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Mohammadkhani R, Salehi I, Safari S, Ghahremani R, Komaki A, Karimi SA. Continuous exercise training rescues hippocampal long-term potentiation in the VPA rat model of Autism: Uncovering sex-specific effects. Neuroscience 2024; 559:105-112. [PMID: 39214164 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.08.037] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Long-term potentiation (LTP) impairment has been reported in many studies of autistic models. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of interval training (IT) and continuous training (CT) exercises on LTP in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) neurons of valproic acid (VPA) rat model of autism. To induce an autism-like model, pregnant rats were injected 500 mg/kg NaVPA (intraperitoneal) on the embryonic day 12.5. IT and CT aerobic exercises started on postnatal day 56 in the offspring. Four weeks after IT and/or CT exercises, the offspring were urethane-anesthetized and placed into a stereotaxic apparatus for surgery, electrode implantation, and field potential recording. In the DG region, excitatory post synaptic potentials (EPSP) slope and population spike (PS) amplitude were measured. Sex differences in LTP were evident for control rats but not for VPA-exposed offspring. LTP was significantly smaller in VPA-exposed male offspring compared with control male rats. In contrast to males, there was no difference between VPA-exposed female offspring and control female rats. Interestingly, we observed a sex difference in the response to exercise between VPA-exposed male and female offspring. CT exercise training (but not IT) increased LTP in VPA-exposed male offspring. Both IT and CT exercise trainings had no effect on intact LTP in VPA-exposed female offspring. Our work suggests that there may be differences in the benefits of exercise interventions based on sex, and CT exercise training could be more beneficial for LTP improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iraj Salehi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Samaneh Safari
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Reza Ghahremani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Seyed Asaad Karimi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
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Lazerwitz MC, Rowe MA, Trimarchi KJ, Garcia RD, Chu R, Steele MC, Parekh S, Wren-Jarvis J, Bourla I, Mark I, Marco EJ, Mukherjee P. Brief Report: Characterization of Sensory Over-Responsivity in a Broad Neurodevelopmental Concern Cohort Using the Sensory Processing Three Dimensions (SP3D) Assessment. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:3185-3192. [PMID: 36180667 PMCID: PMC9524317 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05747-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR) is an increasingly recognized challenge among children with neurodevelopmental concerns (NDC). To investigate, we characterized the incidence of auditory and tactile over-responsivity (AOR, TOR) among 82 children with NDC. We found that 70% of caregivers reported concern for their child's sensory reactions. Direct assessment further revealed that 54% of the NDC population expressed AOR, TOR, or both - which persisted regardless of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. These findings support the high prevalence of SOR as well as its lack of specificity to ASD. Additionally, AOR is revealed to be over twice as prevalent as TOR. These conclusions present several avenues for further exploration, including deeper analysis of the neural mechanisms and genetic contributors to sensory processing challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maia C Lazerwitz
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA, USA
| | - Mikaela A Rowe
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | | | - Robyn Chu
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Growing Healthy Children Therapy Services, Rescue, CA, USA
| | | | - Shalin Parekh
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jamie Wren-Jarvis
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ioanna Bourla
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ian Mark
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Pratik Mukherjee
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Gholipour P, Ebrahimi Z, Mohammadkhani R, Ghahremani R, Salehi I, Sarihi A, Komaki A, Karimi SA. Effects of (S)-3,4-DCPG, an mGlu8 receptor agonist, on hippocampal long-term potentiation at perforant pathway-dentate gyrus synapses in prenatal valproic acid-induced rat model of autism. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13168. [PMID: 38849397 PMCID: PMC11161498 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63728-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social interaction deficits, communication impairments, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. While the etiology of ASD is multifaceted, abnormalities in glutamatergic neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity have been implicated. This study investigated the role of metabotropic glutamate receptor 8 (mGlu8) in modulating long-term potentiation (LTP) in a rat model of ASD induced by prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure. To induce an animal model with autism-like characteristics, pregnant rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 500 mg/kg of sodium valproate (NaVPA) on embryonic day 12.5. High-frequency stimulation was applied to the perforant path-dentate gyrus (PP-DG) synapse to induce LTP, while the mGlu8 receptor agonist (S)-3,4-dicarboxyphenylglycine (DCPG) was administered into the DG. The results revealed that VPA-exposed rats exhibited reduced LTP compared to controls. DCPG had contrasting effects, inhibiting LTP in controls and enhancing it in VPA-exposed rats. Moreover, reduced social novelty preference index (SNPI) in VPA-exposed rats was reversed by intra-DG administration of S-3,4-DCPG. In conclusion, our study advances our understanding of the complex relationship between glutamatergic neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and VPA-induced autism model. The findings suggest that mGlu8 receptor dysfunction plays a role in the impaired synaptic plasticity seen in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parsa Gholipour
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, 65178/518, Iran
| | - Zahra Ebrahimi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, 65178/518, Iran
| | - Reihaneh Mohammadkhani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, 65178/518, Iran
| | - Reza Ghahremani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, 65178/518, Iran
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
| | - Iraj Salehi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, 65178/518, Iran
| | - Abdolrahman Sarihi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, 65178/518, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, 65178/518, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Seyed Asaad Karimi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, 65178/518, Iran.
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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Ebrahimi Z, Gholipour P, Mohammadkhani R, Ghahremani R, Sarihi A, Komaki A, Salehi I, Karimi SA. Effect of intrahippocampal microinjection of VU0155041, a positive allosteric modulator of mGluR4, on long term potentiation in a valproic acid-induced autistic male rat model. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:629-634. [PMID: 38832089 PMCID: PMC11144792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The precise cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not fully understood. Despite the involvement of glutamatergic dysregulation in autism, the specific contribution of mGlu4 receptors to synaptic plasticity remains unclear. Using the positive allosteric modulator VU0155041, we aimed to restore long-term potentiation (LTP) in the perforant path-dentate gyrus (PP-DG) pathway in VPA-induced autistic rat model. High-frequency stimulation was applied to the PP-DG synapse to induce LTP, while the VU0155041 was administered into the DG. Unexpectedly, VU0155041 failed to alleviate the observed LTP reduction in VPA-exposed rats, further resulting in a significant decrease in population spike LTP. This unexpected outcome prompts discussion on the complex nature of mGlu4 receptor modulation, highlighting potential interference with physiological processes underlying synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Ebrahimi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Parsa Gholipour
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Reza Ghahremani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
| | - Abdolrahman Sarihi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Iraj Salehi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Seyed Asaad Karimi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Marcilla-Jorda M, Grande C, Coelho V, Rubio-Belmonte C, Moro-Ipola M. Sensory Profile-2 in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Analysis within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06337-y. [PMID: 38613593 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06337-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in many functional areas requiring long-term interventions to promote autonomy. This study aims to map The Sensory Profile™ 2 (SP-2), one of the most widely used assessment tools in children with ASD, with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY), developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). This will allow the identification of the functional dimensions covered by this instrument and the comparison with the ICF shortlist proposed for autism (ICF Core Set [ICF-CS]). The deductive content analysis described in the ICF Linking Rules was followed, along with a systematized process including statistical and reasoning techniques that could contribute to the improvement of ICF linking studies (Cohen's Kappa and percentage of agreement). 218 codes were identified, 71% of them were codes related to the body functions chapters, mainly linked to perceptual functions (b160), emotional functions (b152), and temperament and personality functions (b126). Concerning activities and participation chapters (29%) the most frequently used codes were: focusing attention (d160), carrying out daily routine (d230), and walking (d450). Even though the SP-2 items do not assess most of the functional features regarded as essential in the ASD ICF-CS, SP-2 encompasses a majority of problems concerning body functions. This instrument may be considered as part of a multidimensional assessment approach, to complement other sources that are more likely to assess activity and participation dimensions and guide a functional intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catarina Grande
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vera Coelho
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade da Maia, Maia, Portugal
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Micaela Moro-Ipola
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Castello de la Plana, Spain.
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Riemersma IW, Ike KGO, Sollie T, Meijer EL, Havekes R, Kas MJH. Suppression of Cofilin function in the somatosensory cortex alters social contact behavior in the BTBR mouse inbred line. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae136. [PMID: 38602737 PMCID: PMC11008688 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Sensory differences are a core feature of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and are predictive of other ASD core symptoms such as social difficulties. However, the neurobiological substrate underlying the functional relationship between sensory and social functioning is poorly understood. Here, we examined whether misregulation of structural plasticity in the somatosensory cortex modulates aberrant social functioning in BTBR mice, a mouse model for autism spectrum disorder-like phenotypes. By locally expressing a dominant-negative form of Cofilin (CofilinS3D; a key regulator of synaptic structure) in the somatosensory cortex, we tested whether somatosensory suppression of Cofilin activity alters social functioning in BTBR mice. Somatosensory Cofilin suppression altered social contact and nest-hide behavior of BTBR mice in a social colony, assessed for seven consecutive days. Subsequent behavioral testing revealed that altered social functioning is related to altered tactile sensory perception; CofilinS3D-treated BTBR mice showed a time-dependent difference in the sensory bedding preference task. These findings show that Cofilin suppression in the somatosensory cortex alters social functioning in BTBR mice and that this is associated with tactile sensory processing, a critical indicator of somatosensory functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris W Riemersma
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Neurobiology, University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin G O Ike
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Neurobiology, University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Sollie
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Neurobiology, University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elroy L Meijer
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Neurobiology, University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert Havekes
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Neurobiology, University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martien J H Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Neurobiology, University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
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Calisan Kinter R, Ozbaran B, Inal Kaleli I, Kose S, Bildik T, Ghaziuddin M. The Sensory Profiles, Eating Behaviors, and Quality of Life of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Psychiatr Q 2024; 95:85-106. [PMID: 38085408 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-023-10063-6] [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] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Eating disorders frequently accompany autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One such novel eating disorder is avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). This study compares the eating attitudes, quality of life, and sensory processing of typically developing children (TDC), autistic children, and autistic children with ARFID. A total of 111 children aged 4-10 with a diagnosis of ASD and ARFID (n = 37), ASD without ARFID (n = 37), and typical development (n = 37) were recruited. After an interview in which Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was administered, Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and Sensory Profile (SP) were completed by caregivers. Autistic children with ARFID had higher scores in CEBQ subscales relating to low appetite and lower scores on the subscales associated with weight gain. Both groups of autistic children scored lower than TDC on all PedsQL subscales and autistic children with ARFID had lower social QL scores than both groups. SRS scores were highest in autistic children with ARFID, followed by autistic and typically developing children. CARS scores were similar in both groups of autistic children, but higher than TDC. Auditory, vision, touch, multi-sensory, oral processing scores; as well as all quadrant scores, were significantly lower in autistic children with ARFID. Oral sensory processing scores were found to be the most significant predictor of ARFID comorbidity in ASD and reliably predicted ARFID in autistic children in the clinical setting. Autistic children with ARFID demonstrate differences in social functioning, sensory processing, eating attitudes, and quality of life compared to autistic and TD children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhan Calisan Kinter
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Children's Hospital, Ege University, Kazimdirik Mh. Ankara Cd, Izmir, 35030, Turkey
| | - Burcu Ozbaran
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Children's Hospital, Ege University, Kazimdirik Mh. Ankara Cd, Izmir, 35030, Turkey
| | - Ipek Inal Kaleli
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Children's Hospital, Ege University, Kazimdirik Mh. Ankara Cd, Izmir, 35030, Turkey.
