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Mohammad S, de Ruijter MJT, Rukh G, Rask-Andersen M, Mwinyi J, Schiöth HB. Well-being spectrum traits are associated with polygenic scores for autism. Autism Res 2023; 16:1891-1902. [PMID: 37602645 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3011] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to experience lower well-being as demonstrated mostly for children and adolescents in epidemiological studies. A further investigation of inclusive well-being, in terms of five well-being spectrum (5-WBS) traits including neuroticism, depression, loneliness, life satisfaction, and positive affect, among adults with ASD may deepen our understanding of their well-being, and lead to the possibility to further modify societal supportive mechanisms for individuals with ASD. This study aims to investigate if a genetic predisposition for ASD is associated with 5-WBS traits using polygenic risk score (PRS) analysis. PRS for ASD were calculated based on the latest genome-wide association study of ASD by the Psychiatric Genetics Consortium (18,381 cases, 27,969 controls) and were created in the independent cohort UK Biobank. Regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between ASD PRS and 5-WBS traits in the UK Biobank population including 337,423 individuals. ASD PRS were significantly associated with all 5-WBS traits, showing a positive association with the negative WBS traits, neuroticism (max R2 = 0.04%, p < 1 × 10-4 ), depression (max R2 = 0.06%, p < 1 × 10-4 ), loneliness (max R2 = 0.04%, p < 1 × 10-4 ), and a negative association with the positive WBS traits, life satisfaction (max R2 = 0.08%, p < 1 × 10-4 ), positive affect (max R2 = 0.10%, p < 1 × 10-4 ). The findings suggest that adults carrying a high load of risk single nucleotide peptides (SNPs) for ASD are more likely to report decreased well-being. The study demonstrates a considerable connection between susceptibility to ASD, its underlying genetic etiology and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salahuddin Mohammad
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Markus J T de Ruijter
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gull Rukh
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mathias Rask-Andersen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jessica Mwinyi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Selanon P, Chuangchai W. Walking activity increases physical abilities and subjective health in people with seven different types of disabilities. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1120926. [PMID: 37397748 PMCID: PMC10313422 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1120926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction People with disabilities have a great risk of physical inactivity, which causes several diseases, dependency, and long-term care. Walking helps to increase physical activity, which leads to better overall health and independence. However, less research attention has focused on walking for people with disabilities, and even fewer studies have been considered for different types of disabilities. The present study aimed to demonstrate how walking distance was associated with people with seven different types of disabilities- including visual, hearing, physical/mobility, intellectual, learning, autism, and emotional/behavioral disabilities-in terms of their physical abilities and subjective health. Methods A total of 378 participants (aged 13-65) were gathered from seven national organizations in Thailand. A survey questionnaire on aspects of physical abilities (i.e., walking distance or manually rolling wheelchair distance; body balance; weightlifting; exercise duration and frequency); and subjective health (i.e., health status and satisfaction) was completed online by all participants. Results The walking distance was partially positive and associated with exercise duration, weightlifting, exercise frequency, and health status (all p values < 0.001), as well as body balance and health satisfaction (p = 0.001 and 0.004, respectively), after controlling for age, sex, and types of disability. This demonstrated that increasing the amount of distance walked could well lead to a more positive body and mind. Discussion The present study suggests that the possibility of having a walk and/or encouraging people with disabilities to walk for greater distances can have a significant impact on both their physical and subjective health outcomes.
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Physical Activity, Gut Microbiota, and Genetic Background for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121834. [PMID: 36553278 PMCID: PMC9777368 DOI: 10.3390/children9121834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that one in 100 children worldwide has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD frequently suffer from gut dysbiosis and gastrointestinal issues, findings which possibly play a role in the pathogenesis and/or severity of their condition. Physical activity may have a positive effect on the composition of the intestinal microbiota of healthy adults. However, the effect of exercise both on the gastrointestinal problems and intestinal microbiota (and thus possibly on ASD) itself in affected children is unknown. In terms of understanding the physiopathology and manifestations of ASD, analysis of the gut-brain axis holds some promise. Here, we discuss the physiopathology of ASD in terms of genetics and microbiota composition, and how physical activity may be a promising non-pharmaceutical approach to improve ASD-related symptoms.
