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Bhat AN. Fewer children with autism spectrum disorder with motor challenges receive physical and recreational therapies compared to standard therapies: A SPARK data set analysis. Autism 2024; 28:1161-1174. [PMID: 37605823 PMCID: PMC10881894 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231193196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT There are clear disparities in motor services provided to children with autism spectrum disorder (physical and recreational therapies) compared to their standard therapies (speech-language and occupational therapies). Children with autism spectrum disorder need greater access to and funding for motor services (physical and recreational therapies) and physical activity programs. Movement experts including PTs, adapted physical educators, and community exercise/sports coaches/professionals need basic, specialized, and continuing education training to meet the needs of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder not only for providing early developmental and school-based services but also for ensuring appropriate built environments and providing general physical therapy/adapted physical education services as well as physical activity programs.
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Otterstedt C, Strömsten LMJ, Sandlund J, Johansson GM. Motor proficiency of persons with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism spectrum disorder diagnosed in adulthood. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38632964 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2340123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare (1) motor proficiency of persons diagnosed in adulthood with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with normative values of motor proficiency, and (2) motor proficiency between persons with ADHD and those with ASD diagnosed in adulthood. METHODS A total of 153 adults (median age 32 years, 36% women) participated in this cross-sectional study. Fifty-three persons with predominately inattentive presentation (ADHD-I), 67 persons with combined presentation (ADHD-C), and 33 persons with ASD performed the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). One-sample binominal tests were used to compare motor proficiency against standardized norms of BOT-2 for young adults. One-way ANOVAs and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare test outcomes between the groups. RESULTS The total sample showed significantly impaired motor proficiency in comparison to norms in all test domains (p < 0.001-0.006), except for fine motor skills. The ASD group showed significantly poorer body coordination compared with the ADHD-I and ADHD-C groups, with a moderate effect size (p = 0.003-0.02, η2 = 0.061). CONCLUSIONS Motor proficiency is impaired in most persons with ADHD or ASD diagnosed in adulthood, suggesting that motor assessment should be included in clinical examinations of adults with suspected neurodevelopment disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Otterstedt
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Jonas Sandlund
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gudrun M Johansson
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Feng XW, Hadizadeh M, Cheong JPG. Effects of Family-Professional Partnerships in Adapted Physical Education on the Fundamental Motor Skills, Adaptive Behaviors, and Physical Activity Levels of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and on Parent Satisfaction. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06342-1. [PMID: 38607473 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06342-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the effect of family-professional partnerships in adapted physical education on the fundamental motor skills, physical activity levels, and adaptive behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and on parental satisfaction. METHODS A randomized controlled trial design was used, with pre-and post-intervention evaluations. Participants (n = 40), including children with ASD and their parents, were divided into three groups: (a) a family-school group (FSG-A, n = 14), (b) a school group (SG-B, n = 13), and (c) a control group (CG-C, n = 13). RESULTS After 12 weeks of intervention, the within-group comparison revealed that the FSG-A performed better than the SG-B and CG-C for all variables. The among-group comparison further revealed that the FSG-A had greater fundamental motor skill scores than the SG-B (p = 0.021) and CG-C (p < 0.001), had greater adaptive behavior and family-professional partnership scores than the SG-B and CG-C (p < 0.001 for all), and had higher physical activity levels than the SG-B (p < 0.05) and CG-C (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION This study underscores the significance of robust family-professional partnerships in exercise interventions for children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wei Feng
- Faculty of Sports and Exercise Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Maryam Hadizadeh
- Faculty of Sports and Exercise Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
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Gu T, Jin C, Lin L, Wang X, Li X, Jing J, Cao M. The relationship between executive function and the association of motor coordination difficulties and social communication deficits in autistic children. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1363406. [PMID: 38596639 PMCID: PMC11002984 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1363406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Motor coordination difficulties could contribute to social communication deficits in autistic children. However, the exploration of the mechanism implicated in these claims has been limited by the lack of potential confounders such as executive function (EF). Methods We investigated the role that EF plays in the relationship between motor coordination and social communication in a school-aged autistic population via a structural model in a statistically robust manner. The results of questionnaires, including the Developmental Coordination Disorder questionnaire, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and the Social Responsiveness Scale, were collected to measure motor coordination, social communication deficits, and EF. Results A total of 182 autistic children (7.61±1.31 years, 87.9% boys) were included in the final analysis. In the model with EF as a mediator, the total effect (β=-0.599, P<0.001) and the direct effect (β=-0.331, P =0.003) of motor coordination function on social communication were both significant among autistic children without intellectual disability (ID), as were indirect effects through EF (β=-0.268, P<0.001). Conclusion EF partially mediates the motor coordination and social communication correlation among autistic children. We suggest that motor coordination should be included in the routine evaluation of autistic surveillance and rehabilitation procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingfeng Gu
- Maternal and Child Health Department, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengkai Jin
- Maternal and Child Health Department, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lizi Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Maternal and Child Health Department, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuhong Li
- Maternal and Child Health Department, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Jing
- Maternal and Child Health Department, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muqing Cao
- School of Sport and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
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Abrams G, Jayashankar A, Kilroy E, Butera C, Harrison L, Ring P, Houssain A, Nalbach A, Cermak SA, Aziz-Zadeh L. Differences in Praxis Errors in Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared to Developmental Coordination Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1113-1129. [PMID: 36515853 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05858-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to better understand how autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) differ in types of praxis errors made on the Florida Apraxia Battery Modified (FAB-M) and the potential relationships between praxis errors and social deficits in ASD. The ASD group made significantly more timing sequencing errors in imitation of meaningful gestures, as well as more body-part-for-tool errors during gesture-to-command compared to the other two groups. In the ASD group, increased temporal errors in meaningful imitation were significantly correlated with poorer affect recognition and less repetitive behaviors. Thus, in ASD, aspects of imitation ability are related to socioemotional skills and repetitive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Abrams
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Aditya Jayashankar
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Emily Kilroy
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Christiana Butera
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Laura Harrison
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Priscilla Ring
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Anusha Houssain
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Alexis Nalbach
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Sharon A Cermak
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Lisa Aziz-Zadeh
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, 3620A McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
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Samadi SA. Handedness in autism spectrum disorders and intellectually disabled children and adolescents - Contrasting caregivers' reports with assessments of hand preference. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25935. [PMID: 38380041 PMCID: PMC10877286 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background A higher rate of atypical handedness prevalence (non-right-handedness or left-, mixed-hand dominance) has been recurrently reported in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to individuals with other types of developmental disabilities. However, the exact magnitude of this difference as well as the presence of possible contributing factors remained unknown. The main aim of this study was to understand caregivers' impression of the handedness of their child with developmental disabilities and its relationship with assessments of the child using a hand preference scale. Methods and procedures The sample of the present study was 1116 individuals with developmental disabilities from two countries, 541 (51.5%) individuals from Iran and 575 (48.5%) individuals from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The handedness of the sample was evaluated based on the parental report and utilizing a standardized scale (The Hand-Preference Demonstration Test "HPDT"). Outcomes and results There was a statistically significant difference between caregivers' reports on their dependents' handedness and the application of a valid hand preference scale and they do not necessarily overlap. There was a statistically significant relationship between handedness and type of developmental disabilities based on caregivers' reports and individuals with ASD were more non-right-handed compared to individuals with ID based on the caregivers' report. Hence similar difference was not seen between the ASD and ID groups when HDTP was applied as a diagnostic scale. While left-handedness in the ASD and ID group was similar (23-24%), mixed-handedness in the ASD group was 38% compared to 33% in the ID group. Conclusions and implications The Hand-Preference Demonstration Test (HPDT) was a valid way to determine the hand preference of individuals with ASD and ID. It is concluded that parental reports on their offspring with ASD's hand preference need to be approved through the application of a scale and caregivers and professionals need to be more aware of early motor symptoms such as handedness. Further research should focus on the role of handedness in the development of fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination in children with differing developmental disabilities and variations among those differing impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayyed Ali Samadi
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences University of Ulster Shore Rd, Co Antrim, Newtownabbey BT37 0QB, UK
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Valagussa G, Purpura G, Balatti V, Trentin L, Signori A, Grossi E. Quantitative assessment of tip-toe behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability: A cross-sectional study. Autism Res 2024; 17:311-323. [PMID: 38108559 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The term "toe walking" describes walking on the toes with a lack of heel strike upon initiation of the stance phase of gait. In individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this phenomenon, or "tip-toe behavior" (TTB), can be present in a substantial proportion of subjects even during standing. In this study, we investigated TTB in 50 persons with ASD (age range 4-26 years). We evaluated TTB through an observational/report-based assessment protocol. Subsequently, we employed a new structured video-based coding protocol based on standardized video recordings, focusing on static and dynamic conditions. Finally, the findings of the two protocols were compared. Twenty-four subjects with TTB were identified and classified according to three functional groups: TTB1, present only during running (6 subjects); TTB2, present during walking and running (11 subjects); and TTB3, present during standing, walking, and running (7 subjects). Moreover, we found that TTB3 subjects exhibited a significantly higher quantity of TTB compared with subjects in the TTB1 and TTB2 groups during both standing and walking tests. Additionally, a high quantity of TTB in the static test was found to be related to a high quantity of TTB in the dynamic test. Variables such as age, autism severity, intellectual disability, and gender were not significantly associated with the mean percent of TTB both in static and dynamic tests in multivariate analysis. This structured video-based coding approach appears feasible and useful for assessing TTB in individuals with ASD and it has the potential to provide insights into TTB trajectories and aid in designing possible interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Valagussa
