1
|
Manti F, Giovannone F, Ciancaleoni M, De Vita G, Fioriello F, Gigliotti F, Sogos C. Psychometric Properties and Validation of the Italian Version of Ages & Stages Questionnaires Third Edition. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:5014. [PMID: 36981921 PMCID: PMC10049085 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065014] [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] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: The Ages & Stages Questionnaires Third Version (ASQ-3) identifies the risk of developmental delay in children aged 1 to 66 months. The aim of this study was to determine a reliable and valid instrument for the Italian population to enable the screening of children's development. Methods: Data from 2278 Italian children (age range: 1-66 months) were used to evaluate item discrimination power using the corrected item-total correlation. Internal consistency was analyzed by Cronbach's alpha scores and a Confirmative Factor Analysis was conducted to test the factor structure of the test. Data were also collected to examine the ASQ-3 test-retest reliability and concurrent validity, which was investigated using the Griffiths Scales of Child Development, Third Edition, the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale, Second Edition, and the Developmental Profile, Third Edition tools. In order to evaluate discriminant validity, differences between typical development children and several clinical groups have been performed. Finally, two different cut-off scores have been proposed. Results: The results showed that the questionnaires are composed of high-quality items; the original factor structure has been confirmed and strong Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients between the overall and the total for each domain (ranging from 0.73 to 0.88). The Italian version of the ASQ-3 had adequate internal consistency and a strong agreement between observations with two weeks' intervals. Moreover, the test showed a high discriminant validity due to the possibility of fully discriminating between typical development children and several clinical groups. Finally, two different cut-off scores have been identified using ROC curves in order to have a screening and a diagnostic cut-off value. Conclusion: This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Italian adaptation of ASQ-3 questionnaires. We demonstrated the validity of the ASQ-3 and determined new cut-off scores for Italian children. Early identification and accurate assessment are important starting points to better understand and anticipate the needs of children and their link to services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Manti
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Federica Giovannone
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Gloria De Vita
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Fioriello
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Federica Gigliotti
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Carla Sogos
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Manti F, Giovannone F, Aceti F, Giacchetti N, Fioriello F, Maugeri A, Sogos C. Unraveling the Relationship between Sleep Problems, Emotional Behavior Disorders, and Stressful Life Events in Preschool Children. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11185419. [PMID: 36143065 PMCID: PMC9503080 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11185419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aims of this study were to: (1) explore sleep problems in preschool children with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), selective mutism (SM), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and (2) examine the relationship between stressful life events, sleep problems, and emotional behavior disorders in preschoolers. Methods: The parents of 213 preschool children with SM, GAD, ODD, and TD (typical development, age range 2–6 years) completed the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), the Coddington Life Events Scale, preschool version (CLES-P), and the CBCL 1½–5. Results: Eighty-three subjects reported sleep problems before the age of 2 years. Seventy-five children (86.14%) with a clinical diagnosis and eight children with TD (8.4%) exceeded the threshold level on the CSHQ. For the bedtime resistance (p = 0.042) and sleep duration subscales (p = 0.038), the SM group had significantly higher scores in comparison to the ODD group. The same pattern was also true for the sleep onset (p = 0.024) and sleep anxiety subscales (p = 0.019). The linear regression analysis model showed that the impact of stressful life events and internalizing problems could predict sleep habits in children. Conclusions: Emotional behavior disorders and stress factors should be regularly investigated in children who are referred to clinics for sleep problems. Clinicians should consider how these symptoms may exacerbate sleep problems and/or interfere with treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Manti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-4997-2972
| | - Federica Giovannone
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Franca Aceti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Post-Partum Disorders, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Giacchetti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Post-Partum Disorders, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Fioriello
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Maugeri
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Sogos
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fioriello F, Maugeri A, D'Alvia L, Pittella E, Piuzzi E, Rizzuto E, Del Prete Z, Manti F, Sogos C. A wearable heart rate measurement device for children with autism spectrum disorder. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18659. [PMID: 33122808 PMCID: PMC7596550 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75768-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by early impairment in social and communication domains and autonomic nervous system unbalance. This study evaluated heart rate (HR) as a possible indicator of stress response in children with ASD as compared to children with language disorder (LD). Twenty-four patients [mean age = 42.62 months; SD = 8.14 months,12 with ASD (10 M/2F) and 12 with LD (8 M/4F)] underwent clinical [Leiter International Performance Scale-Revised, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, second edition (ADOS-2)] and physiological evaluation (HR monitoring) during five interactive activities, while wearing an HR measurement device. IQ (ASD:IQ = 103.33 ± 12.85 vs. LD:IQ = 111.00 ± 8.88, p = 0.103) and fluid reasoning on the Leiter-R Scale were within the normal range in all subjects. Increased HR during the third activity (ADOS-2 bubble play) significantly correlated with autistic symptoms (r = 0.415; p = 0.044), while correlations between ADOS-2 total score and HR during the first activity (ADOS-2 free play; r = 0.368; p = 0.077), second activity (Leiter-R figure ground subscale; r = 0.373, p = 0.073), and fifth activity (ADOS-2 anticipation of a routine with objects; r = 0.368; p = 0.076) did not quite reach statistical significance. Applying a linear regression model, we found that the ADOS-2 total score significantly influenced HR variations (p = 0.023). HR monitoring may provide a better understanding of the stress-provoking situations for children with ASD. Furthermore, it could help clinicians detect the impact of the stressful condition on the autistic core and adress treatment strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fioriello
