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G Bragg M, Vesey O, Chavarro JE, Hart JE, Tabb LP, Weisskopf MG, Croen LA, Fallin D, Hertz-Picciotto I, Newschaffer C, Schmidt RJ, Volk H, Lyall K. Characterizing self-reported physical activity before and during a subsequent pregnancy among parents in a familial autism cohort. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241273034. [PMID: 39235189 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241273034] [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] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Parents of autistic children may have limited time and resources to participate in physical activity, a key aspect of health. Previous studies have been small and included mostly mothers, rather than fathers. No studies have examined physical activity in these parents during another pregnancy, when physical activity is especially important for maternal and fetal health. We aimed to fill this gap by examining physical activity levels among mothers and fathers caring for an autistic child before and during a subsequent pregnancy. We used data from a study which followed pregnant individuals who already had a child with autism. We asked mothers and fathers to report their levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity. We found that mothers and fathers of autistic children reported lower physical activity levels than the national average and were unlikely to meet Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Pregnant mothers were the least likely to participate in physical activity, particularly if their autistic child scored highly on a measure of autistic traits. Given that parental physical activity has benefits for parents and children, family-based interventions may be needed to help support parents' physical activity levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jaime E Hart
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA
- Harvard Medical School, USA
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Isik OG, Junaid S, Guo L, Lackraj D, Landau R, Miles CH, Pennell C, von Ungern Sternberg BS, Whitehouse AJO, Li G, Ing C. Behavioural and neuropsychological outcomes in children exposed in utero to maternal labour epidural analgesia. Br J Anaesth 2024; 133:334-343. [PMID: 38702238 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2024.02.036] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies report conflicting results regarding the relationship between labour epidural analgesia (LEA) in mothers and neurodevelopmental disorders in their offspring. We evaluated behavioural and neuropsychological test scores in children of mothers who used LEA. METHODS Children enrolled in the Raine Study from Western Australia and delivered vaginally from a singleton pregnancy between 1989 and 1992 were evaluated. Children exposed to LEA were compared with unexposed children. The primary outcome was the parent-reported Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) reporting total, internalising, and externalising behavioural problem scores at age 10 yr. Score differences, an increased risk of clinical deficit, and a dose-response based on the duration of LEA exposure were assessed. Secondary outcomes included language, motor function, cognition, and autistic traits. RESULTS Of 2180 children, 850 (39.0%) were exposed to LEA. After adjustment for covariates, exposed children had minimally increased CBCL total scores (+1.41 points; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09 to 2.73; P=0.037), but not internalising (+1.13 points; 95% CI -0.08 to 2.34; P=0.066) or externalising (+1.08 points; 95% CI -0.08 to 2.24; P=0.068) subscale subscores. Increased risk of clinical deficit was not observed for any CBCL score. For secondary outcomes, score differences were inconsistently observed in motor function and cognition. Increased exposure duration was not associated with worse scores in any outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Although LEA exposure was associated with slightly higher total behavioural scores, there was no difference in subscores, increased risk of clinical deficits, or dose-response relationship. These results argue against LEA exposure being associated with consistent, clinically significant neurodevelopmental deficits in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver G Isik
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shaqif Junaid
- Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ling Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deven Lackraj
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruth Landau
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caleb H Miles
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Craig Pennell
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Britta S von Ungern Sternberg
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia; Perioperative Care Program, Perioperative Medicine Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Guohua Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caleb Ing
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
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Gerber AH, Nahmias A, Schleider JL, Lerner MD. Results from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Single-Session Growth-Mindset Intervention for Internalizing Symptoms in Autistic Youth. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06341-2. [PMID: 38833031 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06341-2] [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: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Autistic youth experience elevated rates of co-occurring internalizing symptoms. Interventions to treat internalizing symptoms in autistic youth are almost uniformly costly and time-intensive, blunting dissemination of intervention and highlighting the need for scalable solutions. One promising option is a relatively new class of evidence-based treatments, single-session interventions (SSIs), however, no study has examined SSIs for depression symptoms in autistic youth. Participants included 40 autistic adolescents ranging in age from 11 to 16 (Mage = 14.22, Nmale = 32). Eligible youth who agreed to participate were randomized to either the active intervention (Project Personality), or an active control designed to mimic supportive therapy. Participants and their caregiver completed questionnaires immediately before, after, and three months post intervention. All participants completed the intervention independently and largely reported enjoying it. The intervention was delivered with 100% fidelity. Findings demonstrated improvements in perceived primary control, malleability of personality, and social competence relative to the active control group immediately post-intervention. Further, results revealed improvements in self-reported depression symptoms and parent reported emotional regulation at 3-month follow up. This study was the first to assess a GM-SSI designed to treat depression symptoms in autistic adolescents. Results indicated improvements in perceived control immediately post-intervention and downstream improvements in depression. Nonetheless, we did not find improvements in symptoms of anxiety, suggesting that autistic adolescents may require modifications to the intervention to maximize benefit. Findings demonstrate the utility of GM-SSI for internalizing symptoms for autistic youth and hold considerable promise as a low-intensity and scalable intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan H Gerber
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA.
| | - Allison Nahmias
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jessica L Schleider
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthew D Lerner
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Petropoulos A, Anesiadou S, Michou M, Lymperatou A, Roma E, Chrousos G, Pervanidou P. Functional Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children with Autism and ADHD: Profiles of Hair and Salivary Cortisol, Serum Leptin Concentrations and Externalizing/Internalizing Problems. Nutrients 2024; 16:1538. [PMID: 38794776 PMCID: PMC11124526 DOI: 10.3390/nu16101538] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) present a higher prevalence in individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs). The Stress System and the Gut-Brain axis (GBA) may mediate these relations. We aimed to assess the prevalence and profile of FGIDs in a clinical sample of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) compared to typically developing children (TD) as well as to investigate possible relations between stress-related biomarkers and internalizing/externalizing problems in children with NDDS. METHODS In total, 120 children, aged between 4 and 12 years old, formed three groups (N = 40, each): ADHD, ASD and TD. Salivary cortisol, hair cortisol and serum leptin were measured. RESULTS The ASD group had more FGID problems than the TD group (p = 0.001). The ADHD and ASD groups had higher total internalizing/externalizing problems than the TD group (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p = 0.005, respectively). Children with FGIDs showed more total, internalizing and externalizing problems compared to children without FGIDs (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p = 0.041, respectively). The ADHD group showed lower AUCg values (p < 0.0001), while the hair cortisol was higher for the TD group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION In conclusion, children with NDDs had more FGID symptoms and present higher internalizing and externalizing problems. Children with ADHD and FGIDs had more internalizing problems compared to those without FGIDs. No differences in stress-related biomarkers were shown to differentiate children with NDDs with and without FGIDs. Future prospective studies including a greater number of children may elucidate the biological pathways linking these comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Petropoulos
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.A.); (A.L.)
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Sophia Anesiadou
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.A.); (A.L.)
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Maria Michou
- Human Ecology Laboratory, Department of Home Economics and Ecology, Harokopio University, 17676 Athens, Greece;
| | - Aikaterini Lymperatou
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.A.); (A.L.)
- Postgraduate Program “The Science of Stress and Stress Promotion”, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleftheria Roma
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.R.); (G.C.)
| | - George Chrousos
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Panagiota Pervanidou
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.A.); (A.L.)
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.R.); (G.C.)