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Li C, Haegele JA, Sun F, Alves MLT, Ang SHC, Lee J, Ng K, dos Santos Alves I, Healy S, Huang WY, Rintala P, Tan JSY, Wu Y, Yang H, Kärnä E, Maeng H, Schliemann AL, Ding D. Meeting the 24-h movement guidelines and health-related outcomes among youth with autism spectrum disorder: a seven-country observational study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2022; 16:50. [PMID: 35739543 PMCID: PMC9229084 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-022-00488-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meeting daily guidelines for physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration is associated with a host of health indicators for youth. In this cross-sectional observational study, we investigated the associations between adherence to the movement guidelines and health-related outcomes among youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS Parents of youth with ASD (10-17 years) from seven countries and regions were invited to provide online proxy-reports for child's movement behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sleep and screen time), and health-related outcomes (i.e., body mass index [BMI], general health, and quality of life). A series of multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the associations between meeting movement guidelines and health-related outcomes, adjusted for covariates. RESULTS The final sample consisted of 1165 youth with ASD. Compared with youth meeting all three guidelines, a higher BMI z-score was observed in those who met no guidelines (B = 0.62, P = 0.04), "sedentary time only" (B = 0.60, P = 0.047), and "physical activity plus sleep only" (B = 0.85, P = 0.04). Compared with meeting all three guidelines, meeting no guidelines was associated with poorer general health (B = - 0.46, P = 0.02). Further, compared with youth meeting all three guidelines, a lower quality of life score was observed in those who met no guidelines (B = - 0.47, P = 0.02) and "physical activity only" (B = - 0.62, P = 0.03). Lastly, there were dose-response associations between the number of guidelines met and all three health-related outcomes (all Ptrend < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, meeting more 24-h movement guidelines was generally associated with more favorable health-related outcomes in youth with ASD. The low level of adherence to all three guidelines (2.0%) suggests the urgent need to promote the adoption of all the guidelines in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Li
- School of Physical Education & Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China. .,Adapted Physical Activity + Laboratory, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Justin A. Haegele
- grid.261368.80000 0001 2164 3177Department of Human Movement Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, United States ,grid.261368.80000 0001 2164 3177Center for Movement, Health, & Disability, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, United States
| | - Fenghua Sun
- Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Maria Luiza Tanure Alves
- grid.411087.b0000 0001 0723 2494Faculty of Physical Education, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jihyun Lee
- grid.186587.50000 0001 0722 3678Department of Kinesiology, San José State University, San Jose, United States
| | - Kwok Ng
- grid.10049.3c0000 0004 1936 9692Physical Activity for Health Research Cluster, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland ,grid.1374.10000 0001 2097 1371Faculty of Education, University of Turku, Rauma, Finland ,grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Isabella dos Santos Alves
- grid.411087.b0000 0001 0723 2494Faculty of Physical Education, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sean Healy
- grid.15596.3e0000000102380260School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Wendy Yajun Huang
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pauli Rintala
- grid.9681.60000 0001 1013 7965Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jernice Sing Yee Tan
- grid.462738.c0000 0000 9091 4551School of Sports, Health and Leisure, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yandan Wu
- grid.411503.20000 0000 9271 2478School of Physical Education & Sports Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hannah Yang
- grid.443819.30000 0004 1791 9611Department of Adapted Physical Education, Baekseok University, Cheonan-si, South Korea
| | - Eija Kärnä
- grid.9668.10000 0001 0726 2490School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Hyokju Maeng
- grid.256304.60000 0004 1936 7400Department of Kinesiology and Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, United States
| | - André Lisandro Schliemann
- grid.411087.b0000 0001 0723 2494Faculty of Physical Education, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ding Ding
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XSydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Mohamad Aun NS, Zakaria SM, Ahmad Badayai AR, Idris IB, Mohd Daud TI, Mohd Fazree SD. Quality of Life among Mothers of High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFASD)Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116663. [PMID: 35682245 PMCID: PMC9180906 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become more prevalent globally. The disorder is predominantly characterised by low social skills noted explicitly in people with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFASD). The individuals usually possess a normal or superior intelligence quotient (IQ) but the disability impedes the achievement of their actual high potential, hence compromising their quality of life (QoL). Managing adversities encountered by children with HFASD often compromises the QoL of the entire family. Thus, this study aimed to identify specific domains of QoL among mothers of high-functioning autistic adolescents. The study assessed seven mothers of adolescents with HFASD using a semi-structured interview format. A thematic qualitative analysis was conducted to analyse the data. The results suggested that mothers perceived their QoL based on physical and emotional well-being, material well-being, interpersonal relationship, and environmental well-being. Intervention for HFASD is multidisciplinary, which targets a broad spectrum of symptoms and skills deficits and customises the programme to meet each individual’s different needs. Nonetheless, intervention facilities in Malaysia are seriously limited, particularly in supporting QoL for children with HFASD. Therefore, by identifying the domains of QoL would improve the mothers’ resilience in raising their children with HFASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Saadah Mohamad Aun
- Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, The National University of Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (S.M.Z.); (A.R.A.B.); (S.D.M.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Siti Marziah Zakaria
- Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, The National University of Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (S.M.Z.); (A.R.A.B.); (S.D.M.F.)