| | - Sezen Kose
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Children's Hospital, Ege University, Kazimdirik Mh. Ankara Cd, Izmir, 35030, Turkey
| | - Tezan Bildik
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Children's Hospital, Ege University, Kazimdirik Mh. Ankara Cd, Izmir, 35030, Turkey
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Ramappa S, Anderson A, Jung J, Chu R, Cummings KK, Patterson G, Okada NJ, Green SA. An Observed Assessment of Sensory Responsivity in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Associations with Diagnosis, Age, and Parent Report. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:3860-3872. [PMID: 35927515 PMCID: PMC9898461 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05653-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sensory features are common and impairing in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but there are few observational sensory assessments that are valid across ages. We used the Sensory Processing 3-Dimensional (SP3-D) observed Assessment and parent-reported Inventory to examine sensory responsivity in 41 ASD and 33 typically-developing (TD) youth across 7-17 years. ASD youth had higher and more variable observed and reported sensory responsivity symptoms compared to TD, but the two measures were not correlated. Observed sensory over-responsivity (SOR) and sensory craving (SC) decreased with age in ASD, though SOR remained higher in ASD versus TD through adolescence. Results suggest that in ASD, the SP3-D Assessment can identify SOR through adolescence, and that there is value in integrating multiple sensory measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Ramappa
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, 760 Westwood Plaza, 90095, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, 757 Westwood Plaza, 90095, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ariana Anderson
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, 760 Westwood Plaza, 90095, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, 757 Westwood Plaza, 90095, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jiwon Jung
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, 760 Westwood Plaza, 90095, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, 757 Westwood Plaza, 90095, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robyn Chu
- Growing Healthy Children Therapy Services, 3498 Green Valley Road, Rescue, CA, USA
| | - Kaitlin K Cummings
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 235 E. Cameron Avenue, 27514, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Genevieve Patterson
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, 1200 Larimer Street, 80217, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Nana J Okada
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, 02115, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shulamite A Green
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, 760 Westwood Plaza, 90095, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, 757 Westwood Plaza, 90095, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, Jane and Terry Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, 660 Charles E. Young Drive South, 90095, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Battah HW, Lotan M, Moran DS. The Need for a Motor Assessment Tool for Children with Autism-An Opinion Article. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2095. [PMID: 37370990 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13122095] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a lot of evidence that early developmental therapy achieves impressive therapeutic results for those who require it. Therefore, developmental follow-up, which includes the process of monitoring the child's development over time, makes it possible to identify possible developmental problems and treat them from a young age. This assumption is true in relation to all children with developmental difficulties but is mainly true in the context of children with a diagnosis of autism. However, despite the abundance of developmental scales for the neurotypical population, there are currently no valid scales for assessing motor function for children with autism. The current article focuses on the presentation of the motor delay, identified according to the literature, in many of the children with autism and requires the provision of professional and compatible treatment for these children. This motor delay and the lack of a motor assessment tool for children with autism raises the need for an adapted motor developmental assessment tool, which will produce measurable results, to enable the monitoring of the aforementioned disability and the receiving of tailored treatment from the physiotherapists who deal with the development of children with autism at an early age. The article reviews common existing assessment tools for use in assessing normal development in children with autism, presents the limitations and the challenges that arise when using these assessment tools with children on the autism spectrum and presents the need for a new developmental assessment tool that will be built and validated specifically for children with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Wael Battah
- Department of Health System Management, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Meir Lotan
- Department of Health System Management, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Danny S Moran
- Department of Health System Management, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
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He JL, Williams ZJ, Harris A, Powell H, Schaaf R, Tavassoli T, Puts NAJ. A working taxonomy for describing the sensory differences of autism. Mol Autism 2023; 14:15. [PMID: 37041612 PMCID: PMC10091684 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00534-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals on the autism spectrum have been long described to process sensory information differently than neurotypical individuals. While much effort has been leveraged towards characterizing and investigating the neurobiology underlying the sensory differences of autism, there has been a notable lack of consistency in the terms being used to describe the nature of those differences. MAIN BODY We argue that inconsistent and interchangeable terminology-use when describing the sensory differences of autism has become problematic beyond mere pedantry and inconvenience. We begin by highlighting popular terms that are currently being used to describe the sensory differences of autism (e.g. "sensitivity", "reactivity" and "responsivity") and discuss why poor nomenclature may hamper efforts towards understanding the aetiology of sensory differences in autism. We then provide a solution to poor terminology-use by proposing a hierarchical taxonomy for describing and referring to various sensory features. CONCLUSION Inconsistent terminology-use when describing the sensory features of autism has stifled discussion and scientific understanding of the sensory differences of autism. The hierarchical taxonomy proposed was developed to help resolve lack of clarity when discussing the sensory differences of autism and to place future research targets at appropriate levels of analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason L He
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Zachary J Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ashley Harris
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Helen Powell
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Roseann Schaaf
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Teresa Tavassoli
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AL, UK
| | - Nicolaas A J Puts
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
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Esposito M, Mirizzi P, Fadda R, Pirollo C, Ricciardi O, Mazza M, Valenti M. Food Selectivity in Children with Autism: Guidelines for Assessment and Clinical Interventions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20065092. [PMID: 36982001 PMCID: PMC10048794 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Autisms Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by core symptoms (social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors) and related comorbidities, including sensory anomalies, feeding issues, and challenging behaviors. Children with ASD experience significantly more feeding problems than their peers. In fact, parents and clinicians have to manage daily the burden of various dysfunctional behaviors of children at mealtimes (food refusal, limited variety of food, single food intake, or liquid diet). These dysfunctional behaviors at mealtime depend on different factors that are either medical/sensorial or behavioral. Consequently, a correct assessment is necessary in order to program an effective clinical intervention. The aim of this study is to provide clinicians with a guideline regarding food selectivity concerning possible explanations of the phenomenon, along with a direct/indirect assessment gathering detailed and useful information about target feeding behaviors. Finally, a description of evidence-based sensorial and behavioral strategies useful also for parent-mediated intervention is reported addressing food selectivity in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Esposito
- Autism Research and Treatment Centre Una Breccia Nel Muro, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Paolo Mirizzi
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Fadda
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, 09100 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Chiara Pirollo
- Autism Research and Treatment Centre Una Breccia Nel Muro, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Orlando Ricciardi
- Autism Research and Treatment Centre Una Breccia Nel Muro, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Mazza
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Valenti
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Regional Centre for Autism, Abruzzo Region Health System, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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12
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Moore HL, Brice S, Powell L, Ingham B, Freeston M, Parr JR, Rodgers J. The Mediating Effects of Alexithymia, Intolerance of Uncertainty, and Anxiety on the Relationship Between Sensory Processing Differences and Restricted and Repetitive Behaviours in Autistic Adults. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:4384-4396. [PMID: 34643864 PMCID: PMC9508023 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05312-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Distress caused by sensory processing differences for autistic individuals may be reduced by repetitive behaviours (RRB), including repetitive motor (RMB) and insistence on sameness (ISB) behaviours. Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and anxiety mediate the relationship between sensory processing and RRB in autistic children. We replicated this model in autistic adults, extending it to include alexithymia. Serial mediation, using data from 426 autistic adults, identified significant direct effects from sensory processing to RMB and ISB, and indirect effects through alexithymia-IU-anxiety for RMB, and IU alone, and alexithymia-IU for ISB. Different mechanisms may underpin RMB and ISB. Alexithymia alongside, IU and anxiety, should be considered when understanding the relationship between sensory processing and RRB, and when offering interventions to support autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Moore
- School of Psychology, 4.28, Dame Margaret Barbour Building, Wallace Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4DR, UK.
| | - Samuel Brice
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Level 3, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 1XT, UK
| | - Lauren Powell
- School of Psychology, 4.28, Dame Margaret Barbour Building, Wallace Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4DR, UK
| | - Barry Ingham
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Level 3, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 1XT, UK
| | - Mark Freeston
- School of Psychology, 4.28, Dame Margaret Barbour Building, Wallace Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4DR, UK
| | - Jeremy R Parr
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Level 3, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St. Nicholas Hospital, Jubilee Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 1XT, UK
| | - Jacqui Rodgers
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Level 3, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
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13
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Early Sensory Profile in Autism Spectrum Disorders Predicts Emotional and Behavioral Issues. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101593. [PMID: 36294733 PMCID: PMC9605237 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Abnormal sensory reactivity is considered one of the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and has been associated with autism severity, poorer functional outcomes, and behavioral difficulties across the lifespan. Its early characterization could provide valuable insights into the processes favoring the instantiation of maladaptive behaviors. Objectives: The present study has two aims: (1) to describe the sensory profile of preschool children with ASD compared with an age-matched population of children with a diagnosis of language disorder (DLD) and typically developing (TD) control peers; (2) to explore within each group whether the sensory alterations play a predictive role in the instantiation of emotional and behavioral issues. Methods: The parents of 42 ASD, 18 DLD, and 56 TD filled out the Sensory Processing Measure—Preschool (SPM-P). To gather information on competencies, behaviors, and emotional problems of children, the Child Behavior Checklist 1½-5 (CBCL 1½-5) was also administered. Results: On the SPM-P, ASD and DLD samples generally had scores more compromised than control peers. The contrast between ASD and DLD was reflected in a higher (and highly significant) impairment on the social participation and hearing subscales, suggesting a greater sensitivity and a possible specificity of these scores for ASD. More importantly, linear regression analyses revealed a strong and predictive association for ASD children with SPM total scores explaining more than 50% of the variance of the CBCL 1½-5 total scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings reinforce the need to detect the abnormal sensory profiles of ASD already at an early stage and during clinical evaluations. Due to the impact on the emotional and behavioral manifestations, such a procedure has significant clinical and social implications, potentially guiding the development of new interventions relying on multisensory strategies.
