their families, especially in Malaysia where this population is often marginalized. The current quantitative research aimed to investigate the impact of the Malaysian COVID-19 lockdown on the behavior and psychological distress of children formally diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition (ASC) as well as the psychological distress and well-being of their parents, in comparison with a typically developing (TD) control group. Methods: The children's ages ranged between 5 and 17 years. The sample included 72 ASC parent-child dyads and 62 TD parent-child dyads. The primary caregiver completed an online survey including the following: demographic and diagnostic information; ASC symptoms; children's inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, perceived stress, depression, and anxiety; parents' perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and well-being based on their experience pre- and mid-lockdown (March 18th to June 9th 2020) in Malaysia. Results: Among the ASC group, no significant pre- and mid-lockdown change was found in ASC symptoms (p > 0.05). There were no significant gender differences (boys/girls) in all the child scales. The 2 [diagnosis (ASC, TD)] × 2 [lockdown (pre-lockdown, mid-lockdown)] mixed-model ANOVAs revealed main effects of lockdown on children's attention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, anxiety, and parents' perceived stress, depression, and psychological well-being (p < 0.005). There was a main effect of diagnosis in all child and parent variables, except parents' perceived stress (p >0.005). However, there was no significant interaction effect between diagnosis and lockdown (p >0.005). All child behavior (inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity) and child psychological distress (anxiety, depression, and perceived stress) were significantly correlated in both the ASC and TD groups (p < 0.005). On the other hand, only some of the parent variables were significantly correlated with child variables (p < 0.0045) in the ASC group while none of the parent variables were significantly correlated with the child variables (p > 0.005) in the TD group. Conclusion: The results provide preliminary evidence indicating negative effects of the Malaysian lockdown on both children on the autism spectrum and TD children, as well as their parents. These quantitative results will be triangulated with the qualitative interview data to provide a holistic understanding of the impact of the pandemic, informing translational policy and practice recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xian Fong
- Department of Psychology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Kim Cornish
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Hannah Kirk
- School of Psychological Sciences and Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kartini Ilias
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Farooq Shaikh
- Neuropharmacology Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Karen Jennifer Golden
- Department of Psychology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia.,Neuropharmacology Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
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13
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Vernetti A, Shic F, Boccanfuso L, Macari S, Kane-Grade F, Milgramm A, Hilton E, Heymann P, Goodwin MS, Chawarska K. Atypical Emotional Electrodermal Activity in Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2020; 13:1476-1488. [PMID: 32896980 PMCID: PMC10081486 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Past studies in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) indicate atypical peripheral physiological arousal. However, the conditions under which these atypicalities arise and their link with behavioral emotional expressions and core ASD symptoms remain uncertain. Given the importance of physiological arousal in affective, learning, and cognitive processes, the current study examined changes in skin conductance level (ΔSCL) in 41 toddlers with ASD (mean age: 22.7 months, SD: 2.9) and 32 age-matched toddlers with typical development (TD) (mean age: 21.6 months, SD: 3.6) in response to probes designed to induce anger, joy, and fear emotions. The magnitude of ΔSCL was comparable during anger (P = 0.206, d = 0.30) and joy (P = 0.996, d = 0.01) conditions, but significantly lower during the fear condition (P = 0.001, d = 0.83) in toddlers with ASD compared to TD peers. In the combined samples, ΔSCL positively correlated with intensity of behavioral emotional expressivity during the anger (r[71] = 0.36, P = 0.002) and fear (r[68] = 0.32, P = 0.007) conditions, but not in the joy (r[69] = -0.15, P = 0.226) condition. Finally, ΔSCL did not associate with autism symptom severity in any emotion-eliciting condition in the ASD group. Toddlers with ASD displayed attenuated ΔSCL to situations aimed at eliciting fear, which may forecast the emergence of highly prevalent internalizing and externalizing problems in this population. The study putatively identifies ΔSCL as a dimension not associated with severity of autism but with behavioral responses in negatively emotionally challenging events and provides support for the feasibility, validity, and incipient utility of examining ΔSCL in response to emotional challenges in very young children. LAY SUMMARY: Physiological arousal was measured in toddlers with autism exposed to frustrating, pleasant, and threatening tasks. Compared to typically developing peers, toddlers with autism showed comparable arousal responses to frustrating and pleasant events, but lower responses to threatening events. Importantly, physiological arousal and behavioral expressions were aligned during frustrating and threatening events, inviting exploration of physiological arousal to measure responses to emotional challenges. Furthermore, this study advances the understanding of precursors to emotional and behavioral problems common in older children with autism. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1476-1488. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Vernetti
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Frederick Shic
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Division of General Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Suzanne Macari
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Finola Kane-Grade