- Postgraduate Program “The Science of Stress and Stress Promotion”, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Wright D, Kenny A, Mizen LAM, McKechanie AG, Stanfield AC. The Behavioral Profile of SYNGAP1-Related Intellectual Disability. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 129:199-214. [PMID: 38657965 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-129.3.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to describe the behavioral profile of individuals with SYNGAP1-ID. Parents/carers of 30 individuals aged 3-18 years old with a diagnosis of SYNGAP1-ID and 21 typically developing individuals completed the Vineland-3 Adaptive Behavior Scale and the Child Behavior Checklist. We found that those with SYNGAP1-ID showed fewer adaptive behaviors and higher levels of internalizing and externalizing behaviors across almost all domains compared to typically developing controls. There was some evidence that these differences were greatest in older children, and more apparent in those with co-occuring epilepsy. This characterization of the phenotype of SYNGAP1-ID significantly aids our understanding of the behavioral profile of this population and is a step towards the development of tailored interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Wright
- Damien Wright, Aisling Kenny, Lindsay A. M. Mizen, Andrew G. McKechanie, and Andrew C. Stanfield, Patrick Wild Centre, Division of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, University of Edinburgh; and Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh
| | - Aisling Kenny
- Damien Wright, Aisling Kenny, Lindsay A. M. Mizen, Andrew G. McKechanie, and Andrew C. Stanfield, Patrick Wild Centre, Division of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, University of Edinburgh; and Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh
| | - Lindsay A M Mizen
- Damien Wright, Aisling Kenny, Lindsay A. M. Mizen, Andrew G. McKechanie, and Andrew C. Stanfield, Patrick Wild Centre, Division of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, University of Edinburgh; and Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh
| | - Andrew G McKechanie
- Damien Wright, Aisling Kenny, Lindsay A. M. Mizen, Andrew G. McKechanie, and Andrew C. Stanfield, Patrick Wild Centre, Division of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, University of Edinburgh; and Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh
| | - Andrew C Stanfield
- Damien Wright, Aisling Kenny, Lindsay A. M. Mizen, Andrew G. McKechanie, and Andrew C. Stanfield, Patrick Wild Centre, Division of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, University of Edinburgh; and Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh
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Donoso J, Rattray F, de Bildt A, Tillmann J, Williams P, Absoud M, Totsika V. Association of cognitive and adaptive skills with internalizing and externalizing problems in autistic children and adolescents. Autism Res 2024; 17:596-609. [PMID: 38031634 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3056] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The presence of an intellectual disability (ID) alongside autism is considered to increase the risk for mental health and behavior problems in children and adolescents. Existing evidence is restricted by looking at ID as a categorical classification. The study aimed to examine the association of cognitive and adaptive behavior skills with internalizing and externalizing problems in a large sample of autistic children and adolescents, across a wide range of cognitive skills. Participants were 2759 children and adolescents aged between 4 and 18 years recruited as part of the Simons Simplex Collection (SSC), of whom 709 (approximately 25%) had ID. Multiple regression models examined associations of internalizing and externalizing problems with cognitive and adaptive skills (communication, daily living, and socialization skills). Cognitive skills were not associated with externalizing problems but were associated with more internalizing problems in autistic children without ID (Cog β: 0.126). All adaptive skill domains were inversely associated with externalizing (Communication β: -0.145; Daily-Living β: -0.132; Socialization β: -0.289) and internalizing problems (Communication β: -0.074; Daily-Living β: -0.064; Socialization β: -0.213) in those without ID. Daily living (β: -0.158) and socialization skills (β: -0.104) were inversely correlated with externalizing problems in autistic children with ID, while only socialization problems (β: -0.099) were associated with internalizing problems in this group. Socialization skills were systematically associated with internalizing and externalizing problems across all levels of cognitive functioning. Supporting social skills development may benefit all aspects of child mental health, while recognizing that children with higher cognitive skills are more vulnerable to internalizing problems might assist with earlier identification of these problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javiera Donoso
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fiona Rattray
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Annelies de Bildt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Accare Child Study Center, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Julian Tillmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Penny Williams
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Michael Absoud
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Vasiliki Totsika
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Centre for Research in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Millenium Institute for Care Research (MICARE), Santiago, Chile
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7
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Yu MWL, Au CT, Yuen HM, Chan NY, Chan JW, Wing YK, Li AM, Chan KCC. Effects of childhood obstructive sleep apnea with and without daytime sleepiness on behaviors and emotions. Sleep Med 2024; 115:93-99. [PMID: 38350308 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2024.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with and without excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and behavioral and emotional outcomes in non-obese prepubertal children. METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of children aged 5-11 years who presented to our unit for assessment of their sleep-related complaints. All children underwent polysomnography (PSG). They also completed the Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS) and a sleep diary. OSA was diagnosed if the obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) was ≥1 event/hour. EDS was defined as PDSS >15. Behavioral and emotional outcomes were assessed using the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL). RESULTS Data from 391 children (mean age of 8.6 ± 1.7 years; 67 % male) were analyzed. Seventy children did not have OSA or EDS, 137 had OSA, 50 had reported having EDS but without OSA, and 134 children had both OSA and EDS. There were significantly higher CBCL total problems score in the combined group (61 ± 9) compared to the non-OSA/EDS group (54 ± 10), and the OSA-only group (54 ± 10) (p < 0.001). The presence of EDS was significantly associated with higher CBCL T score and higher odds for clinically significant behavioral problems (T score ≥65) after adjusting for age, sex, BMI z-score and average sleep duration (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Excessive daytime sleepiness is an important contributory factor associated with suboptimal behavioral and emotional outcomes in children with OSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Wai-Ling Yu
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun-Ting Au
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Translational Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hoi-Man Yuen
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ngan-Yin Chan
- Li Chiu Kong Family Sleep Assessment Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Joey Wy Chan
- Li Chiu Kong Family Sleep Assessment Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yun-Kwok Wing
- Li Chiu Kong Family Sleep Assessment Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Albert Martin Li
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Laboratory for Paediatric Respiratory Research, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kate Ching-Ching Chan
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Laboratory for Paediatric Respiratory Research, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Di Vara S, Guerrera S, Menghini D, Scibelli F, Lupi E, Valeri G, Vicari S. Characterizing individual differences in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a descriptive study. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1323787. [PMID: 38476386 PMCID: PMC10927760 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1323787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a higher prevalence in male than in female participants. Recent studies have hypothesized the presence of different phenotypes in male and female participants with ASD. The present study aims to assess possible sex differences in cognitive and adaptive functioning, symptomatology of ASD, and psychopathological comorbidities in a large sample of children and adolescents with ASD. Methods The study included a total of 2,146 children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD, comprising 1785 boys (mean age 7.12 ± 3.69 years) and 361 girls (mean age 6.25 ± 3.30 years). The age of the participants ranged from 1.35 to 19.05 years (mean age 9.98 ± 3.64). The study sought to include all children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism or ASD. Results Present results showed that girls with ASD had lower IQs than boys but similar adaptive functioning. The severity of symptoms of ASD was greater in boys than in girls, as were scores on psychopathological measures. With increasing age, boys with ASD showed greater impairment in social communication skills than girls and increased psychopathological comorbidities. Older girls showed fewer restricted and repetitive behaviors. Discussion Exploring phenotypic differences in children and adolescents with ASD fosters an understanding of subtle diagnostic facets that may go unrecognized, allowing for increasingly individualized and tailored interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Di Vara
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - S. Guerrera
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - D. Menghini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - F. Scibelli
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - E. Lupi
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Valeri
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - S. Vicari
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Cruz S, Zubizarreta SCP, Costa AD, Araújo R, Martinho J, Tubío-Fungueiriño M, Sampaio A, Cruz R, Carracedo A, Fernández-Prieto M. Is There a Bias Towards Males in the Diagnosis of Autism? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neuropsychol Rev 2024:10.1007/s11065-023-09630-2. [PMID: 38285291 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-023-09630-2] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Autism is more frequently diagnosed in males, with evidence suggesting that females are more likely to be misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. Possibly, the male/female ratio imbalance relates to phenotypic and camouflaging differences between genders. Here, we performed a comprehensive approach to phenotypic and camouflaging research in autism addressed in two studies. First (Study 1 - Phenotypic Differences in Autism), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of gender differences in autism phenotype. The electronic datasets Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsychInfo were searched. We included 67 articles that compared females and males in autism core symptoms, and in cognitive, socioemotional, and behavioural phenotypes. Autistic males exhibited more severe symptoms and social interaction difficulties on standard clinical measures than females, who, in turn, exhibited more cognitive and behavioural difficulties. Considering the hypothesis of camouflaging possibly underlying these differences, we then conducted a meta-analysis of gender differences in camouflaging (Study 2 - Camouflaging Differences in Autism). The same datasets as the first study were searched. Ten studies were included. Females used more compensation and masking camouflage strategies than males. The results support the argument of a bias in clinical procedures towards males and the importance of considering a 'female autism phenotype'-potentially involving camouflaging-in the diagnostic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cruz
- Psychology of Development Research Center, Lusiada University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Sabela Conde-Pumpido Zubizarreta
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ana Daniela Costa
- Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory (PNL), Research Center in Psychology (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Rita Araújo
- Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory (PNL), Research Center in Psychology (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | | | - María Tubío-Fungueiriño
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Genetics Group, GC05, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, U-711, Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Adriana Sampaio
- Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory (PNL), Research Center in Psychology (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Raquel Cruz
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, U-711, Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Angel Carracedo
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Genetics Group, GC05, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, U-711, Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica, Servicio Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Montse Fernández-Prieto
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Genetics Group, GC05, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, U-711, Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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10
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Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social interaction and communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. The importance of early detection of ASD and subsequent early intervention is well documented. Efforts have been made over the years to clarify ASD diagnostic criteria and develop predictive, accurate screening tools and evidence-based, standardized diagnostic instruments to aid in the identification of ASD. In this article, we review the most recent changes in ASD diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision, summarize evidence-based instruments for ASD screening and diagnostic evaluations as well as the assessment of co-occurring conditions in ASD, the impact of COVID-19 on ASD assessment, and directions for future research in the field of ASD assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yu
- University of California, Davis, Sacramento, USA
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11
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Chatrath S, LeBovidge J, Jack C, Abuabara K, Schneider LC, Capozza K, Kelley K, Silverberg JI. Mental health interventions for atopic dermatitis: knowledge gaps, pilot programmes and future directions. Clin Exp Dermatol 2023; 49:9-17. [PMID: 37706273 DOI: 10.1093/ced/llad315] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with high levels of psychosocial burden, often resulting in poor mental health outcomes. Despite this association, few studies have evaluated the efficacy of mental health interventions within this population. Utilization of multidisciplinary and peer-led support, in addition to equipping patients with psychological tools, may be beneficial in improving mental health outcomes. Future research is needed to determine which interventions and formats are desired by, effective in and accessible to patients and caregivers with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer LeBovidge