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14
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Little LM, Ausderau K, Freuler A, Sideris J, Baranek GT. Caregiver Strategies to Sensory Features for Children With Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Front Psychol 2022; 13:905154. [PMID: 35936243 PMCID: PMC9353765 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.905154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and developmental disabilities (DD) implement myriad strategies to support their children during daily activities and routines, which are laden with sensory stimuli. Children’s sensory features are often characterized by three patterns of response (i.e., hyperresponsiveness, hyporesponsiveness, sensory seeking), and little is known about how caregivers’ strategies differ among these patterns. Therefore, we used a mixed methods analysis to examine the complex interplay between children’s sensory response patterns, child characteristics (diagnosis, chronological age, mental age), and caregiver strategies. Specifically, we examined how children’s sensory response pattern scores were associated with caregiver strategies within sensory response pattern and at the item level. Lastly, we described the differential strategies implemented by caregivers of children with ASD and DD by sensory response pattern. Materials and Methods Participants included children with ASD (n = 77) and DD (n = 40) aged 2–10 years. Caregivers completed the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire-2.1. A convergent parallel mixed methods approach was used to analyze data. Results Children’s sensory response pattern scores were significantly, positively associated with caregiver strategies within each sensory pattern (hyperresponsiveness, hyporesponsiveness, seeking); however, child mental age, and chronological age were not significantly related to the rate of caregiver strategies across patterns. While caregivers of children with ASD reported using more strategies, child diagnosis did not moderate the association between child sensory response pattern scores and the rate of caregiver strategies used. Item analysis demonstrated specific child behaviors in response to sensory stimuli that elicited high rates of strategies among caregivers. Qualitative analysis revealed distinct themes characterized caregiver strategies within each sensory pattern for children with ASD and DD. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated specificity of caregiver strategies to children’s sensory response patterns in the context of families’ everyday lives, which were not contingent on child diagnosis, mental age, or chronological age, thereby highlighting universal qualities of caregiving for young children who experience varying levels of sensory challenges. Targeted intervention approaches may differentially incorporate types of strategies based on sensory response patterns to more optimally facilitate children’s activity participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Little
- College of Health Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Lauren M. Little,
| | - Karla Ausderau
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Ashley Freuler
- Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Carrboro, NC, United States
| | - John Sideris
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Grace T. Baranek
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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15
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Woolard A, Coleman A, Johnson T, Wakely K, Campbell LE, Mallise CA, Whalen OM, Murphy VE, Karayanidis F, Lane AE. Parent-infant interaction quality is related to preterm status and sensory processing. Infant Behav Dev 2022; 68:101746. [PMID: 35809531 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2022.101746] [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: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parent-infant interactions provide the foundation for the development of infant socioemotional wellbeing. Preterm birth can have a substantial, and often detrimental, impact on the quality of early parent-infant interactions. Sensory processing difficulties, common in preterm infants, are further associated with poorer interaction quality. There is a paucity of research, however, examining the links between the quality of parent-infant interaction, preterm birth, and sensory processing difficulties. This study aimed to characterise the quality of interactions of parent-infant dyads involving preterm infants who may display sensory processing differences and examine the associations between parent-infant interaction quality, preterm status and infant sensory processing. METHOD 67 parent-infant dyads (12-months infant age, 22 preterm, 45 full-term) participated in a recorded, semi-structured 15-minute play interaction. Parents also filled out questionnaires on demographics, and infant sensory processing (Infant and Toddler Sensory Profile-2; ITSP-2). Interaction quality was rated using the Parenting Interactions with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes (PICCOLO). RESULTS Preterm and full-term infants differed in sensory processing and parent-infant interaction. Infant prematurity was associated with the sensory domains of; visual (r = - 0.37, p = .005), touch (r = - 0.39, p = .002), and movement (rs = - .32, p = .01), as well as the interaction domains of; responsivity (rs;= - .43, p = .001), teaching (rs = - .31, p = .02), and interaction total score (r = - 0.34, p = .01). Interaction quality was related to sensory registration (rs = - .38, p = .008), auditory (rs = - .34, p = .02), seeking (rs = .29, p = .05) and sensory behavioural scores (rs = - .52, p < .001). Overall, interaction quality was best predicted by infant prematurity and auditory scores, R2 = .15, F(1, 47) = 4.01, p = .02. DISCUSSION Preterm infants differed from their full-term peers in both their sensory processing and in their dyadic interactions with parents. Preterm status was associated with less responsivity and teaching and was found to predict overall interaction quality. Poorer infant sensory processing was associated with less parental teaching, affection and responsivity during interactions. Our results suggest that preterm birth is related to sensory processing difficulties, and that prematurity and sensory processing are differentially associated with aspects of interaction quality. These findings support the further examination of the interplay between preterm birth, sensory processing, and parent-infant interaction quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Woolard
- Family Interaction and Neurodevelopmental Laboratory, University of Newcastle, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Australia; Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell, University of Newcastle, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia; University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - A Coleman
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - T Johnson
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - K Wakely
- University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health, University of Newcastle, Tamworth
| | - L E Campbell
- Family Interaction and Neurodevelopmental Laboratory, University of Newcastle, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Australia; Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - C A Mallise
- Family Interaction and Neurodevelopmental Laboratory, University of Newcastle, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Australia; Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - O M Whalen
- Family Interaction and Neurodevelopmental Laboratory, University of Newcastle, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Australia; Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - V E Murphy
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Australia; John Hunter Children's Hospital, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - F Karayanidis
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - A E Lane
- Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell, University of Newcastle, Australia; School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Australia; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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16
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Dellapiazza F, Michelon C, Picot MC, Baghdadli A. A longitudinal exploratory study of changes in sensory processing in children with ASD from the ELENA cohort. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 31:1-10. [PMID: 33660026 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01746-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Atypical sensory processing (SP) is a diagnostic criterion of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, little is known about its course during development. In this exploratory longitudinal study, we aimed to investigate the course of SP among children with ASD and identify clinical variables associated with changes. We used a subsample of 51 children with confirmed ASD, aged from 3 to 10 years, recruited from the ELENA cohort. SP was assessed using the Sensory Profile questionnaire at baseline and three years later. Our preliminary results highlight the heterogeneity of the evolution of SP during the children's development and the existence of three subgroups based on the course of SP (improvement, stable, and worsening). In addition, the children's adaptive skills and maladaptive behaviors were related to the course of SP. These results could be confirmed in future studies with a larger sample size using a longitudinal approach to capture individual variability in SP. In addition, our results highlight the importance of accounting for temporal changes in the sensory needs of individuals with ASD in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florine Dellapiazza
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles Neurodéveloppementaux, CHU Montpellier, 39 Avenue Charles Flahaut, 34295, Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Cécile Michelon
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles Neurodéveloppementaux, CHU Montpellier, 39 Avenue Charles Flahaut, 34295, Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Marie-Christine Picot
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles Neurodéveloppementaux, CHU Montpellier, 39 Avenue Charles Flahaut, 34295, Montpellier Cedex 05, France
- Department of Medical Information, University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Amaria Baghdadli
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles Neurodéveloppementaux, CHU Montpellier, 39 Avenue Charles Flahaut, 34295, Montpellier Cedex 05, France.
- UVSQ, INSERM, CESP, Team DevPsy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94807, Villejuif, France.
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
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17
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Ben-Sasson A, Podoly TY, Lebowitz E. Family Accommodation Scale for Sensory Over-Responsivity: A Measure Development Study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:867508. [PMID: 35651554 PMCID: PMC9150753 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.867508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Family accommodation refers to the attempt of family members (most often parents) to prevent their child's distress related to psychopathology. Family accommodation can limit meaningful participation in personal and social routines and activities. Accommodation has been studied extensively in the context of childhood anxiety and has been linked to greater impairment, and poor intervention outcomes. Like anxiety, sensory over-responsivity (SOR) symptoms are associated with heightened distress and thus, may also be accommodated by family members. The current study describes the validation of a new pediatric family accommodation scale for SOR. Parents of 301 children ages 3-13 years completed an online survey, of which 48 had medical or developmental conditions. The survey included the Child Sensory Profile 2 and the newly developed family accommodation scale for sensory over-responsivity (FASENS). Three Sensory Profile 2 scores were analyzed: SOR, sensory under-responsivity and sensory seeking. The FASENS consists of 18 items; 12 describing the frequency of accommodation behaviors and 6 describing the impact of the accommodation on the wellbeing of the family and the child. Results indicated that the FASENS has high internal consistency (α = 0.94) as well as a significant 3-factor confirmatory model fit: (1) accommodations (i.e., avoidance and changes), (2) family impact, and (3) child impact. FASENS scores significantly correlated with SOR symptoms (r = 0.52-0.60, p < 0.001). However, they also correlated with under-responsivity and seeking (r = 0.33-0.42, p < 0.001). Parents of children with health conditions reported significantly higher FASENS scores (p < 0.002), which corresponded with their child's significantly higher sensory scores (p < 0.001). Family accommodations for SOR occur to some extent in the general population, but their prevalence and impact are significantly greater when the child has a health condition, in addition to SOR. Additional research is needed to explore whether these accommodations are adaptive and whether families and children would benefit from learning to reduce them, as with anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelet Ben-Sasson
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tamar Yonit Podoly
- Association for Children at Risk, Kfar Saba, Israel
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Eli Lebowitz
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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Dwyer P, Takarae Y, Zadeh I, Rivera SM, Saron CD. A Multidimensional Investigation of Sensory Processing in Autism: Parent- and Self-Report Questionnaires, Psychophysical Thresholds, and Event-Related Potentials in the Auditory and Somatosensory Modalities. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:811547. [PMID: 35620155 PMCID: PMC9127065 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.811547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reconciling results obtained using different types of sensory measures is a challenge for autism sensory research. The present study used questionnaire, psychophysical, and neurophysiological measures to characterize autistic sensory processing in different measurement modalities. Methods Participants were 46 autistic and 21 typically developing 11- to 14-year-olds. Participants and their caregivers completed questionnaires regarding sensory experiences and behaviors. Auditory and somatosensory event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded as part of a multisensory ERP task. Auditory detection, tactile static detection, and tactile spatial resolution psychophysical thresholds were measured. Results Sensory questionnaires strongly differentiated between autistic and typically developing individuals, while little evidence of group differences was observed in psychophysical thresholds. Crucially, the different types of measures (neurophysiological, psychophysical, questionnaire) appeared to be largely independent of one another. However, we unexpectedly found autistic participants with larger auditory Tb ERP amplitudes had reduced hearing acuity, even though all participants had hearing acuity in the non-clinical range. Limitations The autistic and typically developing groups were not matched on cognitive ability, although this limitation does not affect our main analyses regarding convergence of measures within autism. Conclusion Overall, based on these results, measures in different sensory modalities appear to capture distinct aspects of sensory processing in autism, with relatively limited convergence between questionnaires and laboratory-based tasks. Generally, this might reflect the reality that laboratory tasks are often carried out in controlled environments without background stimuli to compete for attention, a context which may not closely resemble the busier and more complex environments in which autistic people's atypical sensory experiences commonly occur. Sensory questionnaires and more naturalistic laboratory tasks may be better suited to explore autistic people's real-world sensory challenges. Further research is needed to replicate and investigate the drivers of the unexpected association we observed between auditory Tb ERP amplitudes and hearing acuity, which could represent an important confound for ERP researchers to consider in their studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dwyer
- Neurocognitive Development Lab, Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Yukari Takarae
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Iman Zadeh
- Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, Oracle Corporation, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Susan M. Rivera
- Neurocognitive Development Lab, Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Clifford D. Saron
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Saron Lab, Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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19
