1
|
Abrams G, Jayashankar A, Kilroy E, Butera C, Harrison L, Ring P, Houssain A, Nalbach A, Cermak SA, Aziz-Zadeh L. Differences in Praxis Errors in Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared to Developmental Coordination Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1113-1129. [PMID: 36515853 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05858-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to better understand how autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) differ in types of praxis errors made on the Florida Apraxia Battery Modified (FAB-M) and the potential relationships between praxis errors and social deficits in ASD. The ASD group made significantly more timing sequencing errors in imitation of meaningful gestures, as well as more body-part-for-tool errors during gesture-to-command compared to the other two groups. In the ASD group, increased temporal errors in meaningful imitation were significantly correlated with poorer affect recognition and less repetitive behaviors. Thus, in ASD, aspects of imitation ability are related to socioemotional skills and repetitive behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Abrams
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Aditya Jayashankar
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Emily Kilroy
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Christiana Butera
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Laura Harrison
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Priscilla Ring
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Anusha Houssain
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Alexis Nalbach
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Sharon A Cermak
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Lisa Aziz-Zadeh
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Goto S, Nishimura T, Okumura A, Harada T, Rahman MS, Iwabuchi T, Sumiya M, Senju A, Tsuchiya KJ. Fine Motor Skills, a Surrogate of Motor Planning Ability, at Age 2 Predict Social Skills at Age 6. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2024; 45:e168-e175. [PMID: 38619153 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Motor planning is the cognitive process of planning necessary steps for achieving a purposeful movement and is specifically reflected through object manipulation. This study aimed to investigate whether fine motor skills, a surrogate of the motor planning ability of object manipulation, in early childhood are associated with later social skills, in a general-population birth cohort. METHODS A total of 913 children, participating in the Hamamatsu Birth Cohort for Mothers and Children, were enrolled. Social skills were measured using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-II, Socialization domain, at age 6 years. Fine motor skills were measured using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning at 14, 24, and 32 months. The associations between fine motor skills at ages 14, 24, and 32 months and social skills at age 6 years were tested separately through multivariable linear regression after adjusting for covariates, including gross motor and language skills at the contemporaneous age, autistic symptoms at age 6 years, and demographic factors. RESULTS Fine motor skills at 24 and 32 months were significantly associated with social skills at age 6 years (at 24 months: nonstandardized regression coefficient = 1.38 [95% CI, 0.50-2.26], p = 0.002; at 32 months: 1.47 [0.56-2.38], p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Fine motor skills in early childhood predicted social skills at age 6 years, indicating an association between the complex motor planning ability of object manipulation and later social skills. Children who demonstrate fine motor delay at as early an age as 2 years should be closely monitored by child professionals.
Collapse
Grants
- 19H03582, 21KK0145, 22H00492 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, & Technology in Japan
- 20K07941 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, & Technology in Japan
- 20K13928 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, & Technology in Japan
- 20K02628 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, & Technology in Japan
- 21K17268 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, & Technology in Japan
- 22K02405 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, & Technology in Japan
- JP21gk0110039 AMED
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Goto
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tomoko Nishimura
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Akemi Okumura
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Taeko Harada
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Mohammad Shafiur Rahman
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Toshiki Iwabuchi
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Motofumi Sumiya
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Senju
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kenji J Tsuchiya
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Levick S, Staples AD, Warschausky S, Huth-Bocks A, Taylor HG, Gidley Larson JC, Peterson C, Lukomski A, Lajiness-O'Neill R. Caregiver-reported infant motor and imitation skills predict M-CHAT-R/F. Child Neuropsychol 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38275156 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2024.2304378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Altered motor and social-communicative abilities in infancy have been linked to later ASD diagnosis. Most diagnostic instruments for ASD cannot be utilized until 12 months, and the average child is diagnosed substantially later. Imitation combines motor and social-communicative skills and is commonly atypical in infants at risk for ASD. However, few measures have been developed to assess infant imitation clinically. One barrier to the diagnostic age gap of ASD is accessibility of screening and diagnostic services. Utilization of caregiver report to reliably screen for ASD mitigates such barriers and could aid in earlier detection. The present study developed and validated a caregiver-report measure of infant imitation at 4, 6, and 9 months and explored the relationship between caregiver-reported imitation and motor abilities with later ASD risk. Participants (N = 571) were caregivers of term and preterm infants recruited as part of a large multi-site study of PediaTrac™, a web-based tool for monitoring and tracking infant development. Caregivers completed online surveys and established questionnaires on a schedule corresponding to well-child visits from birth to 18 months, including the M-CHAT-R/F at 18 months. Distinct imitation factors were derived from PediaTrac at 4, 6, and 9 months via factor analysis. The results supported validity of the imitation factors via associations with measures of infant communication (CSBS; ASQ). Imitation and motor skills at 9 months predicted 18-month ASD risk over and above gestational age. Implications for assessment of infant imitation, detecting ASD risk in the first year, and contributing to access to care are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Levick
- Department of Psychology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Angela D Staples
- Department of Psychology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
| | - Seth Warschausky
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alissa Huth-Bocks
- Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - H Gerry Taylor
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, and Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Catherine Peterson
- Pediatric Psychology and Neuropsychology, Atrium Health Levine Children's Rea Village Pediatrics, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | | | - Renée Lajiness-O'Neill
- Department of Psychology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Akin-Bulbul I, Ozdemir S. Imitation Performance in Children with Autism and the Role of Visual Attention in Imitation. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:4604-4617. [PMID: 36085430 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05726-5] [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] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we examined imitation performance, visual attention, and the relationship between imitation and visual attention of children with autism, developmental delay (DD), and typically developing (TD) children. The study findings revealed that children with autism and DD imitated less than TD children in all imitation tasks. Results also showed that children with autism spent less time looking at the model's face and movement area and more time looking at the external area. Lastly, the relationship between imitation and visual attention separated the study groups. The findings of the study provided new evidence that visual attention to movement area in children with autism was positively related to imitation performance in non-meaningful gestures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isik Akin-Bulbul
- Department of Special Education, Gazi Education Faculty, Gazi University, Teknikokullar, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Selda Ozdemir
- Department of Special Education, Education Faculty, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thomas RP, Wittke K, Blume J, Mastergeorge AM, Naigles L. Predicting Language in Children with ASD Using Spontaneous Language Samples and Standardized Measures. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:3916-3931. [PMID: 35930209 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05691-z] [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] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
This longitudinal study examined the degree to which standardized measures of language and natural language samples predicted later language usage in a heterogeneous sample of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and how this relationship is impacted by ASD severity and interventions. Participants with a diagnosis of ASD (N = 54, 41 males) completed standardized assessments of language and social functioning; natural language samples were transcribed from play-based interactions. Findings indicated that standardized language measures, natural language measures, and ADOS severity were each unique predictors of later lexical use. Intervention types also appeared to impact later language; in particular, participation in mainstream inclusion accounted for significant amounts of variance in children's mean length of utterance at T3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca P Thomas
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Bousfield Psychology Building, 406 Babbidge Road Unit 1020, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
| | - Kacie Wittke
- Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Jessica Blume
- Human Development and Family Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Ann M Mastergeorge
- Human Development and Family Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Letitia Naigles