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Autism Research Unit, Villa S. Maria Foundation, Tavernerio (CO), Italy
| | - Giulia Purpura
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Balatti
- Autism Research Unit, Villa S. Maria Foundation, Tavernerio (CO), Italy
| | - Luca Trentin
- Autism Research Unit, Villa S. Maria Foundation, Tavernerio (CO), Italy
| | - Alessio Signori
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Biostatistics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Enzo Grossi
- Autism Research Unit, Villa S. Maria Foundation, Tavernerio (CO), Italy
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Thorsson M, Galazka MA, Johnson M, Åsberg Johnels J, Hadjikhani N. Visuomotor tracking strategies in children: associations with neurodevelopmental symptoms. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:337-353. [PMID: 38078961 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06752-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) often display motor problems that may impact their daily lives. Studying specific motor characteristics related to spatiotemporal control may inform us about the mechanisms underlying their challenges. Fifty-eight children with varying neurodevelopmental symptoms load (median age: 5.6 years, range: 2.7-12.5 years) performed an interactive tablet-based tracking task. By investigating digit touch errors relative to the target's movement direction, we found that a load of neurodevelopmental symptoms was associated with reduced performance in the tracking of abrupt alternating directions (zigzag) and overshooting the target. In contrast, reduced performance in children without neurodevelopmental symptoms was associated with lagging behind the target. Neurodevelopmental symptom load was also associated with reduced flexibility in correcting for lateral deviations in smooth tracking (spiral). Our findings suggest that neurodevelopmental symptoms are associated with difficulties in motor regulation related to inhibitory control and reduced flexibility, impacting motor control in NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Thorsson
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Martyna A Galazka
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Division of Cognition and Communication, Department of Applied Information Technology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Johnson
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jakob Åsberg Johnels
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Section of Speech and Language Pathology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nouchine Hadjikhani
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Chen Y, Siles B, Tager-Flusberg H. Receptive language and receptive-expressive discrepancy in minimally verbal autistic children and adolescents. Autism Res 2024; 17:381-394. [PMID: 38149732 PMCID: PMC10922817 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Among the approximately one-third of autistic individuals who experience considerable challenges in acquiring spoken language and are minimally verbal (MV), relatively little is known about the range of their receptive language abilities. This study included 1579 MV autistic children and adolescents between 5 and 18 years of age drawn from the National Database for Autism Research and the SFARI Base data repository. MV autistic children and adolescents demonstrated significantly lower receptive language compared to the norms on standardized language assessment and parent report measures. Moreover, their receptive language gap widened with age. Overall, our sample demonstrated significantly better receptive than expressive language. However, at the individual level, only about 25% of MV autistic children and adolescents demonstrated significantly better receptive language relative to their minimal expressive levels. Social skills explained a significant proportion of the variance in parent-reported receptive language skills, while motor skills were the most significant predictor of greater receptive-expressive discrepancy. Findings from this study revealed the heterogeneous language profiles in MV autistic children and adolescents, underscoring the importance of individualizing interventions to match their different communication strengths and needs and integrating multiple interconnected areas to optimize their overall development of language comprehension, socialization, and general motor skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanru Chen
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, 100 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02155
| | - Brynn Siles
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, 100 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02155
| | - Helen Tager-Flusberg
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, 100 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02155
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Kauczor-Rieck K, Allroggen M, Gradl-Dietsch G. [Sports and Physical Exercise Therapy in the Treatment of Mental Health Issues in Children and Adolescents]. Z Kinder Jugendpsychiatr Psychother 2024; 52:110-123. [PMID: 38224568 DOI: 10.1024/1422-4917/a000961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Sports and Physical Exercise Therapy in the Treatment of Mental Health Issues in Children and Adolescents Abstract: Mental disorders are among the most common chronic diseases in childhood and adolescence in Germany and worldwide. The health benefits of a physically active lifestyle during adolescence are well documented. Furthermore, a growing body of evidence suggests a positive impact of physical activity on mental health and emotional well-being. Longitudinal studies also show an association between physical activity and reduced risk of developing a mental disorder. Therefore, therapeutic exercise plays an important role in child and adolescent psychiatry. High-quality randomized-controlled trials are needed to substantiate the described effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Kauczor-Rieck
- Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes und Medizinische Fakultät der Universität des Saarlandes, Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Homburg, Deutschland
| | - Marc Allroggen
- Universitätsklinik Ulm, Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie/Psychotherapie, Ulm, Deutschland
| | - Gertraud Gradl-Dietsch
- LVR-Klinikum Essen, Kliniken und Institut der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Essen, Deutschland
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Peyre H, Peries M, Madieu E, David A, Picot MC, Pickles A, Baghdadli A. Association of difficulties in motor skills with longitudinal changes in social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder: findings from the ELENA French Cohort. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-023-02324-3. [PMID: 38191704 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02324-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Developmental coordination disorder is a frequently co-occurring condition with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Several cross-sectional studies have reported that children with difficulties in motor skills have a higher severity of ASD symptoms. This study aims to examine the association of difficulties in motor skills with longitudinal changes in social skills in children with ASD. Participants were drawn from the ELENA cohort, a French longitudinal cohort of children with ASD. Motor skills were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children at baseline, while social skills were measured using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS-II) at both the baseline and a follow-up assessment conducted 3 years later. A composite score of social skills was created at baseline and at both time points. Linear regression models were performed to assess the association between difficulties in motor skills and changes in social skills, considering potential confounders such as IQ, age, and gender. The sample included 162 children with ASD. Children with difficulties in global motor skills (N = 114) showed less favorable trajectories in social skills compared to those without motor difficulties. The results were consistent when examining the ADOS-2 and the VABS-II separately. This study provides evidence for the negative impact of difficulties in motor skills on the longitudinal development of social skills in children with ASD. Interventions targeting motor difficulties may have broader benefits, extending beyond motor function to improve socialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Peyre
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence Sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807, Villejuif, France.
| | - Marianne Peries
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence Sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807, Villejuif, France
| | - Emmanuel Madieu
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence Sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807, Villejuif, France
| | - Aurore David
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence Sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807, Villejuif, France
| | - Marie-Christine Picot
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence Sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807, Villejuif, France
- Clinical Research and Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Information, University Hospital, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Andrew Pickles
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Amaria Baghdadli
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence Sur l'Autisme et les Troubles du Neurodéveloppement (CeAND), CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807, Villejuif, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Sung MC, McClelland MM, Massey W, Logan SW, MacDonald M. Association between motor skills and executive function of children with autism spectrum disorder in Taiwan and the United States. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1292695. [PMID: 38249390 PMCID: PMC10796658 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1292695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between parent ratings of motor skills and executive function (EF) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States and Taiwan. Materials and method One hundred and seventy-two parents/legal guardians of children (4-6 years and 11 months old) with ASD were recruited from two countries, Taiwan (n = 100) and the United States (n = 72). The parents or guardians of the child with ASD completed a questionnaire including demographic information, child's motor skills (using Children Activity Scale - Parents, ChAS-P), and child's EF (using Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory, CHEXI). A series of hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to determine whether ChAS-P (total motor score, fine motor skills, and gross motor skill) was associated with CHEXI (total EF score, working memory, and inhibition), after controlling for covariates (i.e., age, gender, race, body mass index, whether children received physical activity or cognitive training, parental education level). Results Total motor skills, fine motor skills, and gross motor skills were significantly associated with EF in both working memory and inhibition as rated by parents in both countries (β = 0.21-0.57, p < 0.01), with the exception of a non-significant association between parent-rated total motor skills, fine motor skills, and gross motor skills, and inhibition among Taiwanese children with ASD. In addition, the associations between parent ratings of motor skills (i.e., fine motor and gross motor skills) and EF (i.e., working memory and inhibition) were similar between the two countries. Conclusion Positive associations with specific aspects of parent ratings of fine motor and gross motor skills and working memory and inhibition were found in children with ASD from both countries. These findings have implications for future interventions and programs focused on improving early motor skills and EF development for young children with ASD from Taiwan and the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chih Sung
- Department of Human Performance and Health, University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, SC, United States
| | | | - William Massey
- College of Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Samuel W. Logan
- College of Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Megan MacDonald
- College of Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
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Miller HL, Licari MK, Bhat A, Aziz-Zadeh LS, Van Damme T, Fears NE, Cermak SA, Tamplain PM. Motor problems in autism: Co-occurrence or feature? Dev Med Child Neurol 2024; 66:16-22. [PMID: 37332143 PMCID: PMC10725993 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Motor features of autism have long been acknowledged by clinicians, researchers, and community stakeholders. Current DSM-5 and ICD-11 guidelines allow clinicians to assign a co-occurring diagnosis of developmental [motor] coordination disorder (DCD) for autistic individuals with significant motor problems. DCD is characterized by poor motor proficiency with an onset of symptoms in early development. Studies have shown considerable overlap in the behavioral motor features observed in autism and DCD. However, others indicate that motor problems in autism and DCD may stem from different underlying sensorimotor mechanisms. Regardless of whether autism has a unique motor phenotype or an overlap with DCD, changes need to be made in the clinical pipeline to address motor problems in autism at the stages of recognition, assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. Consensus is needed to address unmet needs in research on the etiology of motor problems in autism and their overlap with DCD, to optimize clinical practice guidelines. The development of screening and assessment tools for motor problems that are valid and reliable for use with autistic individuals is essential, and an evidence-based clinical pipeline for motor problems in autism is urgently needed. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Motor problems in autism are highly prevalent, yet underdiagnosed and poorly managed. An evidence-based clinical pipeline for motor problems in autism is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haylie L. Miller