| | - Abdul Rahman Ahmad Badayai
- Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, The National University of Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (S.M.Z.); (A.R.A.B.); (S.D.M.F.)
| | - Idayu Badilla Idris
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Tuti Iryani Mohd Daud
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Shima Dyana Mohd Fazree
- Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, The National University of Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (S.M.Z.); (A.R.A.B.); (S.D.M.F.)
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Skaletski EC, Bradley L, Taylor D, Travers BG, Bishop L. Quality-of-Life Discrepancies Among Autistic Adolescents and Adults: A Rapid Review. Am J Occup Ther 2021; 75:12495. [PMID: 34781339 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2021.046391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Quality of life (QoL) is a core outcome of occupational therapy, but it is decreased among autistic adolescents and adults. This is the first review of QoL from an occupational therapy standpoint. OBJECTIVE To identify self-reported QoL differences between autistic and nonautistic samples; investigate sex differences in QoL among autistic people; examine consistency in QoL among autistic people across age, intellectual disability (ID), and self- versus proxy-report method; and appraise occupational therapy-related interventions addressing QoL among autistic people. DATA SOURCES Articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 2010 and 2020, located through Academic Search Ultimate, PubMed, and OTseeker, along with the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, and Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. Study Selection and Data Collection: Article samples consisted of at least 20% autistic females and used self-reported QoL measures. Qualitative research was excluded, as well as studies with participants younger than age 13 yr. Twenty-seven articles qualified (3 Level 1B, 13 Level 3B, and 11 Level 4). FINDINGS Autistic adolescents and adults demonstrated decreased self-reported QoL compared with nonautistic peers across age and ID presence. One article compared sex differences in QoL among autistic people. Interventions improved QoL among autistic people. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Autistic adolescents and adults demonstrate decreased QoL in comparison with nonautistic peers. Questions remain related to sex differences in QoL among autistic people, an area for future research. Multiple evidence-based approaches to improve QoL in the autistic population are relevant to occupational therapy practice. What This Article Adds: Self-reported QoL among autistic adolescents and adults is clearly lower than among their nonautistic counterparts. This article provides information on multiple interventions related to occupational therapy to improve QoL among autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Skaletski
- Emily C. Skaletski, MOT, OTR/L, is PhD Student, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison;
| | - Laura Bradley
- Laura Bradley, MSEd, is Research Specialist, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Desiree Taylor
- Desiree Taylor, MSOT, is Research Assistant, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Brittany G Travers
- Brittany G. Travers, PhD, is Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, and Investigator, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Lauren Bishop
- Lauren Bishop, PhD, MSW, is Assistant Professor, Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, and Investigator, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Bernhardt JB, Lam GYH, Thomas T, Cubells JF, Bohlke K, Reid M, Rice CE. Meaning in Measurement: Evaluating Young Autistic Adults' Active Engagement and Expressed Interest in Quality-of-Life Goals. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2020; 2:227-242. [PMID: 36601444 PMCID: PMC8992872 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2019.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The need for support programs and meaningful measurement of outcomes with autistic adults is growing. To date, success in autism intervention has been defined based on changes in discretely defined, observable behaviors with limited consideration of the person's experience, motivations, or the complex contexts in which these skills are used. Behavioral skill-building interventions are effective at increasing or decreasing specific behaviors, but a purely behavioral focus is not enough for meaningful improvements in adult quality of life (QoL). To reflect real-life impact, intervention and measurement must go beyond quantitative estimates of changes in skills regardless of context of use and focus on enhancing and evaluating functional outcomes and adult QoL that includes active engagement with the adult and provides rigor in qualitative evaluation. This article reports on efforts to assess active engagement of verbally fluent young autistic adults in a supported university-based residential pilot program built around self-set wellness goals for healthy, engaged, responsible, and empowered adult living. Program evaluation used an exploratory process for evaluating QoL learning, while