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Bousfield Psychology Building, 406 Babbidge Road Unit 1020, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jayashankar A, Bynum B, Butera C, Kilroy E, Harrison L, Aziz-Zadeh L. Connectivity differences between inferior frontal gyrus and mentalizing network in autism as compared to developmental coordination disorder and non-autistic youth. Cortex 2023; 167:115-131. [PMID: 37549452 PMCID: PMC10543516 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.06.014] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Prior studies have compared neural connectivity during mentalizing tasks in autism (ASD) to non-autistic individuals and found reduced connectivity between the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and mentalizing regions. However, given that the IFG is involved in motor processing, and about 80% of autistic individuals have motor-related difficulties, it is necessary to explore if these differences are specific to ASD or instead similar across other developmental motor disorders, such as developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Participants (29 ASD, 20 DCD, 31 typically developing [TD]; ages 8-17) completed a mentalizing task in the fMRI scanner, where they were asked to think about why someone was performing an action. Results indicated that the ASD group, as compared to both TD and DCD groups, showed significant functional connectivity differences when mentalizing about other's actions. The left IFG seed revealed ASD connectivity differences with the: bilateral temporoparietal junction (TPJ), left insular cortex, and bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Connectivity differences using the right IFG seed revealed ASD differences in the: left insula, and right DLPFC. These results indicate that connectivity differences between the IFG, mentalizing regions, emotion and motor processing regions are specific to ASD and not a result of potentially co-occurring motor differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Jayashankar
- Center for Neuroscience of Embodied Cognition (CeNEC), Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brittany Bynum
- Center for Neuroscience of Embodied Cognition (CeNEC), Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christiana Butera
- Center for Neuroscience of Embodied Cognition (CeNEC), Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emily Kilroy
- Center for Neuroscience of Embodied Cognition (CeNEC), Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Laura Harrison
- Center for Neuroscience of Embodied Cognition (CeNEC), Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Aziz-Zadeh
- Center for Neuroscience of Embodied Cognition (CeNEC), Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhao W, Liu Q, Zhang X, Song X, Zhang Z, Qing P, Liu X, Zhu S, Yang W, Kendrick KM. Differential responses in the mirror neuron system during imitation of individual emotional facial expressions and association with autistic traits. Neuroimage 2023; 277:120263. [PMID: 37399932 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The mirror neuron system (MNS), including the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and superior temporal sulcus (STS) plays an important role in action representation and imitation and may be dysfunctional in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it's not clear how these three regions respond and interact during the imitation of different basic facial expressions and whether the pattern of responses is influenced by autistic traits. Thus, we conducted a natural facial expression (happiness, angry, sadness and fear) imitation task in 100 healthy male subjects where expression intensity was measured using facial emotion recognition software (FaceReader) and MNS responses were recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Autistic traits were measured using the Autism Spectrum Quotient questionnaire. Results showed that imitation of happy expressions produced the highest expression intensity but a small deactivation in MNS responses, suggesting a lower processing requirement compared to other expressions. A cosine similarity analysis indicated a distinct pattern of MNS responses during imitation of each facial expression with functional intra-hemispheric connectivity between the left IPL and left STS being significantly higher during happy compared to other expressions, while inter-hemispheric connectivity between the left and right IPL differed between imitation of fearful and sad expressions. Furthermore, functional connectivity changes during imitation of each different expression could reliably predict autistic trait scores. Overall, the results provide evidence for distinct patterns of functional connectivity changes between MNS regions during imitation of different emotions which are also associated with autistic traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weihua Zhao
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China; Institute of Electronic and Information Engineering of UESTC in Guangdong, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Qi Liu
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhang
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Xinwei Song
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Peng Qing
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, 610066, China
| | - Siyu Zhu
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Wenxu Yang
- Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Keith M Kendrick
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fears NE, Sherrod GM, Blankenship D, Patterson RM, Hynan LS, Wijayasinghe I, Popa DO, Bugnariu NL, Miller HL. Motor differences in autism during a human-robot imitative gesturing task. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2023; 106:105987. [PMID: 37207496 PMCID: PMC10684312 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2023.105987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Difficulty with imitative gesturing is frequently observed as a clinical feature of autism. Current practices for assessment of imitative gesturing ability-behavioral observation and parent report-do not allow precise measurement of specific components of imitative gesturing performance, instead relying on subjective judgments. Advances in technology allow researchers to objectively quantify the nature of these movement differences, and to use less socially stressful interaction partners (e.g., robots). In this study, we aimed to quantify differences in imitative gesturing between autistic and neurotypical development during human-robot interaction. METHODS Thirty-five autistic (n = 19) and neurotypical (n = 16) participants imitated social gestures of an interactive robot (e.g., wave). The movements of the participants and the robot were recorded using an infrared motion-capture system with reflective markers on corresponding head and body locations. We used dynamic time warping to quantify the degree to which the participant's and robot's movement were aligned across the movement cycle and work contribution to determine how each joint angle was producing the movements. FINDINGS Results revealed differences between autistic and neurotypical participants in imitative accuracy and work contribution, primarily in the movements requiring unilateral extension of the arm. Autistic individuals imitated the robot less accurately and used less work at the shoulder compared to neurotypical individuals. INTERPRETATION These findings indicate differences in autistic participants' ability to imitate an interactive robot. These findings build on our understanding of the underlying motor control and sensorimotor integration mechanisms that support imitative gesturing in autism which may aid in identifying appropriate intervention targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E Fears
- University of North Texas, Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Gabriela M Sherrod
- University of North Texas, Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
| | | | - Rita M Patterson
- University of North Texas, Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Linda S Hynan
- University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Dan O Popa
- University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Nicoleta L Bugnariu
- University of North Texas, Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; University of the Pacific, School of Health Sciences, USA
| | - Haylie L Miller
- University of North Texas, Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Iao LS, Shen CW, Wu CC. A Longitudinal Study of Joint Attention, Motor Imitation and Language Development in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Taiwan. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-05950-7. [PMID: 37142905 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05950-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
This longitudinal study examined early predictors of language development in 74 young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Taiwan. Participants were assessed twice (initial age between 17 and 35 months) on responding to joint attention (RJA), initiating joint attention (IJA), motor imitation with objects (object imitation; OI) and without objects (manual imitation; MI), and receptive and expressive language. The two assessments were 18 months apart. Results showed that both RJA and MI concurrently and longitudinally predicted receptive and expressive language across the two assessments. These findings were not entirely consistent with the limited and mixed findings of Western longitudinal studies. However, they have implications for early interventions aiming to facilitate language development in children with ASD internationally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lai-Sang Iao
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ, UK
| | - Ching-Wan Shen
- Department of Psychiatry, Zuoying Branch of Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, No.553, Junxiao Road, Kaohsiung, 81342, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chin Wu
- Department of Psychology, Kaohsiung Medical University, No.100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, No.100, Tz-You 1st Rd, Kaohsiung, 80756, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Subiaul F. Varieties of social learning in children: Characterizing the development of imitation, goal emulation and affordance learning within subjects and tasks. COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cogdev.2023.101326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
|
11
|
Shen J, Han S, Zhou Y, Li S, Gan Y, Huang H, Xu Q, Zhang L. The influence of facial attractiveness and personal characteristics on imitation. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 163:94-106. [PMID: 35353648 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2022.2052002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Imitation plays a crucial role in learning and communication, although a little is known whether individuals imitate each other based on particular personality traits. Facial features and personal characteristics are the major components of personal impressions. This study adopted the color paradigm to explore the effect of the two factors on imitation. Experiment 1 examined the effect of facial attractiveness and face gender on imitation. The results showed that woman who appeared attractive drove imitation more than woman who did not. However, men who appeared attractive and unattractive differed insignificantly. Experiment 2 investigated the effect of facial attractiveness and personal characteristics on imitation. The results of Experiment 1 were verified, stating that positive personal characteristics drove imitation more than negative personal characteristics. The study found that facial attractiveness still affected imitation when characteristics information appeared. Regarding negative personal characteristics, individuals who appeared attractive drove imitation more than individuals who did not. The results indicate that imitation is automated, influenced not only by face types but also by personal characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Shen