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Melissa K. Licari
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anjana Bhat
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Lisa S. Aziz-Zadeh
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Chan Division of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tine Van Damme
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicholas E. Fears
- School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Sharon A. Cermak
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Lin W, Chan YH, Kiing JSH, Lim TSH, Chong SC, Kang YQ, Aishworiya R, Mulay KV, Tan MY. Restricted and repetitive behaviors and association with cognition and adaptive functioning in children with autism spectrum disorder in Singapore. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1249071. [PMID: 38034929 PMCID: PMC10687550 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1249071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background One of the core features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities (RRBs). RRBs are known to adversely affect cognition and adaptive functioning. We explored the relationship of RRBs with cognition and adaptive functioning in children with ASD in an Asian setting. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary developmental pediatrics center in Singapore from September 2019 to October 2021. Parent-child dyads (parents and their children ≤7 years old diagnosed with ASD) were recruited. Parents completed the Repetitive Behavior Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2), which reports total score and two subscales - Motor/Sensory Behaviors (RBQ-2 MS) and Rigidity/Routines/Preoccupation with Restricted Interests (RBQ-2 RRPRI). Standardized assessments included Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS-II). Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation. Results Parents of 113 children [75.2% male, mean (SD) age 5.0 (1.2) years] participated. Median (IQR) RBQ-2 score was 29.0 (11.0). Significant negative correlations (adjusted for age, gender and family history of ASD) were observed for total RBQ-2 scores with MSEL ELC scores (r = -0.248, n = 101, p = 0.014) and VABS-II ABC scores (r = -0.281, n = 88, p = 0.009). Specifically, these correlations of fair strength were seen only with the RBQ-2 MS subscale for both ELC (r = -0.321, n = 101, p = 0.001) and ABC (r = -0.3478, n = 88, p = 0.001). Conclusion In children with ASD, severity of RRBs correlated with adverse cognition and adaptive functioning measures in our study, consistent with Western literature. While our study does not show causality, it adds to literature serving as a foundation for further research for both clinicians and researchers to target RRBs in improving outcomes with children in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyun Lin
- Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yiong Huak Chan
- Biostatistics Unit, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jennifer S. H. Kiing
- Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tammy S. H. Lim
- Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shang Chee Chong
- Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ying Qi Kang
- Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ramkumar Aishworiya
- Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kalyani Vijayakumar Mulay
- Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mae Yue Tan
- Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Cording KR, Bateup HS. Altered motor learning and coordination in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1270489. [PMID: 38026686 PMCID: PMC10663323 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1270489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with increasing prevalence. Over 1,000 risk genes have now been implicated in ASD, suggesting diverse etiology. However, the diagnostic criteria for the disorder still comprise two major behavioral domains - deficits in social communication and interaction, and the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior (RRBs). The RRBs associated with ASD include both stereotyped repetitive movements and other motor manifestations including changes in gait, balance, coordination, and motor skill learning. In recent years, the striatum, the primary input center of the basal ganglia, has been implicated in these ASD-associated motor behaviors, due to the striatum's role in action selection, motor learning, and habit formation. Numerous mouse models with mutations in ASD risk genes have been developed and shown to have alterations in ASD-relevant behaviors. One commonly used assay, the accelerating rotarod, allows for assessment of both basic motor coordination and motor skill learning. In this corticostriatal-dependent task, mice walk on a rotating rod that gradually increases in speed. In the extended version of this task, mice engage striatal-dependent learning mechanisms to optimize their motor routine and stay on the rod for longer periods. This review summarizes the findings of studies examining rotarod performance across a range of ASD mouse models, and the resulting implications for the involvement of striatal circuits in ASD-related motor behaviors. While performance in this task is not uniform across mouse models, there is a cohort of models that show increased rotarod performance. A growing number of studies suggest that this increased propensity to learn a fixed motor routine may reflect a common enhancement of corticostriatal drive across a subset of mice with mutations in ASD-risk genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Cording
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Helen S. Bateup
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Keating J, Gerson SA, Jones CRG, Vanderwert RE, Purcell C. Possible disrupted biological movement processing in Developmental Coordination Disorder. Cortex 2023; 168:1-13. [PMID: 37634268 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM There is emerging evidence that the Mirror Neuron System (MNS) might contribute to the motor learning difficulties characteristic of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). This study aimed to identify whether MNS activity differed between children with and without DCD during action observation, action execution and during a non-action baseline. METHODS Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure mu rhythm (a proxy for MNS activation) in 8-12-year-old children either with (n = 20) or without (n = 19) a diagnosis of DCD. The mu rhythm was recorded at rest and during five experimental conditions: (1) observation of gross motor and (2) fine motor actions; (3) execution of gross motor and (4) fine motor actions; and (5) non-biological movement. To address whether potential co-occurring traits of other neurodevelopmental conditions were associated with differences in mu rhythm, parents reported their child's attention and social communication skills. Mixed and repeated measure ANOVAs were conducted to examine differences in mu desynchronization and mu power respectively. RESULTS The non-DCD group showed greater mu rhythm desynchronization than children with DCD (i.e., more MNS activity), with both groups demonstrating increasing desynchronization from observation of fine actions to execution of gross actions. However, we also found that the children with DCD had less mu power during the non-biological movement condition than the non-DCD children, although mu power did not differ between groups during the resting condition. Correlations between mu desynchronization and children's attention and motor skills showed that poorer attention and motor abilities were associated with reduced MNS activity. CONCLUSION Compared to children without DCD, the MNS in children with DCD did not distinguish between biological and non-biological movement. It is possible that the reduced specificity of the MNS in children with DCD is an underlying factor in the motor impairments observed in the disorder. The differential MNS activity could reflect broader atypical activity in perceptual networks that feed into the MNS in DCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Keating
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Sarah A Gerson
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Catherine R G Jones
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ross E Vanderwert
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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17
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Jin YR, Sung YS, Koh CL, Chu SY, Yang HC, Lin LY. Efficacy of Motor Interventions on Functional Performance Among Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Occup Ther 2023; 77:7706205020. [PMID: 37992052 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2023.050283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Motor ability plays an important role in overall developmental profiles. Preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at risk of motor skills deficits and delays. However, evidence of the efficacy of different motor interventions for the identification of optimal treatment types is lacking, especially for preschool children with ASD. OBJECTIVE To examine the efficacy of the Motor Skill Occupational Therapy Intervention ON ASD (MOTION-ASD) and Cognitive Orientation Exercise (CO-EXC) programs to improve motor skills performance, self-care performance, and adaptive behaviors among preschool children with ASD. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial, two-group, triple-blinded, repeated-measures design Setting: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Thirteen preschool children with ASD (M age = 4.91 yr). OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Second Edition, Brief Form, Assessment of Motor and Process Skills, and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Third Edition. RESULTS Children in the MOTION-ASD group showed significantly greater improvements in manual coordination and overall gross and fine manual skills than those in the CO-EXC group immediately after the intervention. Significant improvements in fine manual control, body coordination, overall motor skills, and self-care performance were made throughout both interventions and were retained at the posttest and the 4-wk follow-up. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings provide supporting evidence that motor skills interventions involving fundamental skills and cognitive training may be a viable therapeutic option for treating children with ASD. The results also suggest that practitioners may consider providing structured and strategic motor skills interventions for preschool children with ASD. What This Article Adds: This study's rigorous tests of motor skills interventions support ways to manage motor difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An intervention based on motor learning theory could benefit preschool children with ASD, especially in terms of manual coordination ability and overall gross and fine motor skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ru Jin
- Yu-Ru Jin, MS, is Doctoral Student, Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. At the time this research was conducted, Jin was Graduate Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shan Sung
- Yi-Shan Sung, PhD, was PhD Candidate, Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, at the time this research was conducted
| | - Chia-Lin Koh
- Chia-Lin Koh, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shin Ying Chu
- Shin Ying Chu, PhD, is Associate Professor, Head, Speech Sciences Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-CARE), National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hsiu-Ching Yang
- Hsiu-Ching Yang, MS, is Occupational Therapist, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Yi Lin
- Ling-Yi Lin, ScD, is Department Chair and Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, and Professor, Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan;
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Nobusako S, Wen W, Osumi M, Nakai A, Morioka S. Action-outcome Regularity Perceptual Sensitivity in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06144-x. [PMID: 37812371 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06144-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE An internal model deficit is considered to underlie developmental coordination disorder (DCD); thus, children with DCD have an altered sense of agency (SoA), which is associated with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the perception of action-outcome regularity is present in early development, is involved in the generation of SoA, and has roles in adaptive motor learning and coordinated motor skills. However, perceptual sensitivity to action-outcome regularity has not been examined in children with DCD. METHODS We investigated perceptual sensitivity to action-outcome regularity in 6-15-year-old children with DCD and age- and sex-matched typically developing (TD) children. Both groups were assessed for coordinated motor skills with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd Edition, while the DCD group was assessed with the DCD Questionnaire, Social Communication Questionnaire, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-Rating Scale, and Depression Self- Rating Scale for Children. RESULTS Perceptual sensitivity to action-outcome regularity was significantly reduced in children with DCD. However, there was a significant correlation between perceptual sensitivity to action-outcome regularity and age in DCD and TD children. Perceptual sensitivity to action-outcome regularity was significantly lower in younger children with DCD than in younger and older TD children, but there were no significant differences between older children with DCD and younger and older TD children. CONCLUSION The current results suggest that children with DCD have significantly reduced perceptual sensitivity to action-outcome regularity at younger ages, which may alter SoA and inhibit internal model development, thereby reducing motor skill coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Nobusako
- Neurorehabilitation Research Center, Kio University, 4-2-2 Umaminaka, Koryo-cho, Kitakatsuragi-gun, Nara, 635-0832, Japan.
- Graduate School of Health Science, Kio University, Koryo-cho, Nara, Japan.