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carolyn Jack
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Katrina Abuabara
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lynda C Schneider
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Korey Capozza
- Global Parents for Eczema Research, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Keri Kelley
- Global Parents for Eczema Research, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan I Silverberg
- Department of Dermatology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
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12
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Redline S, Cook K, Chervin RD, Ishman S, Baldassari CM, Mitchell RB, Tapia IE, Amin R, Hassan F, Ibrahim S, Ross K, Elden LM, Kirkham EM, Zopf D, Shah J, Otteson T, Naqvi K, Owens J, Young L, Furth S, Connolly H, Clark CAC, Bakker JP, Garetz S, Radcliffe J, Taylor HG, Rosen CL, Wang R. Adenotonsillectomy for Snoring and Mild Sleep Apnea in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2023; 330:2084-2095. [PMID: 38051326 PMCID: PMC10698619 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.22114] [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: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Importance The utility of adenotonsillectomy in children who have habitual snoring without frequent obstructive breathing events (mild sleep-disordered breathing [SDB]) is unknown. Objectives To evaluate early adenotonsillectomy compared with watchful waiting and supportive care (watchful waiting) on neurodevelopmental, behavioral, health, and polysomnographic outcomes in children with mild SDB. Design, Setting, and Participants Randomized clinical trial enrolling 459 children aged 3 to 12.9 years with snoring and an obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) less than 3 enrolled at 7 US academic sleep centers from June 29, 2016, to February 1, 2021, and followed up for 12 months. Intervention Participants were randomized 1:1 to either early adenotonsillectomy (n = 231) or watchful waiting (n = 228). Main Outcomes and Measures The 2 primary outcomes were changes from baseline to 12 months for caregiver-reported Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) Global Executive Composite (GEC) T score, a measure of executive function; and a computerized test of attention, the Go/No-go (GNG) test d-prime signal detection score, reflecting the probability of response to target vs nontarget stimuli. Twenty-two secondary outcomes included 12-month changes in neurodevelopmental, behavioral, quality of life, sleep, and health outcomes. Results Of the 458 participants in the analyzed sample (231 adenotonsillectomy and 237 watchful waiting; mean age, 6.1 years; 230 female [50%]; 123 Black/African American [26.9%]; 75 Hispanic [16.3%]; median AHI, 0.5 [IQR, 0.2-1.1]), 394 children (86%) completed 12-month follow-up visits. There were no statistically significant differences in change from baseline between the 2 groups in executive function (BRIEF GEC T-scores: -3.1 for adenotonsillectomy vs -1.9 for watchful waiting; difference, -0.96 [95% CI, -2.66 to 0.74]) or attention (GNG d-prime scores: 0.2 for adenotonsillectomy vs 0.1 for watchful waiting; difference, 0.05 [95% CI, -0.18 to 0.27]) at 12 months. Behavioral problems, sleepiness, symptoms, and quality of life each improved more with adenotonsillectomy than with watchful waiting. Adenotonsillectomy was associated with a greater 12-month decline in systolic and diastolic blood pressure percentile levels (difference in changes, -9.02 [97% CI, -15.49 to -2.54] and -6.52 [97% CI, -11.59 to -1.45], respectively) and less progression of the AHI to greater than 3 events/h (1.3% of children in the adenotonsillectomy group compared with 13.2% in the watchful waiting group; difference, -11.2% [97% CI, -17.5% to -4.9%]). Six children (2.7%) experienced a serious adverse event associated with adenotonsillectomy. Conclusions In children with mild SDB, adenotonsillectomy, compared with watchful waiting, did not significantly improve executive function or attention at 12 months. However, children with adenotonsillectomy had improved secondary outcomes, including behavior, symptoms, and quality of life and decreased blood pressure, at 12-month follow-up. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02562040.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Redline
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kaitlyn Cook
- Program in Statistical and Data Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ronald D. Chervin
- Sleep Disorders Center and Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Stacey Ishman
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Cristina M. Baldassari
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, Norfolk
| | - Ron B. Mitchell
- Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Neurology Sleep Disorders Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Children’s Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Ignacio E. Tapia
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Raouf Amin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Fauziya Hassan
- Sleep Disorders Center and Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Sally Ibrahim
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Kristie Ross
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Lisa M. Elden
- Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Erin M. Kirkham
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - David Zopf
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Jay Shah
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies
- University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Todd Otteson
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies
- University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Kamal Naqvi
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Judith Owens
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lisa Young
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Susan Furth
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Heidi Connolly
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Caron A. C. Clark
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
| | - Jessie P. Bakker
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Susan Garetz
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and Department of Neurology-Sleep Disorders Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Jerilynn Radcliffe
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - H. Gerry Taylor
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Carol L. Rosen
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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13
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McPherson S, Freedman DEP. Psychological Outcomes of 12-15-Year-Olds with Gender Dysphoria Receiving Pubertal Suppression in the UK: Assessing Reliable and Clinically Significant Change. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2023; 50:315-325. [PMID: 38030953 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2023.2281986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The evidence base for psychological benefits of GnRHA for adolescents with gender dysphoria (GD) was deemed "low quality" by the UK National Institute of Health and Care Excellence. Limitations identified include inattention to clinical importance of findings. This secondary analysis of UK clinical study data uses Reliable and Clinically Significant Change approaches to address this gap. The original uncontrolled study collected data within a specialist GD service. Participants were 44 12-15-year-olds with GD. Puberty was suppressed using "triptorelin"; participants were followed-up for 36 months. Secondary analysis used data from parent-report Child Behavior Checklists and Youth Self-Report forms. Reliable change results: 15-34% of participants reliably deteriorated depending on the subscale, time point and parent versus child report. Clinically significant change results: 27-58% were in the borderline (subclinical) or clinical range at baseline (depending on subscale and parent or child report). Rates of clinically significant change ranged from 0 to 35%, decreasing over time toward zero on both self-report and parent-report. The approach offers an established complementary method to analyze individual level change and to examine who might benefit or otherwise from treatment in a field where research designs have been challenged by lack of control groups and low sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan McPherson
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
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14
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Kim YR, Song DY, Bong G, Han JH, Kim JH, Yoo HJ. Clinical characteristics of comorbid tic disorders in autism spectrum disorder: exploratory analysis. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:71. [PMID: 37309007 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00625-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The frequency, clinical characteristics, and associated symptoms of comorbid tic disorders in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain unclear. METHODS We included subsets of individuals from a larger genetic study who were diagnosed with ASD (n = 679; age: 4-18 years) and completed the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) questionnaire. Based on the YGTSS score, the individuals were divided into two groups: ASD only (n = 554) and ASD with tics (n = 125). Individuals were assessed using the verbal and non-verbal intelligence quotient (IQ), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS-2), Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2), Child Behavior Checklists (CBCL), and Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS), followed by between-group comparisons. All statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. RESULTS Tic symptoms were observed in 125 (18.4%) participants; among them, most participants presented both motor and vocal tics (n = 40, 40.0%). The ASD with tics group had a significantly higher average age and full-scale IQ score than the ASD only group. After adjusting for age, the ASD with tics group had significantly higher scores in the SRS-2, CBCL, and YBOCS subdomains than the ASD only group. Furthermore, all variables except the non-verbal IQ and VABS-2 scores were positively correlated with the YGTSS total score. Finally, the proportion of tic symptoms was significantly higher among individuals with a higher IQ score (≥ 70). CONCLUSIONS The IQ score was positively correlated with the proportion of tic symptoms among individuals with ASD. Moreover, the severity of the core and comorbid symptoms of ASD was associated with the occurrence and severity of tic disorders. Our findings suggest the need for appropriate clinical interventions for individuals with ASD. Trial registration This study retrospectively registered participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Rim Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-Ro 173Beon-Gil, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam, 13620, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Yea Song
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Guiyoung Bong
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-Ro 173Beon-Gil, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam, 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hyun Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-Ro 173Beon-Gil, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam, 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-Ro 173Beon-Gil, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam, 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jeong Yoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-Ro 173Beon-Gil, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam, 13620, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Jasim S, Perry A. Repetitive and restricted behaviors and interests in autism spectrum disorder: relation to individual characteristics and mental health problems. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:356. [PMID: 37221460 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04766-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although repetitive and restricted behaviors and interests (RRBIs) may interfere with well-being and functioning in autistic individuals, research on their relation to sex, age, cognitive level, and mental health problems remains unclear. Much of the research to date has used broad categorizations rather than specific categorizations of RRBIs to examine the difference in RRBIs between individuals. The purpose of this study was to explore, in different groups of individuals, the presence of specific RRBI subtypes, and to examine the association of specific RRBI subtypes with symptoms of internalizing and externalizing behaviors. METHODS Secondary data analyses were conducted using the Simons Simplex Collection dataset, which included 2,758 participants (aged 4 to 18). Families of autistic children completed the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R) and the Child Behavior Checklist. RESULTS Across all RBS-R subtypes, results revealed no sex differences. Older children showed higher rates of Ritualistic/Sameness behaviors than younger children and adolescents, whereas younger and older children showed more Stereotypy than adolescents. Additionally, lower cognitive level groups showed higher rates of RBS-R subtypes except for Ritualistic/Sameness. After controlling for age and cognitive level, RBS-R subtypes accounted for a substantial amount of variance in internalizing and externalizing behaviors (23% and 25%, respectively). Specifically, Ritualistic/Sameness and Self-Injurious Behavior both predicted internalizing and externalizing behaviors, whereas Stereotypy only predicted internalizing behavior. CONCLUSIONS These findings have key clinical implications that emphasize not only the consideration of sex, age, and cognitive level, but also specific RRBIs and co-occurring mental health problems, when assessing for ASD and designing individualized interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jasim
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Adrienne Perry
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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16
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Park C, Rouzi MD, Atique MMU, Finco MG, Mishra RK, Barba-Villalobos G, Crossman E, Amushie C, Nguyen J, Calarge C, Najafi B. Machine Learning-Based Aggression Detection in Children with ADHD Using Sensor-Based Physical Activity Monitoring. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:4949. [PMID: 37430862 PMCID: PMC10221870 DOI: 10.3390/s23104949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Aggression in children is highly prevalent and can have devastating consequences, yet there is currently no objective method to track its frequency in daily life. This study aims to investigate the use of wearable-sensor-derived physical activity data and machine learning to objectively identify physical-aggressive incidents in children. Participants (n = 39) aged 7 to 16 years, with and without ADHD, wore a waist-worn activity monitor (ActiGraph, GT3X+) for up to one week, three times over 12 months, while demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data were collected. Machine learning techniques, specifically random forest, were used to analyze patterns that identify physical-aggressive incident with 1-min time resolution. A total of 119 aggression episodes, lasting 7.3 ± 13.1 min for a total of 872 1-min epochs including 132 physical aggression epochs, were collected. The model achieved high precision (80.2%), accuracy (82.0%), recall (85.0%), F1 score (82.4%), and area under the curve (89.3%) to distinguish physical aggression epochs. The sensor-derived feature of vector magnitude (faster triaxial acceleration) was the second contributing feature in the model, and significantly distinguished aggression and non-aggression epochs. If validated in larger samples, this model could provide a practical and efficient solution for remotely detecting and managing aggressive incidents in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Park
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.P.); (M.D.R.); (M.M.U.A.); (M.G.F.); (R.K.M.)
