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.
Highlights
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by early impairment in social and communication domains and autonomic nervous system unbalance
Fifty-four subjects who met the criteria for ASD or language disorder (LD) diagnosis were recruited from patients with a neurodevelopmental disorder who were diagnosed and received follow-up at the Department of Human Neuroscience of Sapienza University of Rome
The final sample consisted of 24 subjects [mean age = 42.62 months; SD = 8.14 months, 12 with ASD (10 M/2F) and 12 with LD (8 M/4F)]
Summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by early impairment in social and communication domains and autonomic nervous system unbalance. HR monitoring may provide a better understanding of the stressprovoking situations for children with ASD It could help clinicians detect the impact of the stressful condition on the autistic core and adress treatment strategy. Non-invasive wearable devices have recently introduced the possibility to analyze and monitor symptoms of stress in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. User-friendly wearable devices allow vital signs to be measured and monitored with different granularity levels. They provide significant benefits, including real-time diagnostic screening in conditions and environments in which traditional instrumentation and tools cannot be applied. The ANS may play a key role in regulating social functioning in children with ASD and may influence cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses in these s ubjects[12,13,14,15]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
