Autism Research Articles

The influence of training with free-fight means on motor skills, sensory functioning and quality of life of a child with autism (unique case)

The motor sphere of children with autism is characterized by the presence of stereotyped movements, difficulties in the formation of objective actions and household skills, and violations of fine and gross motor skills.
 The aim of the work was to establish the influence of adaptive training with elements of free-fight on the development of motor skills, sensory profile and quality of life of a child with autism.
 A 12-year-old boy A. with a diagnosis of childhood autism, social maladaptation (disability subgroup A) was chosen for the experiment. The child does not speak, cannot read or write, has impaired coordination of movements (walking on tiptoes, motor stereotypies, motor disinhibition), insufficient understanding of language. Somatically, the boy is healthy, loves motor activity.
 An assessment of the child's sensory functioning was carried out according to the Short Sensory Profile method, developed and recognized by The Psychological Corporation (USA), a survey of parents about the child's quality of life before the start of training and after a forced break in training, in addition, an assessment of the quality of direct blows with the hand and foot was carried out punching bags at each session.
 During the research period, the boy A. performed, under the guidance of a coach, exercises for coordination of movements ("obstacle course"), interaction with the coach (gymnastic exercises, various available games with a ball), exercises for developing the strength of various muscle groups (work with "Bulgarian bag", dumbbells) and special free-fight exercises (hits with hands and feet on punching bags and a dummy).
 A significant improvement of the child's sensory functioning was established, namely all types of sensitivity, except auditory filtering and sensitivity to taste and smell. The child's parents noted a significant increase in the quality of life of both the boy himself and the entire family. Significant progress was observed in learning the technique and the success of the boy's performance of special free-fight exercises. Adaptive training with elements of free fight served as a significant sensory stimulus for a child with autism, contributed to the learning of motor skills, and improved the quality of life of the family.

Temporopolar volumes are associated with the severity of social impairment and language development in children with autism spectrum disorder with developmental delay.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental delay (DD; ASD + DD) have more severe clinical symptoms than those with ASD without DD (ASD-only). However, little is known about the underlying neuroimaging mechanisms. The aim of this study was to explore the volumetric difference between patients with ASD + DD and ASD-only and investigate the relationship between brain alterations and clinical manifestations. A total of 184 children with ASD aged 2-6 years were included in this study, who were divided into two groups according to their cognitive development: ASD + DD and ASD-only. Clinical symptoms and language development were assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and the Putonghua Communicative Development Inventory. Of the 184 children, 60 age-matched males (30 ASD + DD and 30 ASD-only patients) with high-resolution structural neuroimaging scans were included for further voxel-based morphometry analysis to examine the relationship between clinical symptoms and gray matter volumes. The ASD + DD group had higher CARS and ADOS scores, lower gesture scores, and poorer performance in "responding to joint attention" (RJA) and "initiating joint attention" than the ASD-only group. Larger gray matter volumes in the temporal poles of the right and left middle temporal gyri were associated with the co-occurrence of DD in patients with ASD. Moreover, temporopolar volumes were correlated with CARS and ADOS scores, gesture scores, and RJA ability. Pre-language development significantly mediated the relationship between temporopolar volumes and both CARS and ADOS scores; RJA ability, but not gesture development, contributed to this mediating effect. In this study, we found that temporopolar volumes were enlarged in patients with ASD who had comorbid DD, and these patients showed an association between symptom severity and language ability during the pre-language stage. Offering early interventions focused on RJA and the temporal pole may help improve clinical symptoms.

Age of Diagnosis and Demographic Factors Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Chinese Children: A Multi-Center Survey.

