Examining the factor structure and discriminative utility of the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised in infant siblings of autistic children

Influence of temperament on early neurodevelopmental disorders: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Several studies have highlighted the role of temperament as a relevant construct to understand the wide variability observed in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Some studies have pointed to temperamental traits such as strained control as possible precursors to the development of these disorders. In addition, how temperament influences high-risk populations, as well as intervention programmes aimed at families, has been investigated.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This paper presents the protocol that will be followed to carry out a systematic review, the objective of which is to know how child temperament is related to the different domains of development in children with NDD or the risk of suffering from it. The search strategy will be implemented in Web of Science (WoS Core Collection), PubMed, ERIC, PsycINFO and Cochrane databases. The risk of bias will be measured by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to carry out the integration of the results obtained to synthesis without meta-analysis will be used. This systematic review aims to improve scientific evidence for institutions and professionals and enhance the effectiveness of early care programmes for children with NDD and their families.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

No express approval has been sought from any ethics committee because there is no primary data involved and no access to confidential patient information.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023445173.

Where do neurodevelopmental conditions fit in transdiagnostic psychiatric frameworks? Incorporating a new neurodevelopmental spectrum

Features of autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, and communication and motor disorders usually emerge early in life and are associated with atypical neurodevelopment. These "neurodevelopmental conditions" are grouped together in the DSM-5 and ICD-11 to reflect their shared characteristics. Yet, reliance on categorical diagnoses poses significant challenges in both research and clinical settings (e.g., high co-occurrence, arbitrary diagnostic boundaries, high within-disorder heterogeneity). Taking a transdiagnostic dimensional approach provides a useful alternative for addressing these limitations, accounting for shared underpinnings across neurodevelopmental conditions, and characterizing their common co-occurrence and developmental continuity with other psychiatric conditions. Neurodevelopmental features have not been adequately considered in transdiagnostic psychiatric frameworks, although this would have fundamental implications for research and clinical practices. Growing evidence from studies on the structure of neurodevelopmental and other psychiatric conditions indicates that features of neurodevelopmental conditions cluster together, delineating a "neurodevelopmental spectrum" ranging from normative to impairing profiles. Studies on shared genetic underpinnings, overlapping cognitive and neural profiles, and similar developmental course and efficacy of support/treatment strategies indicate the validity of this neurodevelopmental spectrum. Further, characterizing this spectrum alongside other psychiatric dimensions has clinical utility, as it provides a fuller view of an individual's needs and strengths, and greater prognostic utility than diagnostic categories. Based on this compelling body of evidence, we argue that incorporating a new neurodevelopmental spectrum into transdiagnostic frameworks has considerable potential for transforming our understanding, classification, assessment, and clinical practices around neurodevelopmental and other psychiatric conditions.

Screening for Autism: A Review of the Current State, Ongoing Challenges, and Novel Approaches on the Horizon

Screening for autism is recommended in pediatric primary care. However, the median age of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is substantially higher than the age at which autism can reliably be identified, suggesting room for improvements in autism recognition at young ages, especially for children from minoritized racial and ethnic groups, low-income families, and families who prefer a language other than English. Novel approaches are being developed to utilize new technologies in aiding in autism recognition. However, attention to equity is needed to minimize bias. Additional research on the benefits and potential harms of universal autism screening is needed. The authors provide suggestions for pediatricians who are considering implementing autism-screening programs.