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Ghahremani R, Mohammadkhani R, Salehi I, Karimi SA, Zarei M. Sex Differences in Spatial Learning and Memory in Valproic Acid Rat Model of Autism: Possible Beneficial Role of Exercise Interventions. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:869792. [PMID: 35548693 PMCID: PMC9084280 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.869792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current study, we first tried to determine sex differences in spatial learning and memory in the valproic acid (VPA) rat model of autism. Second, the effects of interval training (IT) and continuous training (CT) exercises were examined in male and female offsprings. To induce autism-like animal model, the pregnant rats were injected 500 mg/kg NaVPA (intraperitoneal) at the embryonic day 12.5. IT and CT aerobic exercises were started at postnatal day 56. Then, on postnatal days 84–89, a Morris water maze (MWM) test was conducted on the separate groups of offsprings. Aerobic training was performed on a rodent treadmill with 0% slope for 8 weeks, 5 days/week, and 50 min/day. Unlike control animals, VPA-exposed female offspring had a better performance than VPA-exposed male offspring in MWM acquisition. In the case of MWM reference memory, we did not observe a sex difference between VPA-exposed male and VPA-exposed female offspring. Both IT and CT exercises in both control and VPA-exposed male rats significantly improved MWM acquisition. Moreover, both IT and CT exercises significantly improved MWM acquisition in control female rats. In addition, IT exercise (but not CT) significantly improved MWM acquisition in VPA-exposed female offsprings. Both IT and CT exercises in VPA-exposed that male and female offsprings improved the MWM reference memory. In conclusion, our observation demonstrated that prenatal exposure to VPA affects the spatial learning and memory in a sex dependent manner. We have shown that both IT and CT exercises are able to improve cognitive function in healthy and autistic rat offsprings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Ghahremani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Iraj Salehi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Seyed Asaad Karimi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Science and Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- *Correspondence: Seyed Asaad Karimi, , , ,
| | - Mohammad Zarei
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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20
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Sibeoni J, Massoutier L, Valette M, Manolios E, Verneuil L, Speranza M, Revah-Levy A. The sensory experiences of autistic people: A metasynthesis. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 26:1032-1045. [PMID: 35362340 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221081188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Sensory atypicalities are very common among autistic people and are integrated in several theories and explanatory models of autism. Qualitative studies have explored these singular sensory experiences from the perspectives of autistic people themselves. This article gathers all these qualitative studies and provides original findings regarding the everyday sensory experience of autistic people, that is, around four dimensions - physical, emotional, relational and social - experienced holistically, as inseparable, and not hierarchically or in terms of cause and effect. Adopting this holistic view could improve the adaptation of the sensory environment in health care facilities and the training of professionals around this specific issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Sibeoni
- Argenteuil Hospital Centre, France.,Université de Paris, France
| | - Laura Massoutier
- Université de Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier de Gonesse, France
| | | | - Emilie Manolios
- Université de Paris, France.,Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, France
| | - Laurence Verneuil
- Université de Paris, France.,GHU Paris Psychiatrie & Neurosciences, France
| | - Mario Speranza
- Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, France
| | - Anne Revah-Levy
- Argenteuil Hospital Centre, France.,Université de Paris, France
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21
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Narzisi A, Fabbri-Destro M, Crifaci G, Scatigna S, Maugeri F, Berloffa S, Fantozzi P, Prato A, Muccio R, Valente E, Viglione V, Pecchini E, Pelagatti S, Rizzo R, Milone A, Barone R, Masi G. Sensory Profiles in School-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Descriptive Study Using the Sensory Processing Measure-2 (SPM-2). J Clin Med 2022; 11:1668. [PMID: 35329994 PMCID: PMC8955781 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Sensory reactivity is considered one of the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and has been associated with poorer functional outcomes, behavioral difficulties, and autism severity across the lifespan. The characterization of the sensory processing in ASD has thus become crucial to identify the sensory and motor features influencing the development of personal autonomy. Objectives: The present study has two aims: (1) to compare the sensory processing between school-aged children with ASD and typically developing peers (TD); (2) to evaluate whether, within the ASD sample, the cognitive level and reported sensory symptoms explain the scores exhibited at the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM-2). Methods: The SPM-2 test was administered to the parents of 105 children with ASD and 70 TD. The ASD group was further subdivided into two groups, namely high and low functioning based on their cognitive level (High Functioning (HF), IQ > 80; Low Functioning (LF), IQ < 80). Results: ASD children exhibited higher scores throughout the SPM-2 total score and its multiple subscales. Within ASD, while HF and LF children did not differ in terms of the SPM-2 total score, a significant difference was found for the hearing, social participation, and balance and motion subscales. Conclusions: Aside from classical knowledge that the ASD population suffers from sensory processing disorders, we revealed that different sensory patterns are associated with high or low cognitive functioning. Beyond its neurobiological interest, such knowledge may be of fundamental importance for individualizing psychoeducational interventions in preschool- and school-aged children and later developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Narzisi
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (S.B.); (P.F.); (R.M.); (E.V.); (V.V.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Maddalena Fabbri-Destro
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), 43125 Parma, Italy; (M.F.-D.); (G.C.)
| | - Giulia Crifaci
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), 43125 Parma, Italy; (M.F.-D.); (G.C.)
| | - Stefano Scatigna
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (S.B.); (P.F.); (R.M.); (E.V.); (V.V.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Federica Maugeri
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (F.M.); (A.P.); (R.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Stefano Berloffa
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (S.B.); (P.F.); (R.M.); (E.V.); (V.V.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Pamela Fantozzi
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (S.B.); (P.F.); (R.M.); (E.V.); (V.V.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Adriana Prato
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (F.M.); (A.P.); (R.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Rosy Muccio
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (S.B.); (P.F.); (R.M.); (E.V.); (V.V.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Elena Valente
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (S.B.); (P.F.); (R.M.); (E.V.); (V.V.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Valentina Viglione
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (S.B.); (P.F.); (R.M.); (E.V.); (V.V.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Edoardo Pecchini
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (S.B.); (P.F.); (R.M.); (E.V.); (V.V.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Susanna Pelagatti
- Department of Computer Science, University of Pisa, Largo Pontecorvo 3, 56127 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Renata Rizzo
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (F.M.); (A.P.); (R.R.); (R.B.)
- Research Unit of Rare Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Annarita Milone
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (S.B.); (P.F.); (R.M.); (E.V.); (V.V.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Rita Barone
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (F.M.); (A.P.); (R.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Gabriele Masi
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (S.B.); (P.F.); (R.M.); (E.V.); (V.V.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (G.M.)
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22
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Williams ZJ, Suzman E, Woynaroski TG. Prevalence of Decreased Sound Tolerance (Hyperacusis) in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. Ear Hear 2021; 42:1137-1150. [PMID: 33577214 PMCID: PMC8349927 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hyperacusis, defined as decreased tolerance to sound at levels that would not trouble most individuals, is frequently observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite the functional impairment attributable to hyperacusis, little is known about its prevalence or natural history in the ASD population. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis estimating the current and lifetime prevalence of hyperacusis in children, adolescents, and adults with ASD. By precisely estimating the burden of hyperacusis in the ASD population, the present study aims to enhance recognition of this particular symptom of ASD and highlight the need for additional research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of hyperacusis in persons on the spectrum. DESIGN We searched PubMed and ProQuest to identify peer-reviewed articles published in English after January 1993. We additionally performed targeted searches of Google Scholar and the gray literature, including studies published through May 2020. Eligible studies included at least 20 individuals with diagnosed ASD of any age and reported data from which the proportion of ASD individuals with current and/or lifetime hyperacusis could be derived. To account for multiple prevalence estimates derived from the same samples, we utilized three-level Bayesian random-effects meta-analyses to estimate the current and lifetime prevalence of hyperacusis. Bayesian meta-regression was used to assess potential moderators of current hyperacusis prevalence. To reduce heterogeneity due to varying definitions of hyperacusis, we performed a sensitivity analysis on the subset of studies that ascertained hyperacusis status using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), a structured parent interview. RESULTS A total of 7783 nonduplicate articles were screened, of which 67 were included in the review and synthesis. Hyperacusis status was ascertained in multiple ways across studies, with 60 articles employing interviews or questionnaires and seven using behavioral observations or objective measures. The mean (range) age of samples in the included studies was 7.88 years (1.00 to 34.89 years). The meta-analysis of interview/questionnaire measures (k(3) = 103, nASD = 13,093) estimated the current and lifetime prevalence of hyperacusis in ASD to be 41.42% (95% CrI, 37.23 to 45.84%) and 60.58% (50.37 to 69.76%), respectively. A sensitivity analysis restricted to prevalence estimates derived from the ADI-R (k(3) = 25, nASD = 5028) produced similar values. The estimate of current hyperacusis prevalence using objective/observational measures (k(3) = 8, nASD = 488) was 27.30% (14.92 to 46.31%). Heterogeneity in the full sample of interview/questionnaire measures was substantial but not significantly explained by any tested moderator. However, prevalence increased sharply with increasing age in studies using the ADI-R (BF10 = 93.10, R2Het = 0.692). CONCLUSIONS In this meta-analysis, we found a high prevalence of current and lifetime hyperacusis in individuals with ASD, with a majority of individuals on the autism spectrum experiencing hyperacusis at some point in their lives. The high prevalence of hyperacusis in individuals with ASD across the lifespan highlights the need for further research on sound tolerance in this population and the development of services and/or interventions to reduce the burden of this common symptom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J. Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Evan Suzman
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Tiffany G. Woynaroski
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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23
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Tempesta AJ, Miller CE, Litvak V, Bowman H, Schofield AJ. The missing N1 or jittered P2: Electrophysiological correlates of pattern glare in the time and frequency domain. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:6168-6186. [PMID: 34374142 PMCID: PMC9290835 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Excessive sensitivity to certain visual stimuli (cortical hyperexcitability) is associated with a number of neurological disorders including migraine, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, autism and possibly dyslexia. Others show disruptive sensitivity to visual stimuli with no other obvious pathology or symptom profile (visual stress) which can extend to discomfort and nausea. We used event‐related potentials (ERPs) to explore the neural correlates of visual stress and headache proneness. We analysed ERPs in response to thick (0.37 cycles per degree [c/deg]), medium (3 c/deg) and thin (12 c/deg) gratings, using mass univariate analysis, considering three factors in the general population: headache proneness, visual stress and discomfort. We found relationships between ERP features and the headache and discomfort factors. Stimulus main effects were driven by the medium stimulus regardless of participant characteristics. Participants with high discomfort ratings had larger P1 components for the initial presentation of medium stimuli, suggesting initial cortical hyperexcitability that is later suppressed. The participants with high headache ratings showed atypical N1‐P2 components for medium stripes relative to the other stimuli. This effect was present only after repeated stimulus presentation. These effects were also explored in the frequency domain, suggesting variations in intertrial theta band phase coherence. Our results suggest that discomfort and headache in response to striped stimuli are related to different neural processes; however, more exploration is needed to determine whether the results translate to a clinical migraine population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austyn J Tempesta
- School of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Claire E Miller
- School of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Vladimir Litvak
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Howard Bowman
- School of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.,School of Computing, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Andrew J Schofield
- School of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.,School of Psychology, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
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24
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Implication of the Sensory Environment in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Perspectives from School. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147670. [PMID: 34300120 PMCID: PMC8306690 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently have difficulties in processing sensory information, which is a limitation when participating in different contexts, such as school. The objective of the present study was to compare the sensory processing characteristics of children with ASD in the natural context of school through the perception of professionals in the field of education, in comparison with neurodevelopmental children (2) Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study as conducted with study population consisting of children between three and ten years old, 36 of whom were diagnosed with ASD and attended the Autismo Burgos association; the remaining 24 had neurotypical development. The degree of response of the children to sensory stimuli at school was evaluated using the Sensory Profile-2 (SP-2) questionnaire in its school version, answered by the teachers. (3) Results: Statistically significant differences were found in sensory processing patterns (p = 0.001), in sensory systems (p = 0.001) and in school factors (p = 0.001). Children with ASD who obtained worse results. (4) Conclusions: Children with ASD are prone to present sensory alterations in different contexts, giving nonadapted behavioral and learning responses.