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna Milgramm
- Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, University at Albany, SUNY, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Emily Hilton
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Perrine Heymann
- Early Childhood Behavior Lab, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Matthew S Goodwin
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katarzyna Chawarska
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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14
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Lorang E, Hartley S, Sterling A. Physiological arousal and observed behaviour in parent-child interactions involving young children with Down syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2020; 64:426-433. [PMID: 31971300 PMCID: PMC7237288 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of children with Down syndrome (DS) play an important role in their child's development. Physiological measures, such as electrodermal activity (EDA), can shed light on parent-child relations beyond the behavioural level. The goals of the current study were to assess the feasibility of collecting EDA data in preschool age children with DS, examine the association between parent and child EDA during play-based interactions, and investigate the relation between parent and child EDA and observed parent behaviours. METHOD Two parents in 15 families participated in dyadic free play interactions with their child with DS (i.e., 15 mother-child and 15 father-child interactions). The children with DS (aged 24-61 months) and both of their parents wore multisensory wristbands measuring EDA. Parent behaviours were coded as requests for behavioural complies, requests for verbal complies, or comments. RESULTS Usable EDA data were collected for 13/15 children and 11/15 mothers during the mother-child interactions and 14/15 children and 12/15 fathers during the father-child interactions. Parent and child EDA variability was significantly positively related for father-child but not mother-child dyads. Maternal use of requests for behavioural complies was positively related to child EDA variability. CONCLUSIONS The collection of EDA data through wristbands worn by young children with DS during early parent-child interactions was feasible. Preliminary findings indicated that some aspects of parent and child physiology in DS may be related in different ways for mother-child and father-child dyads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Lorang
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Sigan Hartley
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Audra Sterling
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
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15
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Westby C. Screen Time and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Folia Phoniatr Logop 2020; 73:233-240. [PMID: 32229733 DOI: 10.1159/000506682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research is increasingly raising concerns regarding the negative consequences of children's use of screens. SUMMARY This article reviews the literature on the benefits and risks of screen time with attention to explaining possible reasons that children with autism are more at risk for the negative effects of screen time. Based on the science of learning literature, a framework for choosing appropriate digital media for children with autism is described. The 3-component framework considers the characteristics of the child, the context in which digital media are used, and the content of the media. Key Message: Using the framework, the speech-language pathologist will be better able to select appropriate digital media content for children with autism that is engaging (while not being distracting), encourages the child to be actively involved with the media, is meaningful in the child's life, and incorporates social interactions with others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Westby
- Bilingual Multicultural Services, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA,
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16
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Baker JK, Fenning RM, Erath SA, Baucom BR, Messinger DS, Moffitt J, Kaeppler A, Bailey A. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia, parenting, and externalizing behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2020; 24:109-120. [PMID: 31122030 PMCID: PMC7155915 DOI: 10.1177/1362361319848525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder exhibit significant difficulties with emotion regulation. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia is a biomarker for processes related to emotion regulation, with higher baseline rates linked to beneficial outcomes. Although reduction in respiratory sinus arrhythmia in response to challenge can index adaptive processes in community samples, excessive withdrawal may suggest loss of regulatory control among children with clinical concerns. Psychophysiological risk for problems may be protected against or exacerbated by parenting environments more or less supportive of the development of children's regulatory competence. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia was examined in 61 children with autism spectrum disorder ages 6-10 years in relation to externalizing behavior, and parenting was considered as a moderator. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia was obtained during laboratory tasks, and positive parenting, negative parenting, and children's externalizing behaviors were each indexed through multiple methods. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity interacted with negative, but not positive parenting. Higher respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity was associated with more externalizing behavior under conditions of higher negative parenting, but with lower externalizing behavior at lower levels of negative parenting. Similarly, negative parenting was only associated with externalizing behaviors in the context of high child respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity. Implications for our understanding of emotion regulation in children with autism spectrum disorder, and for related interventions, are discussed.