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Maugeri
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Livio D'Alvia
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Pittella
- Department of Legal and Economic Sciences, Pegaso University, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Piuzzi
- Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Rizzuto
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Zaccaria Del Prete
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Manti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Carla Sogos
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Conte G, Valente F, Fioriello F, Cardona F. Rage attacks in Tourette Syndrome and Chronic Tic Disorder: a systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 119:21-36. [PMID: 32980398 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Tourette syndrome (TS) and chronic motor/vocal tic disorder (CTD) are neurodevelopmental conditions defined by the occurrence of multiple tics. Besides the well-known association with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), rage attacks (RA) represent common and detrimental symptoms for patients. Inorder to explore prevalence of RA in tic disorders, relation to tic severity/comorbidities and available treatments, we performed a systematic literature review based on PRISMA Guidelines. 32 studies published between January 2008 - December 2019 were deemed suitable for the analysis and provided a prevalence of 20-67 %. Most findings showed a direct correlation with tic severity and a significant impact on psychosocial functioning. Although apparently related to comorbid ADHD, RA also frequently occur as independent manifestations. Association with other comorbidities, such as OCD, impulse control and mood disorders has also been reported, not yet fully established. Behavioral interventions appear to be effective, whereas there is limited evidence concerning the efficacy of medication. In TS/CTD, RA may be regarded as a major comorbidity that requires clinical investigation in order to develop personalized treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Conte
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Institute of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome - Italy, Via dei Sabelli, 108, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Valente
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Institute of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome - Italy, Via dei Sabelli, 108, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Fioriello
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Institute of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome - Italy, Via dei Sabelli, 108, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesco Cardona
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Institute of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome - Italy, Via dei Sabelli, 108, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sperati V, Özcan B, Romano L, Moretta T, Scaffaro S, Faedda N, Turturo G, Fioriello F, Pelosi S, Giovannone F, Sogos C, Guidetti V, Baldassarre G. Acceptability of the Transitional Wearable Companion "+ me" in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comparative Pilot Study. Front Psychol 2020; 11:951. [PMID: 32547445 PMCID: PMC7270338 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
+me is an experimental interactive soft toy, looking like a panda, developed for young children. When touched on the paws or head (inputs), the toy can emit attractive responses such as colored lights and amusing sounds (outputs). +me is wirelessly connected to a control tablet through which an adult caregiver can modify its input-output contingencies so as to produce different, rewarding response patterns using the same device. Given these features, we propose +me as a potential novel tool to support the therapy of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The allure of the device could be exploited to capture the attention and encourage the social interaction of toddlers during play activities with therapists. In this pilot study, +me was tested on two small groups of children aged 30–48 months, one group diagnosed with ASD and the second with Communication Disorder, a condition that often presents—especially at an early age—overlapping symptoms with ASD. The proposed play activities aimed to foster simple imitative behaviors and stimulate the engagement of the children. The results were compared with those of a previous test run on Typically Developed children. Preliminary observations, based on the analysis of video recordings, suggest that, on average, +me is able to encourage a positive engagement and that different groups tend to manifest some different behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Sperati
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, ISTC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Beste Özcan
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, ISTC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Romano
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, ISTC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Tania Moretta
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Simone Scaffaro
- Italian Neurotraumatological Institute, INI-Villa Dante Division, Rome, Italy
| | - Noemi Faedda
- Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Turturo
- Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Fioriello
- Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Pelosi
- Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Giovannone
- Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Sogos
- Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Guidetti
- Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|