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Kaneko A, Atsumi T, Ide M. Temporal resolution relates to sensory hyperreactivity independently of stimulus detection sensitivity in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Perception 2024:3010066241259729. [PMID: 38863412 DOI: 10.1177/03010066241259729] [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: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Researchers have been focusing on perceptual characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in terms of sensory hyperreactivity. Previously, we demonstrated that temporal resolution, which is the accuracy to differentiate the order of two successive vibrotactile stimuli, is associated with the severity of sensory hyperreactivity. We currently examined whether an increase in the perceptual intensity of a tactile stimulus, despite its short duration, is derived from high temporal resolution and high frequency of sensory temporal summation. Twenty ASD and 22 typically developing (TD) participants conducted two psychophysical experimental tasks to evaluate detectable duration of vibrotactile stimulus with same amplitude and to evaluate temporal resolution. The sensory hyperreactivity was estimated using self-reported questionnaire. There was no relationship between the temporal resolution and the duration of detectable stimuli in both groups. However, the ASD group showed severe sensory hyperreactivity in daily life than TD group, and the ASD participants with severe sensory hyperreactivity tended to have high temporal resolution, not high sensitivity of detectable duration. Contrary to the hypothesis, there might be different processing between temporal resolution and sensitivity for stimulus detection. We suggested that the atypical temporal processing would affect to sensory reactivity in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Kaneko
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Atsumi
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyorin University, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masakazu Ide
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
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Ince MS, Guzel I, Akgor MC, Bahcelioglu M, Arikan KB, Okasha A, Sengezer S, Bolay H. Virtual dynamic interaction games reveal impaired multisensory integration in women with migraine. Headache 2024; 64:482-493. [PMID: 38693749 DOI: 10.1111/head.14720] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this cross-sectional observational study, we aimed to investigate sensory profiles and multisensory integration processes in women with migraine using virtual dynamic interaction systems. BACKGROUND Compared to studies on unimodal sensory processing, fewer studies show that multisensory integration differs in patients with migraine. Multisensory integration of visual, auditory, verbal, and haptic modalities has not been evaluated in migraine. METHODS A 12-min virtual dynamic interaction game consisting of four parts was played by the participants. During the game, the participants were exposed to either visual stimuli only or multisensory stimuli in which auditory, verbal, and haptic stimuli were added to the visual stimuli. A total of 78 women participants (28 with migraine without aura and 50 healthy controls) were enrolled in this prospective exploratory study. Patients with migraine and healthy participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomized separately into visual and multisensory groups: Migraine multisensory (14 adults), migraine visual (14 adults), healthy multisensory (25 adults), and healthy visual (25 adults). The Sensory Profile Questionnaire was utilized to assess the participants' sensory profiles. The game scores and survey results were analyzed. RESULTS In visual stimulus, the gaming performance scores of patients with migraine without aura were similar to the healthy controls, at a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 81.8 (79.5-85.8) and 80.9 (77.1-84.2) (p = 0.149). Error rate of visual stimulus in patients with migraine without aura were comparable to healthy controls, at a median (IQR) of 0.11 (0.08-0.13) and 0.12 (0.10-0.14), respectively (p = 0,166). In multisensory stimulation, average gaming score was lower in patients with migraine without aura compared to healthy individuals (median [IQR] 82.2 [78.8-86.3] vs. 78.6 [74.0-82.4], p = 0.028). In women with migraine, exposure to new sensory modality upon visual stimuli in the fourth, seventh, and tenth rounds (median [IQR] 78.1 [74.1-82.0], 79.7 [77.2-82.5], 76.5 [70.2-82.1]) exhibited lower game scores compared to visual stimuli only (median [IQR] 82.3 [77.9-87.8], 84.2 [79.7-85.6], 80.8 [79.0-85.7], p = 0.044, p = 0.049, p = 0.016). According to the Sensory Profile Questionnaire results, sensory sensitivity, and sensory avoidance scores of patients with migraine (median [IQR] score 45.5 [41.0-54.7] and 47.0 [41.5-51.7]) were significantly higher than healthy participants (median [IQR] score 39.0 [34.0-44.2] and 40.0 [34.0-48.0], p < 0.001, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION The virtual dynamic game approach showed for the first time that the gaming performance of patients with migraine without aura was negatively affected by the addition of auditory, verbal, and haptic stimuli onto visual stimuli. Multisensory integration of sensory modalities including haptic stimuli is disturbed even in the interictal period in women with migraine. Virtual games can be employed to assess the impact of sensory problems in the course of the disease. Also, sensory training could be a potential therapy target to improve multisensory processing in migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve S Ince
- Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Center of Excellence (NÖROM), Institute of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Yuksek Ihtisas University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ilkem Guzel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Yuksek Ihtisas University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Merve C Akgor
- Department of Neurology and Algology, Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Center of Excellence (NÖROM), Neuropsychiatry Center, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Meltem Bahcelioglu
- Department of Anatomy, Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Center of Excellence (NÖROM), Neuropsychiatry Center, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kutluk B Arikan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, TED University, Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Center of Excellence (NÖROM), Ankara, Turkey
| | - Amr Okasha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sabahat Sengezer
- Applied Data Science Master Program, TED University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hayrunnisa Bolay
- Department of Neurology and Algology, Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Center of Excellence (NÖROM), Neuropsychiatry Center, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