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25
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Parmar KR, Porter CS, Dickinson CM, Pelham J, Baimbridge P, Gowen E. Visual Sensory Experiences From the Viewpoint of Autistic Adults. Front Psychol 2021; 12:633037. [PMID: 34168586 PMCID: PMC8217662 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.633037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although previous research has investigated altered sensory reactivity in autistic individuals, there has been no specific focus on visual sensory experiences, particularly in adults. Using qualitative methods, this study aimed to characterize autistic visual sensory symptoms, contextualize their impact and document any associated coping strategies. A total of 18 autistic adults took part in four focus groups which involved questions around visual experiences, the impact of these on daily life, and strategies for their reduction. Transcripts of each session were thematically analyzed allocating six key themes. Participants described a range of visual hypersensitivities, including to light, motion, patterns and particular colors, which contributed to distraction and were frequently part of a wider multisensory issue. Such experiences had significant negative impacts on personal wellbeing and daily life with participants describing fatigue, stress and hindrances on day-to-day activities (e.g., travel and social activities). However, the degree of understanding that participants had about their visual experiences influenced their emotional response, with greater understanding reducing concern. Participants employed a variety of coping strategies to overcome visual sensory experiences but with varied success. Discussions also highlighted that there may be a poor public understanding of sensory issues in autism affecting how well autistic individuals are able manage their sensory symptoms. In summary, autistic adults expressed significant concern about their visual experiences and there is a need to improve understanding of visual experiences on a personal and public level as well as for developing potential support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketan R Parmar
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine S Porter
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christine M Dickinson
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - James Pelham
- Greater Manchester Autism Consortium, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Autscape, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Autism@Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Baimbridge
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Autism@Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Salfordautism, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Gowen
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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26
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Disorders Affecting Feeding and Swallowing in Infants and Children. Dysphagia 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-63648-3.00014-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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27
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Xu M, Minagawa Y, Kumazaki H, Okada KI, Naoi N. Prefrontal Responses to Odors in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Functional NIRS Measurement Combined With a Fragrance Pulse Ejection System. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:523456. [PMID: 33132871 PMCID: PMC7579723 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.523456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are impaired not only in social competencies but also in sensory perception, particularly olfaction. The olfactory ability of individuals with ASD has been examined in several psychophysical studies, but the results have been highly variable, which might be primarily due to methodological difficulties in the control of odor stimuli (e.g., the problem of lingering scents). In addition, the neural correlates of olfactory specificities in individuals with ASD remain largely unknown. To date, only one study has investigated this issue using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The present study utilized a sophisticated method-a pulse ejection system-to present well-controlled odor stimuli to participants with ASD using an ASD-friendly application. With this advantageous system, we examined their odor detection, identification, and evaluation abilities and measured their brain activity evoked by odors using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). As the odor detection threshold (DT) of participants with ASD was highly variable, these participants were divided into two groups according to their DT: an ASD-Low DT group and an ASD-High DT group. Behavioral results showed that the ASD-High DT group had a significantly higher DT than the typically developing (control) group and the ASD-Low DT group, indicating their insensitivity to the tested odors. In addition, while there was no significant difference in the odor identification ability between groups, there was some discrepancy between the groups' evaluations of odor pleasantness. The brain data identified, for the first time, that neural activity in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was significantly weaker in the ASD-High DT group than in the control group. Moreover, the strength of activity in the right DLPFC was negatively correlated with the DT. These findings suggest that participants with ASD have impairments in the higher-order function of olfactory processing, such as olfactory working memory and/or attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingdi Xu
- Faculty of Letters, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.,Center of Life-Span Development of Communication Skills, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yasuyo Minagawa
- Faculty of Letters, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.,Center of Life-Span Development of Communication Skills, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan.,Global Centre for Advanced Research on Logic and Sensibility, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Ken-Ichi Okada
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Nozomi Naoi
- Global Centre for Advanced Research on Logic and Sensibility, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Arts and Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan
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28
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Neave-DiToro D, Fuse A, Bergen M. Knowledge and Awareness of Ear Protection Devices for Sound Sensitivity by Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch 2020; 52:409-425. [PMID: 32997580 DOI: 10.1044/2020_lshss-19-00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sensitivity to sounds and atypical reactions to sensory input by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been reported in the literature. In response to this sensitivity, some individuals use ear protection devices (EPDs) such as noise-canceling headphones, earplugs, or earmuffs to attenuate the perceived unpleasant sounds. Given the communication deficits often noted in this population and the essential role of hearing in speech and language development, the impact of wearing EPDs to attenuate sound needs to be explored. The purpose of this study was to obtain information from various stakeholders regarding their opinions about use of EPDs in individuals with ASD and perceived benefits and possible concerns of EPD use. Method A survey was constructed to assess the opinions of speech-language pathologists, audiologists, teachers, and graduate students about EPDs among individuals with ASD. A total of 255 professionals and graduate students completed the survey. Results The vast majority of respondents indicated a level of awareness of EPDs within this population. Regarding observed use of such devices, the majority of participants (66%) reported observing individuals with ASD using EPDs. The most commonly used devices observed were headphones (91%), followed by earmuffs (44%) and earplugs (33%). Respondents who had experience recommending and/or using EPDs with individuals with ASD were asked to report on major reasons why the devices were used and the perceived benefits and possible negative effects. Conclusions There appears to be uncertainty among various stakeholders of the benefits and possible negative effects of EPD use by individuals with ASD. Additionally, there is a dearth of research in this area, and the necessity for specific guidelines for recommending and monitoring EPD use is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akiko Fuse
- Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders, Brooklyn College, NY
| | - Michael Bergen
- Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders, Brooklyn College, NY
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29
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Abstract
The elucidation of odour awareness in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is important. We compared the odour awareness of young children with ASD with those of typical development (TD) children using the Children's Olfactory Behavior in Everyday Life (COBEL) questionnaire, which is a self-report measure that mainly assesses odour awareness. Forty-five young boys (aged 5-6 years), including 20 children with ASD and 25 TD children, participated in this study. The total COBEL score of the young children with ASD was lower than that of the TD children (p < 0.01). Moreover, the total COBEL score was significantly correlated with the total VABS II score (p < 0.05). Our results improve understanding of the odour awareness in children with ASD.
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30
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Cummings KK, Lawrence KE, Hernandez LM, Wood ET, Bookheimer SY, Dapretto M, Green SA. Sex Differences in Salience Network Connectivity and its Relationship to Sensory Over-Responsivity in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2020; 13:1489-1500. [PMID: 32860348 PMCID: PMC8351910 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are significantly more likely to experience sensory over-responsivity (SOR) compared to neurotypical controls. SOR in autism has been shown to be related to atypical functional connectivity in the salience network (SN), a brain network thought to help direct attention to the most relevant stimuli in one's environment. However, all studies to date which have examined the neurobiological basis of sensory processing in ASD have used primarily male samples so little is known about sex differences in the neural processing of sensory information. This study examined the relationship between SOR and resting-state functional connectivity in the SN for 37 males and 16 females with autism, ages 8-17 years. While there were no sex differences in parent-rated SOR symptoms, there were significant sex differences in how SOR related to SN connectivity. Relative to females with ASD, males with ASD showed a stronger association between SOR and increased connectivity between the salience and primary sensory networks, suggesting increased allocation to sensory information. Conversely, for females with ASD, SOR was more strongly related to increased connectivity between the SN and prefrontal cortex. Results suggest that the underlying mechanisms of SOR in ASD are sex specific, providing insight into the differences seen in the diagnosis rate and symptom profiles of males and females with ASD. LAY SUMMARY: Sensory over-responsivity (SOR) is common in autism. Most research on the neural basis of SOR has focused on males, so little is known about SOR or its neurobiology in females with autism spectrum disorder. Here despite no sex differences in SOR symptoms, we found sex differences in how SOR related to intrinsic connectivity in a salience detection network. Results show sex differences in the neural mechanisms underlying SOR and inform sex differences seen in diagnosis rates and symptom profiles in autism. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1489-1500. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin K Cummings
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Katherine E Lawrence
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Leanna M Hernandez
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Emily T Wood
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Susan Y Bookheimer
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mirella Dapretto
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shulamite A Green
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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31
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Powell G, Derry-Sumner H, Shelton K, Rushton S, Hedge C, Rajenderkumar D, Sumner P. Visually-induced dizziness is associated with sensitivity and avoidance across all senses. J Neurol 2020; 267:2260-2271. [PMID: 32306170 PMCID: PMC7359147 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-09817-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a common chronic condition presenting in neurology and neuro-otology clinics. Symptoms lie on a spectrum in the general population. The cause is unknown and thought to involve interactions between visual and vestibular systems, but symptoms also correlate with anxiety and migraine. OBJECTIVE To test whether PDDD symptoms are associated with reported differences in other senses (touch, hearing, smell and taste); to investigate possible mediation via anxiety or migraine; to discover the proportion of variance accountable to these non-vestibular factors. METHODS We measured self-report multisensory sensitivity, anxiety, visual difficulties, visual discomfort and migraine in patients with PPPD (N = 29) and a large general population cohort (N > 1100). We used structural equation modelling to examine relationships between the factors using a step-wise approach. RESULTS We found increased self-reported over-sensitivity in sensory domains beyond vision and balance in both patients with PPPD and non-clinical participants with more PPPD symptoms. SEM analysis revealed that anxiety partly, but not wholly, mediated this relationship. Adding visual difficulties and visual discomfort to the model allowed it to explain 50% of PPPD symptom variance. Most of the path coefficients and mediation effects in our model were unchanged between participants with and without migraine. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the idea that PPPD is a complex neurological condition that includes broad perceptual factors, and may suggest that some brains are predisposed to generalised cross-modal sensory-overload. This may give rise to vulnerability to severe PPPD should a vestibular insult occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Powell
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower building, Park Place, Cardiff, UK.