The present study investigated the age of diagnosis, treatment and demographic factors of Chinese children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), to provide a scientific basis for the early detection, diagnosis, and intervention of ASD. A total of 1500 ASD children aged 2-7 years old from 13 cities in China were administered questionnaires to examine their diagnosis, treatment, and basic family information. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was used to measure the symptoms and severity of ASD children, and the Children Neuropsychological and Behavior Scale-Revision 2016 (CNBS-R2016) was utilized to measure neurodevelopmental levels of ASD children. We found that for children with ASD, the median (p25, p75) age for the initial detection of social behavioral developmental delay was 24 (18, 30) months, while the age for the initial diagnosis was 29 (24, 36) months and the age for the beginning of intervention was 33 (27, 42) months. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis suggested that in children with ASD whose parents were divorced, separated, or widowed, or whose mothers were engaged in physical work, the initial detection of social behavioral developmental delay happened later. For the children with ASD who lived in urban areas, had higher levels of ASD symptom severity or whose parents were not divorced or separated, the age for the initial diagnosis was earlier. For the children with ASD who lived in urban areas or whose mothers had received higher level of education, the earlier age for the beginning of intervention was observed, while for those with ASD whose mothers were engaged in physical work, the age for the beginning of training was later. It is recommended to actively carry out health education of ASD and strengthen the support for ASD families to enhance their rehabilitation level.

A Review of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Tools

This is an overview of diagnostic tools implemented worldwide for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In this analysis, the benefits and disadvantages of each autism spectrum disorder diagnosis diagnostic technique are discussed. Pediatrists and psychiatric professionals who are focused on linguistic delay, brain function, or behavioural problems such as aggression, tantrum, etc. have currently noted the extent of impairments. The defects are assessed using multiple diagnostic tools. This review contrasts the seven forms of testing devices, including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Gillian Autism Rating Scale (GARS), Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorder (DISCO), Developmental, Dimensional & Diagnostic Interview (3DI), and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM). The advantages and limitations of each tool are discussed in detail.

Knowledge about childhood autism among nurses in family health centers in southeast Turkey

Objective: This study was carried out to determine the knowledge levels of nurses working in Family Health Centers (FHCs) about childhood autism. Methods: This study is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The sample of the study consisted of 361 nurses working in FHCs in the province with the highest child population rate in Turkey. Data were obtained using the personal information form and the Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Health Workers (KCAHW) questionnaire. Results: The findings show that the mean score for the KCAHW questionnaire was 10.95 ± 3.7. Gender, education level, previous employment in a mental health clinic, the presence of a person with autism in their environment or family, their previous participation in any autism-related education program, and knowledge of the autism screening and follow-up program conducted by the Ministry of Health significantly affected the scores that were obtained from the KCAHW questionnaire (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Educational practices that will increase the knowledge and awareness of nurses about autism can contribute to the diagnosis of children with autism at an earlier age.

Salivary oxytocin in autistic patients and in patients with intellectual disability.

Assessing the role of oxytocin (OT) in the regulation of social interaction is a promising area that opens up new opportunities for studying the mechanisms of developing autism spectrum disorders (ASD). To assess the correlation between the salivary OT level and age-related and psychopathological symptoms of children with intellectual disability (ID) and ASD. We used the clinical and psychopathological method to assess the signs of ASD based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), the severity of ASD was specified by the selected Russian type version "Childhood Autism Rating Scale" (CARS). Patients of both groups had an IQ score below 70 points. The median and interquartile range of salivary OT levels in patients with ID and ASD were 23.897 [14.260-59.643] pg/mL, and in the group ID without ASD - Me = 50.896 [33.502-83.774] pg/mL (p = 0.001). The severity of ASD on the CARS scale Me = 51.5 [40.75-56.0] score in the group ID with ASD, and in the group ID without ASD-at the level of Me = 32 [27.0-38.0] points (p < 0.001). According to the results of correlation-regression analysis in the main group, a direct correlation was established between salivary OT level and a high degree of severity of ASD Rho = 0.435 (p = 0.005). There was no correlation between the salivary OT level and intellectual development in the group ID with ASD, Rho = 0.013 (p = 0.941) and we have found a relationship between oxytocin and intellectual development in the group ID without ASD, Rho = 0.297 (p = 0.005). There was no correlation between salivary OT and age, ASD and age. The results of this study indicate that patients in the group ID with ASD demonstrated a lower level of salivary OT concentration and a direct relationship between the maximum values of this indicator and the severity of autistic disorders, in contrast to patients in the group ID without ASD.