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Narvekar N, Carter Leno V, Pasco G, Begum Ali J, Johnson MH, Charman T, Jones EJH. The roles of sensory hyperreactivity and hyporeactivity in understanding infant fearfulness and emerging autistic traits. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024. [PMID: 38172076 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing evidence indicates that atypical sensory reactivity is a core characteristic of autism, and has been linked to both anxiety (and its putative infant precursor of fearfulness) and repetitive behaviours. However, most work has used cross-sectional designs and not considered the differential roles of hyperreactivity and hyporeactivity to sensory inputs, and is thus limited in specificity. METHODS 161 infants with and without an elevated likelihood of developing autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were followed from 10 to 36 months of age. Parents rated an infant precursor of later anxiety (fearfulness) using the Infant Behaviour Questionnaire at 10 and 14 months, and the Early Childhood Behavioural Questionnaire at 24 months, and sensory hyperreactivity and hyporeactivity at 10, 14 and 24 months using the Infant Toddler Sensory Profile. Domains of autistic traits (restrictive and repetitive behaviours; RRB, and social communication interaction, SCI) were assessed using the parent-rated Social Responsiveness Scale at 36 months. Cross-lagged models tested (a) paths between fearfulness and hyperreactivity at 10-24 months, and from fearfulness and hyperreactivity to later autism traits, (b) the specificity of hyperreactivity effects by including hyporeactivity as a correlated predictor. RESULTS Hyperreactivity at 14 months was positively associated with fearfulness at 24 months, and hyperreactivity at 24 months was positively associated with SCI and RRB at 36 months. When hyporeactivity was included in the model, paths between hyperreactivity and fearfulness remained, but paths between hyperreactivity and autistic traits became nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that alterations in early sensory reactivity may increase the likelihood of showing fearfulness in infancy, and relate to later social interactions and repetitive behaviours, particularly in individuals with a family history of autism or ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Narvekar
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Virginia Carter Leno
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Greg Pasco
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mark H Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tony Charman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, London, UK
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Ross CF, Bernhard CB, Surette V, Hasted A, Wakeling I, Smith-Simpson S. The influence of food sensory properties on eating behaviours in children with Down syndrome. Food Res Int 2024; 175:113749. [PMID: 38128994 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Developing new food products for children is challenging, particularly in vulnerable groups including children with Down syndrome (DS). Focusing on children with DS, the aim of this study was to study the influence of parent liking on acceptance of food products by children with DS and demonstrate the influence of food sensory properties on indicators of food acceptance, food rejection, and challenging eating behaviours. Children (ages 1158 months) with DS (n = 111) participated in a home use test evaluating snack products with varying sensory properties as profiled by a trained sensory panel. Parents recorded their children's reactions to each food product; trained coders coded videos for eating behaviours. To understand the influence of each sensory modality on eating behaviour, ordered probit regression models were run. Results found a significant correlation between the parent liking and overall child disposition to the food (p < 0.05). From the regression analysis, the inclusion of all food sensory properties, including texture, flavour, taste, product shape and size, improved the percentage of variance explained in child mealtime behaviours and overall disposition over the base model (containing no sensory modalities), with texture having the largest influence. Overstuffing the mouth, a challenging eating behaviour, was most influenced by product texture (children ≥ 30 months), and product texture and size (children < 30 months). In both age groups, coughing/choking/gagging was most influenced by food texture and was associated with a product that was grainy and angular (sharp corners). In both age groups, product acceptance was associated with a product that was dissolvable, crispy, and savoury while rejection was associated with a dense, gummy and fruity product. These results suggest that a dissolvable, crispy texture, with a cheesy or buttery flavour are the sensory properties important in a desirable flavoured commercial snack product for children with DS; however, overall disposition must be balanced against mouth overstuffing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn F Ross
- School of Food Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - C B Bernhard
- School of Food Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Victoria Surette
- School of Food Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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Powell HJ, He JL, Khalil N, Wodka EL, DeRonda A, Edden RAE, Vasa RA, Mostofsky SH, Puts NA. Perceptual alterations in the relationship between sensory reactivity, intolerance of uncertainty, and anxiety in autistic children with and without ADHD. Dev Psychopathol 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37990408 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423001360] [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: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Sensory differences and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in autistic individuals with and without ADHD. Studies have shown that sensory differences and anxiety are associated and that intolerance of uncertainty (IU) plays an important role in this relationship. However, it is unclear as to how different levels of the sensory processing pathway (i.e., perceptual, affective, or behavioral) contribute. Here, we used psychophysics to assess how alterations in tactile perception contribute to questionnaire measures of sensory reactivity, IU, and anxiety. Thirty-eight autistic children (aged 8-12 years; 27 with co-occurring ADHD) were included. Consistent with previous findings, mediation analyses showed that child-reported IU fully mediated an association between parent-reported sensory reactivity and parent-reported anxiety and that anxiety partially mediated an association between sensory reactivity and IU. Of the vibrotactile thresholds, only simultaneous frequency discrimination (SFD) thresholds correlated with sensory reactivity. Interestingly, we found that sensory reactivity fully mediated an association between SFD threshold and anxiety, and between SFD threshold and IU. Taken together, those findings suggest a mechanistic pathway whereby tactile perceptual alterations contribute to sensory reactivity at the affective level, leading in turn to increased IU and anxiety. This stepwise association can inform potential interventions for IU and anxiety in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen J Powell
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jason L He
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nermin Khalil