| | - Hannah Derry-Sumner
- Department of Audiovestibular Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Katherine Shelton
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower building, Park Place, Cardiff, UK
| | - Simon Rushton
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower building, Park Place, Cardiff, UK
| | - Craig Hedge
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower building, Park Place, Cardiff, UK
| | - Deepak Rajenderkumar
- Department of Audiovestibular Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Petroc Sumner
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower building, Park Place, Cardiff, UK
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32
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Meilleur A, Foster NEV, Coll SM, Brambati SM, Hyde KL. Unisensory and multisensory temporal processing in autism and dyslexia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:44-63. [PMID: 32544540 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of temporal processing in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental dyslexia (DD), two neurodevelopmental disorders in which temporal processing deficits have been highly researched. The results provide strong evidence for impairments in temporal processing in both ASD (g = 0.48) and DD (g = 0.82), as measured by judgments of temporal order and simultaneity. In individual analyses, multisensory temporal processing was impaired for both ASD and DD, and unisensory auditory, visual and tactile processing were all impaired in DD. In ASD, speech stimuli showed moderate impairment effect sizes, whereas nonspeech stimuli showed small effects. Greater reading and spelling skills in DD were associated with greater temporal precision. Temporal deficits did not show changes with age in either disorder. In addition to more clearly defining temporal impairments in ASD and DD, the results highlight common and distinct patterns of temporal processing between these disorders. Deficits are discussed in relation to existing theoretical models, and recommendations are made for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Meilleur
- International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research (BRAMS), Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Marie-Victorin Building, 90 Avenue Vincent D'Indy, Montréal, QC, H2V 2S9, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Montréal, Marie-Victorin Building, 90 avenue Vincent-d'Indy, Suite D-418, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada; Centre for Research on Brain, Language and Music, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Rabinovitch house, 3640 de la Montagne, Montréal, QC, H3G 2A8, Canada.
| | - Nicholas E V Foster
- International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research (BRAMS), Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Marie-Victorin Building, 90 Avenue Vincent D'Indy, Montréal, QC, H2V 2S9, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Montréal, Marie-Victorin Building, 90 avenue Vincent-d'Indy, Suite D-418, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada; Centre for Research on Brain, Language and Music, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Rabinovitch house, 3640 de la Montagne, Montréal, QC, H3G 2A8, Canada
| | - Sarah-Maude Coll
- International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research (BRAMS), Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Marie-Victorin Building, 90 Avenue Vincent D'Indy, Montréal, QC, H2V 2S9, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Montréal, Marie-Victorin Building, 90 avenue Vincent-d'Indy, Suite D-418, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada; Centre for Research on Brain, Language and Music, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Rabinovitch house, 3640 de la Montagne, Montréal, QC, H3G 2A8, Canada
| | - Simona M Brambati
- Department of Psychology, University of Montréal, Marie-Victorin Building, 90 avenue Vincent-d'Indy, Suite D-418, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada; Centre for Research on Brain, Language and Music, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Rabinovitch house, 3640 de la Montagne, Montréal, QC, H3G 2A8, Canada; Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, 4545 Chemin Queen Mary, Montréal, QC, H3W 1W4, Canada
| | - Krista L Hyde
- International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research (BRAMS), Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Marie-Victorin Building, 90 Avenue Vincent D'Indy, Montréal, QC, H2V 2S9, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Montréal, Marie-Victorin Building, 90 avenue Vincent-d'Indy, Suite D-418, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada; Centre for Research on Brain, Language and Music, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Rabinovitch house, 3640 de la Montagne, Montréal, QC, H3G 2A8, Canada
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Matsuoka K, Makinodan M, Kitamura S, Takahashi M, Yoshikawa H, Yasuno F, Ishida R, Kishimoto N, Yasuda Y, Hashimoto R, Taoka T, Miyasaka T, Kichikawa K, Kishimoto T. Increased Dendritic Orientation Dispersion in the Left Occipital Gyrus is Associated with Atypical Visual Processing in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:5617-5625. [PMID: 32515826 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the complexity-specific hypothesis explains that atypical visual processing is attributable to selective functional changes in visual pathways. We investigated dendritic microstructures and their associations with functional connectivity (FC). Participants included 28 individuals with ASD and 29 typically developed persons. We explored changes in neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) and brain areas whose FC was significantly correlated with NODDI parameters in the explored regions of interests. Individuals with ASD showed significantly higher orientation dispersion index (ODI) values in the left occipital gyrus (OG) corresponding to the secondary visual cortex (V2). FC values between the left OG and the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) were significantly negatively correlated with mean ODI values. The mean ODI values in the left OG were significantly positively associated with low registration of the visual quadrants of the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), resulting in a significant positive correlation with passive behavioral responses of the AASP visual quadrants; additionally, the FC values between the left OG and the left MTG were significantly negatively associated with reciprocal social interaction. Our results suggest that abnormal V2 dendritic arborization is associated with atypical visual processing by altered intermediation in the ventral visual pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiwamu Matsuoka
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Manabu Makinodan
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Soichiro Kitamura
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba 263-8555, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Masato Takahashi
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Yoshikawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Yasuno
- Department of Psychiatry, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu 474-8511, Japan
| | - Rio Ishida
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Naoko Kishimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Yuka Yasuda
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Life Grow Brilliant Mental Clinic, Medical Corporation Foster, Osaka 530-0012, Japan.,Department of Pathology of Mental Diseases, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira 187-8551, Japan
| | - Ryota Hashimoto
- Department of Pathology of Mental Diseases, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira 187-8551, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Medical School, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Taoka
- Department of Innovative Biomedical Visualization (iBMV), Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Toshiteru Miyasaka
- Department of Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Kichikawa
- Department of Radiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Kishimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
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34
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Abstract
Abnormal sensory processing has been observed in autism, including superior visual motion discrimination, but the neural basis for these sensory changes remains unknown. Leveraging well-characterized suppressive neural circuits in the visual system, we used behavioral and fMRI tasks to demonstrate a significant reduction in neural suppression in young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to neurotypical controls. MR spectroscopy measurements revealed no group differences in neurotransmitter signals. We show how a computational model that incorporates divisive normalization, as well as narrower top-down gain (that could result, for example, from a narrower window of attention), can explain our observations and divergent previous findings. Thus, weaker neural suppression is reflected in visual task performance and fMRI measures in ASD, and may be attributable to differences in top-down processing. Sensory hypersensitivity is common in autism spectrum disorders. Using functional MRI, psychophysics, and computational modeling, Schallmo et al. show that differences in visual motion perception in ASD are accompanied by weaker neural suppression in visual cortex.
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35
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Umesawa Y, Atsumi T, Chakrabarty M, Fukatsu R, Ide M. GABA Concentration in the Left Ventral Premotor Cortex Associates With Sensory Hyper-Responsiveness in Autism Spectrum Disorders Without Intellectual Disability. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:482. [PMID: 32508576 PMCID: PMC7248307 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit abnormal processing of sensory inputs from multiple modalities and higher-order cognitive/behavioral response to those inputs. Several lines of evidence suggest that altered γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, is a central characteristic of the neurophysiology of ASD. The relationship between GABA in particular brain regions and atypical sensory processing in ASD is poorly understood. We therefore employed 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to examine whether GABA levels in brain regions critical to higher-order motor and/or multiple sensory functions were associated with abnormal sensory responses in ASD. We evaluated atypical sensory processing with a clinically-validated assessment tool. Furthermore, we measured GABA levels in four regions: one each in the primary visual cortex, the left sensorimotor cortex, the left supplementary motor area (SMA), and the left ventral premotor cortex (vPMC). The latter two regions are thought to be involved in executing and coordinating cognitive and behavioral functions in response to multisensory inputs. We found severer sensory hyper-responsiveness in ASD relative to control participants. We also found reduced GABA concentrations in the left SMA but no differences in other regions of interest between ASD and control participants. A correlation analysis revealed a negative association between left vPMC GABA and the severity of sensory hyper-responsiveness across all participants, and the independent ASD group. These findings suggest that reduced inhibitory neurotransmission (reduced GABA) in a higher-order motor area, which modulates motor commands and integrates multiple sensory modalities, may underlie sensory hyper-responsiveness in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Umesawa
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Saitama, Japan.,Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Atsumi
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Saitama, Japan.,Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mrinmoy Chakrabarty
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Saitama, Japan.,Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-D), New Delhi, India
| | - Reiko Fukatsu
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masakazu Ide
- Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Saitama, Japan
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36
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Vidal V, McAllister A, DeThorne L. Communication Profile of a Minimally Verbal School-Age Autistic Child: A Case Study. Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch 2020; 51:671-686. [PMID: 32392446 DOI: 10.1044/2020_lshss-19-00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The present clinical focus draws on an intrinsic case study to provide a thick description of the communication profile of John, a 9-year-old minimally verbal autistic student. Method Specifically, traditional behavioral assessments, classroom video observations, and semistructured interviews were used to gather information regarding John's communication profile and potential sensory-motor differences. Results Convergent evidence indicated that John's expressive profile was characterized by single words, emergent word combinations, some conventional gestures, and a low frequency of communicative initiations. Concomitant language comprehension challenges and poor intelligibility associated with motor speech impairment were also indicated. His sensory-motor profile was marked by fine motor impairment, relative strengths in gross motor abilities, and sensory differences across visual, hearing, and tactile modalities. Conclusion Direct implications for supporting minimally verbal autistic students like John include the need to (a) consider sensory-motor influences on social interaction and (b) support flexible use of multimodal communication resources, including augmentative and alternative communication. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12202448.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Vidal
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Anita McAllister
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura DeThorne
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo
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37
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Okamoto Y, Kitada R, Kochiyama T, Naruse H, Makita K, Miyahara M, Okazawa H, Kosaka H. Visual Body Part Representation in the Lateral Occipitotemporal Cortex in Children/Adolescents and Adults. Cereb Cortex Commun 2020; 1:tgaa007. [PMID: 34296088 PMCID: PMC8152859 DOI: 10.1093/texcom/tgaa007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The lateral occipitotemporal cortex (LOTC) that responds to human bodies and body parts has been implicated in social development and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Neuroimaging studies using a representational similarity analysis (RSA) revealed that body representation in the LOTC of typically developing (TD) adults is categorized into 3 clusters: action effector body parts, noneffector body parts, and face parts. However, its organization of younger people (i.e., children and adolescents) and its association with individual traits remain unclear. In this functional MRI study, TD adults and children/adolescents observed photographs of hands, feet, arms, legs, chests, waists, upper/lower faces, the whole body, and chairs. The univariate analysis showed that fewer child/adolescent participants showed left LOTC activation in response to whole-body images (relative to those of chairs) than adult participants. Contrastingly, the RSA on both age groups revealed a comparable body representation with 3 clusters of body parts in the bilateral LOTC. Hence, this result indicates that, although response to whole-body images can differ, LOTC body part representations for children/ adolescents and adults are highly similar. Furthermore, sensory atypicality is associated with spatial LOTC organization, suggesting the importance of this region for understanding individual difference, which is frequently observed in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Okamoto
- Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International, Seika-cho, Sorakugun, Kyoto 619-0288, Japan.,Brain Activity Imaging Center, ATR-Promotions, Seika-cho, Sorakugun, Kyoto 619-0288, Japan
| | - Ryo Kitada
- School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 48 Nanyang Avenue, HSS-04-13, Singapore 639818
| | - Takanori Kochiyama
- Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International, Seika-cho, Sorakugun, Kyoto 619-0288, Japan.,Brain Activity Imaging Center, ATR-Promotions, Seika-cho, Sorakugun, Kyoto 619-0288, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Naruse
- Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, University of Fukui Hospital, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Kai Makita
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Motohide Miyahara
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, 1 Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8560, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Okazawa
- Biomedical Imaging Research Center, University of Fukui, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193 Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kosaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
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38
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Heald M, Adams D, Oliver C. Profiles of atypical sensory processing in Angelman, Cornelia de Lange and Fragile X syndromes. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2020; 64:117-130. [PMID: 31828905 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence to suggest that children with neurodevelopmental disorders may evidence differences in their sensory processing. The aim of this study was to compare sensory processing patterns in three genetic syndromes associated with sensory difference. METHODS Sensory processing in Angelman syndrome (n = 91), Cornelia de Lange syndrome (n = 28) and Fragile X syndrome (n = 40) was examined using the informant report measure the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ). RESULTS All three groups were associated with a heightened prevalence of unusual sensory processing in comparison with normative data, evidenced in over 80% of all participants. Cross-syndrome comparisons highlighted syndrome-specific sensory processing profiles, with heightened hypo responsivity in Cornelia de Lange syndrome and sensory seeking in Angelman syndrome. CONCLUSIONS The results have important implications for the understanding of sensory processing in genetic syndromes and the development of tailored behavioural interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Heald
- Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - D Adams
- Autism Centre of Excellence, School of Education and Professional Studies, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
- Griffith Institute for Educational Research, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - C Oliver
- Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental disorders, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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39
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Noli Me Tangere: Social Touch, Tactile Defensiveness, and Communication in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9120368. [PMID: 31842265 PMCID: PMC6955721 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9120368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tactile defensiveness is a common feature in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Since the first studies, tactile defensiveness has been described as the result of an abnormal response to sensory stimulation. Moreover, it has been studied how the tactile system is closely linked to socio-communicative development and how the interoceptive sensory system supports both a discriminating touch and an affective touch. Therefore, several neurophysiological studies have been conducted to investigate the neurobiological basis of the development and functioning of the tactile system for a better understanding of the tactile defensiveness behavior and the social touch of NDDs. Given the lack of recent literature on tactile defensiveness, the current study provides a brief overview of the original contributions on this research topic in children with NDDs focusing attention on how this behavior has been considered over the years in the clinical setting.