| | - Wen Wen
- Department of Psychology, Rikkyo University, Niiza, Saitama, Japan
| | - Michihiro Osumi
- Neurorehabilitation Research Center, Kio University, 4-2-2 Umaminaka, Koryo-cho, Kitakatsuragi-gun, Nara, 635-0832, Japan
- Graduate School of Health Science, Kio University, Koryo-cho, Nara, Japan
| | - Akio Nakai
- Graduate School of Clinical Education, The Center for the Study of Child Development, Institute for Education, Mukogawa Women's University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Shu Morioka
- Neurorehabilitation Research Center, Kio University, 4-2-2 Umaminaka, Koryo-cho, Kitakatsuragi-gun, Nara, 635-0832, Japan
- Graduate School of Health Science, Kio University, Koryo-cho, Nara, Japan
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Orozco IM, Hernandez K, Mata J, Todd T, Mache M, Jarvis DN. Evaluation of Skipping in College Students with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder. Percept Mot Skills 2023; 130:2015-2030. [PMID: 37548573 DOI: 10.1177/00315125231194342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) demonstrate motor skill deficits in comparison to their neurotypically developing peers. However, it is unknown whether these motor skill deficits persist into adulthood. We evaluated skipping kinematics and motor performance in college students with and without ASD. We collected kinematic data from 20 college students, 10 with ASD and 10 without ASD, using a 12-camera three-dimensional motion capture system while participants completed three skipping trials. We scored skipping performance using Everyone Can! and the Halverson Developmental Sequences for Skipping, and we processed data using Cortex, Visual 3D, and MATLAB. We extracted data for center of mass excursion, peak velocity of joint extension, and peak joint angles of the hip, knee, and ankle of the dominant leg. Independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine differences between groups with an alpha level of p ≤ 0.05. We found no statistically significant differences for peak sagittal plane joint angles, velocities, or vertical center of mass excursion. However, the ASD group demonstrated greater medio-lateral center of mass displacement (ASD M = .08, SD = .1 m; Control M = .03, S = .03 m; p = .026) and greater frontal plane knee excursion (ASD M = 11.49, SD = 6.23°; Control M = 5.29, SD = 2.44°; p = .01) than participants without ASD. Similarly, the ASD group performed less proficiently in skipping than the group without ASD, as assessed by the developmental scoring methods (Everyone Can! composite score medians [interquartile range]: ASD M = 10.5, SD = 8; Control M = 15.0, SD = 0, p = .008). Despite many similarities in skipping kinematics between groups, participants with ASD were less proficient in skip performance than participants without ASD. Interventions for individuals with ASD addressing skipping proficiency or the performance of other locomotor skills, such as running and jumping, may promote participation in activities that involve complex motor skills and help individuals with ASD lead more physically active lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Munoz Orozco
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, CA, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kimberly Hernandez
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, CA, USA
| | - Joevanie Mata
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, CA, USA
| | - Teri Todd
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, CA, USA
| | - Melissa Mache
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Danielle N Jarvis
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Jayashankar A, Bynum B, Butera C, Kilroy E, Harrison L, Aziz-Zadeh L. Connectivity differences between inferior frontal gyrus and mentalizing network in autism as compared to developmental coordination disorder and non-autistic youth. Cortex 2023; 167:115-131. [PMID: 37549452 PMCID: PMC10543516 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Prior studies have compared neural connectivity during mentalizing tasks in autism (ASD) to non-autistic individuals and found reduced connectivity between the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and mentalizing regions. However, given that the IFG is involved in motor processing, and about 80% of autistic individuals have motor-related difficulties, it is necessary to explore if these differences are specific to ASD or instead similar across other developmental motor disorders, such as developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Participants (29 ASD, 20 DCD, 31 typically developing [TD]; ages 8-17) completed a mentalizing task in the fMRI scanner, where they were asked to think about why someone was performing an action. Results indicated that the ASD group, as compared to both TD and DCD groups, showed significant functional connectivity differences when mentalizing about other's actions. The left IFG seed revealed ASD connectivity differences with the: bilateral temporoparietal junction (TPJ), left insular cortex, and bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Connectivity differences using the right IFG seed revealed ASD differences in the: left insula, and right DLPFC. These results indicate that connectivity differences between the IFG, mentalizing regions, emotion and motor processing regions are specific to ASD and not a result of potentially co-occurring motor differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Jayashankar
- Center for Neuroscience of Embodied Cognition (CeNEC), Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brittany Bynum
- Center for Neuroscience of Embodied Cognition (CeNEC), Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christiana Butera
- Center for Neuroscience of Embodied Cognition (CeNEC), Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emily Kilroy
- Center for Neuroscience of Embodied Cognition (CeNEC), Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Laura Harrison
- Center for Neuroscience of Embodied Cognition (CeNEC), Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Aziz-Zadeh
- Center for Neuroscience of Embodied Cognition (CeNEC), Brain and Creativity Institute, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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21
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Arthur T, Vine S, Buckingham G, Brosnan M, Wilson M, Harris D. Testing predictive coding theories of autism spectrum disorder using models of active inference. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011473. [PMID: 37695796 PMCID: PMC10529610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Several competing neuro-computational theories of autism have emerged from predictive coding models of the brain. To disentangle their subtly different predictions about the nature of atypicalities in autistic perception, we performed computational modelling of two sensorimotor tasks: the predictive use of manual gripping forces during object lifting and anticipatory eye movements during a naturalistic interception task. In contrast to some accounts, we found no evidence of chronic atypicalities in the use of priors or weighting of sensory information during object lifting. Differences in prior beliefs, rates of belief updating, and the precision weighting of prediction errors were, however, observed for anticipatory eye movements. Most notably, we observed autism-related difficulties in flexibly adapting learning rates in response to environmental change (i.e., volatility). These findings suggest that atypical encoding of precision and context-sensitive adjustments provide a better explanation of autistic perception than generic attenuation of priors or persistently high precision prediction errors. Our results did not, however, support previous suggestions that autistic people perceive their environment to be persistently volatile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Arthur
- School of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Vine
- School of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin Buckingham
- School of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Brosnan
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Wilson
- School of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - David Harris
- School of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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22
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Martín-Díaz P, Carratalá-Tejada M, Molina-Rueda F, Cuesta-Gómez A. Reliability and agreement of the timed up and go test in children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorder. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:3577-3585. [PMID: 37227499 PMCID: PMC10209578 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05027-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
ASD patients include a variety of motor deficits; however, these issues have received less scientific attention than other ASD symptoms. Due to understanding and behavioral difficulties, it might be difficult to administer motor assessment measures to children and adolescents with ASD. To evaluate motor challenges in this population, including gait and dynamic balance issues, the timed up and go test (TUG) may be a simple, easy to apply, quick, and inexpensive tool. This test measures in seconds the time it takes for an individual to get up from a standard chair walk 3 m, turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down again. The study purpose was to evaluate the inter- and intra-rater reliability of TUG test in children and teenagers with ASD. A total of 50 children and teenagers with ASD (43 boys and 7 girls) between 6 and 18 years were included. Reliability was verified by the intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, and minimum detectable change. The agreement was analyzed by the Bland-Altman method. A good intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.79-0.93) and an excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0,99; 95% CI = 0.98 to 0.99) were observed. Additionally, Bland-Altman plots demonstrated that there was no evidence of bias in either the replicates or between examiners. Furthermore, the limits of agreement (LOAs) between the testers and test replicates were close, indicating that there was little variation between measurements. Conclusions: The test TUG showed strong intra- and inter-rater reliability values, low proportion of measurement errors, and lack of significant bias based on by test repetition in children and teenagers with ASD. These results could be clinically useful for assessing balance and the risk of falls in children and teenagers with ASD. However, the present study is not free of limitations, such as the use of a non-probabilistic sampling. What is Known: • People with ASD have a variety of motor deficits that have a prevalence rate almost as common as intellectual disability. In our knowledge, there are no studies that provide data on the reliability of the use of scales or assessment tests in children and adolescents with ASD to measure motor difficulties, such as gait and dynamic balance, in children and teenagers with ASD. • Timed up and go test (TUG) could be a possible tool to measure this motor skills. What is New: • The reliability and agreement of the Timed up and go test in 50 children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorder showed strong intra- and inter-rater reliability values, low proportion of measurement errors, and lack of significant bias based on by test repetition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Martín-Díaz
- International PhD School, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28008 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Carratalá-Tejada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Molina-Rueda
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Cuesta-Gómez
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
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23
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Wakim KM, Foxe JJ, Molholm S. Cued motor processing in autism and typical development: A high-density electrical mapping study of response-locked neural activity in children and adolescents. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:2766-2786. [PMID: 37340622 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Motor atypicalities are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are often evident prior to classical ASD symptoms. Despite evidence of differences in neural processing during imitation in autistic individuals, research on the integrity and spatiotemporal dynamics of basic motor processing is surprisingly sparse. To address this need, we analysed electroencephalography (EEG) data recorded from a large sample of autistic (n = 84) and neurotypical (n = 84) children and adolescents while they performed an audiovisual speeded reaction time (RT) task. Analyses focused on RTs and response-locked motor-related electrical brain responses over frontoparietal scalp regions: the late Bereitschaftspotential, the motor potential and the reafferent potential. Evaluation of behavioural task performance indicated greater RT variability and lower hit rates in autistic participants compared to typically developing age-matched neurotypical participants. Overall, the data revealed clear motor-related neural responses in ASD, but with subtle differences relative to typically developing participants evident over fronto-central and bilateral parietal scalp sites prior to response onset. Group differences were further parsed as a function of age (6-9, 9-12 and 12-15 years), sensory cue preceding the response (auditory, visual and bi-sensory audiovisual) and RT quartile. Group differences in motor-related processing were most prominent in the youngest group of children (age 6-9), with attenuated cortical responses observed for young autistic participants. Future investigations assessing the integrity of such motor processes in younger children, where larger differences may be present, are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn-Mary Wakim
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - John J Foxe
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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25
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Araujo MO, Tamplain P, Duarte NAC, Comodo ACM, Ferreira GOA, Queiróga A, Oliveira CS, Collange-Grecco LA. Transcranial direct current stimulation to facilitate neurofunctional rehabilitation in children with autism spectrum disorder: a protocol for a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1196585. [PMID: 37396775 PMCID: PMC10310925 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1196585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex and cerebellum is gaining prominence in the literature due to its potential to favor learning and motor performance. If administered during motor training, tDCS is capable of increasing the effect of training. Considering the motor impairment presented by children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), atDCS applied during motor training may contribute to the rehabilitation of these children. However, it is necessary to examine and compare the effects of atDCS over the motor cortex and the cerebellum on the motor skills of children with ASD. This information may benefit future clinical indications of tDCS for rehabilitation of children with ASD. The aim of the proposed study is to determine whether anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex and cerebellum can enhance the effects of gait training and postural control on motor skills, mobility, functional balance, cortical excitability, cognitive aspects and behavioral aspects in children with ASD. Our hypothesis is the active tDCS combined with motor training will enhance the performance of the participants in comparison to sham tDCS. Methods and design A randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind clinical trial will be conducted involving 30 children with ASD that will be recruited to receive ten sessions of sham or ten sessions of active anodal tDCS (1 mA, 20 min) over the primary motor cortex or cerebellun combined with motor training. The participants will be assessed before as well as one, four and eight weeks after the interventions. The primary outcome will be gross and fine motor skills. The secondary outcomes will be mobility, functional balance, motor cortical excitability, cognitive aspects and behavioral aspects. Discussion Although abnormalities in gait and balance are not primary characteristics of ASD, such abnormalities compromise independence and global functioning during the execution of routine activities of childhood. If demonstrated that anodal tDCS administered over areas of the brain involved in motor control, such as the primary motor cortex and cerebellum, can enhance the effects of gait and balance training in only ten sessions in two consecutive weeks, the clinical applicability of this stimulation modality will be expanded as well as more scientifically founded.Clinical trial registration February 16, 2023 (https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3bskhwf).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela O. Araujo
- Human Movement and Rehabilitation, Post Graduate Program, Evangelic University of Goias, Anápolis, Brazil
- Children's Rehabilitation Department, Follow Kids Child Neurorehabilitation Clinic, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Priscila Tamplain