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ericka L Wodka
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alyssa DeRonda
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard A E Edden
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Roma A Vasa
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stewart H Mostofsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicolaas A Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
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Bang P, Igelström K. Modality-specific associations between sensory differences and autistic traits. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:2158-2172. [PMID: 36802917 PMCID: PMC10504810 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231154349] [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] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Sensory symptoms are a major source of distress for many autistic people, causing anxiety, stress, and avoidance. Sensory problems are thought to be passed on genetically together with other autistic characteristics, such as social preferences. This means that people who report cognitive rigidity and autistic-like social function are more likely to suffer from sensory issues. We do not know what role the individual senses, such as vision, hearing, smell, or touch, play in this relationship, because sensory processing is generally measured with questionnaires that target general, multisensory issues. This study aimed to investigate the individual importance of the different senses (vision, hearing, touch, smell, taste, balance, and proprioception) in the correlation with autistic traits. To ensure the results were replicable, we repeated the experiment in two large groups of adults. The first group contained 40% autistic participants, whereas the second group resembled the general population. We found that problems with auditory processing were more strongly predictive of general autistic characteristics than were problems with the other senses. Problems with touch were specifically related to differences in social interaction, such as avoiding social settings. We also found a specific relationship between proprioceptive differences and autistic-like communication preferences. The sensory questionnaire had limited reliability, so our results may underestimate the contribution of some senses. With that reservation in mind, we conclude that auditory differences are dominant over other modalities in predicting genetically based autistic traits and may therefore be of special interest for further genetic and neurobiological studies.
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Sapey-Triomphe LA, Dierckx J, Vettori S, van Overwalle J, Wagemans J. A multilevel investigation of sensory sensitivity and responsivity in autistic adults. Autism Res 2023; 16:1299-1320. [PMID: 37272695 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Atypical sensory processing is a core symptom of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We aimed at better characterizing visual sensitivity and responsivity in ASD at the self-reported, behavioral and neural levels, and at describing the relationships between these levels. We refer to sensory sensitivity as the ability to detect sensory stimuli and to sensory responsivity as an affective response to sensory stimuli. Participants were 25 neurotypical and 24 autistic adults. At the self-reported level, autistic participants had higher scores of sensory sensitivity and responsivity than neurotypicals. The behavioral and neural tasks involved contrast-reversing gratings which became progressively (in)visible as their contrast or spatial frequency evolved. At the behavioral level, autistic participants had higher detection and responsivity thresholds when gratings varied in spatial frequency, but their thresholds did not differ from neurotypicals when gratings varied in contrast. At the neural level, we used fast periodic visual stimulations and electroencephalography to implicitly assess detection thresholds for contrast and spatial frequency, and did not reveal any group difference. Higher self-reported responsivity was associated with higher behavioral responsivity, more intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety, in particular in ASD. At the self-reported level, higher sensitivity was associated with more responsivity in both groups, contrary to the behavioral level where these relationships were not found. These heterogeneous results suggest that sensitivity and responsivity per se are not simply increased in ASD, but may be modulated by other factors such as environmental predictability. Multi-level approaches can shed light on the mechanisms underlying sensory issues in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie-Anne Sapey-Triomphe
- Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joke Dierckx
- Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Vettori
- Institut des Sciences Cognitives - Marc Jeannerod UMR5229, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique & Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, France
| | - Jaana van Overwalle
- Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Wagemans
- Department of Brain and Cognition, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Gundogdu U, Aksoy A, Eroglu M. Sensory profiles, behavioral problems, and auditory findings in children with autism spectrum disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 69:442-451. [PMID: 37213587 PMCID: PMC10198006 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2023.2200592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Objective This study examined the relationship between sensory processing (SP) differences and behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We also investigated whether audiological test results could objectively detect auditory processing differences. Method Forty-six children with ASD, ages 3-9 years, were enrolled in the study. Problematic behaviors and sensory processing of children were assessed using scales. The otolaryngologist performed a detailed head and neck examination and a formal audiological examination was performed by an audiologist. Results Stereotypy, hyperactivity, and irritability were related to sensation seeking. Stereotypy was also associated with visual processing. Touch processing differences was related to irritability and inappropriate speech. Lethargy was associated with auditory processing. There were no differences in SP and behavior problems in the children whose audiological profiles could be measured between those who passed or failed the test. Conclusion There was an association between SP differences and behavioral problems in children with ASD, supporting previous studies. Audiological test results did not reveal the SP differences documented in the parent forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ummugulsum Gundogdu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Aksoy
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Nigde, Turkey
| | - Mehtap Eroglu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hatay Training and Research Hospital, Hatay, Turkey