Selective mutism and the risk of mental and neurodevelopmental disorders among siblings.

The siblings of children with mental disorders are more likely to experience mental health issues themselves, but there has been a lack of sibling studies on selective mutism (SM). The aim of this population-based study was to use national registers to examine associations between children with SM and diagnoses of various mental disorder in their siblings. All singleton children born in Finland from 1987 to 2009, and diagnosed with SM from 1998 to 2012, were identified from national health registers and matched with four controls by age and sex. Their biological siblings and parents were identified using national registries and the diagnostic information on the siblings of the subjects and controls was obtained. The final analyses comprised 658 children with SM and their 1661 siblings and 2092 controls with 4120 siblings. The analyses were conducted using generalized estimating equations. Mental disorders were more common among the siblings of the children with SM than among the siblings of the controls. The strongest associations were observed for childhood emotional disorders and autism spectrum disorders after the data were adjusted for covariates and comorbid diagnoses among SM subjects. The final model showed associations between SM and a wide range of disorders in siblings, with strongest associations with disorders that usually have their onset during childhood. Our finding showed that SM clustered with other mental disorders in siblings and this requires further research, especially the association between SM and autism spectrum disorders. Strong associations with childhood onset disorders may indicate shared etiologies.

Galectin-3 levels in school aged children with autism spectrum disorder

Objective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with underlying pathogenesis and etiological factors not fully understood. We assumed that galectin-3, which is also linked with inflammatory responses, may be central to the ethiopathogenesis of ASD. Method: The current study consisted of 33 psychotropic medication-naive children with ASD and 32 control subjects. The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Aged Children, Present and Lifetime Version-DSM-5 (K-SADS-PL-DSM-5) was used to screen healthy controls for psychiatric disorders by a psychiatrist after a physical examination by a pediatrician. The clinical severity of the ASD symptoms has been assessed by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Venous blood samples were collected and serum galectin-3 levels were measured. Results: When the ASD and control groups are compared, the mean galectin-3 level is 417.77 (SD = 200.20) in the ASD group and 243.08 (SD = 64.65) in the control group, and there is a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001). When examining whether there is a correlation between galectin-3 levels and CARS total scores, no statistically significant correlation was found between them (r = 0.015, p = 0.933). Discussion: In this study, we examined whether serum galectin-3 levels have a relation with ASD in childhood or not. Our findings have indicated that the children with ASD have higher serum galectin-3 levels compared to the controls. However, no significant relationship has been found between serum galectin-3 levels and ASD symptom severity.

Examination of the Knowledge Levels of Healthcare Professionals about Childhood Autism in Terms of Various Variables

Bu çalışma, sağlık çalışanlarının çocukluk çağı otizmi hakkında bilgi düzeylerinin çeşitli değişkenler açısından incelenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Tanımlayıcı kesitsel olarak planlanmış olan bu çalışma, Türkiye’nin Güneydoğu Bölgesi’nde bulunan bir ilde Sağlık Bakanlığı’na bağlı Eğitim ve Araştırma hastanesinde yürütülmüştür. Çalışmanın evrenini, tanı/tedavi sürecinde aktif rol alan 336 sağlık çalışanı oluşturmuştur. Araştırma, veri toplama formlarını eksiksiz dolduran 210 sağlık personelinin katılımı ile tamamlanmıştır. Araştırmanın verileri; “Sosyo-Demografik Özellikler Bilgi Formu” ve “Sağlık Çalışanlarının Çocukluk Çağı Otizmi Hakkında Bilgi Anketi” kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Verilerin analizi SPSS 24.0 istatistik paket programı kullanılarak yapılmıştır. Çalışmaya katılan sağlık çalışanlarının %42.4’ü 26-35 yaş aralığında, %65.2’si kadın, %56.7’si lisans mezunu, %68.6’sı hemşire/ebe pozisyonunda çalışmaktadır. Çalışmaya katılan sağlık çalışanlarının “Sağlık Çalışanlarının Çocukluk Çağı Otizmi Hakkında Bilgi Anketi” puan ortalamaları 10.99±4.66 olarak bulunmuştur. Çalışmaya katılan sağlık çalışanlarının cinsiyet, OSB’li hastası olma ve OSB hakkında eğitim alma durumu ile çocukluk çağı otizmi hakkında bilgi düzeyleri arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmuştur (p&amp;lt;0.05). Lisans ve lisansüstü mezunu sağlık çalışanlarının çocukluk çağı otizmi hakkındaki bilgi düzeyinin lise mezunu sağlık çalışanlarından yüksek olduğu (F:8.006, p&amp;lt;0.001) belirlenmiştir. Çalışmamızdan elde edilen sonuçlara göre sağlık çalışanlarının cinsiyet, eğitim durumu, görevi, OSB’li hasta bakma ve OSB hakkında eğitimi alma durumu gibi çeşitli değişkenlerin sağlık çalışanlarının çocukluk çağı otizmi hakkında bilgi düzeyini etkilediği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.

