Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders最新文献

{"title":"Exploring the impact of autistic traits and anxiety on visual attentional response to angry faces in adults with high autistic traits: An eye-movement study","authors":"Shuliang Mo,&nbsp;Jiazuo Huo,&nbsp;Yu Wang,&nbsp;Jiabei Bai","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102415","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102415","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigated the impact of autistic traits and anxiety on the visual attentional response to angry faces among individuals with varying levels of autistic traits in the general population. Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, eye-tracking methodology was used to compare 26 participants with high autistic traits to 26 individuals with low autistic traits. The latency of the first fixation on images of angry faces, neutral faces, and objects during a free viewing task was measured. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Self-rating Anxiety Scale. Experiment 2 utilized an overlap task to examine attentional response patterns toward angry faces in individuals with high and low autistic traits. The findings revealed that participants with high autistic traits displayed a longer latency to first fixation on angry faces during the free-viewing task compared to those with low autistic traits. However, no significant differences were observed for neutral faces and objects. In the overlap task, the group with high autistic traits demonstrated a significantly prolonged latency to first fixation on angry faces in peripheral positions when the central stimulus was a neutral face and the peripheral stimulus was an angry face, relative to the group with low autistic traits. Importantly, when taking anxiety traits into account as a covariate in both experiments, the previously observed group effects no longer remained significant. These results were discussed within the frameworks of social motivation theory and the autism continuum hypothesis.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 102415"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141068870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical and neurobehavioral phenotype in children with autism and intragenic copy number duplications in CNTN4: Case series report","authors":"Watfa Al-Mamari ,&nbsp;Ahmed B. Idris ,&nbsp;Najat Fadlallah ,&nbsp;Saquib Jalees ,&nbsp;Muna Al-Jabri ,&nbsp;Al-Mundher Al-Maawali ,&nbsp;Abeer Alsayegh","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102399","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102399","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Copy Number Variation (CNV) of contactin genes (CNTNs) - CNTN3, CNTN4, CNTN5, and CNTN6 - have been associated with various neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, the literature on the associated phenotypes to specific copy number variants of these genes is still scarce. Therefore, limiting clinicians' and researchers' understanding of the impact of these CNVs makes genetic counselling regarding recurrence risks more challenging. In this study, we report on five patients with rare CNVs involving the <em>CNTN4</em> gene and the associated clinical and neurobehavioral phenotype. Overall, the patients exhibited stereotypic motor symptoms, including finger and hand mannerisms (4/5), and repetitive use of objects (4/5), as well as sensory symptoms, including unusual sensory interests or hypersensitivity (4/5). One child of the cohort had epilepsy, and (4/5) had Intellectual Disability. All cases fulfilled DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, larger cohorts are needed for unbiased characterization of the phenotypic features associated with the genetic variations in <em>CNTN4.</em></p></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 102399"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140815668","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Run, hide, or fight? Considerations for young children with autism and lockdown drills","authors":"Melissa A. Jackson","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102402","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102402","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Lockdown drills have become a normal part of school activities for children across the United States. Despite the increase in drill practice and consistent prevalence of school shootings, little information exists to deem current practice effective, and little guidance exists to guide educators’ preparation efforts. As it stands, schools are planning and executing lockdown drills with variability with little to no planning dedicated to diverse learners such as young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). At the same time, a vast research base that supports evidence-based practices for learners with a diagnosis of ASD exists, yet these known supports are not being utilized to prepare them for these life-threatening emergencies. This article summarizes the current guidance and research surrounding lockdown drills and evidence-based practices used to teach children with ASD similar skills that could be applied to teach lockdown drills. Potential strategies for multiple component interventions are described for researchers to consider, individualize, and evaluate.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 102402"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140815669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correlates of quality of life in autistic individuals","authors":"Kristen T. MacKenzie ,&nbsp;Anabelle Theodat ,&nbsp;Kelly B. Beck ,&nbsp;Caitlin M. Conner ,&nbsp;Carla A. Mazefsky ,&nbsp;Shaun M. Eack","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102401","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102401","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Quality of life is an important outcome to autistic individuals. However, the correlates of quality of life in this population are not well known. The purpose of this project was to investigate the extent to which employment, depression, anxiety, and social participation were associated with quality of life in autistic individuals. We also explored potential associations between emotion dysregulation and quality of life.</p></div><div><h3>Method</h3><p>Baseline data from two randomized control trials were used for analysis. A total of 125 autistic adolescents and adults aged 16–45 (<em>M</em> = 25.40) participated. Linear regression models were constructed to investigate whether employment, depression, anxiety, and social participation were associated with five domains of quality of life: overall, physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment. Additional linear regression models explored whether emotion dysregulation was associated with the same quality of life domains.