| | - Mohammad Dehghan Rouzi
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.P.); (M.D.R.); (M.M.U.A.); (M.G.F.); (R.K.M.)
| | - Md Moin Uddin Atique
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.P.); (M.D.R.); (M.M.U.A.); (M.G.F.); (R.K.M.)
| | - M. G. Finco
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.P.); (M.D.R.); (M.M.U.A.); (M.G.F.); (R.K.M.)
| | - Ram Kinker Mishra
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.P.); (M.D.R.); (M.M.U.A.); (M.G.F.); (R.K.M.)
| | - Griselda Barba-Villalobos
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (G.B.-V.); (E.C.); (C.A.); (J.N.)
| | - Emily Crossman
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (G.B.-V.); (E.C.); (C.A.); (J.N.)
| | - Chima Amushie
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (G.B.-V.); (E.C.); (C.A.); (J.N.)
| | - Jacqueline Nguyen
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (G.B.-V.); (E.C.); (C.A.); (J.N.)
| | - Chadi Calarge
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (G.B.-V.); (E.C.); (C.A.); (J.N.)
| | - Bijan Najafi
- Interdisciplinary Consortium on Advanced Motion Performance (iCAMP), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.P.); (M.D.R.); (M.M.U.A.); (M.G.F.); (R.K.M.)
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17
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Fossum IN, Orm S, Andersen PN, Geurts HM, Øie MG, Skogli EW. Childhood Executive Function Predicts Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms in Emerging Adults With and Without Autism: A 10-Year Longitudinal Study. Dev Neuropsychol 2023; 48:97-111. [PMID: 37154789 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2023.2206663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing individuals were assessed on three neuropsychological tests of executive function (EF) and on scales of autism symptoms and co-occurring internalizing and externalizing symptoms at baseline (T1; N = 88, Mage = 11.8 years, 73% males), 2-year (T2; 99% retention, Mage = 13.9 years), and 10-year follow-ups (T3; 75% retention, Mage = 21.4 years). An EF composite score from T1 significantly predicted internalizing symptoms at T2 (β = .228) and internalizing and externalizing symptoms at T3 (β = .431 and .478, respectively), when controlling for age and autism symptoms. OThe findings suggest that EF difficulties are a long-term risk factor for more co-occurring symptoms. .
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Nesdal Fossum
- Division Mental Health Care, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stian Orm
- Division Mental Health Care, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Normann Andersen
- Department of Psychology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Hilde M Geurts
- Division of Brain & Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Merete Glenne Øie
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Research Department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Erik Winther Skogli
- Division Mental Health Care, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, Norway
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18
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Bylemans T, Heleven E, Asselman E, Baetens K, Deroost N, Baeken C, Van Overwalle F. Sex differences in autistic adults: A preliminary study showing differences in mentalizing, but not in narrative coherence. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2023; 236:103918. [PMID: 37071947 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.103918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Studying autism might be a complex endeavor due to its clinical heterogeneity. Little is currently known about potential sex differences in autistic adults, especially regarding mentalizing and narrative coherence. In this study, male and female participants told a personal story about one of their most positive and most negative life events and performed two mentalizing tasks. One of these mentalizing tasks was a recently developed Picture and Verbal Sequencing task that has shown cerebellar recruitment, and which requires mentalizing in a sequential context (i.e., participants chronologically ordered scenarios that required true and false belief mentalizing). Our preliminary comparison shows that males were faster and more accurate on the Picture Sequencing task compared to female participants when ordering sequences involving false beliefs, but not true beliefs. No sex differences were found for the other mentalizing and narrative tasks. These results highlight the importance of looking at sex differences in autistic adults and provide a possible explanation for sex-related differences in daily life mentalizing functions, which suggest a need for more sensitive diagnosis and tailored support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Bylemans
- Brain Body and Cognition, Department of Psychology, and Center for Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
| | - Elien Heleven
- Brain Body and Cognition, Department of Psychology, and Center for Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
| | - Emma Asselman
- Brain Body and Cognition, Department of Psychology, and Center for Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
| | - Kris Baetens
- Brain Body and Cognition, Department of Psychology, and Center for Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
| | - Natacha Deroost
- Brain Body and Cognition, Department of Psychology, and Center for Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
| | - Chris Baeken
- Ghent University: Department of Head and Skin (UZGent), Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Belgium; Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium; Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Frank Van Overwalle
- Brain Body and Cognition, Department of Psychology, and Center for Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
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Fucà E, Guerrera S, Valeri G, Casula L, Novello RL, Menghini D, Vicari S. Psychiatric Comorbidities in Children and Adolescents with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Study on Prevalence, Distribution and Clinical Features in an Italian Sample. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020677. [PMID: 36675606 PMCID: PMC9864301 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence and distribution of psychiatric comorbidities in a group of 472 children and adolescents with ASD aged 3-18 years. We examined differences in age, sex, IQ, adaptive skills, and ASD symptom severity by comparing participants with ASD (ASD group) with participants with ASD and a psychiatric disorder (ASD/PSY group). Overall, 32.2% of participants had a comorbid psychiatric condition. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was the most frequent diagnosis among preschoolers (20.4%); among school-age children, ADHD and anxiety/obsessive-compulsive disorders were the most frequent conditions (21% and 10.6%, respectively); finally, adolescents exhibit higher prevalence of anxiety/obsessive-compulsive disorders (21.8%). The ASD/PSY group showed a higher percentage of males, they were older and showed lower adaptive skills than the group with ASD; moreover, their mothers exhibited higher stress levels than mothers of participants in the ASD group. The comparison between age groups in participants within ASD/PSY group revealed that preschoolers had lower IQ than school-age children and adolescents, and worse adaptive skills, more repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests than adolescents. This study highlights the importance of an accurate diagnosis of psychiatric comorbidities in children and adolescents with ASD, also considering individual and family impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Fucà
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Guerrera
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Valeri
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Casula
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Lucia Novello
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Deny Menghini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), 00146 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), 00146 Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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20
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Garcia JM, Hahs-Vaughn D, Shurack R. Health behaviors, psychosocial factors, and academic engagement in youth with autism spectrum disorder: A latent class analysis. Autism Res 2023; 16:143-153. [PMID: 36334019 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify behavioral and health-related profiles of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), based on the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health. A sample of 894 children with ASD (weighted sample N = 768,181) were included in the analysis. All data were parent-reported and included measures on current diagnosis of ASD, general child health, weight status, physical activity (PA), screen time (ST), sleep duration, academic engagement, and social engagement. Latent class analysis, estimated with Mplus v. 8.4, was used to identify latent profiles of children with ASD. A three-profile solution was the best fitting model, per model fit criteria. Children in profile 1 had overall more positive attributes (better health and weight, PA, more engaged in school, little difficulty in making friends, and modest ST) relative to children in either profiles 2 or 3. Children in profile 2 had distinctly increased ST and more difficulty in making friends when compared with children in either other profile. A greater proportion of children in profiles 2 and 3 were receiving behavioral treatment compared to profile 1; however, no differences were observed among profiles according to ASD severity, medication status, or additional health conditions. Studies should examine causal mechanisms among health behaviors, academic achievement, and social engagement in youth with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette M Garcia
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Debbie Hahs-Vaughn
- College of Community Innovation and Education, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Riley Shurack
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
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21