Cytokines and neurotrophic factors in the severity assessment of children autism.

Due to the steady increase in the number of children with autism and the high heterogeneity of clinical groups, the diagnosis of these disorders and their severity is an urgent problem in modern medicine. In the course of the work, 126 children from 3 to 13 years old with typical neurodevelopment and with severe and mild autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were examined. Disease severity was determined according to the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). The levels of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors (nerve growth factor beta and brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in blood plasma were assessed by enzyme immunoassay. Associations between indicators in each group of patients were assessed using the Spearman test and visualized as a heatmap of correlations. Statistical data processing was carried out in the R software. Significantly high levels of IL-4 in blood plasma and a decrease in the number of significant correlations within/between systems were revealed in children with mild autism compared with children with typical neurodevelopment. Such data can probably reflect the theory that some children with ASD are characterized by slow brain development, as a variant of the evolutionary norm. On the contrary, in children with severe ASD, high systemic levels of IL-6 and IFNg are shown against the background of low values of IL-10, IL-1β, TNFα and NGFβ, supported by the almost complete absence of intra/ and intersystem interactions. This may act as an indicator of maladaptation of the immune and nervous systems in severe autism, which contributes to the pathogenesis of the disease. Thus, a set of indicators: high levels of key pro-inflammatory cytokines - IL-6 and IFNg, low levels of IL-10, NGFβ and disintegration of the cytokine and nervous systems in the periphery can be proposed as an approach to indicate the severity of the condition in children with ASD.

Outcomes from Individual Alpha Frequency Guided Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder – A Retrospective Chart Review

Aims and objectives: Individual alpha frequency (IAF) is a biomarker of neurophysiological functioning. The IAF-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (α-rTMS) is increasingly explored in diverse neurological conditions. However, there is limited data on the efficacy and safety of α-rTMS in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Materials and methods: The IAF, childhood autism rating scale (CARS), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQLTM 4.0), and semi-structured interview data of patients that received 19 α-rTMS sessions (4 weeks) were aggregated and analysed using paired student t-test and descriptive method. Results: Data were retrieved from 28 patients (26 males, aged 3-9years (mean ± SD age: 6.1 ± 1.8years)). The post-α-rTMS data shows a significant improvement in IAF (9.4 Hz; p ≤ 0.025) towards 10 Hz. The CARS and PedsQLTM 4.0 surveys indicate that patients’ ASD symptoms and quality of life improved significantly. Specifically, reports from semi-structured interviews suggest improved sleep trouble – the most significant comorbidity. The experiences of minor side effects such as hyperactivity resolved within two hours following α-rTMS sessions. Conclusion: This study presents evidence on the efficacy and safety of α-rTMS in improving ASD symptoms, quality of life and comorbid sleep troubles in children. However, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary pending the presentation of double-blind, randomised clinical trials.