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Linke AC, Chen B, Olson L, Ibarra C, Fong C, Reynolds S, Apostol M, Kinnear M, Müller RA, Fishman I. Sleep Problems in Preschoolers With Autism Spectrum Disorder Are Associated With Sensory Sensitivities and Thalamocortical Overconnectivity. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2023; 8:21-31. [PMID: 34343726 PMCID: PMC9826645 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Projections between the thalamus and sensory cortices are established early in development and play an important role in regulating sleep as well as in relaying sensory information to the cortex. Atypical thalamocortical functional connectivity frequently observed in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might therefore be linked to sensory and sleep problems common in ASD. METHODS Here, we investigated the relationship between auditory-thalamic functional connectivity measured during natural sleep functional magnetic resonance imaging, sleep problems, and sound sensitivities in 70 toddlers and preschoolers (1.5-5 years old) with ASD compared with a matched group of 46 typically developing children. RESULTS In children with ASD, sleep problems and sensory sensitivities were positively correlated, and increased sleep latency was associated with overconnectivity between the thalamus and auditory cortex in a subsample with high-quality magnetic resonance imaging data (n = 29). In addition, auditory cortex blood oxygen level-dependent signal amplitude was elevated in children with ASD, potentially reflecting reduced sensory gating or a lack of auditory habituation during natural sleep. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that atypical thalamocortical functional connectivity can be detected early in development and may play a crucial role in sleep problems and sensory sensitivities in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Carola Linke
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California.
| | - Bosi Chen
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California; San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California
| | - Lindsay Olson
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California; San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California
| | - Cynthia Ibarra
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Chris Fong
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California; San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California
| | - Sarah Reynolds
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Michael Apostol
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Mikaela Kinnear
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Ralph-Axel Müller
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California; San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California; SDSU Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders, San Diego, California
| | - Inna Fishman
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California; San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California; SDSU Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders, San Diego, California
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Narvekar N, Carter Leno V, Pasco G, Johnson MH, Jones EJH, Charman T. A prospective study of associations between early fearfulness and perceptual sensitivity and later restricted and repetitive behaviours in infants with typical and elevated likelihood of autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 26:1947-1958. [PMID: 35021899 PMCID: PMC9597143 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211068932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Restricted interests and repetitive behaviours are central to the diagnosis of autism and can have profound effects on daily activities and quality of life. These challenges are also linked to other co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and sensory sensitivities. Here, we looked at whether early emerging signs of anxiety and sensory problems appear before symptoms of autism by studying infants with a family history of autism, as these infants are more likely to develop autism themselves. Studying infant siblings provides an opportunity for researchers to focus on early developmental markers of autism as these infants can be followed from birth. This study found that early infant signs of anxiety (e.g. fear/shyness) predicted later perceptual sensitivity, and those infants who scored higher on fear/shyness and sensitivity were more likely to experience more persistent repetitive behaviours, but also social and communication difficulties in toddlerhood. Early signs of anxiety and perceptual sensitivity may thus relate to both later social difficulties and repetitive behaviours. These findings support the importance of further research exploring the causal links between these domains in relation to autism, resulting in increased understanding of children who go onto develop autism in the future and guiding early interventions and supports.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mark H Johnson
- Birkbeck, University of London,
UK
- University of Cambridge, UK
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Associations among perceived taste and smell sensitivity, gastrointestinal symptoms, and restrictive eating in a community sample of adults. Eat Behav 2022; 46:101647. [PMID: 35763980 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2022.101647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Restrictive eating is associated with several poor health outcomes. Exteroceptive sensory modalities, including taste and smell, are employed while eating and disturbances in exteroceptive sensitivity may influence eating behavior. Meal-related gastrointestinal disturbances, such as early satiety and postprandial fullness, are well-documented in eating disorders and may influence eating behavior. This study examined the relationships of perceived sensitivity to taste or smell and gastrointestinal symptoms with restrictive eating, and potential interactions between gastrointestinal symptoms and perceived sensitivity to taste or smell. Adults aged 18-65 were recruited via ResearchMatch.org (N = 420) and completed questionnaires assessing restrictive eating, perceived sensitivity to taste and smell, and gastrointestinal symptom severity. There was a weak relationship between restrictive eating and perceived sensitivity to taste (r = -0.115, p = .022) and smell (r = -0.101, p = .039). There was a strong relationship between gastrointestinal symptom severity and restrictive eating (r = 0.583, p < .001). Gastrointestinal symptom severity moderated the relationship between perceived sensitivity to taste and restrictive eating, such that this relationship was strongest at lower levels of gastrointestinal symptom severity (Estimate = -0.136, p = .014). There was no observed interaction between perceived sensitivity to smell and gastrointestinal symptoms (Estimate = 0.001, p = .156). Results indicate that increased perceived sensitivity to taste, smell, and gastrointestinal symptom severity were each associated with greater restrictive eating. The relationship between perceived sensitivity to taste and restrictive eating is strongest at lower gastrointestinal symptom severity. Future research should examine whether tailoring treatments for individuals who present with elevated perceived sensitivity to taste or smell, gastrointestinal symptoms, or both is effective in reducing restrictive eating.