- Department and Institute of Psychology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Shangfeng Han
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department and Institute of Psychology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department and Institute of Psychology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yetong Gan
- School of Humanities and Social Sciencs, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hua Huang
- Radiology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department and Institute of Psychology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department and Institute of Psychology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kilroy E, Ring P, Hossain A, Nalbach A, Butera C, Harrison L, Jayashankar A, Vigen C, Aziz-Zadeh L, Cermak SA. Motor performance, praxis, and social skills in autism spectrum disorder and developmental coordination disorder. Autism Res 2022; 15:1649-1664. [PMID: 35785418 PMCID: PMC9543450 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has shown that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) may have overlapping social and motor skill impairments. This study compares ASD, DCD, and typically developing (TD) youth on a range of social, praxis and motor skills, and investigates the relationship between these skills in each group. Data were collected on participants aged 8–17 (n = 33 ASD, n = 28 DCD, n = 35 TD). Overall, the clinical groups showed some similar patterns of social and motor impairments but diverged in praxis impairments, cognitive empathy, and Theory of Mind ability. When controlling for both social and motor performance impairments, the ASD group showed significantly lower accuracy on imitation of meaningful gestures and gesture to command, indicating a prominent deficit in these praxis skills in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Kilroy
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Brain and Creativity Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Priscilla Ring
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anusha Hossain
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alexis Nalbach
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Christiana Butera
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Brain and Creativity Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Laura Harrison
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Brain and Creativity Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Aditya Jayashankar
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Brain and Creativity Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Cheryl Vigen
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lisa Aziz-Zadeh
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Brain and Creativity Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sharon A Cermak
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Plate S, Yankowitz L, Resorla L, Swanson MR, Meera SS, Estes A, Marrus N, Cola M, Petrulla V, Faggen A, Pandey J, Paterson S, Pruett JR, Hazlett H, Dager S, John TS, Botteron K, Zwaigenbaum L, Piven J, Schultz RT, Parish-Morris J. Infant vocalizing and phenotypic outcomes in autism: Evidence from the first 2 years. Child Dev 2022; 93:468-483. [PMID: 34708871 PMCID: PMC9112828 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Infant vocalizations are early-emerging communicative markers shown to be atypical in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but few longitudinal, prospective studies exist. In this study, 23,850 infant vocalizations from infants at low (LR)- and high (HR)-risk for ASD (HR-ASD = 23, female = 3; HR-Neg = 35, female = 13; LR = 32, female = 10; 80% White; collected from 2007 to 2017 near Philadelphia) were analyzed at 6, 12, and 24 months. At 12 months, HR-ASD infants produced fewer vocalizations than HR-Neg infants. From 6 to 24 months, HR-Neg infants demonstrated steeper vocalization growth compared to HR-ASD and LR infants. Finally, among HR infants, vocalizing at 12 months was associated with language, social phenotype, and diagnosis at age 2. Infant vocalizing is an objective behavioral marker that could facilitate earlier detection of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Plate
- Center for Autism Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lisa Yankowitz
- Center for Autism Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | - Annette Estes
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Natasha Marrus
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Meredith Cola
- Center for Autism Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Victoria Petrulla
- Center for Autism Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aubrey Faggen
- Center for Autism Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Juhi Pandey
- Center for Autism Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah Paterson
- The James S. McDonnel Foundation, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - John R. Pruett
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Heather Hazlett
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stephen Dager
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Tanya St. John
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kelly Botteron
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Joseph Piven
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert T. Schultz
- Center for Autism Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Julia Parish-Morris
- Center for Autism Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pittet I, Kojovic N, Franchini M, Schaer M. Trajectories of imitation skills in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:2. [PMID: 34986807 PMCID: PMC8903579 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09412-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Imitation skills play a crucial role in social cognitive development from early childhood. Many studies have shown a deficit in imitation skills in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Little is known about the development of imitation behaviors in children with ASD. This study aims to measure the trajectories of early imitation skills in preschoolers with ASD and how these skills impact other areas of early development. Methods For this purpose, we assessed imitation, language, and cognition skills in 177 children with ASD and 43 typically developing children (TD) aged 2 to 5 years old, 126 of which were followed longitudinally, yielding a total of 396 time points. Results Our results confirmed the presence of an early imitation deficit in toddlers with ASD compared to TD children. The study of the trajectories showed that these difficulties were marked at the age of 2 years and gradually decreased until the age of 5 years old. Imitation skills were strongly linked with cognitive and language skills and level of symptoms in our ASD group at baseline. Moreover, the imitation skills at baseline were predictive of the language gains a year later in our ASD group. Using a data-driven clustering method, we delineated different developmental trajectories of imitation skills within the ASD group. Conclusions The clinical implications of the findings are discussed, particularly the impact of an early imitation deficit on other areas of competence of the young child. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11689-021-09412-y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irène Pittet
- Autism Brain and Behavior (ABB) Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Nada Kojovic
- Autism Brain and Behavior (ABB) Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Marie Schaer
- Autism Brain and Behavior (ABB) Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Fondation Pôle Autisme, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Patterson JW, Armstrong V, Duku E, Richard A, Franchini M, Brian J, Zwaigenbaum L, Bryson SE, Sacrey LAR, Roncadin C, Smith IM. Early trajectories of motor skills in infant siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2021; 15:481-492. [PMID: 34826349 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Delays in motor development are not considered a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, recent studies of infant siblings of children with ASD suggest that early delays in motor skills may be associated with later delays in developmental areas considered to be core features of an ASD diagnosis. While these studies demonstrate the longitudinal association between core features and motor delays observed at single time points, there is considerable interest in studying the trajectories of motor development over the first 3 years of life. To accomplish this, we investigated early trajectories of motor development in a cohort of 499 infant siblings of children with ASD and 176 children with no family history of ASD. Data for the current study were drawn from the prospective, multi-site, Canadian Infant Sibling Study. We evaluated trajectories of fine and gross motor development over the first 3 years using group-based trajectory modeling. Our results show that membership for both fine and gross motor trajectory groups was related to expressive language skills, receptive language skills, ASD symptom severity scores, and diagnostic classification at age 3. These results provide evidence that the trajectory of a child's early motor development may have important prognostic implications in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eric Duku
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Annie Richard
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Canada
| | | | - Jessica Brian
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Autism Research Center, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Susan E Bryson
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Lori-Ann R Sacrey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Autism Research Center, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Caroline Roncadin
- McMaster Children's Hospital Autism Program, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isabel M Smith
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
The relationship between alexithymia and theory of mind: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:497-524. [PMID: 34599917 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Theory of Mind (ToM), the ability to represent the mental states of oneself and others, is an essential social skill disrupted across many psychiatric conditions. The transdiagnostic nature of ToM impairment means it is plausible that ToM impairment is related to alexithymia (difficulties identifying and describing one's own emotions), as alexithymia is seen across psychiatric conditions. Whilst many studies have examined links between alexithymia and ToM, results are mixed. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to provide a taxonomy of ToM tests and assess their relationship with alexithymia. Tests are grouped according to whether they assess propensity to engage spontaneously in ToM or accuracy of ToM inferences, with tests further subdivided into those that do, and do not, require emotion recognition. A review of 63 suitable studies suggests that alexithymia is often associated with reduced ToM, and inaccurate ToM when tasks require emotion recognition. This latter finding appears due to impaired emotion recognition, rather than ToM impairment per se. Further directions and considerations for future research are discussed.