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17
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Baker JK, Fenning RM, Moffitt J. A Cross-Sectional Examination of the Internalization of Emotion Co-regulatory Support in Children with ASD. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:4332-4338. [PMID: 31201578 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04091-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cross-sectional data from Fenning et al. (J Autism Dev Disord, 48:3858-3870, 2018) were used to examine age differences in processes related to the development of emotion regulation in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Forty-six children with ASD between the ages of 4 and 11 years and their primary caregivers participated in structured laboratory tasks from which parental scaffolding and child dysregulation were coded. Moderation analyses suggested increased internalization of parental co-regulatory support with age, as evidenced by more coherence in dysregulation across dyadic and independent contexts and a stronger inverse relation between parental scaffolding and independent dysregulation. Children's estimated mental age did not account for these effects. Implications for understanding and promoting the development of emotion regulation in children with ASD are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason K Baker
- Department of Child & Adolescent Studies & Center for Autism, California State University, Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA.
| | - Rachel M Fenning
- Department of Child & Adolescent Studies & Center for Autism, California State University, Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Moffitt
- Department of Child & Adolescent Studies & Center for Autism, California State University, Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA
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18
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Pfeiffer B, Stein Duker L, Murphy A, Shui C. Effectiveness of Noise-Attenuating Headphones on Physiological Responses for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Integr Neurosci 2019; 13:65. [PMID: 31798424 PMCID: PMC6863142 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2019.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the proof of concept of an intervention to decrease sympathetic activation as measured by skin conductivity (electrodermal activity, EDA) in children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and auditory hypersensitivity (hyperacusis). In addition, researchers examined if the intervention provided protection against the negative effects of decibel level of environmental noises on electrodermal measures between interventions. The feasibility of implementation and outcome measures within natural environments were evaluated. Method: A single-subject multi-treatment design was used with six children, aged 8–16 years, with a form of Autism (i.e., Autism, PDD-NOS). Participants used in-ear (IE) and over-ear (OE) headphones for two randomly sequenced treatment phases. Each child completed four phases: (1) a week of baseline data collection; (2) a week of an intervention; (3) a week of no intervention; and (4) a week of the other intervention. Empatica E4 wristbands collected EDA data. Data was collected on 16–20 occasions per participant, with five measurements per phase. Results: Separated tests for paired study phases suggested that regardless of intervention type, noise attenuating headphones led to a significance difference in both skin conductance levels (SCL) and frequency of non-specific conductance responses (NS-SCRs) between the baseline measurement and subsequent phases. Overall, SCL and NS-SCR frequency significantly decreased between baseline and the first intervention phase. A protective effect of the intervention was tested by collapsing intervention results into three phases. Slope correlation suggested constant SCL and NS-SCR frequency after initial use of the headphones regardless of the increase in environmental noises. A subsequent analysis of the quality of EDA data identified that later phases of data collection were associated with better data quality. Conclusion: Many children with ASD have hypersensitivities to sound resulting in high levels of sympathetic nervous system reactivity, which is associated with problematic behaviors and distress. The findings of this study suggest that the use of noise attenuating headphones for individuals with ASD and hyperacusis may reduce sympathetic activation. Additionally, results suggest that the use of wearable sensors to collect physiological data in natural environments is feasible with established protocols and training procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Pfeiffer
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Leah Stein Duker
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - AnnMarie Murphy
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Chengshi Shui
- School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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19
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Abstract
Externalizing behaviors in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often either reduced or elevated compared to healthy controls (HCs). This study investigated the moderating role of context in ASD by comparing 32 individuals with ASD to 40 HCs during a social and a non-social provocation task. Compared to HCs, individuals with ASD showed similar externalizing behavior in the social context. In the non-social context reactions after provocation were enhanced relative to non-provoking situations. The findings implicate that the context is an important influencing variable when comparing individuals with ASD to HCs after being provoked. Impulsivity, trait aggression and empathy did not predict behavior in the ASD group but were partly related to observed behavior in HCs.