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Moreno-Amador B, Cervin M, Martínez-González AE, Piqueras JA. Sensory over-responsivity and symptoms across the obsessive-compulsive spectrum: a web-based study (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 25:e37847. [PMID: 37052983 PMCID: PMC10141273 DOI: 10.2196/37847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensory overresponsivity (SOR) has emerged as a potential endophenotype in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but few studies have examined SOR in relation to the major symptom dimensions of OCD and to symptoms across the full obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptom spectrum. OBJECTIVE This study had 2 main objectives. First, we examined the psychometric properties of the SOR Scales in a community-based sample of Spanish adolescents and adults. Second, we identified how SOR difficulties are related to symptoms across the full OC spectrum (eg, OC, body dysmorphic, hoarding, skin-picking, and hair-pulling symptoms), including the heterogeneity of OC symptoms. METHODS We translated the SOR Scales into Spanish-a measure that assesses SOR across the 5 sensory modalities-and created a web-based version of the measure. A sample of 1454 adolescents and adults (mean age 23.84, SD 8.46 years) participated in the study, and 388 (26.69%) participants completed the survey twice (approximately 8 months apart). The survey also contained a web-based measure that assesses symptoms across the full OC spectrum: harm and checking, taboo obsessions, contamination or cleaning, symmetry and ordering, body dysmorphic, hoarding, hair-pulling, and skin-picking symptoms. RESULTS The psychometric properties of the SOR Scales were excellent, and the test-retest reliability was adequate. All types of SOR were related to all major symptom dimensions of OCD and to all OC spectrum symptoms. CONCLUSIONS SOR across the sensory modalities can be validly assessed using a web-based measure. SOR emerged as a pure transdiagnostic phenomenon in relation to symptoms across the OC spectrum, with no specific sensory modality being more strongly related to OC symptoms. SOR can shed much needed light on basic mechanisms that are important for the onset and maintenance of OC spectrum symptoms, and this study shows that large-scale web-based studies can aid in this endeavor. Future studies should examine whether SOR precedes or emerges alongside OC symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Moreno-Amador
- Area of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Department of Health Psychology, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - Matti Cervin
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Jose A Piqueras
- Area of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Department of Health Psychology, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Spain
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13
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Price A, Sumner P, Powell G. Subjective sensory sensitivity and its relationship with anxiety in people with probable migraine. Headache 2021; 61:1342-1350. [PMID: 34669970 PMCID: PMC9889083 DOI: 10.1111/head.14219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better characterize differences in interictal sensory experience in adults with migraine and more comprehensively describe the relevance of anxiety to these experiences. BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that sensitivity to sensory input may not be limited to migraine attacks but continues between them. However, there is a need to better understand whether this is the case across senses, and to clearly distinguish sensory experience from measured sensory threshold, which are not straightforwardly related. Previous literature also indicates a co-occurrence between sensory sensitivity, migraine, and anxiety, but this relationship remains to be fully elucidated. METHODS The present cross-sectional study used online questionnaires to investigate how self-reported sensory experiences relate to migraine in a large community sample including 117 individuals with probable migraine and 827 without. Mediation analyses were also used to determine whether any relationship between migraine and sensory sensitivity was mediated by anxiety. RESULTS Significant increases in subjective reports of sensory sensitivity (d = 0.80) and sensory avoidance (d = 0.71) were found in participants with migraine. Anxiety symptoms partially mediated the relationship between subjective sensory sensitivity and migraine. Finally, visual, movement, and auditory subscales were found to provide unique explanatory variance in analyses predicting the incidence of migraine (area under the curve = 0.73, 0.69, 0.62 respectively). CONCLUSION Subjective sensory sensitivities are present between attacks and across senses in individuals with migraine. Anxiety symptoms are relevant to this relationship; however, sensory sensitivities appear to exist independent of this affective influence. The implications of interictal sensitivities for the daily lives of those with migraine should, therefore, be considered in clinical management wherever appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Price
- School of PsychologyCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of PsychologyCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
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14