also being open to how future work can discern participant meanings in measurement. The pilot used a mixed-methods approach to measure entry skills and interests, codetermine personal wellness goals, inform program content with participants, and measure QoL learning in terms of active engagement, expressed interest, and changes in self-appraisal of competence, confidence, and identity. Participants' QoL learning, replication of QoL learning measurement methods, and further exploration of strategies to put participant meanings in QoL learning measurement are discussed. Lay summary Why was this study done?: This study piloted a measurement strategy for deciding what to measure and support in real-world contexts of independent living and on-campus experiences in a 3-week residential program for young autistic adults.What was the purpose of this study?: The study aimed to measure and support autistic adults' quality of life (QoL) learning in terms of the extent to which pursuing self-set wellness goals, with supports, positively impacted autistic adults' active engagement (e.g., participation in wellness activities), and expressed interest (e.g., willingness to participate).Why was this program developed?: The program was developed because more young adults on the spectrum are aging into adulthood without personalized, respectful, and meaningful supports to promote engaged adult living. We wanted to build on our experience and feedback from autistic adults, family, and partners who have engaged in weekly social engagement groups on a university campus and called for more comprehensive transition programs.What did the program do?: The project was a pilot of an on-campus program aimed at facilitating personally meaningful improvements in QoL through empowering autistic adults to act on their personal motivations, interests, and goals. It also emphasized learning through experiences in real-life contexts, in collaboration with other participants, campus resources, community members, and program staff.How did the researchers evaluate the new program?: The program team used both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative methods included standard self-report tools that autistic adults used to rate their safety needs, adult self-direction skills, autism-related self-concept, priority of self-set wellness goals, and confidence in abilities to achieve and learn more about one's own wellness goals. Predetermined qualitative methods included analysis of themes from participants' narrative data from their wellness interviews with participants and open-response items from self-report tools. The program was also responsive through a preprogram wellness interview with parents, staff's field notes about of participants' behaviors, conversational interactions with participants, and team discussions. Researchers contextualized and synthesized the data into narrative case studies about each participant's wellness journey.What were the early findings and what do they add to what was already known?: Results showed that the program was able to facilitate participants' QoL learning in personal wellness goals in collaboration with campus and community resources. Participants expressed meaningful changes in their expressed interests, active engagement, and self-concept through participating in this brief residential on-campus program.What are potential weaknesses of this pilot?: Weaknesses included a short time period of 3 weeks, a small participant count of 5, and the resource-intense supports needed for the program.What are the next steps?: The next steps are to adjust the program based on participant feedback and pursue creation of a multiyear program to continue piloting the measurement and support strategies for facilitating autistic adults' active wellness engagement and self-determined independent living.How will these findings and this work help autistic adults now or in the future?: This work informs future wellness interventions for measuring and supporting autistic adults' efforts to self-determine meaningful changes to their QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie B. Bernhardt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory Autism Center, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gary Yu Hin Lam
- Department of Educational Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Toni Thomas
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory Autism Center, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joseph F. Cubells
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory Autism Center, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kelsey Bohlke
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory Autism Center, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Morganne Reid
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of America, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Catherine E. Rice
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory Autism Center, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Address correspondence to: Catherine E. Rice, PhD, Emory Autism Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, 1551 Shoup Court, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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