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Grasso M, Lazzaro G, Demaria F, Menghini D, Vicari S. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire as a Valuable Screening Tool for Identifying Core Symptoms and Behavioural and Emotional Problems in Children with Neuropsychiatric Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137731. [PMID: 35805390 PMCID: PMC9265541 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a worldwide questionnaire used for the early identification of behavioural/emotional symptoms in children and adolescents with neuropsychiatric disorders. Although its prognostic power has been studied, it has not yet been tested whether SDQ: (i) can identify pathognomonic symptoms across a variety of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, (ii) can capture emotional and behavioural problems associated with the main diagnosis, as well as shared transdiagnostic dimensions, and (iii) can detect changes in symptomatology with age. The present study evaluated nearly 1000 children and adolescents overall with Global Developmental Delay (GDD), Intellectual Disability (ID), Language Disorder (LD), Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Mood Disorder (MD), Anxiety Disorder (AD), and Eating Disorders (ED). We found that SDQ: (i) can identify the core symptoms in children with ASD, ADHD, MD, and AD via specific subscales; (ii) can capture the associated emotional and behavioural symptoms in children with LD, GDD, ID, SLD, and ED; and (iii) can detect changes in the symptomatology, especially for GDD, LD, ASD, ADHD, and AD. SDQ is also able to recognise the transdiagnostic dimensions across disorders. Our results underscore the potential of SDQ to specifically differentiate and identify behavioural/emotional profiles associated with clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Grasso
- Neurological and Neurosurgical Diseases Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Lazzaro
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Demaria
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Deny Menghini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy
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22
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Napolitano A, Schiavi S, La Rosa P, Rossi-Espagnet MC, Petrillo S, Bottino F, Tagliente E, Longo D, Lupi E, Casula L, Valeri G, Piemonte F, Trezza V, Vicari S. Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Diagnostic, Neurobiological, and Behavioral Features. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:889636. [PMID: 35633791 PMCID: PMC9136002 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.889636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a worldwide prevalence of about 1%, characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, repetitive patterns of behaviors, and can be associated with hyper- or hypo-reactivity of sensory stimulation and cognitive disability. ASD comorbid features include internalizing and externalizing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and attention problems. The precise etiology of ASD is still unknown and it is undoubted that the disorder is linked to some extent to both genetic and environmental factors. It is also well-documented and known that one of the most striking and consistent finding in ASD is the higher prevalence in males compared to females, with around 70% of ASD cases described being males. The present review looked into the most significant studies that attempted to investigate differences in ASD males and females thus trying to shade some light on the peculiar characteristics of this prevalence in terms of diagnosis, imaging, major autistic-like behavior and sex-dependent uniqueness. The study also discussed sex differences found in animal models of ASD, to provide a possible explanation of the neurological mechanisms underpinning the different presentation of autistic symptoms in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Napolitano
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Science Department, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio La Rosa
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Rossi-Espagnet
- Neuroradiology Unit, Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- NESMOS, Neuroradiology Department, S. Andrea Hospital Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Petrillo
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bottino
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tagliente
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Longo
- Neuroradiology Unit, Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Lupi
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Casula
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Valeri
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Piemonte
- Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Science Department, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Life Sciences and Public Health Department, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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23
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Utilizing the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Preliminary Screener and Outcome Measure for the PEERS® Intervention for Autistic Adolescents. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:2061-2074. [PMID: 34052960 PMCID: PMC9926906 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05103-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Exploration of potential preliminary screeners, and examination of social intervention outcomes for effects on comorbid symptoms is imperative. The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; Achenbach & Rescorla, Achenbach and Rescorla, Manual for the ASEBA school-age forms & profiles, University of Vermont, Research Center for Children, Youth & Families, 2001) provides a potential ASD screener and intervention outcome evaluation. This study had two aims: (1) to examine CBCL scales scores as a potential ASD screener; (2) to investigate PEERS® outcomes via the CBCL for Autistic adolescents. Results indicated elevated scores on four CBCL scales in the ASD groups, contrasted to a typically-developing group. Furthermore, decreases in the two CBCL scales for adolescents that received the intervention were found. Findings support prior research indicating a unique CBCL elevation pattern as a potential screener for ASD, and provide additional support for the efficaciousness of PEERS®.
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24
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Alcover C, Mairena MÁ, Rodríguez-Medina J, Mezzatesta M, Balañá G, Elias N, Elias M, Arias-Pujol E. Measuring Changes in Social Skills Throughout an Intervention Program for Children with ASD, Contributions from Polar Coordinate Analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 53:2246-2260. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05496-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe demand of social skills interventions for people with ASD has grown in recent years. The main goal of this research was to study social skills: “responding to interaction” and “initiating interaction”, and to capture whether there were differences between an initial and a final session in a program for children with ASD. Additionally, we aimed to compare social skills patterns according to the VIQ level. The sample (N = 20) was divided into 2 subgroups depending on whether the VIQ was > 90 or < 90. We employed a mixed methods approach based on a systematic observation of social behaviors. The observational design was nomothetic, follow-up, and multidimensional. Once we confirmed inter-observer reliability for the ad hoc observational instrument we performed descriptive statistics and polar coordinate analysis using LINCE software. The results show high intragroup and intergroup variability. In general, participants with VIQ < 90 showed a better improvement in responding to interaction, whereas participants with VIQ > 90 showed more complex patterns to initiate interactions. The polar coordinate technique was useful for detecting significant relationships between autism’s social micro-behaviors. Results and information obtained through observational methodology could allow professionals to understand communication and interaction of participants.
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25
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Luan M, Zhang X, Fang G, Liang H, Yang F, Song X, Chen Y, Yuan W, Miao M. Preconceptional paternal alcohol consumption and the risk of child behavioral problems: a prospective cohort study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1508. [PMID: 35087204 PMCID: PMC8795263 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05611-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal studies demonstrated that paternal alcohol exposure before conception increases the risk of adverse neurodevelopment in offspring, but limited evidence is known in humans. Based on Shanghai-Minhang Birth Cohort Study, we aimed to examine associations between preconceptional paternal alcohol consumption and child behavioral problems. Paternal alcohol consumption during the last 3 months before conception was obtained by maternal report. Children born to fathers who drank alcohol at least once a week were classified as exposed. Child behavioral problems were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) at age of 2, 4, and 6. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate the rate ratio (RR) of CBCL raw scores in 796 offspring. The risks of rating scores on anxious/depressed were increased by 33% (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.09, 1.61) and 37% (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.02, 1.84) among boys in the exposed group at age of 4 and 6, respectively. We also found that risks of somatic complaints were increased by 18% (RR 1.18, 95%CI 1.00, 1.40) and 65% (RR 1.65, 95%CI 1.14, 2.38) among girls in the exposed group at age of 4 and 6. The increased risks of sleep problems (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.00, 1.55) in girls at age 4, thought problems (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.01, 1.73) in girls at age 6, rule-breaking behaviors (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.09, 1.67) in boys at age 6 were also found. The risks of CBCL scores on anxious/depressed and sleep problems in girls at age 4, as well as the risks of somatic complaints and rule-breaking behaviors in boys at age 6 increased with the level of exposure to paternal alcohol consumption. Our findings provided preliminary evidence that preconceptional paternal alcohol consumption may increase risks of child behavioral problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Luan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Minhang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Guanghong Fang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, 779 Lao Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Hong Liang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, 779 Lao Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Fen Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, 779 Lao Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xiuxia Song
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, 779 Lao Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yao Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, 779 Lao Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, 779 Lao Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Maohua Miao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, 779 Lao Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China.