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Natália A. C. Duarte
- Human Movement and Rehabilitation, Post Graduate Program, Evangelic University of Goias, Anápolis, Brazil
| | - Andréa C. M. Comodo
- Children's Rehabilitation Department, Follow Kids Child Neurorehabilitation Clinic, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Giselle O. A. Ferreira
- Children's Rehabilitation Department, Follow Kids Child Neurorehabilitation Clinic, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Amanda Queiróga
- Department of Child Neurofunctional Physiotherapy, Center of Pediatric Neurostimulation, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudia S. Oliveira
- Human Movement and Rehabilitation, Post Graduate Program, Evangelic University of Goias, Anápolis, Brazil
| | - Luanda A. Collange-Grecco
- Human Movement and Rehabilitation, Post Graduate Program, Evangelic University of Goias, Anápolis, Brazil
- Department of Child Neurofunctional Physiotherapy, Center of Pediatric Neurostimulation, São Paulo, Brazil
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26
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You H, Shi J, Huang F, Wei Z, Jones G, Du W, Hua J. Advances in Genetics and Epigenetics of Developmental Coordination Disorder in Children. Brain Sci 2023; 13:940. [PMID: 37371418 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a developmental disorder characterized by impaired motor coordination, often co-occurring with attention deficit disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and other psychological and behavioural conditions. The aetiology of DCD is believed to involve brain changes and environmental factors, with genetics also playing a role in its pathogenesis. Recent research has identified several candidate genes and genetic factors associated with motor impairment, including deletions, copy number variations, single nucleotide polymorphisms, and epigenetic modifications. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge in genetic research on DCD, highlighting the importance of continued research into the underlying genetic mechanisms. While evidence suggests a genetic contribution to DCD, the evidence is still in its early stages, and much of the current evidence is based on studies of co-occurring conditions. Further research to better understand the genetic basis of DCD could have important implications for diagnosis, treatment, and our understanding of the condition's aetiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizhen You
- Department of Women and Children's Health Care, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Junyao Shi
- Women and Children Health Care Institution of Pudong District, Shanghai 200021, China
| | - Fangfang Huang
- Department of Women and Children's Health Care, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Zhiyun Wei
- Department of Women and Children's Health Care, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Gary Jones
- NTU Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 6AA, UK
| | - Wenchong Du
- NTU Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 6AA, UK
| | - Jing Hua
- Department of Women and Children's Health Care, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
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27
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Fears NE, Sherrod GM, Blankenship D, Patterson RM, Hynan LS, Wijayasinghe I, Popa DO, Bugnariu NL, Miller HL. Motor differences in autism during a human-robot imitative gesturing task. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2023; 106:105987. [PMID: 37207496 PMCID: PMC10684312 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2023.105987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Difficulty with imitative gesturing is frequently observed as a clinical feature of autism. Current practices for assessment of imitative gesturing ability-behavioral observation and parent report-do not allow precise measurement of specific components of imitative gesturing performance, instead relying on subjective judgments. Advances in technology allow researchers to objectively quantify the nature of these movement differences, and to use less socially stressful interaction partners (e.g., robots). In this study, we aimed to quantify differences in imitative gesturing between autistic and neurotypical development during human-robot interaction. METHODS Thirty-five autistic (n = 19) and neurotypical (n = 16) participants imitated social gestures of an interactive robot (e.g., wave). The movements of the participants and the robot were recorded using an infrared motion-capture system with reflective markers on corresponding head and body locations. We used dynamic time warping to quantify the degree to which the participant's and robot's movement were aligned across the movement cycle and work contribution to determine how each joint angle was producing the movements. FINDINGS Results revealed differences between autistic and neurotypical participants in imitative accuracy and work contribution, primarily in the movements requiring unilateral extension of the arm. Autistic individuals imitated the robot less accurately and used less work at the shoulder compared to neurotypical individuals. INTERPRETATION These findings indicate differences in autistic participants' ability to imitate an interactive robot. These findings build on our understanding of the underlying motor control and sensorimotor integration mechanisms that support imitative gesturing in autism which may aid in identifying appropriate intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E Fears
- University of North Texas, Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Gabriela M Sherrod
- University of North Texas, Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
| | | | - Rita M Patterson
- University of North Texas, Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Linda S Hynan
- University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Dan O Popa
- University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Nicoleta L Bugnariu
- University of North Texas, Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; University of the Pacific, School of Health Sciences, USA
| | - Haylie L Miller
- University of North Texas, Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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28
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Xi K, Cai SQ, Yan HF, Tian Y, Cai J, Yang XM, Wang JM, Xing GG. CSMD3 Deficiency Leads to Motor Impairments and Autism-Like Behaviors via Dysfunction of Cerebellar Purkinje Cells in Mice. J Neurosci 2023; 43:3949-3969. [PMID: 37037606 PMCID: PMC10219040 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1835-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with highly heritable heterogeneity. Mutations of CUB and sushi multiple domains 3 (CSMD3) gene have been reported in individuals with ASD. However, the underlying mechanisms of CSMD3 for the onset of ASD remain unexplored. Here, using male CSMD3 knock-out (CSMD3 -/-) mice, we found that genetic deletion of CSMD3 produced core autistic-like symptoms (social interaction deficits, restricted interests, and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors) and motor dysfunction in mice, indicating that the CSMD3 gene can be considered as a candidate for ASD. Moreover, we discovered that the ablation of CSMD3 in mice led to abnormal cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) morphology in Crus I/II lobules, including aberrant developmental dendritogenesis and spinogenesis of PCs. Furthermore, combining in vivo fiber photometry calcium imaging and ex vivo electrophysiological recordings, we showed that the CSMD3 -/- mice exhibited an increased neuronal activity (calcium fluorescence signals) in PCs of Crus I/II lobules in response to movement activity, as well as an enhanced intrinsic excitability of PCs and an increase of excitatory rather than inhibitory synaptic input to the PCs, and an impaired long-term depression at the parallel fiber-PC synapse. These results suggest that CSMD3 plays an important role in the development of cerebellar PCs. Loss of CSMD3 causes abnormal PC morphology and dysfunction in the cerebellum, which may underlie the pathogenesis of motor deficits and core autistic-like symptoms in CSMD3 -/- mice. Our findings provide novel insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms by which CSMD3 mutations cause impairments in cerebellar function that may contribute to ASD.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with highly heritable heterogeneity. Advances in genomic analysis have contributed to numerous candidate genes for the risk of ASD. Recently, a novel giant gene CSMD3 encoding a protein with CUB and sushi multiple domains (CSMDs) has been identified as a candidate gene for ASD. However, the underlying mechanisms of CSMD3 for the onset of ASD remain largely unknown. Here, we unravel that loss of CSMD3 results in abnormal morphology, increased intrinsic excitabilities, and impaired synaptic plasticity in cerebellar PCs, subsequently leading to motor deficits and ASD-like behaviors in mice. These results provide novel insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms by which CSMD3 mutations cause impairments in cerebellar function that may contribute to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Xi
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
- Health Science Center, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of China, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Qing Cai
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
- Health Science Center, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of China, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Fang Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Tian
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
- Health Science Center, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of China, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Cai
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
- Health Science Center, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of China, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Mei Yang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Min Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo-Gang Xing
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
- Health Science Center, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of China, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Henan 453002, People's Republic of China
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Yano N, Hosokawa K. The importance of comprehensive support based on the three pillars of exercise, nutrition, and sleep for improving core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1119142. [PMID: 37260760 PMCID: PMC10228143 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1119142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-V, which first described ASD, lists persistent deficits in social communication and interrelationships, as well as limited and recurrent modes of behavior, interests, and activities as diagnostic items. Until recently, understanding the pathophysiology of ASD has been mostly from a neurophysiological perspective, and interventions have been mostly behavioral and psychological. In recent years, however, it has become clear that ASD also affects many bodily systems, including the immune system, the sensorimotor system, and the gut-brain axis, and that these factors simultaneously influence it. In light of this background, a new "connectivome theory" has been proposed as a hypothesis for understanding ASD. "Exercise," "nutrition," and "sleep," which are discussed in this mini-review, have a particularly strong relationship with the immune, musculoskeletal, and gut systems among the pathologies mentioned in the "connectivome theory," furthermore, many reports suggest improvements in stereo-responsive behavior and social and communication skills, which are the core symptoms of ASD. In addition, these interventions are characterized by being less subject to location and cost limitations and excel in the continuity of therapeutic intervention, and the three interventions may have a reciprocal positive impact and may function as three pillars to support ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomu Yano
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Doctoral Course, Kagoshima University Graduate School, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kenji Hosokawa
- Department of Child Care and Education, Odawara Junior College, Nagoya, Japan
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30
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Lu M, Liu M, Pang F, Peng T, Liu Y, Wen J. Stumbling Block in Providing Physical Activity Support Among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Moderated Mediation Analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-05957-0. [PMID: 37171768 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05957-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) benefits children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Evidence suggests that some barriers impede parents from providing PA support for their children with ASD. Parental perceived stigma is one of these barriers. However, few studies have explored how parental perceived stigma influences parental PA support. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental perceived stigma and parental PA support, the mediating role of parental self-efficacy, and the moderating effect of having other typically developing children or not. A total of 274 participants were recruited to participate in the study. The results showed that parental self-efficacy mediated the association between parental perceived stigma and parental PA support and the moderating effect of having other typically developing children or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Lu
- School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingqing Liu
- School of Special Education, Yuzhang Normal University, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Feifan Pang
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyu Peng
- Special Education Department, School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Liu
- School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajie Wen
- School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
- Guangzhou University, No. 230, West Waihuan Street, Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
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Cheung WC, Ostrosky MM. Supporting Preschoolers' Motor Development in Virtual Environments: Listening to Teachers' Voices. Early Child Educ J 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37360591 PMCID: PMC10111320 DOI: 10.1007/s10643-023-01492-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Going down a slide, dancing to music, and pushing someone on a tire swing are more than simply "play activities" or a means to staying physically fit. Engagement in motor play provides important opportunities for preschoolers to develop a variety of skills, including gross motor, social, communication, and cognitive skills. However, during the past several years, since the identification of the COVID-19 virus, no guidelines have been available to ensure that gross motor content is addressed while simultaneously meeting the educational needs of preschoolers with and without disabilities during virtual learning. The purpose of this study was to understand the benefits and challenges that 26 preschool teachers faced as they attempted to embed motor play into their curriculum during virtual learning. All teachers worked in inclusive preschool settings and interviews were conducted between March-June 2021. Constant comparative analysis and emergent coding were used to interpret the data. Findings revealed that school readiness skills were the primary focus of virtual learning. Teachers indicated that motor play can help expand students' pre-academic skills, be fun and motivating for children, and help students be more focused and attentive. Some logistical barriers (e.g., technology, limited physical spaces, limited resources) need to be addressed in order to successfully teach motor play in a virtual format. Study findings suggest policies and guidelines need to be established to provide young children with high quality and accessible virtual instruction. Implications for research and practice are discussed. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10643-023-01492-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Catherine Cheung
- Department of Special Education, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 288 Education, 1310 South Sixth Street, Champaign, IL 61820 USA
| | - Michaelene M. Ostrosky
- Department of Special Education, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 288 Education, 1310 South Sixth Street, Champaign, IL 61820 USA