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Surprisingly, employment was not significantly associated with any quality of life domain. Greater depression severity was significantly associated with poorer quality of life across all domains. Greater social participation was associated with better quality of life, but only for individuals with lower anxiety. More severe dysphoria was associated with poorer overall quality of life and the psychological and physical health domains.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Results suggest that mental health and emotion dysregulation are important predictors of quality of life for autistic people. They also suggest that anxiety symptoms may attenuate the beneficial effects of social participation. This study provides insight into the unique experiences of autistic individuals and highlights potential unmet need.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 102401"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140879205","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of an online skills training platform for autistics adults: A participatory approach","authors":"G. Van Doorn ,&nbsp;B. Klein ,&nbsp;S.L. Edwards ,&nbsp;K. Shandley ,&nbsp;J.A. Caine","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102407","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102407","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>The voices of adults living on the autism spectrum are being increasingly heard, yet interventions that can be adjusted to their individual needs are urgently required. This paper reports on the first phase of a project that aims to have adults with autism participate meaningfully in co-designing an engaging digital skills development platform incorporating micro-skills training programs and digital tools to enhance wellbeing and social-emotional functioning.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Adults with autism were recruited in Australia to participate in an online survey (N = 17) and/or focus groups or interviews (N = 11) designed to establish preferences for content, presentation, and functionality of the platform.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Participants highlighted the importance of integrating communication, social, relationship, employment, and organisational skills with content presented via graphics/diagrams and text. In addition, a consistent finding across both quantitative and qualitative data was the preference for content delivered by peers.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>There are few evidence-based interventions designed to improve the lives of adults with autism. Key areas of focus were identified, with the importance of personalising the platform to ensure it caters to varying levels of ability and the different preferences of adults with autism also noted.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 102407"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1750946724000825/pdfft?md5=556123f1f1429278e481f121de5c05c1&pid=1-s2.0-S1750946724000825-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140644500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of having an autisTic child on parental mental health and wellbeing in pakistan","authors":"NJ Nadeem ,&nbsp;S. Afzal ,&nbsp;IA Dogar ,&nbsp;JG Smith ,&nbsp;T. Shah ,&nbsp;M. Noreen ,&nbsp;A. Ali","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102423","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102423","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Caring for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) poses significant challenges and parents are at increased risk of psychological distress and reduced wellbeing.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We investigated the impact of having an autistic child on the wellbeing of 103 parents in Pakistan. Data were collected using the Self-Reported Questionnaire (SRQ-20), Autism Parenting Stress Index (APSI) and the WHO’s Quality of Life Brief Version.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Parents reported reduced psychological health and worsened social relationships in comparison with population norms. The mean prevalence of APSI responses indicating frequent stress was 78 % overall; 91 % around core autism behaviours, 77 % around comorbid behaviours and 65 % around comorbid physical problems. SRQ-20 scores suggested that there were moderate mental distress levels in parents of children with ASD; 60 % of participants scored ≥ 8 indicating probable mental disorder. Parenting stress, including stress specific to comorbid behaviours, was modestly associated with (total) levels of (general) mental distress and with poorer physical and psychological health. Mothers reported significantly poorer psychological health and greater levels of mental distress than fathers, while quality of life markers concerning social relationships and environmental health were higher in parents of younger children with ASD.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Parents of children with ASD experience significant ASD-specific parental stress, psychological distress and decreased quality of life and wellbeing. These parents frequently present with reduced energy levels and depressive symptoms. This data provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by parents of children with ASD in Pakistan and provides a framework to guide further research and clinical practice.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 102423"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1750946724000989/pdfft?md5=eb6f25ae9f66028f289a3fb7019aba3a&pid=1-s2.0-S1750946724000989-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141164541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of urine glycosaminoglycan excretion between children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developed children","authors":"Neluwa-Liyanage R. Indika ,&nbsp;Eresha Jasinge ,&nbsp;Swarna Wijetunge ,&nbsp;Hemantha Peiris ,&nbsp;Marielle P.K.J. Engelen ,&nbsp;Nicolaas E.P. Deutz ,&nbsp;Rasika Perera","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102411","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102411","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Abnormalities pertaining to glycosaminoglycan metabolism have been demonstrated in children with autism spectrum disorder. The aim of the present study was to compare urine excretion of sulfated glycosaminoglycans in children with autism spectrum disorder, with neurotypical controls and explore its association with co-occurring symptoms.