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Fetta A, Carati E, Moneti L, Pignataro V, Angotti M, Bardasi MC, Cordelli DM, Franzoni E, Parmeggiani A. Relationship between Sensory Alterations and Repetitive Behaviours in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Parents' Questionnaire Based Study. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11040484. [PMID: 33920440 PMCID: PMC8069400 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between sensory profile and repetitive behaviours in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has long been known. However, there is no consensus on the type of relationship that exists between them. This monocentric retrospective-prospective observational study aimed (a) to detect a clinical correlation between the severity of repetitive behaviours and the alterations of sensory profile in a sample of 50 children diagnosed with ASD; (b) to evaluate how different patterns of stereotypies and sensory alterations correlate with each other and with the main clinical-instrumental variables in the same sample. We enrolled 29 children in the retrospective phase of the study and 21 in the prospective phase. The Repetitive Behaviour Scale-Revised (RBS-R) and the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) were administered to the caregivers, and clinical-instrumental data were collected. SSP and RBS-R total scores directly correlated with a high significance rate. Among the subscales, the strongest correlations involved "Visual/Auditory Sensitivity", related to "Stereotyped Behaviour" and "Sameness Behaviour". "Under-Responsive/Seeks Sensation" related to "Stereotyped Behaviour". Sex and intellectual disability significantly influenced both the stereotypies and the sensory alterations of the examined population. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the relationship between sensory alterations and repetitive behaviours in ASD children by using direct medical observation and parent observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fetta
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell’Età Pediatrica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (V.P.); (M.A.); (D.M.C.); (A.P.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, 40137 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (L.M.); (M.C.B.); (E.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Elisa Carati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, 40137 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (L.M.); (M.C.B.); (E.F.)
| | - Laura Moneti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, 40137 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (L.M.); (M.C.B.); (E.F.)
| | - Veronica Pignataro
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell’Età Pediatrica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (V.P.); (M.A.); (D.M.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Marida Angotti
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell’Età Pediatrica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (V.P.); (M.A.); (D.M.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria Chiara Bardasi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, 40137 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (L.M.); (M.C.B.); (E.F.)
| | - Duccio Maria Cordelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell’Età Pediatrica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (V.P.); (M.A.); (D.M.C.); (A.P.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, 40137 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (L.M.); (M.C.B.); (E.F.)
| | - Emilio Franzoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, 40137 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (L.M.); (M.C.B.); (E.F.)
| | - Antonia Parmeggiani
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell’Età Pediatrica, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (V.P.); (M.A.); (D.M.C.); (A.P.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, 40137 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (L.M.); (M.C.B.); (E.F.)
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15
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Espenhahn S, Godfrey KJ, Kaur S, Ross M, Nath N, Dmitrieva O, McMorris C, Cortese F, Wright C, Murias K, Dewey D, Protzner AB, McCrimmon A, Bray S, Harris AD. Tactile cortical responses and association with tactile reactivity in young children on the autism spectrum. Mol Autism 2021; 12:26. [PMID: 33794998 PMCID: PMC8017878 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00435-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Unusual behavioral reactions to sensory stimuli are frequently reported in individuals on the autism spectrum (AS). Despite the early emergence of sensory features (< age 3) and their potential impact on development and quality of life, little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying sensory reactivity in early childhood autism. Methods Here, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate tactile cortical processing in young children aged 3–6 years with autism and in neurotypical (NT) children. Scalp EEG was recorded from 33 children with autism, including those with low cognitive and/or verbal abilities, and 45 age- and sex-matched NT children during passive tactile fingertip stimulation. We compared properties of early and later somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) and their adaptation with repetitive stimulation between autistic and NT children and assessed whether these neural measures are linked to “real-world” parent-reported tactile reactivity. Results As expected, we found elevated tactile reactivity in children on the autism spectrum. Our findings indicated no differences in amplitude or latency of early and mid-latency somatosensory-evoked potentials (P50, N80, P100), nor adaptation between autistic and NT children. However, latency of later processing of tactile information (N140) was shorter in young children with autism compared to NT children, suggesting faster processing speed in young autistic children. Further, correlational analyses and exploratory analyses using tactile reactivity as a grouping variable found that enhanced early neural responses were associated with greater tactile reactivity in autism. Limitations The relatively small sample size and the inclusion of a broad range of autistic children (e.g., with low cognitive and/or verbal abilities) may have limited our power to detect subtle group differences and associations. Hence, replications are needed to verify these results. Conclusions Our findings suggest that electrophysiological somatosensory cortex processing measures may be indices of “real-world” tactile reactivity in early childhood autism. Together, these findings advance our understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying tactile reactivity in early childhood autism and, in the clinical context, may have therapeutic implications. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-021-00435-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Espenhahn
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada. .,Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. .,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. .,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Kate J Godfrey