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26
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Pham C, Symeonides C, O'Hely M, Sly PD, Knibbs LD, Thomson S, Vuillermin P, Saffery R, Ponsonby AL. Early life environmental factors associated with autism spectrum disorder symptoms in children at age 2 years: A birth cohort study. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 26:1864-1881. [PMID: 35012378 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211068223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Mounting evidence indicates the contribution of early life environmental factors in autism spectrum disorder. We aim to report the prospective associations between early life environmental factors and autism spectrum disorder symptoms in children at the age of 2 years in a population-derived birth cohort, the Barwon Infant Study. Autism spectrum disorder symptoms at the age of 2 years strongly predicted autism spectrum disorder diagnosis by the age of 4 years (area under curve = 0.93; 95% CI (0.82, 1.00)). After adjusting for child's sex and age at the time of behavioural assessment, markers of socioeconomic disadvantage, such as lower household income and lone parental status; maternal health factors, including younger maternal age, maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index, higher gestational weight gain and prenatal maternal stress; maternal lifestyle factors, such as prenatal alcohol and environmental air pollutant exposures, including particulate matter < 2.5 μm at birth, child secondhand tobacco smoke at 12 months, dampness/mould and home heating with oil, kerosene or diesel heaters at 2 years postnatal. Lower socioeconomic indexes for area, later birth order, higher maternal prenatal depression and maternal smoking frequency had a dose-response relationship with autism spectrum disorder symptoms. Future studies on environmental factors and autism spectrum disorder should consider the reasons for the socioeconomic disparity and the combined impact of multiple environmental factors through common mechanistic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Pham
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
- The University of Melboure, Parkville, Australia
| | - Christos Symeonides
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- The University of Melboure, Parkville, Australia
| | - Martin O'Hely
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Peter D Sly
- The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Sarah Thomson
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
- The University of Melboure, Parkville, Australia
| | - Peter Vuillermin
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- The University of Melboure, Parkville, Australia
| | - Anne-Louise Ponsonby
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
- The University of Melboure, Parkville, Australia
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27
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Niescier RF, Lin YC. The Potential Role of AMPA Receptor Trafficking in Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Conditions. Neuroscience 2021; 479:180-191. [PMID: 34571086 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted condition associated with difficulties in social interaction and communication. It also shares several comorbidities with other neurodevelopmental conditions. Intensive research examining the molecular basis and characteristics of ASD has revealed an association with a large number and variety of low-penetrance genes. Many of the variants associated with ASD are in genes underlying pathways involved in long-term potentiation (LTP) or depression (LTD). These mechanisms then control the tuning of neuronal connections in response to experience by modifying and trafficking ionotropic glutamate receptors at the post-synaptic areas. Despite the high genetic heterogeneity in ASD, surface trafficking of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptor is a vulnerable pathway in ASD. In this review, we discuss autism-related alterations in the trafficking of AMPA receptors, whose surface density and composition at the post-synapse determine the strength of the excitatory connection between neurons. We highlight genes associated with neurodevelopmental conditions that share the autism comorbidity, including Fragile X syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis, as well as the autism-risk genes NLGNs, IQSEC2, DOCK4, and STXBP5, all of which are involved in regulating AMPAR trafficking to the post-synaptic surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Niescier
- Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Yu-Chih Lin
- Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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28
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Rau S, Whitman ET, Schauder K, Gogate N, Lee NR, Kenworthy L, Raznahan A. Patterns of psychopathology and cognition in sex chromosome aneuploidy. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:61. [PMID: 34911436 PMCID: PMC8903493 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09407-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) are a collectively common family of genetic disorders that increase the risk for neuropsychiatric and cognitive impairment. Beyond being important medical disorders in their own right, SCAs also offer a unique naturally occurring model for studying X- and Y-chromosome influences on the human brain. However, it remains unclear if (i) different SCAs are associated with different profiles of psychopathology and (ii) the notable interindividual variation in psychopathology is related to co-occurring variation in cognitive ability. Methods We examined scores for 11 dimensions of psychopathology [Child/Adult Behavior Checklist (CBCL)] and general cognitive ability [full-scale IQ (FSIQ) from Wechsler tests] in 110 youth with varying SCAs (XXY = 41, XYY = 22, XXX = 27, XXYY = 20) and 131 typically developing controls (XX = 59, XY = 72). Results All SCAs were associated with elevated CBCL scores across several dimensions of psychopathology (two-sample t tests comparing the euploidic and aneuploidic groups [all |T| > 9, and p < 0.001]). Social and attentional functioning were particularly sensitive to the carriage of a supernumerary Y-chromosome. In particular, the XYY group evidenced significantly more social problems than both extra-X groups (Cohen’s d effect size > 0.5, Bonferroni corrected p < .05). There was marked variability in CBCL scores within each SCA group, which generally correlated negatively with IQ, but most strongly so for social and attentional difficulties (standardized β, − 0.3). These correlations showed subtle differences as a function of the SCA group and CBCL scale. Conclusions There is domain-specific variation in psychopathology across SCA groups and domain-specific correlation between psychopathology and IQ within SCAs. These findings (i) help to tailor clinical assessment of this common and impactful family of genetic disorders and (ii) suggest that dosage abnormalities of X- and Y-linked genes impart somewhat distinct profiles of neuropsychiatric risk. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11689-021-09407-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srishti Rau
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Division of Neuropsychology, Children's National Health System, Washington DC, USA. .,Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Ethan T Whitman
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kimberly Schauder
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Division of Neuropsychology, Children's National Health System, Washington DC, USA.,Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nikhita Gogate
- The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | | | - Lauren Kenworthy
- Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Division of Neuropsychology, Children's National Health System, Washington DC, USA.,Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Armin Raznahan
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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29
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Operto FF, Pastorino GMG, Scuoppo C, Padovano C, Vivenzio V, Pistola I, Belfiore G, Rinaldi R, de Simone V, Coppola G. Adaptive Behavior, Emotional/Behavioral Problems and Parental Stress in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:751465. [PMID: 34899160 PMCID: PMC8660640 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.751465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The aim of our study was to compare adaptive skills, emotional/behavioral problems, and parental stress among children with different severity levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms. Methods: This study included a sample of 88 subjects with ASD (mean age = 6.00 ± 2.70). All subjects underwent standardized neuropsychological tests for the assessment of symptoms of the autism spectrum (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition), adaptive level (The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Survey Interview, 2nd edition), behavioral and emotional problems (Child Behavior CheckList CBCL), and parental stress (Parental Stress Index Short Form-PSI-SF). Non-parametric statistical methods (Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U-test for post hoc analysis) and linear regression analysis were used in this study. Results: Children who had higher severity levels of ASD symptoms had less adaptive functioning; younger children showed more severe symptoms of ASD; older children had better communication skills. The presence of greater adaptive difficulties was related to a greater presence of internalizing problems. An increase in parental stress levels was related to an higher severity of ASD symptoms, fewer adaptive skills, and a greater presence of internalizing and externalizing problems. Conclusion: This study suggests that the adaptive behavior should be considered in order to planning a habilitation intervention in children with autism. It is also important to monitor emotional/behavioral problems and parental stress levels in order to provide parenting support and improve the family quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Chiara Scuoppo
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Chiara Padovano
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Valentina Vivenzio
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pistola
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Gilda Belfiore
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Rosetta Rinaldi
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Valeria de Simone
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
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Orm S, Øie MG, Fossum IN, Andersen PN, Skogli EW. Declining Trajectories of Co-occurring Psychopathology Symptoms in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A 10-Year Longitudinal Study. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:724759. [PMID: 34721102 PMCID: PMC8553244 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.724759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Our objective was to examine developmental trajectories of co-occurring psychopathology symptoms from childhood to young adulthood in individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and typically developing (TD) individuals. Method: We assessed co-occurring psychopathology symptoms in 61 individuals with ADHD, 26 with ASD, and 40 TD individuals at baseline (T1; Mage = 11.72, 64% boys), 2-year follow up (T2; Mage = 13.77), and 10-year follow up (T3; Mage = 21.35). We analyzed trajectories of internalizing behaviors, externalizing behaviors, and total problems with linear mixed models. Results: From T1 to T3, the ADHD group displayed a small decline in internalizing behaviors (d = -0.49) and large declines in externalizing behaviors (d = -0.78) and total problems (d = -0.71). The ASD group displayed large declines in internalizing behaviors (d = -0.79), externalizing behaviors (d = -0.80), and total problems (d = -0.89). From T1 to T2, the decline in externalizing behaviors and total problems were significantly smaller in the ADHD group compared with the ASD group. The ADHD and the ASD group displayed more co-occurring symptoms compared with the TD group at T3. Conclusion: Individuals with ADHD and ASD, respectively, displayed declines in co-occurring symptoms from childhood to young adulthood. Individuals with ASD displayed an earlier decline compared with individuals with ADHD. Compared with TD individuals, individuals with ADHD and ASD, respectively, continued to display elevated levels of co-occurring symptoms in young adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stian Orm
- Division Mental Health Care, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Glenne Øie
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Research Department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Ingrid Nesdal Fossum
- Division Mental Health Care, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Normann Andersen
- Department of Psychology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, Norway