</p></div><div><h3>Method</h3><p>Random urine samples were collected from children with autism spectrum disorder (n = 61) between the ages of 2 and 6 years, and age- and sex-matched neurotypical controls. Urine glycosaminoglycan levels were quantified by the dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) dye-binding assay.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Mean glycosaminoglycan/creatinine ratio of children with autism spectrum disorder was 22.279 ± 13.044 mg/mmol while that of neurotypical controls was 19.121 ± 7.319 mg/mmol. Eight patients with autism spectrum disorder (13.11%) exhibited abnormally high glycosaminoglycan excretion. Unstandardized urine glycosaminoglycan levels are significantly higher (p = 0.019) in the autism spectrum disorder group when covariates such as age, urinary creatinine, and height are taken into consideration by ANCOVA. However, the outcome showed a trend towards significance when glycosaminoglycan/creatinine ratio was used in ANCOVA (p = 0.058). In neurotypical subjects, the urine glycosaminoglycan levels appear to decline with age, height, and weight while this trend was not apparent in subjects with autism spectrum disorder. Glycosaminoglycan excretion did not correlate with the presence of co-occurring symptoms of autism spectrum disorder; frequent gastrointestinal symptoms, self-injurious behaviors, food aversions, or parent-reported sleep problems.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>A subset of children with autism spectrum disorder exhibits higher urine glycosaminoglycan excretion. Further research is needed to explore the molecular basis of this finding.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 102411"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140919103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early pyridoxine administration rescues autism-like behavior in the BTBR T+tf/J autistic model","authors":"Ruotong Ruan ,&nbsp;Wenyu Shao ,&nbsp;Yichun Su,&nbsp;Jiayin Liu,&nbsp;Jing Luo,&nbsp;Yi Luo,&nbsp;Lian Wang,&nbsp;Xiaotang Fan","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102410","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102410","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social impairment and repetitive, stereotyped behaviors. An imbalanced oxidative stress status and neuroinflammation are involved in ASD development. In this study, we investigated the effects of pyridoxine, a form of vitamin B6 with potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory features, on autism-like behavior in BTBR T + ltpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, a model of autism. Mice received pyridoxine from postnatal days 7 to 14. Behavioral tests were conducted on 8-week-old male mice, and the inflammatory status and oxidative stress levels were also assessed in the mouse hippocampus. Postnatal pyridoxine treatment significantly improved social deficits, stereotyped behaviors, and cognitive deficits in BTBR mice. In addition, pyridoxine treatment alleviated neuroinflammation in the hippocampus manifested by reduced Iba1⁺ microglia and inflammatory factors, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB. Further, pyridoxine-treated BTBR mice had elevated Nrf2 and HO-1 in the hippocampus. Postnatal pyridoxine administration might improve autistic-like behaviors in BTBR mice via attenuating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 102410"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140822990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adapting cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety in autistic children: A commentary","authors":"Dora D. Onwumere,&nbsp;Kristie K. Patten","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102404","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102404","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized intervention for addressing anxiety in both non-autistic and autistic youth. This commentary explores the landscape of implementing CBT for anxiety disorders in autistic children, as investigated by Cervin and colleagues in their 2023 study. While the study provides valuable insights, our commentary aims to broaden the scope of CBT, such as the perspectives of those with lived experiences and consideration of strength-based practices. For this reason, we draw attention to unexplored facets and potential limitations, advocating for further adaptations of CBT practices aligning with the neurodiversity-affirming perspective as we aim to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of CBT for autistic individuals.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 102404"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140879206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predictors of daily physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration in children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)","authors":"Benjamin Adams,&nbsp;Maninderjit Kaur","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102398","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102398","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>There is evidence for reduced physical activity, increased screen time, and poor sleep quality in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, a comprehensive investigation of the factors predicting these daily behaviors in children and adolescents with ASD is relatively unexplored.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>The current study conducted a secondary analysis of a 2021 national survey completed by parents with or without a child with ASD. Factors specific to the child (e.g., age, sex, race), family (e.g., parent education, employment), and neighborhood (e.g., geographic location, neighborhood amenities) predicting daily health behaviors of children were analyzed.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Specifically for the ASD population, several child-specific variables predicted one or more of the daily health behaviors in children with ASD such as age, sex, participation, and ASD severity. In contrast, none of the family and neighborhood variables (except geographic location) predicted the health behaviors of children with ASD.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Recommendations for planning and implementation of health wellness and promotion programs targeted towards promoting physical activity and reducing screen time in children with ASD are discussed.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"115 ","pages":"Article 102398"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140644499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}