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40
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Javed H, Burns R, Jeon M, Howard AM, Park CH. A Robotic Framework to Facilitate Sensory Experiences for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Preliminary Study. ACM TRANSACTIONS ON HUMAN-ROBOT INTERACTION 2019; 9:3. [PMID: 33829148 PMCID: PMC8023221 DOI: 10.1145/3359613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children is commonly accompanied by a diagnosis of sensory processing disorders. Abnormalities are usually reported in multiple sensory processing domains, showing a higher prevalence of unusual responses, particularly to tactile, auditory and visual stimuli. This paper discusses a novel robot-based framework designed to target sensory difficulties faced by children with ASD in a controlled setting. The setup consists of a number of sensory stations, together with two different robotic agents that navigate the stations and interact with the stimuli. These stimuli are designed to resemble real world scenarios that form a common part of one's everyday experiences. Given the strong interest of children with ASD in technology in general and robots in particular, we attempt to utilize our robotic platform to demonstrate socially acceptable responses to the stimuli in an interactive, pedagogical setting that encourages the child's social, motor and vocal skills, while providing a diverse sensory experience. A preliminary user study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed framework, with a total of 18 participants (5 with ASD and 13 typically developing) between the ages of 4 and 12 years. We derive a measure of social engagement, based on which we evaluate the effectiveness of the robots and sensory stations in order to identify key design features that can improve social engagement in children.
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41
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Khullar V, Singh HP, Bala M. IoT based assistive companion for hypersensitive individuals (ACHI) with autism spectrum disorder. Asian J Psychiatr 2019; 46:92-102. [PMID: 31639556 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2019.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Today, most of the individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have atypical sensory behaviors. The main aim of this study is to propose an assistive intervention for supporting the overloaded sensory responses in hypersensitive individuals with ASD. METHODS The vision, auditory, smell, and physical balance related multi-sensors based hardware prototype, namely Assistive Companion for Hypersensitive Individuals (ACHI) has been designed for individuals with ASD. The proposed ACHI prototype is an assistive-technology based companion for hypersensitive individuals with ASD which is able to 'fetch/detect the sensory information using electronic sensors', 'making the decision using fuzzy logic on the basis of fetched sensory information' and then, 'transmit the generated information over the internet through the Internet of Things (IoT)', and also able for 'generating alerts to caregivers'. The proposed design is also capable of providing audio & video feedback to calm down individuals with ASD. RESULTS After testing, it is observed that 93% percent of the caregivers rated the proposed ACHI intervention on the scale of above average. The remarkable reduction in hyperactive states related triggering incidents in ASD has been found with the use of ACHI. CONCLUSION The present work and the proposed prototype can identify and control the sensory overload triggers in ASD and it can guide the caregiver or clinicians to optimize the responsible surrounding causes of explosive behavior in ASD and would help the individuals with ASD to become calm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Khullar
- CT Institute of Engineering, Management and Technology, Jalandhar, India; IKG Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala, India.
| | - Harjit Pal Singh
- CT Institute of Engineering, Management and Technology, Jalandhar, India; IKG Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala, India.
| | - Manju Bala
- Khalsa College of Engineering and Technology, Amritsar, India; IKG Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala, India.
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42
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de Moraes ÍAP, Monteiro CBDM, Silva TDD, Massetti T, Crocetta TB, de Menezes LDC, Andrade GPDR, Ré AHN, Dawes H, Coe S, Magalhães FH. Motor learning and transfer between real and virtual environments in young people with autism spectrum disorder: A prospective randomized cross over controlled trial. Autism Res 2019; 13:307-319. [PMID: 31566888 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, including impaired multisensory integration, which might negatively impact cognitive and motor skill performance, and hence negatively affect learning of tasks. Considering that tasks in virtual environment may provide an engaging tool as adjuncts to conventional therapies, we set out to compare motor performance between young people with ASD and a typically developing (TD) control group that underwent coincident timing tasks based on Kinect (no physical contact) and on Keyboard (with physical contact) environments. Using a randomized repeated cross-over controlled trial design, 50 young people with ASD and 50 with TD, matched by age and sex were divided into subgroups of 25 people that performed the two first phases of the study (acquisition and retention) on the same device-real or virtual-and then switched to the other device to repeat acquisition and retention phases and finally switched on to a touch screen (transfer phase). Results showed that practice in the virtual task was more difficult (producing more errors), but led to a better performance in the subsequent practice in the real task, with more pronounced improvement in the ASD as compared to the TD group. It can be concluded that the ASD group managed to transfer the practice from a virtual to a real environment, indicating that virtual methods may enhance learning of motor and cognitive skills. A need for further exploration of its effect across a number of tasks and activities is warranted. Autism Res 2020, 13: 307-319. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder are known to have difficulties with learning motor tasks. Considering that performing motor tasks in virtual environment may be an engaging tool as adjuncts to conventional therapies, we aimed to estimate performance in tasks regardless of physical touch. Results showed that participants had more difficulty using the non-touch task; however, virtual training improved performance on the physical (real) task. This result indicates that virtual methods could be a promising therapeutic approach for the ASD population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Íbis Ariana Peña de Moraes
- School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Post-Graduate Programme in Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Bandeira de Mello Monteiro
- School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Post-Graduate Programme in Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Talita Dias da Silva
- Post-Graduate Programme in Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais Massetti
- Post-Graduate Programme in Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Tânia Brusque Crocetta
- Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Lilian Del Ciello de Menezes
- Post-Graduate Programme in Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gilda Pena de Rezende Andrade
- Integrated Psycho-pedagogical Support Group (GAPI) Special Education School in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Helen Dawes
- Institute of Nursing and Allied Health Research, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK.,Department of Clinical Neurology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Shelly Coe
- Department of Clinical Neurology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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43
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Neural Foundations of Ayres Sensory Integration ®. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9070153. [PMID: 31261689 PMCID: PMC6680650 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9070153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory integration, now trademarked as Ayres Sensory Integration® or ASI, is based on principles of neuroscience and provides a framework for understanding the contributions of the sensory and motor foundations of human behavior. The theory and practice of ASI continues to evolve as greater understanding of the neurobiology of human behavior emerges. In this paper we examine core constructs of ASI identified in the seminal work of Dr. Jean Ayres, and present current neuroscience research that underlies the main patterns of sensory integration function and dysfunction. We consider how current research verifies and clarifies Ayres’ propositions by describing functions of the vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile sensory systems, and exploring their relationships to ocular, postural, bilateral integration, praxis, and sensory modulation. We close by proposing neuroplasticity as the mechanisms underlying change as a result of ASI intervention.
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Weston CSE. Four Social Brain Regions, Their Dysfunctions, and Sequelae, Extensively Explain Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptomatology. Brain Sci 2019; 9:E130. [PMID: 31167459 PMCID: PMC6627615 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9060130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a challenging neurodevelopmental disorder with symptoms in social, language, sensory, motor, cognitive, emotional, repetitive behavior, and self-sufficient living domains. The important research question examined is the elucidation of the pathogenic neurocircuitry that underlies ASD symptomatology in all its richness and heterogeneity. The presented model builds on earlier social brain research, and hypothesizes that four social brain regions largely drive ASD symptomatology: amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), temporoparietal cortex (TPC), and insula. The amygdala's contributions to ASD largely derive from its major involvement in fine-grained intangible knowledge representations and high-level guidance of gaze. In addition, disrupted brain regions can drive disturbance of strongly interconnected brain regions to produce further symptoms. These and related effects are proposed to underlie abnormalities of the visual cortex, inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), caudate nucleus, and hippocampus as well as associated symptoms. The model is supported by neuroimaging, neuropsychological, neuroanatomical, cellular, physiological, and behavioral evidence. Collectively, the model proposes a novel, parsimonious, and empirically testable account of the pathogenic neurocircuitry of ASD, an extensive account of its symptomatology, a novel physiological biomarker with potential for earlier diagnosis, and novel experiments to further elucidate the mechanisms of brain abnormalities and symptomatology in ASD.