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Biederman J, DiSalvo M, Vaudreuil C, Wozniak J, Uchida M, Woodworth KY, Green A, Farrell A, Faraone SV. The child behavior checklist can aid in characterizing suspected comorbid psychopathology in clinically referred youth with ADHD. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 138:477-484. [PMID: 33965736 PMCID: PMC9069333 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the utility of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to aid in the identification of comorbid psychopathological conditions affecting referred youth with suspected ADHD prior to the evaluation. The CBCL is an easy-to-use assessment tool that may provide invaluable information regarding the severity and characteristics of the presenting complaints. METHODS The sample included 332 youths consecutively referred to an ADHD program for the assessment of suspected ADHD. Parents completed the CBCL, parent-rated ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Because of the established association between the CBCL Attention Problems scale and a structured diagnostic interview of ADHD, all youths analyzed had abnormal Attention Problems T-scores (≥60). RESULTS Seventy-six percent of youths with elevated Attention Problems T-scores had ≥3 additional abnormal CBCL scales, suggesting they were likely affected with multiple comorbid psychopathological conditions. Moreover, 44% had ≥1 CBCL clinical scale with a T-score more severe than their Attention Problems T-score, suggesting the putative comorbid condition was more severe than the ADHD symptoms. Additional CBCL scale elevations were associated with more severe functional impairments as assessed by the ASRS, SRS, BRIEF, and CBCL competence scales. CONCLUSION The CBCL obtained before the clinical assessment identified high rates of comorbid psychopathology in youths referred for the assessment of ADHD. It provided detailed information about the types and severity of suspected psychopathological conditions impacting a particular youth, which is critical to guide the assessing clinician on likely differing needs of the affected child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Biederman
- Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Maura DiSalvo
- Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carrie Vaudreuil
- Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Janet Wozniak
- Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mai Uchida
- Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - K. Yvonne Woodworth
- Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Allison Green
- Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abigail Farrell
- Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen V. Faraone
- Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Departments of Psychiatry and of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Hand BN, Miller JS, Guthrie W, Friedlaender EY. Healthcare utilization among children with early autism diagnoses, children with other developmental delays and a comparison group. J Comp Eff Res 2021; 10:917-926. [PMID: 34037425 DOI: 10.2217/cer-2021-0056] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To describe healthcare utilization patterns among children with autism (n = 1821), and compare these patterns to children with other developmental delays (DD; n = 12,336) and a population comparison (PC; n = 18,210) cohort. Materials & methods: Retrospective study of administrative billing data. Results: Children with autism had roughly six-times more annual outpatient visits as PC children and twice as many as children with DD. Children with autism were more likely than PC children to use nearly all services, but comparisons between the autism and DD cohorts were mixed. Children with autism were more likely to have psychiatry/psychology visits, 'other' specialty care visits and psychotropic prescriptions, but less likely to have pediatric specialty care visits, immunizations and some prescriptions. Conclusion: Findings reveal opportunities to streamline, coordinate or improve care for young children with autism, particularly for outpatient services, and to give caregivers appropriate anticipatory guidance about what to expect after an autism diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany N Hand
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, OH 43210, USA
| | - Judith S Miller
- Chidlren's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
| | - Whitney Guthrie
- Chidlren's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eron Y Friedlaender
- Chidlren's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
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Scibelli F, Fucà E, Guerrera S, Lupi E, Alfieri P, Valeri G, Vicari S. Clinical and individual features associated with maternal stress in young adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2021; 14:1935-1947. [PMID: 34013607 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2539] [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: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Parents of people with autism spectrum disorder experience both negative stressful and positive events. Several clinical and socio-demographic features of children on the autism spectrum have been associated with parenting stress in their families. However, there have been few studies that focus on adolescents and the role of cognitive impairment has rarely been addressed. The main aim of the present research is to explore associations between autism symptoms, cognitive impairment, emotional and behavioral problems, socio-demographic features, and maternal stress in a sample of young adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder with and without cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment and emotional and behavioral problems are associated with maternal stress, while autism symptoms seem to play a minor role. Maternal education and occupation are only associated with maternal stress in the group with cognitive impairment, while maternal age is stress-associated in the group of adolescents without cognitive impairment. Age-related implications for intervention and future research directions are discussed. LAY SUMMARY: Parents of individuals on the autism spectrum are exposed to both negative stressful and enriching experiences during their parenthood. While the influence of several child characteristics and socio-demographic features on parental stress during childhood has been widely explored in past studies, studies on teenagers are limited. The aim of the present research is to explore the influence of several characteristics on maternal stress levels in families with teenagers on the autism spectrum. We found that cognitive impairment and emotional and behavioral problems are associated with maternal stress, while autism symptoms seem to play a minor role. Socio-demographic features are not associated with maternal stress. Broadly speaking, the subjective perception of parental distress in both groups is less related to teenagers' characteristics then the perception of having a difficult interaction with the teenagers. We divided our participants into two groups (one group with cognitive impairment and the other group without). We found that mothers of teenagers with cognitive impairment are generally more stressed compared to the other group. Furthermore, we confirm that emotional and behavioral problems seem to play a major role in maternal stress (especially in the group without cognitive impairment), while autism symptoms seem to play a minor role. Furthermore, we found that maternal education/occupation and maternal age are associated with maternal stress in the group with and the group without cognitive impairment respectively. This research highlights the association between several variables and stress in mothers of adolescents on the spectrum. Results are discussed in the framework of previous findings highlighting the lack of adequate care and support services for families, especially for those of adolescents on the spectrum with cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Scibelli
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Fucà
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Guerrera
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Lupi
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Alfieri
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Valeri
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Diefenbach GJ, Stevens KT, Dunlap A, Nicholson AM, Grella ON, Pearlson G, Assaf M. Autistic Traits Moderate Reappraisal Success for Depression and Anxiety Symptoms. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:1435-1443. [PMID: 33929680 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05003-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive reappraisal is associated with reduced emotional distress; however, little is known about the nature of this relationship in autism. This study tested whether autistic traits moderate reappraisal success (i.e., the negative correlation between reappraisal use and emotional symptom severity). Emotional symptoms were assessed using measures of depression, anxiety, and stress. It was hypothesized that more severe autistic traits would be associated with weaker reappraisal success across all scales. Data were collected from 377 adults using an on-line survey. Structural equation models found moderation effects for depression and anxiety, but not stress. Contrary to hypotheses, more severe autistic traits were associated with stronger reappraisal success. These preliminary results support including reappraisal in emotion regulation treatments for individuals with autistic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen J Diefenbach
- Anxiety Disorders Center, The Institute of Living, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA. .,Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Kimberly T Stevens
- Anxiety Disorders Center, The Institute of Living, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | - Amanda Dunlap
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, The Institute of Living, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | - Alycia M Nicholson
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, The Institute of Living, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | - Olivia N Grella
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, The Institute of Living, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | - Godfrey Pearlson
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, The Institute of Living, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | - Michal Assaf
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, The Institute of Living, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
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Szatmari P, Cost KT, Duku E, Bennett T, Elsabbagh M, Georgiades S, Kerns C, Mirenda P, Smith IM, Ungar WJ, Vaillancourt T, Waddell C, Zaidman-Zait A, Zwaigenbaum L. Association of Child and Family Attributes With Outcomes in Children With Autism. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e212530. [PMID: 33779740 PMCID: PMC8008283 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.2530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The prevalence and attributes of positive outcomes (or doing well) among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in midchildhood are not well known. OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of doing well according to metrics of proficiency and growth and to investigate the extent to which significant associations exist between child- and family-level variables and doing well. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This longitudinal cohort study included children with ASD from regional clinics across Canada. Participants were sampled 3 times between ages 2 and 4.9 years (T1) and twice in follow-up into middle childhood (T2). Data were analyzed March 2018 through January 2020. EXPOSURES Language and IQ assessments at first sample; household income, parent coping, and family functioning. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Key outcome domains of developmental health included measures of socialization, communication, independent living skills, and measures of internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Thresholds for doing well in these domains by either proficiency or growth were established. The extent to which language, IQ, household income, parent coping, and family functioning were associated with assessed outcomes was determined by logistic regression. The association between outcomes and concurrent Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) classification scores was also estimated. RESULTS In a total cohort of 272 children (234 [86.0%] boys; mean [SD] age, 10.76 [0.26] years), approximately 78.8% (95% CI, 73.2%-84.4%) of the sample were estimated to be doing well by either metric on at least 1 domain, and 23.6% (95% CI, 17.7%-29.4%) were doing well in 4 or 5 domains. It was possible to be doing well by either proficiency or growth and still meet ADOS criteria for ASD. For the growth metric, between 61.5% (95% CI, 40.7%-79.1%) and 79.6% (95% CI, 66.0%-88.9%) of participants had ADOS scores of 4 or greater; for the proficiency metric, between 63.8% (95% CI, 48.4%-76.9%) and 75.8% (95% CI, 63.0%-85.4%) had scores of 4 or greater. Doing well by either metric for all domains was associated with T1 scores on that outcome domain (eg, T1 daily living skills associated with doing well at T2 daily living by the proficiency metric as measured by the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Second Edition daily living skills scale [202 participants]: β = 0.07; OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.11; P < .001). Doing well in socialization by the growth metric was also associated with better T1 language skills scores (202 participants) (β = 0.04; OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00-1.07, P = .04). Doing well in externalizing by the growth metric was also associated with higher household income at T1 (178 participants) (β = 0.10; OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.06-1.15; P < .001). Better family functioning at T1 was associated with doing well on both socialization and externalizing by proficiency metric and on internalizing by growth metric (socialization by proficiency [202 participants]: β = -1.01; OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14-0.93; P = .04; externalizing by proficiency [178 participants]: β = 1.00; OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.16-0.82; P = .02; internalizing by growth [178 participants]: β = -1.03; OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16-0.79; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study found that a substantial proportion of children with ASD were doing well by middle childhood in at least 1 key domain of developmental health, and that doing well was possible even in the context of continuing to meet criteria for ASD. These results support a strengths-based approach to treatment planning that should include robust support for families to increase the potential likelihood of doing well later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Szatmari