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Minissi ME, Gómez-Zaragozá L, Marín-Morales J, Mantovani F, Sirera M, Abad L, Cervera-Torres S, Gómez-García S, Chicchi Giglioli IA, Alcañiz M. The whole-body motor skills of children with autism spectrum disorder taking goal-directed actions in virtual reality. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1140731. [PMID: 37089733 PMCID: PMC10117537 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1140731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Many symptoms of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are evident in early infancy, but ASD is usually diagnosed much later by procedures lacking objective measurements. It is necessary to anticipate the identification of ASD by improving the objectivity of the procedure and the use of ecological settings. In this context, atypical motor skills are reaching consensus as a promising ASD biomarker, regardless of the level of symptom severity. This study aimed to assess differences in the whole-body motor skills between 20 children with ASD and 20 children with typical development during the execution of three tasks resembling regular activities presented in virtual reality. The virtual tasks asked to perform precise and goal-directed actions with different limbs vary in their degree of freedom of movement. Parametric and non-parametric statistical methods were applied to analyze differences in children's motor skills. The findings endorsed the hypothesis that when particular goal-directed movements are required, the type of action could modulate the presence of motor abnormalities in ASD. In particular, the ASD motor abnormalities emerged in the task requiring to take with the upper limbs goal-directed actions with low degree of freedom. The motor abnormalities covered (1) the body part mainly involved in the action, and (2) further body parts not directly involved in the movement. Findings were discussed against the background of atypical prospective control of movements and visuomotor discoordination in ASD. These findings contribute to advance the understanding of motor skills in ASD while deepening ecological and objective assessment procedures based on VR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eleonora Minissi
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Tecnología Centrada en el Ser Humano (HUMAN-tech), Universitat Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucía Gómez-Zaragozá
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Tecnología Centrada en el Ser Humano (HUMAN-tech), Universitat Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Marín-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Tecnología Centrada en el Ser Humano (HUMAN-tech), Universitat Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Fabrizia Mantovani
- Centre for Studies in Communication Sciences “Luigi Anolli” (CESCOM), Department of Human Sciences for Education “Riccardo Massa”, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Marian Sirera
- Red Cenit, Centros de Desarrollo Cognitivo, Valencia, Spain
| | - Luis Abad
- Red Cenit, Centros de Desarrollo Cognitivo, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sergio Cervera-Torres
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Tecnología Centrada en el Ser Humano (HUMAN-tech), Universitat Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Soledad Gómez-García
- Facultad de Magisterio y Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad Católica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Irene Alice Chicchi Giglioli
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Tecnología Centrada en el Ser Humano (HUMAN-tech), Universitat Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mariano Alcañiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Tecnología Centrada en el Ser Humano (HUMAN-tech), Universitat Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Kangarani-Farahani M, Malik MA, Zwicker JG. Motor Impairments in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-05948-1. [PMID: 36949273 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05948-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
This article comprehensively reviews motor impairments in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to: (1) determine the prevalence of motor problems in children with ASD; (2) understand the nature of motor difficulties in ASD and whether they are consistent with developmental coordination disorder (DCD); and (3) determine if the term DCD was used as a co-occurring diagnosis in children with ASD after publication of the DSM-5 in 2013. The following databases were systematically searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from 2010 to December 2021. Articles were included if they: (1) were peer-reviewed and published in a scientific journal; (2) included children with ASD who were between 5 and 12 years; (3) used motor or function measures to assess motor abilities in children with ASD. Studies that included children with intellectual disabilities were excluded. Two independent reviewers reviewed titles, abstracts, and full-text articles for inclusion. Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were assessed for quality by two independent reviewers using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. The majority of articles (92.5%) indicated that 50-88% of children with ASD had significant motor impairments on standardized motor assessments and/or functional questionnaires. The nature of motor and function problems in ASD were consistent with DCD; however, only three out of 20 papers (15%) that were published from 2014 described the motor problems as DCD. One study reported that 15.1% of children with ASD with motor impairments had a co-occurring diagnosis of DCD, suggesting that DCD is under-recognized in this clinical population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melika Kangarani-Farahani
- Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, K3-180 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, V6H 3V4, Canada
| | - Myrah Anum Malik
- Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, K3-180 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, V6H 3V4, Canada
| | - Jill G Zwicker
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, K3-180 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, V6H 3V4, Canada.
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, Hamilton, Canada.
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Kabakov SA, Crary E, Menna V, Razo ER, Eickhoff JC, Dulaney NR, Drew JR, Bach KM, Poole AM, Stumpf M, Mitzey AM, Malicki KB, Schotzko ML, Pickett KA, Schultz-Darken NJ, Emborg ME, O'Connor DH, Golos TG, Mohr EL, Ausderau KK. Quantification of early gait development: Expanding the application of Catwalk technology to an infant rhesus macaque model. J Neurosci Methods 2023; 388:109811. [PMID: 36739916 PMCID: PMC10191118 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.109811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding gait development is essential for identifying motor impairments in neurodevelopmental disorders. Defining typical gait development in a rhesus macaque model is critical prior to characterizing abnormal gait. The goal of this study was to 1) explore the feasibility of using the Noldus Catwalk to assess gait in infant rhesus macaques and 2) provide preliminary normative data of gait development during the first month of life. NEW METHOD The Noldus Catwalk was used to assess gait speed, dynamic and static paw measurements, and interlimb coordination in twelve infant rhesus macaques at 14, 21, and 28 days of age. All macaque runs were labeled as a diagonal or non-diagonal walking pattern. RESULTS Infant rhesus macaques primarily used a diagonal (mature) walking pattern as early as 14 days of life. Ten infant rhesus macaques (83.3%) were able to successfully walk across the Noldus Catwalk at 28 days of life. Limited differences in gait parameters were observed between timepoints because of the variability within the group at 14, 21, and 28 days. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS No prior gait analysis system has been used to provide objective quantification of gait parameters for infant macaques. CONCLUSIONS The Catwalk system can be utilized to quantify gait in infant rhesus macaques less than 28 days old. Future applications to infant rhesus macaques could provide a better understanding of gait development and early differences within various neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina A Kabakov
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Emma Crary
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Viktorie Menna
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Elaina R Razo
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792
| | - Jens C Eickhoff
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Natalie R Dulaney
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - John R Drew
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Kathryn M Bach
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Aubreonna M Poole
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Madison Stumpf
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Ann M Mitzey
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Kerri B Malicki
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Michele L Schotzko
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Kristen A Pickett
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Nancy J Schultz-Darken
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Marina E Emborg
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA; Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - David H O'Connor
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Thaddeus G Golos
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Emma L Mohr
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792
| | - Karla K Ausderau
- Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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35
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Woodward K, Spencer APC, Jary S, Chakkarapani E. Factors associated with MRI success in children cooled for neonatal encephalopathy and controls. Pediatr Res 2023; 93:1017-1023. [PMID: 35906304 PMCID: PMC10033414 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02180-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate if an association exists between motion artefacts on brain MRI and comprehension, co-ordination, or hyperactivity scores in children aged 6-8 years, cooled for neonatal encephalopathy (cases) and controls. METHODS Case children (n = 50) without cerebral palsy were matched with 43 controls for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Children underwent T1-weighted (T1w), diffusion-weighted image (DWI) brain MRI and cognitive, behavioural, and motor skills assessment. Stepwise multivariable logistic regression assessed associations between unsuccessful MRI and comprehension (including Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) verbal comprehension, working memory, processing speed and full-scale IQ), co-ordination (including Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2) balance, manual dexterity, aiming and catching, and total scores) and hyperactivity (including Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) hyperactivity and total difficulties scores). RESULTS Cases had lower odds of completing both T1w and DWIs (OR: 0.31, 95% CI 0.11-0.89). After adjusting for case-status and sex, lower MABC-2 balance score predicted unsuccessful T1w MRI (OR: 0.81, 95% CI 0.67-0.97, p = 0.022). Processing speed was negatively correlated with relative motion on DWI (r = -0.25, p = 0.026) and SDQ total difficulties score was lower for children with successful MRIs (p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS Motion artefacts on brain MRI in early school-age children are related to the developmental profile. IMPACT Children who had moderate/severe neonatal encephalopathy are less likely to have successful MRI scans than matched controls. Motion artefact on MRI is associated with lower MABC-2 balance scores in both children who received therapeutic hypothermia for neonatal encephalopathy and matched controls, after controlling for case-status and sex. Exclusion of children with motion artefacts on brain MRI can introduce sampling bias, which impacts the utility of neuroimaging to understand the brain-behaviour relationship in children with functional impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Woodward
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Arthur P C Spencer
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Clinical Research and Imaging Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sally Jary
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ela Chakkarapani
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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36
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Fears NE, Sherrod GM, Templin TN, Bugnariu NL, Patterson RM, Miller HL. Community-based postural control assessment in autistic individuals indicates a similar but delayed trajectory compared to neurotypical individuals. Autism Res 2023; 16:543-557. [PMID: 36627838 PMCID: PMC10023334 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Autistic individuals exhibit significant sensorimotor differences. Postural stability and control are foundational motor skills for successfully performing many activities of daily living. In neurotypical development, postural stability and control develop throughout childhood and adolescence. In autistic development, previous studies have focused primarily on individual age groups (e.g., childhood, adolescence, adulthood) or only controlled for age using age-matching. Here, we examined the age trajectories of postural stability and control in autism from childhood through adolescents using standardized clinical assessments. In study 1, we tested the postural stability of autistic (n = 27) and neurotypical (n = 41) children, adolescents, and young adults aged 7-20 years during quiet standing on a force plate in three visual conditions: eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), and eyes open with the head in a translucent dome (Dome). Postural sway variability decreased as age increased for both groups, but autistic participants showed greater variability than neurotypical participants across age. In study 2, we tested autistic (n = 21) and neurotypical (n = 32) children and adolescents aged 7-16 years during a dynamic postural control task with nine targets. Postural control efficiency increased as age increased for both groups, but autistic participants were less efficient compared to neurotypical participants across age. Together, these results indicate that autistic individuals have a similar age trajectory for postural stability and control compared to neurotypical individuals, but have lower postural stability and control overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E. Fears
- University of Michigan, 830 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48170, USA
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
- Louisiana State University, 50 Fieldhouse Dr. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70802, USA
| | - Gabriela M. Sherrod
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Tylan N. Templin
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
- Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Rd., San Antonio, TX, 78238, USA
| | - Nicoleta L. Bugnariu
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
- University of the Pacific, School of Health Sciences, 155 Fifth St., San Francisco, CA, 94103, USA
| | - Rita M. Patterson
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
| | - Haylie L. Miller
- University of Michigan, 830 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48170, USA
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76109, USA
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Bhat A, Tulsky DS, Boulton AJ. Cross-replicating findings on unique motor impairments of children with ASD using confirmatory factor analysis and a novel SPARK study sample. Autism Res 2023; 16:967-980. [PMID: 36840933 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
A series of recent reports have shed light on the pervasive nature of motor impairments in children with ASD (Bhat, 2020, 2021, Bhat et al., 2022), underscoring the importance of providing ASD clinicians efficient and accurate tools for motor screening. The Developmental Coordination Disorder-Questionnaire (DCD-Q) is a widely used motor screening tool, yet scant evidence exists regarding its psychometric properties in children with ASD. In a recent Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) of the 15-item DCD-Q in a large sample of children with ASD (SPARK study), we found a 5-factor latent structure that identified unique motor impairments in a large sample of children with ASD (Bhat et al., 2022). In the current study, we extend this work by cross-replicating the EFA findings of unique ASD-related motor issues using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) in a new, more recent wave of children with ASD from the SPARK study (N = 9721). The fits and interpretability of 11 hypothesis-driven CFA models, including 8 correlated-factors, 1 second-order, and 2 bifactor models were compared. Our findings supported the previous 5-factor model with 2 gross motor subdomains, 1 fine motor domain (similar to the original DCD-Q) and 2 general coordination subdomains. This model demonstrated acceptable fit in the new sample as well as superior fit compared to several other parsimonious correlated-factors models. However, the second-order and bifactor models fit slightly better and supported the presence of a general motor skills factor, although 38% of the common variance in the DCD-Q items remained attributable to the 5 subdomains. Using one of the bifactor models, measurement invariance was also supported for DCD-Q across sex, race, and co-occurring conditions of language disorder and intellectual disability. Only partial invariance was supported when testing DCD-Q scores across different age groups. These findings reveal a more complex dimensional picture of the DCD-Q in children with ASD. Results suggest that the DCD-Q can be used in two ways, total scores adequately assess general motor skills for brief screening and subdomain scores offer unique information on the multidimensional motor problems of children with ASD. If subdomain data are of interest, our findings call into question the practice of relying on 3 original subscales of the DCD-Q when screening for ASD-related motor difficulties, whereas 4 out of 5 subscale scores may better highlight domain-specific motor problems. Future studies should continue to further validate DCD-Q's ability to screen for multidimensional motor problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Bhat