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Impact of Auditory Integration Therapy (AIT) on the Plasma Levels of Human Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 68:688-695. [PMID: 31073917 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01332-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophic factors, including the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), are of importance for synaptic plasticity regulation, intended as the synapses' ability to strengthen or weaken their responses to differences in neuronal activity. Such plasticity is essential for sensory processing, which has been shown to be impaired in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study is the first to investigate the impact of auditory integration therapy (AIT) of sensory processing abnormalities in autism on plasma GDNF levels. Fifteen ASD children, aged between 5 and 12 years, were enrolled and underwent the present research study. AIT was performed throughout 10 days with a 30-min session twice a day. Before and after AIT, Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and Short Sensory Profile (SSP) scores were calculated, and plasma GDNF levels were assayed by an EIA test. A substantial decline in autistic behavior was observed after AIT in the scaling parameters used. Median plasma GDNF level was 52.142 pg/ml before AIT. This level greatly increased immediately after AIT to 242.05 pg/ml (P < 0.001). The levels were depressed to 154.00 pg/ml and 125.594 pg/ml 1 month and 3 months later, respectively, but they were still significantly higher compared with the levels before the treatment (P = 0.001, P = 0.01, respectively). There was an improvement in the measures of autism severity as an effect of AIT which induced the up-regulation of GDNF in plasma. Further research, on a large scale, is needed to evaluate if the cognitive improvement of ASD children after AIT is related or not connected to the up-regulation of GDNF.
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Viljoen M, Mahdi S, Griessel D, Bölte S, de Vries PJ. Parent/caregiver perspectives of functioning in autism spectrum disorders: A comparative study in Sweden and South Africa. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2019; 23:2112-2130. [PMID: 31044605 DOI: 10.1177/1362361319829868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Functional outcomes in autism spectrum disorder can be highly variable given the heterogeneous nature of autism spectrum disorder and its interaction with environmental factors. We set out to compare parent/caregiver perceptions of functioning in two divergent countries that participated in the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Autism Spectrum Disorder development study. We focused on the frequency and content of items reported, and hypothesized that environmental factors would most frequently be reported as barriers to functioning in low-resource settings. Using frequency and qualitative content analysis, we compared data from South Africa (n = 22) and Sweden (n = 13). Frequency agreement was seen in three activities and participation categories, and one environmental factor. Obvious frequency differences were observed in one environmental factors category, six body functions categories and three activities and participation categories. Only three ICF categories (immediate family, attention functions, products and technology for personal use) differed in content. Contrary to our hypotheses, few differences in perspectives about environmental factors emerged. The universality of our findings supports the global usefulness of the recently developed ICF Core Sets for Autism Spectrum Disorder. We recommend that more comparative studies on autism spectrum disorder and functioning should be conducted, and that similar comparisons in other disorders where Core Sets have been developed may be valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soheil Mahdi
- Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,Stockholm County Council, Sweden
| | | | - Sven Bölte
- Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.,Stockholm County Council, Sweden.,Curtin University, Western Australia
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Kuiper MWM, Verhoeven EWM, Geurts HM. Stop Making Noise! Auditory Sensitivity in Adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis: Physiological Habituation and Subjective Detection Thresholds. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:2116-2128. [PMID: 30680585 PMCID: PMC6483953 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-03890-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Auditory sensitivities are common among people with autism spectrum disorder diagnoses (ASD). As underlying factors are unknown, we examined whether ASD adults (NASD = 33; NTypically Developing = 31; 25-45 years; IQ > 70): (1) habituated slower to auditory stimuli; (2) had lower auditory detection thresholds; and (3) whether these mechanisms related to self-reported auditory sensitivities. Two auditory stimuli (tone, siren) were repeated, whilst skin conductance responses were recorded to measure habituation. Detection thresholds were measured by stepwise reductions in tone volume. We found no evidence in favor of our hypotheses, but ASD adults did rate the auditory stimuli as more arousing. Based on explorative analyses, we argue that studying the strength of physiological responses to auditory stimuli is needed to understand auditory sensitivities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke W M Kuiper
- Dr. Leo Kannerhuis, Autism Expert Centre, Department of Research, Development & Innovation, Houtsniplaan 1, 6865 XZ, Doorwerth, The Netherlands.
- University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center, Brain and Cognition, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129, 1001 NK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Elisabeth W M Verhoeven
- Dr. Leo Kannerhuis, Autism Expert Centre, Department of Research, Development & Innovation, Houtsniplaan 1, 6865 XZ, Doorwerth, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde M Geurts
- Dr. Leo Kannerhuis, Autism Expert Centre, Department of Research, Development & Innovation, Houtsniplaan 1, 6865 XZ, Doorwerth, The Netherlands
- University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center, Brain and Cognition, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129, 1001 NK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Kirby AV, Williams KL, Watson LR, Sideris J, Bulluck J, Baranek GT. Sensory Features and Family Functioning in Families of Children With Autism and Developmental Disabilities: Longitudinal Associations. Am J Occup Ther 2019; 73:7302205040p1-7302205040p14. [PMID: 30915965 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2018.027391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD) commonly display unusual responses to sensory input. Previous work has suggested concurrent associations linking sensory features with aspects of family functioning, including activity participation and caregiver strain. What is unknown, however, is the extent to which sensory features affect family functioning over time, as well as the influence of received services on these relationships. OBJECTIVE To assess hypothesized longitudinal associations between sensory features and family functioning and examine interactions by group and service usage (i.e., educational and therapy services). DESIGN Multigroup longitudinal observational study. SETTING Community. PARTICIPANTS A volunteer sample of 81 children (50 with ASD, 31 with DD; 76% male), ages 2-12 yr, and their caregivers participated in assessments at two points, 3.3 yr apart on average. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Key measures included the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire, Sensory Profile, Sensory Processing Assessment for Young Children, Tactile Defensiveness and Discrimination Test-Revised, Caregiver Strain Questionnaire, and Home and Community Activities Scale. We also measured the amount of time children received educational and therapy services. RESULTS Regression analyses confirmed long-term associations linking sensory features with aspects of activity participation and caregiver strain in this population; group and service usage interactions were also identified. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Sensory features can affect the everyday experiences of both children and caregivers. It is important for practitioners to understand the potentially enduring effects of children's sensory features on family functioning so as to begin to identify supportive interventions with more optimal long-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne V Kirby
- Anne V. Kirby, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City;
| | - Kathryn L Williams
- Kathryn L. Williams, MS, OTR/L, is Doctoral Candidate, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Linda R Watson
- Linda R. Watson, EdD, CCC-SLP, is Professor, Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - John Sideris
- John Sideris, PhD, is Professor of Research, Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles. At the time of this study, he was Scientist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - John Bulluck
- John Bulluck, BA, was Research Systems Analyst, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, at the time of this study
| | - Grace T Baranek
- Grace T. Baranek, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Associate Dean, Chair, and Mrs. T. H. Chan Professor of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles. At the time of this study, she was Professor and Associate Chair for Research, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Tavassoli T, Brandes-Aitken A, Chu R, Porter L, Schoen S, Miller LJ, Gerdes MR, Owen J, Mukherjee P, Marco EJ. Sensory over-responsivity: parent report, direct assessment measures, and neural architecture. Mol Autism 2019; 10:4. [PMID: 30740199 PMCID: PMC6360663 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-019-0255-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sensory processing difficulties are common across neurodevelopmental disorders. Thus, reliable measures are needed to understand the biological underpinnings of these differences. This study aimed to define a scoring methodology specific to auditory (AOR) and tactile (TOR) over-responsivity. Second, in a pilot cohort using MRI Diffusion Tensor Imaging, we performed a proof of concept study of whether children with AOR showed measurable differences in their white matter integrity. Methods This study included children with AOR and TOR from a mixed neurodevelopmental disorder cohort including autism and sensory processing dysfunction (n = 176) as well as neurotypical children (n = 128). We established cohorts based on sensory over-responsivity using parent report (Short Sensory Profile (SSP)) and direct assessment (Sensory Processing-Three Dimensions: Assessment (SP-3D:A)) measures. With a subset of the children (n = 39), group comparisons, based on AOR phenotype, were conducted comparing the white matter fractional anisotropy in 23 regions of interest. Results Using direct assessment, 31% of the children with neurodevelopmental disorders had AOR and 27% had TOR. The inter-test agreement between SSP and SP-3D:A for AOR was 65% and TOR was 50%. Children with AOR had three white matter tracts showing decreased fractional anisotropy relative to children without AOR. Conclusions This study identified cut-off scores for AOR and TOR using the SSP parent report and SP-3D:A observation. A combination of questionnaire and direct observation measures should be used in clinical and research settings. The SSP parent report and SP-3D:A direct observation ratings overlapped moderately for sensory related behaviors. Based on these preliminary structural neuroimaging results, we suggest a putative neural network may contribute to AOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Tavassoli
- 1Department of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | | | - Robyn Chu
- Sensory Therapies and Research (STAR) Institute, Greenwood Village, CO USA
| | - Lisa Porter
- Sensory Therapies and Research (STAR) Institute, Greenwood Village, CO USA
| | - Sarah Schoen
- Sensory Therapies and Research (STAR) Institute, Greenwood Village, CO USA.,Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals, Provo, UT USA
| | - Lucy Jane Miller
- Sensory Therapies and Research (STAR) Institute, Greenwood Village, CO USA.,4University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO USA.,Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals, Provo, UT USA
| | - Molly Rae Gerdes
- 6Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Julia Owen
- 7Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Pratik Mukherjee
- 8Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Elysa J Marco
- 6Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA.,9Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA.,Research Division, Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA USA
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Williams KL, Kirby AV, Watson LR, Sideris J, Bulluck J, Baranek GT. Sensory features as predictors of adaptive behaviors: A comparative longitudinal study of children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2018; 81:103-112. [PMID: 30060977 PMCID: PMC7473611 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD) exhibit sensory features that differ from their typically developing peers. Prior cross-sectional research has demonstrated significant associations between elevated sensory features and lower adaptive behavior scores, yet there is limited prospective research examining longitudinal associations. AIMS To examine the longitudinal prediction of early sensory response patterns (i.e., hyperresponsiveness, hyporesponsiveness, and sensory interests, repetitions, and seeking behaviors) to later adaptive behavior outcomes in children with ASD and DD. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Children with ASD (n = 51) and DD (n = 30) were seen at two time points (Time 1: M(SD) = 5.6(2.5) years; Time 2: M(SD) = 9.0(2.2) years). We used a series of regression models with both observational and parent-report measures of sensory response patterns, and including group interactions. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS All three sensory response patterns significantly predicted aspects of adaptive behaviors, with some differences based on assessment format and diagnostic group. Across groups and sensory patterns, we found some evidence that elevated sensory features early in childhood predicted lower adaptive behavior skills later in childhood. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Sensory features may interfere with development of adaptive behaviors, suggesting a need for effective interventions addressing sensory features early in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L Williams
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bondurant Hall, CB #7120, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7120, USA.
| | - Anne V Kirby
- Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies, University of Utah, 520 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108-1213, USA
| | - Linda R Watson
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bondurant Hall, CB #7120, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7120, USA
| | - John Sideris
- Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar St., CHP-133, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9003, USA
| | - John Bulluck
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bondurant Hall, CB #7120, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7120, USA
| | - Grace T Baranek
- Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies, University of Utah, 520 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108-1213, USA
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