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang L, Pfordresher PQ, Jiang C, Liu F. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder are impaired in absolute but not relative pitch and duration matching in speech and song imitation. Autism Res 2021; 14:2355-2372. [PMID: 34214243 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit atypical imitation. However, few studies have identified clear quantitative characteristics of vocal imitation in ASD. This study investigated imitation of speech and song in English-speaking individuals with and without ASD and its modulation by age. Participants consisted of 25 autistic children and 19 autistic adults, who were compared to 25 children and 19 adults with typical development matched on age, gender, musical training, and cognitive abilities. The task required participants to imitate speech and song stimuli with varying pitch and duration patterns. Acoustic analyses of the imitation performance suggested that individuals with ASD were worse than controls on absolute pitch and duration matching for both speech and song imitation, although they performed as well as controls on relative pitch and duration matching. Furthermore, the two groups produced similar numbers of pitch contour, pitch interval-, and time errors. Across both groups, sung pitch was imitated more accurately than spoken pitch, whereas spoken duration was imitated more accurately than sung duration. Children imitated spoken pitch more accurately than adults when it came to speech stimuli, whereas age showed no significant relationship to song imitation. These results reveal a vocal imitation deficit across speech and music domains in ASD that is specific to absolute pitch and duration matching. This finding provides evidence for shared mechanisms between speech and song imitation, which involves independent implementation of relative versus absolute features. LAY SUMMARY: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit atypical imitation of actions and gestures. Characteristics of vocal imitation in ASD remain unclear. By comparing speech and song imitation, this study shows that individuals with ASD have a vocal imitative deficit that is specific to absolute pitch and duration matching, while performing as well as controls on relative pitch and duration matching, across speech and music domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Peter Q Pfordresher
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Cunmei Jiang
- Music College, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Liu
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cerullo S, Fulceri F, Muratori F, Contaldo A. Acting with shared intentions: A systematic review on joint action coordination in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Cogn 2021; 149:105693. [PMID: 33556847 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2021.105693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Joint actions, described as a form of social interaction in which individuals coordinate their actions in space and time to bring about a change in the environment, rely on sensory-motor processes that play a role in the development of social skills. Two brain networks, associated with "mirroring" and "mentalizing", are engaged during these actions: the mirror neuron and the theory of mind systems. People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) showed impairment in interpersonal coordination during joint actions. Studying joint action coordination in ASD will contribute to clarify the interplay between sensory-motor and social processes throughout development and the interactions between the brain and the behavior. METHOD This review focused on empirical studies that reported behavioral and kinematic findings related to joint action coordination in people with ASD. RESULTS Literature on mechanisms involved in the joint action coordination impairment in ASD is still limited. Data are controversial. Different key-components of joint action coordination may be impaired, such as cooperative behavior, temporal coordination, and motor planning. CONCLUSIONS Interpersonal coordination during joint actions relies on early sensory-motor processes that have a key role in guiding social development. Early intervention targeting the sensory-motor processes involved in the development of joint action coordination could positively support social skills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Cerullo
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 331 Viale del Tirreno, 56018 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Fulceri
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Muratori
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 331 Viale del Tirreno, 56018 Pisa, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Annarita Contaldo
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 331 Viale del Tirreno, 56018 Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lim YH, Licari M, Spittle AJ, Watkins RE, Zwicker JG, Downs J, Finlay-Jones A. Early Motor Function of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics 2021; 147:peds.2020-011270. [PMID: 33510035 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-011270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Early motor impairments have been reported in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), but it is not clear if early detection of motor impairments can identify children at risk for NDD or how early such impairments might be detected. OBJECTIVE To characterize early motor function in children later diagnosed with NDD relative to typically developing children or normative data. DATA SOURCES The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, and Scopus electronic databases were searched. STUDY SELECTION Eligible studies were required to include an examination of motor function in children (0-24 months) with later diagnosis of NDD by using standardized assessment tools. DATA EXTRACTION Data were extracted by 4 independent researchers. The quality of the studies was assessed by using the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields checklist. RESULTS Twenty-five studies were included in this review; in most of the studies, the authors examined children with later autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early motor impairments were detected in children later diagnosed with ASD. The meta-analysis results indicated that differences in fine, gross, and generalized motor functions between the later ASD and typically developing groups increased with age. Motor function across different NDD groups was found to be mixed. LIMITATIONS Results may not be applicable to children with different types of NDD not reported in this review. CONCLUSIONS Early motor impairments are evident in children later diagnosed with ASD. More research is needed to ascertain the clinical utility of motor impairment detection as an early transdiagnostic marker of NDD risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Huey Lim
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Melissa Licari
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alicia J Spittle
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Neonatal Services, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Jill G Zwicker
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute and.,Sunny Hill Health Center, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.,Departments of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and.,Pediatrics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Schools of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science and
| | - Amy Finlay-Jones
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia; .,Psychology, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
McCabe KM, Sakamoto M, Rosas YG, Kehoe K, La R, Zerr A, Yeh M. Keeping an "I" on PRIDE: Measuring Imitation in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. Behav Ther 2021; 52:28-38. [PMID: 33483122 PMCID: PMC7826448 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2020.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), therapists encourage parents to imitate child behaviors in order to convey approval of the child's actions and promote the development of linguistic and social-cognitive skills. However, the Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System (DPICS-IV), used to measure skills taught during PCIT, does not include guidelines for coding parent-child imitation, making it difficult to determine how PCIT affects it. The current study addresses this problem by developing guidelines for coding imitation, which were then used to code DPICS-IV segments from 58 Mexican American families that participated in a past clinical trial. Results suggest that these coding guidelines can be used to reliably measure parent and child imitation. A series of additional analyses supported the construct validity of the codes. Specifically, there was a trend for parent imitation, but not child imitation, to increase more from pre-post treatment in PCIT relative to treatment as usual. In addition, parents who imitate their children were found to have children who imitate them more in return. Finally, improvement in parent imitation, but not child imitation, was significantly related to a decrease in child behavior problems. Further study is needed to determine the optimal frequency of imitation, and findings suggest that additional attention to coaching imitation may be warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M. McCabe
- University of San Diego, Department of Psychological Sciences, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92123, USA.,Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, 3020 Children’s Way (MC5033), San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - McKenna Sakamoto
- University of San Diego, Department of Psychological Sciences, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Yessica Green Rosas
- University of San Diego, Department of Psychological Sciences, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Kelsey Kehoe
- University of San Diego, Department of Psychological Sciences, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Raymond La
- San Diego State University, Department of Psychology, 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Argero Zerr
- University of San Diego, Department of Psychological Sciences, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92123, USA.,Now at California State University Channel Islands, Department of Psychology, Camarillo, CA, USA
| | - May Yeh
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, 3020 Children’s Way (MC5033), San Diego, CA 92123, USA.,San Diego State University, Department of Psychology, 5500 Campanile Dr, San Diego, CA 92182, USA;,University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Magán-Maganto M, Canal-Bedia R, Hernández-Fabián A, Bejarano-Martín Á, Fernández-Álvarez CJ, Martínez-Velarte M, Martín-Cilleros MV, Flores-Robaina N, Roeyers H, Posada de la Paz M. Spanish Cultural Validation of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:2412-2423. [PMID: 30328577 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3777-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-revised/follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F) was developed to reduce the number of cases requiring telephone verification. The aim of this study was to validate a Spanish version of the M-CHAT-R/F in the Spanish public health system. The M-CHAT-R/F was translated, culturally adapted, and then administered to 6625 children. Of the 39 positive screening cases, 15 children were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 24 with non-ASD disorders or delays. The sensitivity was 0.79 and specificity of 0.99. Positive and negative predictive values were 0.39 and 0.99, respectively. These results are similar to the English equivalent, though observed prevalence was lower. This study supports Spanish National Health System policy makers to consider a universal ASD screening program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Magán-Maganto
- Centro de Atención Integral al Autismo (INFOAUTISMO), Faculty of Education, University Institute of Community Integration (INICO), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ricardo Canal-Bedia
- Centro de Atención Integral al Autismo (INFOAUTISMO), Faculty of Education, University Institute of Community Integration (INICO), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
| | | | - Álvaro Bejarano-Martín
- Centro de Atención Integral al Autismo (INFOAUTISMO), Faculty of Education, University Institute of Community Integration (INICO), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Clara J Fernández-Álvarez
- Centro de Atención Integral al Autismo (INFOAUTISMO), Faculty of Education, University Institute of Community Integration (INICO), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Maria V Martín-Cilleros
- Centro de Atención Integral al Autismo (INFOAUTISMO), Faculty of Education, University Institute of Community Integration (INICO), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Noelia Flores-Robaina
- Faculty of Psychology, University Institute of Community Integration (INICO), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Herbert Roeyers
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
The Criterion Validity of the First Year Inventory and the Quantitative-CHecklist for Autism in Toddlers: A Longitudinal Study. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10100729. [PMID: 33066155 PMCID: PMC7601960 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric surveillance through screening procedures is needed to detect warning signs of risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder under 24 months of age and to promote early diagnosis and treatment. The main purpose of this study is to extend the literature regarding the psychometric properties of two screening tools, the First Year Inventory (FYI) and the Quantitative-CHecklist for Autism in Toddler (Q-CHAT), testing their criterion validity. They were administered during a three-wave approach involving the general population. At T1, 657 children were tested with the FYI and 36 of them were found to be at risk. At T2, 545 were tested with the Q-CHAT and 29 of them were found to be at risk. At T3, 12 out of the 36 children with a high score on the FYI and 11 out of the 29 children with a high score on the Q-CHAT were compared to 15 typically developing children. The criterion validity was tested considering the severity of the autistic symptoms, emotional/behavioral problems, and limited global functioning as criteria. Accuracy parameters were also calculated. Furthermore, we investigated which dimension of each questionnaire better predicted the aforementioned criterion. The results corroborated the hypotheses and confirmed the criterion validity of FYI and Q-CHAT.