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sakshi Kaur
- Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Maia Ross
- Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Niloy Nath
- Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Olesya Dmitrieva
- Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carly McMorris
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Filomeno Cortese
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Charlene Wright
- Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kara Murias
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Andrea B Protzner
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Adam McCrimmon
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Signe Bray
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ashley D Harris
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.,Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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16
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Convergent Validity of Behavioural and Subjective Sensitivity in Relation to Autistic Traits. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:758-770. [PMID: 33770325 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04974-1] [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] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sensory issues are highly prevalent in autism and previous findings support a relationship between questionnaires of sensitivity and autistic symptoms and traits, whereas studies that examine this relationship through behavioural assessments of sensitivity are less consistent. The current study explores these differences and suggests that behavioural thresholds for sensitivity and subjective sensitivity are distinct constructs. One hundred and eighteen adults completed a visual and auditory detection task and questionnaires on sensory processing and autistic traits. Visual thresholds and subjective visual sensitivity were not correlated, but both were related to autistic traits. Auditory thresholds and subjective auditory sensitivity were also unrelated. Overall, sensitivity is highly associated with autistic traits, however, behavioural and questionnaire assessments lack convergent validity and therefore, likely assess distinct constructs.
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17
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Fernández-Pires P, Valera-Gran D, Hurtado-Pomares M, Espinosa-Sempere C, Sánchez-Pérez A, Juárez-Leal I, Ruiz-Carbonell MP, Peral-Gómez P, Campos-Sánchez I, Pérez-Vázquez MT, Navarrete-Muñoz EM. Sleep Duration and Quality and Sensory Reactivity in School-Aged Children: The Spanish Cross-Sectional InProS Study. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:646011. [PMID: 34291016 PMCID: PMC8286990 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.646011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The relationship between children's sleep and health has been widely examined; however, research focused on the link between sleep and sensory reactivity in children without medical conditions is relatively new and based on studies with small samples. Hence, we aimed at exploring the association between sleep duration and quality and prevalence of sensory reactivity in a population-based sample of children aged 3-7. Methods: We examined data on 579 school-age children from the InProS project, a cross-sectional population-based study. Children's sleep duration was classified as <10 vs. ≥10 h/day, and sleep quality was measured using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire, defining poor quality sleep as a score of ≥0.33. The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) was used to classify children with or without sensory reactivity using the cut-off points proposed by W. Dunn for SSP total score and each SSP subscale. Prevalence ratios (PR) using Poisson multiple regression models with robust variance were estimated to examine main associations. Results: Around a third (32.6%; n = 189) slept <10 h/day and 10.4% presented poor sleep quality. The prevalence of sensory reactivity was 29.5% for total SSP (<155), 11.4% for tactile sensitivity (<30), 15% for taste/smell sensitivity (<15), 22.5% for movement sensitivity (<13), 49.1% for under-responsive/seeks sensation (<27), 44.4% for auditory filtering (<23), 12.4% for low energy/weak (<26), and 25.4% for visual/auditory sensitivity (<19). Main findings indicated that poor sleep quality was significantly associated with a greater prevalence of sensory reactivity for SSP total score (PR = 1.27; IC 95%: 1.18; 1.38), tactile sensitivity (PR = 1.09, IC95%: 1.00-1.19), taste/smell sensitivity (PR = 1.18, IC95%: 1.08-1.30), under-responsive/seeks sensation (PR = 1.28, IC95%: 1.20-1.37), auditory filtering (PR = 1.31, IC95%: 1.23-1.39), low energy/weak (PR = 1.14, IC95%: 1.04-1.25) and audiovisual sensitivity (PR = 1.15, IC95%: 1.05-1.26) scores after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions: In this study, we observed that poor sleep quality was statistically significantly associated with a higher prevalence of sensory reactivity as measured by the total SSP and almost all SSP subscales. To our knowledge, this is the first time that this association has been explored and reported. Further research from prospective studies is required to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Desirée Valera-Gran
- Department of Surgery and Pathology, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain.,Occupational Therapy Research Group (InTeO, Investigación en Terapia Ocupacional), Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
| | - Miriam Hurtado-Pomares
- Department of Surgery and Pathology, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain.,Occupational Therapy Research Group (InTeO, Investigación en Terapia Ocupacional), Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain.,Miguel Hernández University-Vice Rectorade of Institutional Relations, Elche, Spain
| | - Cristina Espinosa-Sempere
- Department of Surgery and Pathology, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain.,Occupational Therapy Research Group (InTeO, Investigación en Terapia Ocupacional), Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