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA.,Biomechanics & Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA.,Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - David S Tulsky
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA.,Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA.,Center for Health Assessment Research and Translation, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Aaron J Boulton
- Center for Health Assessment Research and Translation, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
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Perochon S, Matias Di Martino J, Carpenter KLH, Compton S, Davis N, Espinosa S, Franz L, Rieder AD, Sullivan C, Sapiro G, Dawson G. A tablet-based game for the assessment of visual motor skills in autistic children. NPJ Digit Med 2023; 6:17. [PMID: 36737475 PMCID: PMC9898502 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00762-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that early motor impairments are a common feature of autism. Thus, scalable, quantitative methods for measuring motor behavior in young autistic children are needed. This work presents an engaging and scalable assessment of visual-motor abilities based on a bubble-popping game administered on a tablet. Participants are 233 children ranging from 1.5 to 10 years of age (147 neurotypical children and 86 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder [autistic], of which 32 are also diagnosed with co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [autistic+ADHD]). Computer vision analyses are used to extract several game-based touch features, which are compared across autistic, autistic+ADHD, and neurotypical participants. Results show that younger (1.5-3 years) autistic children pop the bubbles at a lower rate, and their ability to touch the bubble's center is less accurate compared to neurotypical children. When they pop a bubble, their finger lingers for a longer period, and they show more variability in their performance. In older children (3-10-years), consistent with previous research, the presence of co-occurring ADHD is associated with greater motor impairment, reflected in lower accuracy and more variable performance. Several motor features are correlated with standardized assessments of fine motor and cognitive abilities, as evaluated by an independent clinical assessment. These results highlight the potential of touch-based games as an efficient and scalable approach for assessing children's visual-motor skills, which can be part of a broader screening tool for identifying early signs associated with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Perochon
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France
| | - J Matias Di Martino
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kimberly L H Carpenter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Scott Compton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Naomi Davis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Steven Espinosa
- Office of Information Technology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lauren Franz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amber D Rieder
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Connor Sullivan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Guillermo Sapiro
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Geraldine Dawson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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Miller HL, Templin TN, Fears NE, Sherrod GM, Patterson RM, Bugnariu NL. Movement smoothness during dynamic postural control to a static target differs between autistic and neurotypical children. Gait Posture 2023; 99:76-82. [PMID: 36335658 PMCID: PMC10644903 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic children and adults have known differences in motor performance, including postural instability and atypical gross motor control. Few studies have specifically tested dynamic postural control. This is the first study to quantify movement smoothness and its relationship to task performance during lateral dynamic postural control tasks in autism. RESEARCH QUESTION We sought to test the hypothesis that autistic children would have less smooth movements to lateral static targets compared to neurotypical children, and that this difference would relate to specific movement strategies. METHODS We used camera-based motion-capture to measure spatiotemporal characteristics of lateral movement of a marker placed on the C7 vertebrae, and of markers comprising trunk and pelvis segments during a dynamic postural movements to near and far targets administered in an immersive virtual environment. We tested a sample of 15 autistic children and 11 age-matched neurotypical children. We quantified movement smoothness using log dimensionless jerk. RESULTS Autistic children exhibited more medial-lateral pelvic position range of motion compared to neurotypical children, and used a stepping strategy more often compared to neurotypical children. Autistic children also had higher log dimensionless jerk than neurotypical children for motion of the C7 marker. All participants had higher log dimensionless jerk for far targets than for near targets. Autistic children had longer trial durations than neurotypical children, and younger children had longer trial durations than older children across diagnostic groups. SIGNIFICANCE The stepping strategy observed more often in the autistic group likely contributed to log dimensionless jerk and reduced movement smoothness. This strategy is indicative of either an attempt to prevent an impending loss of balance, or an attempt to compensate for and recover from a loss of balance once it is detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haylie L Miller
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA; University of Michigan, 830 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48170, USA.
| | - Tylan N Templin
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA; Southwest Research Institute, 6220 Culebra Rd., San Antonio, TX 78238, USA
| | - Nicholas E Fears
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA; University of Michigan, 830 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48170, USA; Louisiana State University, School of Kinesiology, 1246 Pleasant Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Gabriela M Sherrod
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA; University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Rita M Patterson
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA
| | - Nicoleta L Bugnariu
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, School of Health Professions, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA; University of the Pacific, School of Health Sciences, 3200 Fifth Ave., Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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40
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Bhat A. Multidimensional motor performance in children with autism mostly remains stable with age and predicts social communication delay, language delay, functional delay, and repetitive behavior severity after accounting for intellectual disability or cognitive delay: A SPARK dataset analysis. Autism Res 2023; 16:208-229. [PMID: 36533674 PMCID: PMC9939031 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
When motor difficulties continue into adolescence/adulthood, they could negatively impact an individual with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)'s daily living skills, physical fitness, as well as physical and mental health/well-being. Few studies have examined motor difficulties in children with ASD as a function of sex or age; however, greater cognitive challenges are associated with worse general motor performance. Based on the Developmental Coordination Disorder-Questionnaire (DCD-Q) data from the SPARK study sample, 87%-88% children with ASD were at-risk for a general motor impairment that persisted until 15 years and was related to their core and co-occurring difficulties. Bhat et al. confirmed motor difficulties in children with ASD on multiple motor dimensions that predicted core and co-occurring conditions after accounting for age and sex. However, presence of intellectual disability (ID) or cognitive delay was not controlled in the previous analysis. Additionally, the effects of age, sex, and cognitive ability on multidimensional motor difficulties of the SPARK sample have not been discussed before. Therefore, this analysis examines the effects of age, sex, and cognitive ability (presence of ID or level of cognitive delay) on the motor performance of children from the SPARK sample using the DCD-Q. Except fine motor skills, multiple motor domains did not change with age in children with ASD. Females without ID improved their fine motor scores with age, and performed better compared to males without ID. Children with ASD and ID had greater motor difficulties across multiple motor domains than those without ID. Even after controlling for age, sex, and presence of ID/cognitive delay; motor performance was predictive of social communication skills, repetitive behavior severity, as well as language and functional delays. Gross motor skills contributed more than fine motor and general motor competence skills in predicting social communication delay. However, fine motor and general motor competence skills contributed more than gross motor skills in predicting repetitive behavior severity and language delay. Both, fine and gross motor skills predicted functional delay. In light of consistent findings on motor difficulties in children with ASD, adding motor issues as a specifier within the ASD definition could provide a clear clinical route for movement clinicians to address motor difficulties of individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Bhat
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA,Biomechanics & Movement Science Program, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA,Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
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41
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Umesawa Y, Matsushima K, Fukatsu R, Terao Y, Ide M. Hand-foot coordination is significantly influenced by motion direction in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2023; 16:40-51. [PMID: 36317815 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Generally, when individuals attempt to move two limbs rhythmically in the opposite direction (e.g., flex the left hand and extend the left foot along the sagittal plane), the movements tend to be instead performed in the same direction. This phenomenon, known as directional constraint, can be harnessed to examine the difficulties in movement coordination exhibited by most individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While such difficulties have already been investigated through standardized clinical assessments, they have not been examined through kinematic methods. Thus, we employed a clinical assessment scale in an experimentally controlled environment to investigate whether stronger directional constraint during the rhythmic movement of two limbs is more pronounced and associated with decreased movement coordination in individuals with ASD. ASD and typically developing (TD) participants were asked to rhythmically move two limbs either in the same or opposite directions. In addition, the coordination skills of participants were assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Second Edition (BOT-2). Subjects with ASD showed significantly stronger directional constraint than TD participants during the contralateral and ipsilateral movement of the hand and foot. According to the pooled data from both groups, participants who showed stronger directional constraint during these two movement conditions also exhibited poorer coordinated movement skills in the BOT-2. These results suggest that people with ASD may have difficulties in inhibiting the neural signals that synchronize the direction of inter-limb movements, thus resulting in coordination disabilities. LAY SUMMARY: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit difficulties in coordinated movements. We asked those with ASD and typically developing (TD) participants to move two limbs (e.g., left hand and left foot) either in the same or the opposite direction. Results demonstrated that participants with ASD had more difficulties in counteracting the tendency of their hand and foot to synchronously move in the same direction. Our findings suggested that difficulties to suppress synchronized movements of the hand and foot result in coordination disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Umesawa
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan.,Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kanae Matsushima
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Reiko Fukatsu
- Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yasuo Terao
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masakazu Ide
- Developmental Disorders Section, Department of Rehabilitation for Brain Functions, Research Institute of National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Saitama, Japan
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Abstract
Direct, quantitative measures of hyperactivity and motor coordination, two motor characteristics associated with impairment in autism, are limited. Wearable sensors can objectively index real-world movement variables that may relate to these behaviors. Here, we explored the feasibility of bilateral wrist accelerometers for measuring upper limb activity in 3-10-year-olds with autism (n = 22; 19 boys, 3 girls; M age = 5.64, SD = 2.73 years) and without autism (n = 26; 15 boys, 11 girls; M age = 6.26, SD = 2.47 years). We investigated the relationships between movement characteristics related to duration, intensity, complexity, and symmetry on the one hand and parent-reported hyperactivity and motor coordination on the other. Participants with and without autism wore the sensors for 12-hour periods. Sensor variables varied by age but not sex, with movement intensity and complexity moderately related to motor coordination. These findings lend preliminary support to wearable sensors as a means of providing ecologically-valid metrics of motor characteristics that impact adaptive function in children with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Konrad
- Program in Physical Therapy, 12275Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Natasha Marrus
- Department of Psychiatry, 12275Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Catherine E Lang
- Program in Physical Therapy, 12275Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Program in Occupational Therapy, 12275Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Neurology, 12275Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Ienaga N, Takahata S, Terayama K, Enomoto D, Ishihara H, Noda H, Hagihara H. Development and Verification of Postural Control Assessment Using Deep-Learning-Based Pose Estimators: Towards Clinical Applications. Occup Ther Int 2022; 2022:1-9. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/6952999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Occupational therapists evaluate various aspects of a client’s occupational performance. Among these, postural control is one of the fundamental skills that need assessment. Recently, several methods have been proposed to estimate postural control abilities using deep-learning-based approaches. Such techniques allow for the potential to provide automated, precise, fine-grained quantitative indices simply by evaluating videos of a client engaging in a postural control task. However, the clinical applicability of these assessment tools requires further investigation. In the current study, we compared three deep-learning-based pose estimators to assess their clinical applicability in terms of accuracy of pose estimations and processing speed. In addition, we verified which of the proposed quantitative indices for postural controls best reflected the clinical evaluations of occupational therapists. A framework using deep-learning techniques broadens the possibility of quantifying clients’ postural control in a more fine-grained way compared with conventional coarse indices, which can lead to improved occupational therapy practice.