Collapse
|
23
|
Micheletti S, Vivanti G, Renzetti S, Martelli P, Calza S, Fazzi E. Imitation in Angelman syndrome: the role of social engagement. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16398. [PMID: 33009450 PMCID: PMC7532435 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72079-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with Angelman syndrome (AS) are characterized by severe cognitive impairments alongside an enhanced drive for social engagement. As knowledge on imitation skills in this population is limited, we conducted the first controlled study of imitation in AS. We examined how 23 individuals with AS and 21 typically developing young children with similar mental age imitated novel actions in response to socially or non-socially engaging models, and in response to video-recorded versus live demonstrations of novel actions. Individuals with AS imitated as frequently and as accurately as typical young children in response to live demonstrations; but they imitated less frequently and less accurately in response to video-recorded demonstrations. Further, imitation was modulated by whether the demonstrator was socially engaging or emotionally neutral in the AS group, while this modulation was not present in the comparison group. Individuals with higher mental age imitated more frequently and more accurately across groups. Imitation performance in AS appears to be more modulated by the social context compared to typical infants and young children with similar mental age, possibly reflecting an enhanced drive for social engagement. A socially engaging instructional style might facilitate imitative learning in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Micheletti
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Vivanti
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stefano Renzetti
- Unit of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paola Martelli
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Calza
- Unit of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Fazzi
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chan MMY, Han YMY. Differential mirror neuron system (MNS) activation during action observation with and without social-emotional components in autism: a meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies. Mol Autism 2020; 11:72. [PMID: 32993782 PMCID: PMC7523366 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00374-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Impaired imitation has been found to be an important factor contributing to social communication deficits in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It has been hypothesized that the neural correlate of imitation, the mirror neuron system (MNS), is dysfunctional in ASD, resulting in imitation impairment as one of the key behavioral manifestations in ASD. Previous MNS studies produced inconsistent results, leaving the debate of whether “broken” mirror neurons in ASD are unresolved. Methods This meta-analysis aimed to explore the differences in MNS activation patterns between typically developing (TD) and ASD individuals when they observe biological motions with or without social-emotional components. Effect size signed differential mapping (ES-SDM) was adopted to synthesize the available fMRI data. Results ES-SDM analysis revealed hyperactivation in the right inferior frontal gyrus and left supplementary motor area in ASD during observation of biological motions. Subgroup analysis of experiments involving the observation of stimuli with or without emotional component revealed hyperactivation in the left inferior parietal lobule and left supplementary motor during action observation without emotional components, whereas hyperactivation of the right inferior frontal gyrus was found during action observation with emotional components in ASD. Subgroup analyses of age showed hyperactivation of the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus in ASD adolescents, while hyperactivation in the right inferior frontal gyrus was noted in ASD adults. Meta-regression within ASD individuals indicated that the right cerebellum crus I activation increased with age, while the left inferior temporal gyrus activation decreased with age. Limitations This meta-analysis is limited in its generalization of the findings to individuals with ASD by the restricted age range, heterogeneous study sample, and the large within-group variation in MNS activation patterns during object observation. Furthermore, we only included action observation studies which might limit the generalization of our results to the imitation deficits in ASD. In addition, the relatively small sample size for individual studies might also potentially overestimate the effect sizes. Conclusion The MNS is impaired in ASD. The abnormal activation patterns were found to be modulated by the nature of stimuli and age, which might explain the contradictory results from earlier studies on the “broken mirror neuron” debate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melody M Y Chan
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 11 Yuk Choi Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Yvonne M Y Han
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 11 Yuk Choi Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Early behavioral markers for neurodevelopmental disorders in the first 3 years of life: An overview of systematic reviews. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:183-201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
26
|
Ashley K, Steinfeld MB, Young GS, Ozonoff S. Onset, Trajectory, and Pattern of Feeding Difficulties in Toddlers Later Diagnosed with Autism. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2020; 41:165-171. [PMID: 31800528 PMCID: PMC7125017 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000000757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the emergence and trajectory of feeding difficulties in young children who are later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS The Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) was administered to a sample of 93 toddlers with an older sibling with ASD-the high-risk group-and 62 toddlers with no known familial ASD-the low-risk group-as part of a larger infant sibling study. The BPFAS was completed by parents at 15, 18, 24, and 36 months of age. At 36 months, participants underwent a diagnostic assessment and were classified into 1 of the following 4 outcome groups: ASD, nontypical development, high-risk typically developing, and low-risk typically developing. The BPFAS was scored for total frequency of feeding difficulties and autism-specific factor scores previously described in the literature. RESULTS The frequency of feeding difficulties increased significantly more rapidly in the ASD group between 15 and 36 months of age, and by 36 months, they exhibited a significantly higher total frequency score than all other groups. Analysis of the factor scores revealed a similar pattern for the food acceptance and mealtime behavior domains but no significant differences in the medical/oral motor domain. CONCLUSION Feeding difficulties develop significantly more rapidly in children with ASD, with longitudinal monitoring revealing the steeper trajectory earlier than can be detected with cross-sectional analysis. Children with ASD are at risk of health and social consequences of poor feeding behavior that may potentially be minimized if addressed early and appropriately.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Ashley
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | - Mary Beth Steinfeld
- Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, MIND Institute, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | - Gregory S. Young
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | - Sally Ozonoff
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
|
28
|
Espanola Aguirre E, Gutierrez A. An Assessment and Instructional Guide for Motor and Vocal Imitation. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:2545-2558. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04008-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
29
|
Subiaul F, Patterson EM, Zimmermann L, Barr R. Only domain-specific imitation practice makes imitation perfect. J Exp Child Psychol 2019; 177:248-264. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
30
|
Penney A, Schwartz I. Effects of coaching on the fidelity of parent implementation of reciprocal imitation training. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2018; 23:1497-1507. [PMID: 30525939 DOI: 10.1177/1362361318816688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Imitation is an important early social communicative skill that is often impaired in young children with autism. Reciprocal imitation training is an easy-to-implement intervention that targets social imitation and can be taught to parents or other caregivers to implement at home and in the community. In this study, parents of children with autism were taught to implement reciprocal imitation training. The quality of parent fidelity of intervention implementation and rates of child spontaneous imitation were examined in three phases: baseline, post-didactic training, and after the introduction of 1:1 coaching. The results suggest that coaching improved parent fidelity with all parent participants, and this correlated to an increase in spontaneous imitation with some of the child participants.
Collapse
|
31
|
Xavier J, Gauthier S, Cohen D, Zahoui M, Chetouani M, Villa F, Berthoz A, Anzalone S. Interpersonal Synchronization, Motor Coordination, and Control Are Impaired During a Dynamic Imitation Task in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1467. [PMID: 30233439 PMCID: PMC6129607 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Impairments in imitation abilities have been commonly described in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). How motricity in interpersonal coordination impacts imitation, during long lasting semi-ecological conditions, has not been carefully investigated. Methods: Eighty-five children and adolescents (39 controls with typical development, TD; 29 patients with ASD; 17 patients with developmental coordination disorder, DCD), aged 6 to 20 years, participated to a behavioral paradigm in which participants, standing and moving, interacted with a virtual tightrope walker standing and moving as well. During the protocol, we measured automatically and continuously bodily postures and movements from RGB sensor recording to assess participants' behavioral imitation. Results: We show that (1) interpersonal synchronization (as evidenced by the synchrony between the participant's and the tightrope walker's bars) and (2) motor coordination (as evidenced by the synchrony between the participant's bar and its own head axis) increased with age and were more impaired in patients with ASD. Also, motor control as evidenced by the movement angle standard deviations of participants' bar and head were significantly impaired in ASD compared to TD or DCD. Conclusion: Interpersonal synchronization and motor coordination during ecological interaction show both subtle impairment in children with ASD as compared to children with TD or DCD. These results questioned how motricity mature in terms of motor control and proprioception in children with ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean Xavier
- Département de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique, CNRS UMR 7222, Paris, France
| | - Soizic Gauthier
- Département de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,CRPMS, EA 3522, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Equipe Berthoz, Collège de France, Paris, France
| | - David Cohen
- Département de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique, CNRS UMR 7222, Paris, France
| | | | - Mohamed Chetouani
- Sorbonne Université, Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique, CNRS UMR 7222, Paris, France
| | - François Villa
- CRPMS, EA 3522, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
West KL. Infant Motor Development in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Synthesis and Meta-analysis. Child Dev 2018; 90:2053-2070. [PMID: 29766496 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Studies of infant motor development in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have increased in recent years. This article synthesized this literature through meta-analysis to assess (a) whether infant motor ability differs in ASD relative to neurotypical controls; and (b) whether motor ability and communication are related in infants with ASD. Study 1 aggregated data from 1,953 infants with ASD (ages 3.0-42.0 months), and Study 2 included 890 infants with ASD (age 6.0-42.9 months). Study 1 revealed that infant motor ability differed significantly in ASD compared with neurotypical infants-this difference was robust to variation in measurement and design. Furthermore, this group difference amplified as age increased. Study 2 indicated that within ASD, infant motor ability and communication are related.