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Eric Duku
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Pat Mirenda
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Wendy J. Ungar
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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36
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Prosperi M, Turi M, Guerrera S, Napoli E, Tancredi R, Igliozzi R, Apicella F, Valeri G, Lattarulo C, Gemma A, Santocchi E, Calderoni S, Muratori F, Vicari S. Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Investigation on Core Symptoms and Psychiatric Comorbidity in Preschoolers. Front Integr Neurosci 2021; 14:594082. [PMID: 33584212 PMCID: PMC7876072 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2020.594082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Findings regarding sex differences in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as far as core symptoms and psychiatric comorbidities (PC) are concerned, are inconsistent, inconclusive, or conflicting among studies. The lower prevalence of ASD in females than in males and the age and intelligence quotient (IQ) heterogeneity among samples made it difficult to investigate these differences. This case–control study tries to deepen the impact of sex differences on core symptoms of autism and PC in 214 preschoolers with ASD (mean age, 45.26) without impairment in non-verbal IQ (nvIQ ≥70). A total of 107 ASD females (mean age, 44.51 ± 13.79 months) were matched one by one with 107 males (mean age, 46.01 ± 13.42 months) for chronological age (±6 months) and nvIQ (±6 points). We used the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2 (ADOS-2) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) 1.5–5 to explore autism severity and PC. The results highlight that ASD females did not significantly differ from ASD males regarding the severity of autism. Statistically significant lower levels of emotionally reactive (p = 0.005, η2 = 0.04), anxious-depressed (p = 0.001, η2 = 0.05), internalizing problems (p = 0.04, η2 = 0.02), and DSM-Oriented Scales anxiety problems (p = 0.02, η2 = 0.04) in ASD females than in ASD males were also detected. Our findings of no difference in the autism severity and lower internalizing problems in females than males with ASD extend the knowledge of autism in females during preschool years. Compared to other similar studies on this topic, we can state that these results are not supported by differences in nvIQ between sexes nor by the presence of cognitive impairment. It confirms the need for clinicians to consider sex differences when describing autism psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Prosperi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Turi
- Fondazione Stella Maris Mediterraneo, Potenza, Italy
| | - Silvia Guerrera
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Napoli
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Tancredi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Igliozzi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Apicella
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Valeri
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Gemma
- Fondazione Stella Maris Mediterraneo, Potenza, Italy
| | - Elisa Santocchi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Muratori
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy.,Institute of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Liberti J, Engel P. The gut microbiota - brain axis of insects. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 39:6-13. [PMID: 32078985 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Research on the connections between gut microbes and the neurophysiology and behavior of their animal hosts has grown exponentially in just a few years. Most studies have focused on mammalian models as their relevance to human health is widely established. However, evidence is accumulating that insect behavior may be governed by molecular mechanisms that are partly homologous to those of mammals, and therefore relevant for the understanding of their behavioral dysfunctions. Social insects in particular may provide experimentally amenable models to disentangle the contributions of individual bacterial symbionts to the gut microbiota - brain axis. In this review, we summarize findings from recent research on the neurological and behavioral effects of the gut microbiota of insects and propose an integrated approach to unravel the extended behavioral phenotypes of gut microbes in the honey bee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanito Liberti
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Philipp Engel
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Carta A, Fucà E, Guerrera S, Napoli E, Valeri G, Vicari S. Characterization of Clinical Manifestations in the Co-occurring Phenotype of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychol 2020; 11:861. [PMID: 32499739 PMCID: PMC7244252 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Comorbidity between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a frequently reported condition. However, the clinical overlaps between the two disorders are not well characterized. The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) is a well-documented measure of emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether CBCL scales were able to detect psychopathological comorbidities as well as emotional and behavioral profiles across three groups of children with ASD, ADHD, and with the co-occurrence of both disorders. The results show that around 30% of participants with ASD exhibited internalizing problems, which was in line with previous findings. Co-occurrence condition showed a clinical intermediate phenotype: relative to ADHD and ASD, youths with co-occurrence of ADHD and ASD phenotype showed respectively lower (p < 0.000) and higher externalizing problems (p < 0.000). No differences emerged in internalizing problems (p > 0.05) across groups. CBCL is a useful measure to study the psychopathological conditions as well as emotional and behavioral profiles associated with ASD, ADHD, and the co-occurrence of ADHD and ASD. The identification of psychopathological and behavioral profiles associated with ASD and ADHD is crucial to perform specific and individualized treatments. Our preliminary findings suggested the existence of an intermediate and independent phenotype between ADHD and ASD that seems to be defined by the externalizing problems. Internalizing problems do not significantly differ between the combined phenotype and the two groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Carta
- Department of Neurosciences, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Section of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Elisa Fucà
- Department of Neurosciences, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Guerrera
- Department of Neurosciences, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Napoli
- Department of Neurosciences, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Valeri
- Department of Neurosciences, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Department of Neurosciences, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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Barone R, Gulisano M, Amore R, Domini C, Milana MC, Giglio S, Madia F, Mattina T, Casabona A, Fichera M, Rizzo R. Clinical correlates in children with autism spectrum disorder and CNVs: Systematic investigation in a clinical setting. Int J Dev Neurosci 2020; 80:276-286. [PMID: 32159884 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with various molecular mechanisms including copy number variants (CNVs). We investigated possible associations between CNVs and ASD clinical correlates. We evaluated pertinent physical characteristics and phenotypic measures such as cognitive level, severity of ASD symptoms and comorbid conditions in ASD patients consecutively recruited over the study period. Children with causative (C-CNVs), non-causative (NC-CNVs) and without CNVs (W-CNVs) were compared. Out of 109 patients, 31 imbalances (16 duplications and 15 deletions) were detected in 25 subjects. Seven (6.4%) had C-CNVs and 18 (16.5%) had NC-CNVs. Paired post hoc comparisons with Bonferroni adjustment showed that dysmorphisms and microcephaly were significantly more frequent in the C-CNVs group. Patients with C-CNVs had more severe autistic core symptoms, while comorbid internalizing behavioral symptoms were more represented among participants with NC-CNVs. No significant differences were observed for distribution of macrocephaly, intellectual disability, epilepsy, isolated electroencephalogram abnormalities and studied neuroimaging characteristics among groups. Recurrent and rare C-CNVs highlighting genes relevant to neurodevelopment had a statistically higher occurrence in children with more severe ASD symptoms and further developmental abnormalities. This study documents the importance of measuring the physical and neurobehavioural correlates of ASD phenotypes to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms in patient subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Barone
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- CNR-Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials IPCB, Catania, Italy
| | - Mariangela Gulisano
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Renata Amore
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Domini
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Milana
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sabrina Giglio
- Medical Genetics Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesca Madia
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Teresa Mattina
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Medical Genetics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonino Casabona
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Fichera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Medical Genetics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Renata Rizzo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Ioannou C, Seernani D, Stefanou ME, Biscaldi-Schaefer M, Tebartz Van Elst L, Fleischhaker C, Boccignone G, Klein C. Social Visual Perception Under the Eye of Bayesian Theories in Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Advanced Modeling of Spatial and Temporal Parameters. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:585149. [PMID: 33101094 PMCID: PMC7546363 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.585149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Social interaction in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by qualitative impairments that highly impact quality of life. Bayesian theories in ASD frame an understanding of underlying mechanisms suggesting atypicalities in the evaluation of probabilistic links within the perceptual environment of the affected individual. To address these theories, the present study explores the applicability of an innovative Bayesian framework on social visual perception in ASD and demonstrates the use of gaze transitions between different parts of social scenes. We applied advanced analyses with Bayesian Hidden Markov Modeling (BHMM) to track gaze movements while presenting real-life scenes to typically developing (TD) children and adolescents (N = 25) and participants with ASD and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ASD+ADHD, N = 15) and ASD without comorbidity (ASD, N = 12). Regions of interest (ROIs) were generated by BHMM based both on spatial and temporal gaze behavior. Social visual perception was compared between groups using transition and fixation variables for social (faces, bodies) and non-social ROIs. Transition variables between faces, namely gaze transitions between faces and likelihood of linking faces, were reduced in the ASD+ADHD compared to TD participants. Fixation count to faces was also reduced in this group. The ASD group showed similar performance to TD in the studied variables. There was no difference between groups for non-social ROIs. Our study provides an innovative, interpretable example of applying Bayesian theories of social visual perception in ASD. BHMM analyses and gaze transitions have the potential to reveal fundamental social perception components in ASD, contributing thus to amelioration of social-skill interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chara Ioannou
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Divya Seernani
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maria Elena Stefanou
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Monica Biscaldi-Schaefer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ludger Tebartz Van Elst
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Fleischhaker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Klein
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Child and Adoelscent Psychiatry, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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