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Kilroy E, Gerbella M, Cao L, Molfese P, Butera C, Harrison L, Jayashankar A, Rizzolatti G, Aziz-Zadeh L. Specific tractography differences in autism compared to developmental coordination disorder. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19246. [PMID: 36376319 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21538-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
About 85% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience comorbid motor impairments, making it unclear whether white matter abnormalities previously found in ASD are related to social communication deficits, the hallmark of ASD, or instead related to comorbid motor impairment. Here we aim to understand specific white matter signatures of ASD beyond those related to comorbid motor impairment by comparing youth (aged 8-18) with ASD (n = 22), developmental coordination disorder (DCD; n = 16), and typically developing youth (TD; n = 22). Diffusion weighted imaging was collected and quantitative anisotropy, radial diffusivity, mean diffusivity, and axial diffusivity were compared between the three groups and correlated with social and motor measures. Compared to DCD and TD groups, diffusivity differences were found in the ASD group in the mid-cingulum longitudinal and u-fibers, the corpus callosum forceps minor/anterior commissure, and the left middle cerebellar peduncle. Compared to the TD group, the ASD group had diffusivity differences in the right inferior frontal occipital/extreme capsule and genu of the corpus callosum. These diffusion differences correlated with emotional deficits and/or autism severity. By contrast, children with DCD showed unique abnormality in the left cortico-spinal and cortico-pontine tracts.Trial Registration All data are available on the National Institute of Mental Health Data Archive: https://nda.nih.gov/edit_collection.html?id=2254 .
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Licari MK, Alvares GA, Reynolds JE, Uljaveric M. Motor impairment should be a "Specifier" for autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2022; 15:2010-2011. [PMID: 36129385 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa K Licari
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Gail A Alvares
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Jess E Reynolds
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Mirko Uljaveric
- School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Nedlands, Australia
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Simmons DH, Busch SE, Titley HK, Grasselli G, Shih J, Du X, Wei C, Gomez CM, Piochon C, Hansel C. Sensory Over-responsivity and Aberrant Plasticity in Cerebellar Cortex in a Mouse Model of Syndromic Autism. Biol Psychiatry Glob Open Sci 2022; 2:450-459. [PMID: 36324646 PMCID: PMC9616247 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with autism spectrum disorder often show altered responses to sensory stimuli as well as motor deficits, including an impairment of delay eyeblink conditioning, which involves integration of sensory signals in the cerebellum. Here, we identify abnormalities in parallel fiber (PF) and climbing fiber (CF) signaling in the mouse cerebellar cortex that may contribute to these pathologies. Methods We used a mouse model for the human 15q11-13 duplication (patDp/+) and studied responses to sensory stimuli in Purkinje cells from awake mice using two-photon imaging of GCaMP6f signals. Moreover, we examined synaptic transmission and plasticity using in vitro electrophysiological, immunohistochemical, and confocal microscopic techniques. Results We found that spontaneous and sensory-evoked CF-calcium transients are enhanced in patDp/+ Purkinje cells, and aversive movements are more severe across sensory modalities. We observed increased expression of the synaptic organizer NRXN1 at CF synapses and ectopic spread of these synapses to fine dendrites. CF-excitatory postsynaptic currents recorded from Purkinje cells are enlarged in patDp/+ mice, while responses to PF stimulation are reduced. Confocal measurements show reduced PF+CF-evoked spine calcium transients, a key trigger for PF long-term depression, one of several plasticity types required for eyeblink conditioning learning. Long-term depression is impaired in patDp/+ mice but is rescued on pharmacological enhancement of calcium signaling. Conclusions Our findings suggest that this genetic abnormality causes a pathological inflation of CF signaling, possibly resulting from enhanced NRXN1 expression, with consequences for the representation of sensory stimuli by the CF input and for PF synaptic organization and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana H Simmons
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Silas E Busch
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Heather K Titley
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Giorgio Grasselli
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Genoa, Italy.,IRCC Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Justine Shih
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Xiaofei Du
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Cenfu Wei
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Claire Piochon
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Christian Hansel
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Johansson A, Rudolfsson T, Bäckström A, Rönnqvist L, von Hofsten C, Rosander K, Domellöf E. Development of Motor Imagery in School-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Longitudinal Study. Brain Sci 2022; 12:1307. [PMID: 36291242 PMCID: PMC9599565 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12101307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a diagnosis based on social communication deficits and prevalence of repetitive stereotyped behaviors, but sensorimotor disturbances are commonly exhibited. This longitudinal study aimed at exploring the development of the ability to form mental motor representations (motor imagery; MI) in 14 children with ASD and 17 typically developing (TD) children at 7, 8 and 9 years of age. MI was investigated using a hand laterality paradigm from which response times (RT) and error rates were extracted and compared with performance on a visually based mental rotation task (VI). A criterion task was used to ensure that the children could perform the task. The results showed wide performance variability in the ASD group with more failures than TD in the MI criterion task, especially at 7 years. For all age levels and both the MI and VI tasks, the error rates were significantly higher and RTs longer for the ASD group compared with TD. Signs of MI strategies were however noted in the ASD group as biomechanically constrained orientations had longer RTs than less constrained orientations, a RT pattern that differed from the VI task. The presence of MI in the ASD group was most evident at 9 years, but the error rates remained high at all ages, both in the MI and VI task. In comparison, the TD group showed stable MI strategies at all ages. These findings indicate that MI ability is delayed and/or impaired in children with ASD which may be related to difficulties performing required mental rotations.
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Kangarani-Farahani M, Izadi-Najafabadi S, Zwicker JG. How does brain structure and function on MRI differ in children with autism spectrum disorder, developmental coordination disorder, and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Int J Dev Neurosci 2022; 82:681-715. [PMID: 36084947 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The purpose of this study was to systematically review the neural similarities and differences in brain structure and function, measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in children with neurodevelopmental disorders that commonly co-occur to understand if and how they have shared neuronal characteristics. METHOD Using systematic review methodology, the following databases were comprehensively searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and ProQuest from the earliest record up to December 2021. Inclusion criteria were: (1) peer-reviewed studies, case reports, or theses; (2) children under 18 years of age with at least one of the following neurodevelopmental disorders: autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention hyperactivity deficit disorder (ADHD), developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and their co-occurrence; (3) studies based on MRI modalities (i.e., structural MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and resting-state fMRI). Thirty-one studies that met the inclusion criteria were included for quality assessment by two independent reviewers using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS). RESULTS Studies compared brain structure and function of children with DCD and ADHD (n=6), DCD and ASD (n=1), ASD and ADHD (n=17), and various combinations of these co-occurring conditions (n=7). Structural neuroimaging (n=15) was the most commonly reported modality, followed by resting-state (n=8), DTI (n=5), and multi-modalities (n=3). INTERPRETATION Evidence indicated that the neural correlates of the co-occurring conditions were more widespread and distinct compared to a single diagnosis. The majority of findings (77%) suggested that each neurodevelopmental disorder had more distinct neural correlates than shared neural features, suggesting that each disorder is distinct despite commonly co-occurring with each other. As the number of papers examining the co-occurrence of ASD, DCD, and/or ADHD was limited and most findings were not corrected for multiple comparisons, these results must be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melika Kangarani-Farahani
- Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sara Izadi-Najafabadi
- Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jill G Zwicker
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, Hamilton, Canada
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Ketcheson LR, Pitchford EA, Staples KL, MacDonald M, Ulrich DA. Supporting the need for the motor domain to be included in the definition of autism spectrum disorder: A response to Bishop et al.'s critique of Bhat (2021). Autism Res 2022; 15:1796-1798. [PMID: 36052511 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leah R Ketcheson
- Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Kerri L Staples
- School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Megan MacDonald
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Dale A Ulrich
- School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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50
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Belmonte MK. Motor symptoms in the ASD diagnostic criteria: A conservative perspective. Autism Res 2022; 15:1582-1584. [PMID: 35968612 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew K Belmonte
- The Com DEALL Trust, Bangalore, India.,Division of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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