Collapse
|
33
|
Bacon EC, Courchesne E, Barnes CC, Cha D, Pence S, Schreibman L, Stahmer AC, Pierce K. Rethinking the idea of late autism spectrum disorder onset. Dev Psychopathol 2018; 30:553-569. [PMID: 28803559 PMCID: PMC10515446 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579417001067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A common theory of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptom onset includes toddlers who do not display symptoms until well after age 2, which are termed late-onset ASD cases. Objectives were to analyze differences in clinical phenotype between toddlers identified as ASD at initial evaluations (early diagnosed) versus those initially considered nonspectrum, then later identified as ASD (late diagnosed). Two hundred seventy-three toddlers recruited from the general population based on a failed developmental screening form or parent or physician concerns were followed longitudinally from 12 months and identified as early- and late-diagnosed cases of ASD, language delayed, or typically developing. Toddlers completed common standardized assessments and experimental eye-tracking and observational measures every 9-12 months until age 3. Longitudinal performance on standardized assessments and experimental tests from initial evaluations were compared. Delay in social communication skills was seen in both ASD groups at early-age initial assessment, including increased preference for nonsocial stimuli, increased stereotypic play, reduced exploration, and use of gestures. On standardized psychometric assessments, early-diagnosed toddlers showed more impairment initially while late-diagnosed toddlers showed a slowing in language acquisition. Similar social communication impairments were present at very early ages in both early-detected ASD and so-called late-onset ASD. Data indicate ASD is present whether detected or not by current methods, and development of more sensitive tools is needed.
Collapse
|
34
|
Okamoto Y, Kitada R, Miyahara M, Kochiyama T, Naruse H, Sadato N, Okazawa H, Kosaka H. Altered perspective-dependent brain activation while viewing hands and associated imitation difficulties in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Neuroimage Clin 2018; 19:384-395. [PMID: 30035023 PMCID: PMC6051493 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2018.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) appear to have a unique awareness of their own body, which may be associated with difficulties of gestural interaction. In typically developing (TD) individuals, the perception of body parts is processed in various brain regions. For instance, activation of the lateral occipito-temporal cortex (LOTC) is known to depend on perspective (i.e., first- or third-person perspective) and identity (i.e., own vs. another person's body). In the present study, we examined how perspective and identity affect brain activation in individuals with ASD, and how perspective- and identity-dependent brain activation is associated with gestural imitation abilities. Methods Eighteen young adults with ASD and 18 TD individuals participated in an fMRI study in which the participants observed their own or another person's hands from the first- and third-person perspectives. We examined whether the brain activation associated with perspective and identity was altered in individuals with ASD. Furthermore, we identified the brain regions the activity of which correlated with gestural imitation difficulties in individuals with ASD. Results In the TD group, the left LOTC was more strongly activated by viewing a hand from the third-person perspective compared with the first-person perspective. This perspective effect in the left LOTC was significantly attenuated in the ASD group. We also observed significant group differences in the perspective effect in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Correlation analysis revealed that the perspective effect in the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and cerebellum was associated with the gestural imitation ability in individuals with ASD. Conclusions Our study suggests that atypical visual self-body recognition in individuals with ASD is associated with an altered perspective effect in the LOTC and mPFC, which are thought to be involved in the physical and core selves, respectively. Furthermore, the gestural imitation difficulty in individuals with ASD might be associated with the altered activation in the IPL and cerebellum, but not in the LOTC. These findings shed light on common and divergent neural mechanisms underlying atypical visual self-body awareness and gestural interaction in ASD.
Collapse
Key Words
- ACC, anterior cingulate cortex
- AQ, autism spectrum quotient
- ASD, autism spectrum disorder
- Autism spectrum disorder
- CMS, cortical midline structure
- Cerebellum
- DISCO, diagnostic Interview for Social and communication Disorders
- EBA, extrastriate body area
- FISQ, full-scale intelligence quotient
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging
- IOG, inferior occipital gyrus
- IPL, inferior parietal lobule
- IQ, intelligence quotient
- Imitation
- Inferior parietal lobule
- LOTC, lateral occipito-temporal cortex
- Lateral occipito-temporal cortex
- MFG, middle frontal gyrus
- MNS, mirror neuron system
- MOG, middle occipital gyrus
- SRS, social responsiveness scale
- TD, typically developing
- ULS, upper limb sensitive
- Visual self-body recognition
- mPFC, medial prefrontal cortex
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Okamoto
- ATR-Promotions, Brain Activity Imaging Center, Kyoto, Japan; Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.
| | - Ryo Kitada
- Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| | - Motohide Miyahara
- School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Takanori Kochiyama
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.
| | - Hiroaki Naruse
- Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui, Japan.
| | - Norihiro Sadato
- Department of Cerebral Research, Division of Cerebral Integration, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi, Japan; Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Hidehiko Okazawa
- Biomedical Imaging Research Center, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.
| | - Hirotaka Kosaka
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan; Department of Neuropsychiatry, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Chetcuti L, Hudry K, Grant M, Vivanti G. Object-directed imitation in autism spectrum disorder is differentially influenced by motoric task complexity, but not social contextual cues. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2017; 23:199-211. [PMID: 29139304 DOI: 10.1177/1362361317734063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We examined the role of social motivation and motor execution factors in object-directed imitation difficulties in autism spectrum disorder. A series of to-be-imitated actions was presented to 35 children with autism spectrum disorder and 20 typically developing children on an Apple® iPad® by a socially responsive or aloof model, under conditions of low and high motor demand. There were no differences in imitation performance (i.e. the number of actions reproduced within a fixed sequence), for either group, in response to a model who acted socially responsive or aloof. Children with autism spectrum disorder imitated the high motor demand task more poorly than the low motor demand task, while imitation performance for typically developing children was equivalent across the low and high motor demand conditions. Furthermore, imitative performance in the autism spectrum disorder group was unrelated to social reciprocity, though positively associated with fine motor coordination. These results suggest that difficulties in object-directed imitation in autism spectrum disorder are the result of motor execution difficulties, not reduced social motivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lacey Chetcuti
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Center, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Kristelle Hudry
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Center, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Australia.,Victorian Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Megan Grant
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Center, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Garrido D, Petrova D, Watson LR, Garcia-Retamero R, Carballo G. Language and motor skills in siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder: A meta-analytic review. Autism Res 2017; 10:1737-1750. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.1829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dunia Garrido
- Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center, University of Granada; Spain
| | - Dafina Petrova
- Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center, University of Granada; Spain
| | - Linda R. Watson
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill North Carolina
| | - Rocio Garcia-Retamero
- Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center, University of Granada; Spain
- Max Planck Institute for Human Development; Berlin Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wadsworth HM, Maximo JO, Lemelman AR, Clayton K, Sivaraman S, Deshpande HD, Ver Hoef L, Kana RK. The Action Imitation network and motor imitation in children and adolescents with autism. Neuroscience 2016; 343:147-156. [PMID: 27956067 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
While deficits in imitation had been reported in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), its exact nature remains unclear. A dysfunction in mirroring mechanisms (through action imitation) has been proposed by some studies to explain this, although some recent evidence points against this hypothesis. The current study used behavior and functional MRI to examine the integrated functioning of the regions that are considered part of the Action Imitation network (AIN) in children and adolescents with ASD during a motor imitation task. Fourteen ASD and 15 age-and-IQ-matched typically developing (TD) children were asked to imitate a series of hand gestures in the MRI scanner. Intact performance on imitation (accurate imitation of hand gestures outside the scanner) in both ASD and TD groups was accompanied by significantly lower activity in ASD participants, relative to TD, in right angular gyrus, precentral gyrus, and left middle cingulate. In addition, autism traits were found to be significantly correlated with activation in the right angular gyrus. Overall, the findings of this study support the role of AIN in imitation and a potential difference in the recruitment of this network in ASD children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Wadsworth
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Jose O Maximo
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Amy R Lemelman
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Kacy Clayton
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Soumya Sivaraman
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | | | - Lawrence Ver Hoef
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Rajesh K Kana
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Baker ST, Leslie AM, Gallistel CR, Hood BM. Bayesian change-point analysis reveals developmental change in a classic theory of mind task. Cogn Psychol 2016; 91:124-149. [PMID: 27773367 DOI: 10.1016/j.cogpsych.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Although learning and development reflect changes situated in an individual brain, most discussions of behavioral change are based on the evidence of group averages. Our reliance on group-averaged data creates a dilemma. On the one hand, we need to use traditional inferential statistics. On the other hand, group averages are highly ambiguous when we need to understand change in the individual; the average pattern of change may characterize all, some, or none of the individuals in the group. Here we present a new method for statistically characterizing developmental change in each individual child we study. Using false-belief tasks, fifty-two children in two cohorts were repeatedly tested for varying lengths of time between 3 and 5 years of age. Using a novel Bayesian change point analysis, we determined both the presence and-just as importantly-the absence of change in individual longitudinal cumulative records. Whenever the analysis supports a change conclusion, it identifies in that child's record the most likely point at which change occurred. Results show striking variability in patterns of change and stability across individual children. We then group the individuals by their various patterns of change or no change. The resulting patterns provide scarce support for sudden changes in competence and shed new light on the concepts of "passing" and "failing" in developmental studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara T Baker
- Department of Psychology and Center for Cognitive Science, Rutgers University, 152 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; School of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TU, UK; Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, 184 Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 8PQ, UK.