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20
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Fenning RM, Erath SA, Baker JK, Messinger DS, Moffitt J, Baucom BR, Kaeppler AK. Sympathetic-Parasympathetic Interaction and Externalizing Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2019; 12:1805-1816. [PMID: 31397547 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit significant difficulties with emotion regulation and reactivity, which may be linked to underlying psychophysiology. The present study examined associations between autonomic nervous system activity and individual differences in externalizing behavior problems in children with ASD. A multisystem approach was adopted to consider the interplay between markers of sympathetic (electrodermal reactivity-EDA-R) and parasympathetic reactivity (respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity-RSA-R) in relation to behavioral challenges. Fifty-two children with ASD ages 6-10 years contributed complete psychophysiological data. Measures of EDA-R and RSA-R (RSA withdrawal) were obtained in response to a laboratory challenge task and parents reported on child externalizing behavior problems using a standardized questionnaire and a structured clinical interview. An equifinality model was supported, with two distinct psychophysiological pathways linked to heightened externalizing behavior problems. Greater RSA-R was associated with more externalizing problems in the context of higher levels of EDA-R, and lower EDA-R was associated with increased externalizing problems at lower levels of RSA-R. Findings underscore the importance of considering the role of psychophysiology in the unfolding of comorbid externalizing problems in children with ASD. Potential implications for tailoring coregulatory supports are discussed. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1805-1816. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit elevated rates of challenging behavior. This study identified specific psychophysiological profiles (low sympathetic-low parasympathetic reactivity, and high sympathetic-high parasympathetic reactivity) that may place these children at greater risk for behavior problems. Findings have implications for better understanding behavioral challenges in children with ASD, and for tailoring supports to address underlying psychophysiology.
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21
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Baker JK, Fenning RM, Howland MA, Huynh D. Parental criticism and behavior problems in children with autism spectrum disorder. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2019; 23:1249-1261. [PMID: 30394790 PMCID: PMC6499715 DOI: 10.1177/1362361318804190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Associations between parent critical attitudes (a component of the Expressed Emotion construct) and behavior problems have been relatively well established in adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder, but use of systems adapted for children with autism spectrum disorder and additional investigations with younger samples are needed. This study examined parental criticism, derived from a population-specific coding system, as related to behavior problems in children with autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 4 and 11 years, and considered parental warmth and children's psychophysiological reactivity as statistical moderators of these associations. In all, 40 children with autism spectrum disorder and their primary caregivers attended a visit involving collection of child electrodermal activity, parent-child interaction, a parent interview from which critical attitudes and warmth were coded, and parent report of child behavior problems. Criticism was directly related to higher child externalizing but not internalizing problems. Parental criticism interacted with warmth in the prediction of internalizing problems such that criticism was only associated with more problems in the context of moderate but not high warmth. Criticism was positively associated with externalizing problems under conditions of moderate and high, but not low, child electrodermal activity reactivity. Implications for conceptualizations of parental criticism in autism spectrum disorder, for understanding comorbid behavior problems in this population, and for intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - David Huynh
- 1 California State University, Fullerton, USA
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22
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Kasos K, Zimonyi S, Gonye B, Köteles F, Kasos E, Kotyuk E, Varga K, Veres A, Szekely A. Obimon: An open-source device enabling group measurement of electrodermal activity. Psychophysiology 2019; 56:e13374. [PMID: 30950524 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Electrodermal activity (EDA) provides the means to gauge the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Assessment of EDA for research purposes requires measurement systems that are sensitive to small changes in arousal in the full measurement range, collecting, storing, and monitoring data. The objective behind designing a new open-source device was to be able to measure EDA simultaneously on many subjects, monitoring their activity in real time remotely and collecting high precision data suitable for analyses. To assure feasibility of simultaneous measurements on multiple subjects, the devices must be compact and wearable, without compromising data quality. Experiments were carried out using synchronized devices in group and single subject environments. Validity of EDA measurements of Obimon was demonstrated compared to a reference system (Nexus) during a breathing exercise, a short movie, and while exposed to loud computer-generated tones, using Pearson correlation, Passing-Bablok regression, and Bland-Altman analysis. Seamless management of several Obimons and real-time visualization of EDA via Android phone/tablet application from a large number of participants was demonstrated. Based on analyses of the data collected, we conclude that the Obimon device presented here is a valid and feasible tool for collecting EDA in single or multisubject environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztian Kasos
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-ELTE Lendület Adaptation Research Group, Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Zimonyi
- MTA-ELTE Lendület Adaptation Research Group, Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bianka Gonye
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-ELTE Lendület Adaptation Research Group, Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Köteles
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eniko Kasos
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-ELTE Lendület Adaptation Research Group, Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Kotyuk
- MTA-ELTE Lendület Adaptation Research Group, Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Varga
- MTA-ELTE Lendület Adaptation Research Group, Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Anna Szekely