| | - Alicia Sánchez-Pérez
- Department of Surgery and Pathology, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain.,Occupational Therapy Research Group (InTeO, Investigación en Terapia Ocupacional), Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
| | - Iris Juárez-Leal
- Department of Surgery and Pathology, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain.,Occupational Therapy Research Group (InTeO, Investigación en Terapia Ocupacional), Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
| | - María-Pilar Ruiz-Carbonell
- Department of Surgery and Pathology, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain.,Centro de Desarrollo Infantil Sentits, Alicante, Spain
| | - Paula Peral-Gómez
- Department of Surgery and Pathology, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain.,Occupational Therapy Research Group (InTeO, Investigación en Terapia Ocupacional), Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
| | - Irene Campos-Sánchez
- Department of Surgery and Pathology, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
| | - María-Teresa Pérez-Vázquez
- Department of Surgery and Pathology, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain.,Miguel Hernández University-Vice Rectorade of Institutional Relations, Elche, Spain
| | - Eva-María Navarrete-Muñoz
- Department of Surgery and Pathology, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain.,Occupational Therapy Research Group (InTeO, Investigación en Terapia Ocupacional), Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
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18
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Weiland RF, Polderman TJ, Hoekstra RA, Smit DJ, Begeer S. The Dutch Sensory Perception Quotient-Short in adults with and without autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2020; 24:2071-2080. [PMID: 32720830 PMCID: PMC7543020 DOI: 10.1177/1362361320942085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sensory symptoms were recently added to the diagnostic criteria of autism spectrum disorder and may be a mechanism underlying the broad phenotype of autism spectrum disorder. To measure sensory symptoms based on perceptual rather than affective, regulative, or attention components, the Sensory Perception Quotient (SPQ) measuring five modalities of sensory sensitivity has been developed. In this study, the Dutch translation of the abridged SPQ-Short was investigated in a large sample of adults with (n = 657) and without autism spectrum disorder (n = 585). Its hypothesized factor structure, combining modality specific and one modality-independent factor, was assessed in a hierarchical model. Results show that modality-specific subscales are indeed present in the short version. Furthermore, its reliability is high and comparable to the original English version. The autism spectrum disorder group reported higher sensory sensitivities than the comparison group, and women with autism spectrum disorder reported higher sensitivities compared with men with autism spectrum disorder. The SPQ-Short correlates with all Autism Quotient (AQ)-Short subscales, except for the “imagination” subscale. The SPQ-Short seems suitable to further explore the relationship between basic sensory sensitivities in autism spectrum disorder and their related symptoms such as over- and under-responsivity to sensory stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dirk Ja Smit
- Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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19
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Umesawa Y, Atsumi T, Chakrabarty M, Fukatsu R, Ide M. GABA Concentration in the Left Ventral Premotor Cortex Associates With Sensory Hyper-Responsiveness in Autism Spectrum Disorders Without Intellectual Disability. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:482. [PMID: 32508576 PMCID: PMC7248307 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit abnormal processing of sensory inputs from multiple modalities and higher-order cognitive/behavioral response to those inputs. Several lines of evidence suggest that altered γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, is a central characteristic of the neurophysiology of ASD. The relationship between GABA in particular brain regions and atypical sensory processing in ASD is poorly understood. We therefore employed 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to examine whether GABA levels in brain regions critical to higher-order motor and/or multiple sensory functions were associated with abnormal sensory responses in ASD. We evaluated atypical sensory processing with a clinically-validated assessment tool. Furthermore, we measured GABA levels in four regions: one each in the primary visual cortex, the left sensorimotor cortex, the left supplementary motor area (SMA), and the left ventral premotor cortex (vPMC). The latter two regions are thought to be involved in executing and coordinating cognitive and behavioral functions in response to multisensory inputs. We found severer sensory hyper-responsiveness in ASD relative to control participants. We also found reduced GABA concentrations in the left SMA but no differences in other regions of interest between ASD and control participants. A correlation analysis revealed a negative association between left vPMC GABA and the severity of sensory hyper-responsiveness across all participants, and the independent ASD group. These findings suggest that reduced inhibitory neurotransmission (reduced GABA) in a higher-order motor area, which modulates motor commands and integrates multiple sensory modalities, may underlie sensory hyper-responsiveness in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Umesawa
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Saitama, Japan.,Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Atsumi
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Saitama, Japan.,Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mrinmoy Chakrabarty
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Saitama, Japan.,Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-D), New Delhi, India
| | - Reiko Fukatsu
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masakazu Ide
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Saitama, Japan
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