| | - Alan M Leslie
- Department of Psychology and Center for Cognitive Science, Rutgers University, 152 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - C R Gallistel
- Department of Psychology and Center for Cognitive Science, Rutgers University, 152 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Bruce M Hood
- School of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Brief Report: Imitation of Object-Directed Acts in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2016; 46:691-7. [PMID: 26386710 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2596-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) imitate less than typically developing (TD) children; however, the specific features and causes of this deficit are still unclear. The current study investigates the role of joint engagement, specifically children's visual attention to demonstrations, in an object-directed imitation task. This sample was recruited from an early ASD screening study, which allows for an examination of these behaviors prior to formal diagnosis and ASD-specific intervention. Children with ASD imitated less than TD children; children with other developmental delays showed no significant difference from the two other screen-positive groups. Additionally, only the ASD group showed decreased visual attention, suggesting that early visual attention plays a role in the social learning of children with ASD.
Collapse
|
40
|
Soto T, Giserman Kiss I, Carter AS. SYMPTOM PRESENTATIONS AND CLASSIFICATION OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: APPLICATION TO THE DIAGNOSTIC CLASSIFICATION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS OF INFANCY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD (DC:0-5). Infant Ment Health J 2016; 37:486-97. [PMID: 27556740 PMCID: PMC5959016 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 5 years, a great deal of information about the early course of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has emerged from longitudinal prospective studies of infants at high risk for developing ASD based on a previously diagnosed older sibling. The current article describes early ASD symptom presentations and outlines the rationale for defining a new disorder, Early Atypical Autism Spectrum Disorder (EA-ASD) to accompany ASD in the new revision of the ZERO TO THREE Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC:0-5) (in press) alternative diagnostic classification manual. EA-ASD is designed to identify children who are 9 to 36 months of age presenting with a minimum of (a) two social-communication symptoms and (b) one repetitive and restricted behavior symptom as well as (c) evidence of impairment, with the intention of providing these children with appropriately tailored services and improving the likelihood of optimizing their development.
Collapse
|
41
|
Subiaul F. What's Special about Human Imitation? A Comparison with Enculturated Apes. Behav Sci (Basel) 2016; 6:bs6030013. [PMID: 27399786 PMCID: PMC5039513 DOI: 10.3390/bs6030013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Revised: 06/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
What, if anything, is special about human imitation? An evaluation of enculturated apes’ imitation skills, a “best case scenario” of non-human apes’ imitation performance, reveals important similarities and differences between this special population of apes and human children. Candidates for shared imitation mechanisms include the ability to imitate various familiar transitive responses and object–object actions that involve familiar tools. Candidates for uniquely derived imitation mechanisms include: imitating novel transitive actions and novel tool-using responses as well as imitating opaque or intransitive gestures, regardless of familiarity. While the evidence demonstrates that enculturated apes outperform non-enculturated apes and perform more like human children, all apes, regardless of rearing history, generally excel at imitating familiar, over-rehearsed responses and are poor, relative to human children, at imitating novel, opaque or intransitive responses. Given the similarities between the sensory and motor systems of preschool age human children and non-human apes, it is unlikely that differences in sensory input and/or motor-output alone explain the observed discontinuities in imitation performance. The special rearing history of enculturated apes—including imitation-specific training—further diminishes arguments suggesting that differences are experience-dependent. Here, it is argued that such differences are best explained by distinct, specialized mechanisms that have evolved for copying rules and responses in particular content domains. Uniquely derived social and imitation learning mechanisms may represent adaptations for learning novel communicative gestures and complex tool-use. Given our species’ dependence on both language and tools, mechanisms that accelerated learning in these domains are likely to have faced intense selective pressures, starting with the earliest of human ancestors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francys Subiaul
- Department of Speech & Hearing Science, The George Washington University, 2115 G Street, NW # 204, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
- Department of Anthropology, Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, 2115 G Street, NW # 204, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
- GW Institute for Neuroscience, The George Washington University, 2115 G Street, NW # 204, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
- Mind-Brain Institute, The George Washington University, 2115 G Street, NW # 204, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Srinivasan SM, Eigsti IM, Neelly L, Bhat AN. The effects of embodied rhythm and robotic interventions on the spontaneous and responsive social attention patterns of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A pilot randomized controlled trial. RESEARCH IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 2016; 27:54-72. [PMID: 27453721 PMCID: PMC4955647 DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
We compared the effects of 8-weeks of rhythm and robotic interventions with those of a comparison, standard-of-care intervention, on the spontaneous and responsive social attention patterns of school-age children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Attention patterns were examined within a standardized pretest/posttest measure of joint attention (JA) and a training-specific social attention measure during early, mid, and late training sessions. The rhythm and comparison groups demonstrated improvements in JA. Social attention was greater in the rhythm followed by the robot and lastly the comparison group. The robot and comparison groups spent maximum time fixating on the robot and objects, respectively. Across sessions, the robot group decreased attention to the robot and increased attention to elsewhere. Overall, rhythmic movement contexts afford sustained social monitoring in children with autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudha M. Srinivasan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Biomechanics and Movement Sciences Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Inge-Marie Eigsti
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Linda Neelly
- Neag School of Education & School of Music, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Anjana N. Bhat
- Department of Physical Therapy, Biomechanics and Movement Sciences Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
- Physical Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- Neag School of Education & School of Music, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- Center for Health, Intervention, and Prevention, Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ishizuka Y, Yamamoto JI. Contingent imitation increases verbal interaction in children with autism spectrum disorders. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2016; 20:1011-1020. [PMID: 27095832 DOI: 10.1177/1362361315622856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have suggested that contingent adult imitation increase nonverbal communication, such as attention and proximity to adults, in children with autism spectrum disorders. However, few studies have shown the effect of contingent imitation on verbal communication. This study examined whether children with autism were able to promote verbal interaction such as vocal imitation, vocalization, and vocal turn-taking via contingent imitation. We used an alternating treatment design composed of the conditions of contingent imitation and control for six children with autism (aged 33-63 months). For contingent imitation condition, adults imitated children's vocalization immediately. For control condition, adults did not imitate but gave a vocal response immediately. Results showed that in contingent imitation condition, all children increased the number of vocal imitations and vocal turn-takings compared with control condition. The number of vocalizations increased in both condition for all children. Overall, it is suggested that all children promote verbal interaction via contingent imitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Ishizuka
- Keio University, Japan Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Longitudinal prediction of language emergence in infants at high and low risk for autism spectrum disorder. Dev Psychopathol 2016; 29:319-329. [PMID: 27048735 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579416000146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study used a prospective longitudinal design to examine the early developmental pathways that underlie language growth in infants at high risk (n = 50) and low risk (n = 34) for autism spectrum disorder in the first 18 months of life. While motor imitation and responding to joint attention (RJA) have both been found to predict expressive language in children with autism spectrum disorder and those with typical development, the longitudinal relation between these capacities has not yet been identified. As hypothesized, results revealed that 15-month RJA mediated the association between 12-month motor imitation and 18-month expressive vocabulary, even after controlling for earlier levels of RJA and vocabulary. These results provide new information about the developmental sequencing of skills relevant to language growth that may inform future intervention efforts for children at risk for language delay or other developmental challenges.