- MTA-ELTE Lendület Adaptation Research Group, Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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23
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Ferguson BJ, Hamlin T, Lantz JF, Villavicencio T, Coles J, Beversdorf DQ. Examining the Association Between Electrodermal Activity and Problem Behavior in Severe Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Feasibility Study. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:654. [PMID: 31572238 PMCID: PMC6749070 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) engage in problem behavior, presenting significant challenges for those providing care and services for this population. Psychophysiological measures of arousal, such as electrodermal activity (EDA), may provide an early indication of subsequent problem behavior. However, variability in EDA patterns associated with behaviors may limit this predictive ability. Methods: EDA data was sampled from eight individuals with severe ASD in a naturalistic setting, while participating in educational programming in a school setting at a residential facility for severely affected individuals with developmental disabilities, to examine variability in EDA patterns. Results: An anticipatory rise in EDA only occurred 60% of the time prior to the problem behavior. Additionally, EDA after a problem behavior returned to median baseline levels only 45% of the time. Conclusions: Heterogeneity of EDA responses in those with the most severe forms of ASD will be an important consideration in future studies utilizing psychophysiological tools such as EDA to anticipate problem behavior, including the need for monitoring of return to baseline after problem behaviors. Incorporation of this consideration may lead to greater reliability of these approaches to help anticipate and manage problem behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J Ferguson
- Department of Health Psychology, University of Missouri School of Health Professions, Columbia, MO, United States.,Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Radiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States
| | | | | | | | - John Coles
- The Center for Discovery, Harris, NY, United States.,CUBRC, Inc. Information Exploitation Sector, Buffalo, NY, United States.,Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - David Q Beversdorf
- Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Radiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, United States.,University of Missouri Departments of Neurology & Psychological Sciences, Columbia, MO, United States
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24
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Fenning RM, Baker JK, Moffitt J. Intrinsic and Extrinsic Predictors of Emotion Regulation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 48:3858-3870. [PMID: 29926292 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3647-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Difficulties regulating emotion have been linked to comorbid psychopathology in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but little empirical work has examined predictors of dysregulation in this population. Forty-six families of children with ASD participated in a laboratory visit that included direct measurement of children's IQ, ASD symptoms, and psychophysiological reactivity. Child emotion regulation was observed during independent and co-regulatory tasks, and parental scaffolding was rated in the dyadic context. ASD symptom severity emerged as the strongest predictor of child emotion dysregulation across contexts. Child age and parental scaffolding also uniquely predicted child dysregulation in the dyadic task. Implications for conceptualizing intrinsic and extrinsic influences on emergent emotion regulation in children with ASD are discussed, as are applications to intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Fenning
- Department of Child and Adolescent Studies, Center for Autism, California State University, Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd. EC-560, Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA.
| | - Jason K Baker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Studies, Center for Autism, California State University, Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd. EC-560, Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Moffitt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Studies, Center for Autism, California State University, Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd. EC-560, Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA
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25
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Grossberg S. Desirability, availability, credit assignment, category learning, and attention: Cognitive-emotional and working memory dynamics of orbitofrontal, ventrolateral, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices. Brain Neurosci Adv 2018; 2:2398212818772179. [PMID: 32166139 PMCID: PMC7058233 DOI: 10.1177/2398212818772179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prefrontal cortices play an essential role in cognitive-emotional and working memory processes through interactions with multiple brain regions. METHODS This article further develops a unified neural architecture that explains many recent and classical data about prefrontal function and makes testable predictions. RESULTS Prefrontal properties of desirability, availability, credit assignment, category learning, and feature-based attention are explained. These properties arise through interactions of orbitofrontal, ventrolateral prefrontal, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices with the inferotemporal cortex, perirhinal cortex, parahippocampal cortices; ventral bank of the principal sulcus, ventral prearcuate gyrus, frontal eye fields, hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia, hypothalamus, and visual cortical areas V1, V2, V3A, V4, middle temporal cortex, medial superior temporal area, lateral intraparietal cortex, and posterior parietal cortex. Model explanations also include how the value of visual objects and events is computed, which objects and events cause desired consequences and which may be ignored as predictively irrelevant, and how to plan and act to realise these consequences, including how to selectively filter expected versus unexpected events, leading to movements towards, and conscious perception of, expected events. Modelled processes include reinforcement learning and incentive motivational learning; object and spatial working memory dynamics; and category learning, including the learning of object categories, value categories, object-value categories, and sequence categories, or list chunks. CONCLUSION This article hereby proposes a unified neural theory of prefrontal cortex and its functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Grossberg
- Center for Adaptive Systems, Graduate Program in Cognitive and Neural Systems, Departments of Mathematics & Statistics, Psychological & Brain Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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