Collapse
|
45
|
Chawarska K, Macari S, Powell K, DiNicola L, Shic F. Enhanced Social Attention in Female Infant Siblings at Risk for Autism. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2016; 55:188-95.e1. [PMID: 26903252 PMCID: PMC5812780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2015.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sexual dimorphism in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a well-recognized but poorly understood phenomenon. Females are four times less likely to be diagnosed with ASD than males and, when diagnosed, are more likely to exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms. One of the key phenotypic features of ASD is atypical attention to socially relevant stimuli. Eye-tracking studies indicate atypical patterns of spontaneous social orienting during the prodromal and early syndromic stages of ASD. However, there have been no studies evaluating sex differences in early social orienting and their potential contribution to later outcomes. METHOD We examined sex differences in social orienting in 6-, 9-, and 12-month-old infants at high genetic risk for ASD (n = 101) and in low-risk controls (n = 61), focusing on neurobehavioral measures of function across a spectrum of autism risk. RESULTS Results suggest that, between 6 and 12 months of age, a period highly consequential for the development of nonverbal social engagement competencies, high-risk females show enhanced attention to social targets, including faces, compared to both high-risk males and low-risk males and females. Greater attention to social targets in high-risk infants was associated with less severe social impairments at 2 years. CONCLUSION The results suggest an alternative expression of autism risk in females, which manifests in infancy as increased attention toward socially relevant stimuli. This increased attention may serve as a female protective factor against ASD by providing increased access to social experiences in early development.
Collapse
|
46
|
Subiaul F, Zimmermann L, Renner E, Schilder B, Barr R. Defining Elemental Imitation Mechanisms: A Comparison of Cognitive and Motor-Spatial Imitation Learning Across Object- and Computer-Based Tasks. JOURNAL OF COGNITION AND DEVELOPMENT 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/15248372.2015.1053483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
47
|
Mechanisms of imitation impairment in autism spectrum disorder. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2015; 42:1395-405. [PMID: 24736983 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-014-9874-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have difficulties with imitation, though the nature of these remains unclear. In this study, involving 28 preschoolers with ASD (M age = 48 months; 90 % male), 17 matched children with Global Developmental Delay (GDD group; M age = 44 months; 53 % male) and 17 typically developing children (TD group, M age = 52 months; 65 % male), we found that preschoolers with ASD 1) imitate less frequently than both typically developing children and children with GDD; 2) when they do imitate, their imitation is less accurate than that of TD children but similar to that of children with GDD; 3) unlike participants in both comparison groups, preschoolers with ASD use emulation more often than imitation when copying others' actions; 4) they spend less time looking at the model's face and more time looking at her actions; and 5) attentional, social and executive factors underlie different aspects of imitation difficulties in this population. Implications for developmental models of autism are discussed.
Collapse
|
48
|
McConachie H, Parr JR, Glod M, Hanratty J, Livingstone N, Oono IP, Robalino S, Baird G, Beresford B, Charman T, Garland D, Green J, Gringras P, Jones G, Law J, Le Couteur AS, Macdonald G, McColl EM, Morris C, Rodgers J, Simonoff E, Terwee CB, Williams K. Systematic review of tools to measure outcomes for young children with autism spectrum disorder. Health Technol Assess 2015; 19:1-506. [PMID: 26065374 PMCID: PMC4781156 DOI: 10.3310/hta19410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The needs of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are complex and this is reflected in the number and diversity of outcomes assessed and measurement tools used to collect evidence about children's progress. Relevant outcomes include improvement in core ASD impairments, such as communication, social awareness, sensory sensitivities and repetitiveness; skills such as social functioning and play; participation outcomes such as social inclusion; and parent and family impact. OBJECTIVES To examine the measurement properties of tools used to measure progress and outcomes in children with ASD up to the age of 6 years. To identify outcome areas regarded as important by people with ASD and parents. METHODS The MeASURe (Measurement in Autism Spectrum disorder Under Review) research collaboration included ASD experts and review methodologists. We undertook systematic review of tools used in ASD early intervention and observational studies from 1992 to 2013; systematic review, using the COSMIN checklist (Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments) of papers addressing the measurement properties of identified tools in children with ASD; and synthesis of evidence and gaps. The review design and process was informed throughout by consultation with stakeholders including parents, young people with ASD, clinicians and researchers. RESULTS The conceptual framework developed for the review was drawn from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, including the domains 'Impairments', 'Activity Level Indicators', 'Participation', and 'Family Measures'. In review 1, 10,154 papers were sifted - 3091 by full text - and data extracted from 184; in total, 131 tools were identified, excluding observational coding, study-specific measures and those not in English. In review 2, 2665 papers were sifted and data concerning measurement properties of 57 (43%) tools were extracted from 128 papers. Evidence for the measurement properties of the reviewed tools was combined with information about their accessibility and presentation. Twelve tools were identified as having the strongest supporting evidence, the majority measuring autism characteristics and problem behaviour. The patchy evidence and limited scope of outcomes measured mean these tools do not constitute a 'recommended battery' for use. In particular, there is little evidence that the identified tools would be good at detecting change in intervention studies. The obvious gaps in available outcome measurement include well-being and participation outcomes for children, and family quality-of-life outcomes, domains particularly valued by our informants (young people with ASD and parents). CONCLUSIONS This is the first systematic review of the quality and appropriateness of tools designed to monitor progress and outcomes of young children with ASD. Although it was not possible to recommend fully robust tools at this stage, the review consolidates what is known about the field and will act as a benchmark for future developments. With input from parents and other stakeholders, recommendations are made about priority targets for research. FUTURE WORK Priorities include development of a tool to measure child quality of life in ASD, and validation of a potential primary outcome tool for trials of early social communication intervention. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42012002223. FUNDING The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen McConachie
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jeremy R Parr
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Magdalena Glod
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jennifer Hanratty
- School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Nuala Livingstone
- School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Inalegwu P Oono
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Shannon Robalino
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gillian Baird
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Tony Charman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Deborah Garland
- National Autistic Society North East Autism Resource Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jonathan Green
- Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul Gringras
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Glenys Jones
- School of Education, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - James Law
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ann S Le Couteur
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Geraldine Macdonald
- School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Elaine M McColl
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Christopher Morris
- PenCRU, Child Health Group, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jacqueline Rodgers
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Emily Simonoff
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline B Terwee
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katrina Williams
- University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital and Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Yang DYJ, Rosenblau G, Keifer C, Pelphrey KA. An integrative neural model of social perception, action observation, and theory of mind. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 51:263-75. [PMID: 25660957 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In the field of social neuroscience, major branches of research have been instrumental in describing independent components of typical and aberrant social information processing, but the field as a whole lacks a comprehensive model that integrates different branches. We review existing research related to the neural basis of three key neural systems underlying social information processing: social perception, action observation, and theory of mind. We propose an integrative model that unites these three processes and highlights the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), which plays a central role in all three systems. Furthermore, we integrate these neural systems with the dual system account of implicit and explicit social information processing. Large-scale meta-analyses based on Neurosynth confirmed that the pSTS is at the intersection of the three neural systems. Resting-state functional connectivity analysis with 1000 subjects confirmed that the pSTS is connected to all other regions in these systems. The findings presented in this review are specifically relevant for psychiatric research especially disorders characterized by social deficits such as autism spectrum disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Y-J Yang
- Center for Translational Developmental Neuroscience, Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Gabriela Rosenblau
- Center for Translational Developmental Neuroscience, Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Cara Keifer
- Center for Translational Developmental Neuroscience, Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kevin A Pelphrey
- Center for Translational Developmental Neuroscience, Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Rowberry J, Macari S, Chen G, Campbell D, Leventhal JM, Weitzman C, Chawarska K. Screening for autism spectrum disorders in 12-month-old high-risk siblings by parental report. J Autism Dev Disord 2015; 45:221-9. [PMID: 25149178 PMCID: PMC4289092 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2211-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This study examines whether parental report of social-communicative and repetitive behaviors at 12 months can be helpful in identifying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in younger siblings of children with ASD [high-risk (HR)-siblings]. Parents of HR-siblings and infants without a family history of ASD completed the First Year Inventory at 12 months. Developmental outcomes were based on 24- or 36-month assessments. HR-siblings later diagnosed with ASD showed greater impairments in social communication than those with other developmental outcomes based on parental and clinician ratings. Parental report of decline in play and communication and impaired vocal imitation correctly classified a majority of ASD cases with high specificity. These preliminary findings have important implications for the development of early screening instruments for ASD in HR-siblings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Rowberry
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Mike O'Callaghan Federal Medical Center, 4700 Las Vegas Boulevard North, Building 1300, Nellis Air Force Base, NV, 89191, USA,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|