A Study of Plasma Homocysteine Level in Children with Autism

Background: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that appears in early life. B6 and B12, and folate support homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism. Hence, any defect to them leads to Hcy accumulation in the body. Hcy, vitamins B12, B6 and folate are important in psychiatric disorders such dementia, schizophrenia, and autism. This study intended to compare the plasma Hcy levels in normal and autistic cases to find out whether there is difference between the levels of Hcy in plasma of autistic and normal children.&#x0D; Methods: This case control study enrolled 60 children who were allocated in two groups 30 with autism and other 30 as controls. All patients were exposed to full history taking, physical examination, mental status examination, hearing test, routine lab investigations and specific lab investigations (serum folic acid, plasma vitamin B12 and Hcy level).&#x0D; Results: Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) level among autistic children was 49.400 ± 5.840. The mean plasma Hcy level was considerably higher in children with autism than controls (P value&lt; 0. 01). The mean serum folic acid level and vit B12 level was significantly reduced in autistic cases than controls (P value&lt; 0. 01). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between plasma Hcy level (µmol/L) and CARS level in children with autism (P value&lt; 0. 01).&#x0D; Conclusions: Children with autism have increased levels of Hcy, and decreased levels of folic acid and vit B12. So, Hcy may be used as a clinical biomarker for early diagnosis and managing of autistic children.

Increased serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis in children with autism spectrum disorder

Introduction: A previous study has evaluated the association between serum tumour necrosis factor-like weak apoptosis inducer (TWEAK) levels and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In line with this investigation, the present study aimed to measure serum TWEAK levels to determine whether their eventual alteration might have etiopathogenetic significance in children with ASD. Methods: A total of 40 treatment-naive children with ASD and 40 healthy children as controls were included in the present study. The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Aged Children—Present and Lifetime Version, DSM-5 was used by a psychiatrist to screen the healthy controls for psychiatric disorders after a physical examination by a paediatrician. The clinical severity of the ASD symptoms was assessed by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Venous blood samples were collected, and serum TWEAK levels were measured. Results: This study included 80 children in total, with 40 (50.0%) in the patient group and 40 (50.0%) in the healthy control group. Thirty four (85.0%) of the participants in the patient group, and 31 (77.5%) in the healthy control group, were male, and the remainder were female. The distribution of the gender ratio was statistically similar between groups (p = 0.568). The volunteers were between 36 and 59 months old. The average age in the patient group was 46.0 ± 6.5, while that in the healthy control group was 45.2 ± 6.7. The ages were also statistically similar between groups (p = 0.615). The TWEAK values of the patient group were found to be statistically higher than those of the healthy control group (p < 0.001). Discussion: This study examined whether serum TWEAK levels were related to ASD in childhood. Our findings indicate that children with ASD have higher TWEAK levels when compared to other children. The findings further indicate that serum TWEAK levels could be related to ASD etiopathogenesis independent of ASD symptom severity.

Ribosomal DNA Abundance in the Patient's Genome as a Feasible Marker in Differential Diagnostics of Autism and Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia.

Introduction: Differential diagnostics of early-onset schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a problem of child psychiatry. The prognosis and relevant treatment are to a large degree determined by the correctness of diagnosis. We found earlier that leucocyte DNA of adult schizophrenia patients contained significantly larger copy numbers of ribosomal repeats (rDNA) coding for rRNA, than DNA of mentally healthy controls. Aim: To compare the contents of ribosomal repeats in the leucocyte DNA of children with schizophrenia, children with ASD, and healthy age-matched controls to estimate the possibility of using this genetic trait in the differential diagnostics of the two types of disorders. Patients and methods: Blood samples of patients with infantile autism (A—F84.0 according to ICD-10, N = 75) and with childhood-onset schizophrenia (SZ—F20.8 according to ICD-10, N = 43) were obtained from the Child Psychiatry Department of the Mental Health Research Center. The healthy control blood samples (HC, N = 86) were taken from the Research Centre for Medical Genetics collection. The recruitment of cases was based on the clinical psychopathologic approach. DNA was extracted from blood leukocytes with organic solvents. Nonradioactive quantitative hybridization technique was applied for determining the abundance of ribosomal repeats in the genomes. Statistical processing was performed using StatPlus, Statgraphics and MedCalc. Findings: DNA derived from SZ cases contained 565 ± 163 rDNA copies, which is significantly (p < 10−6) higher than the rDNA content in ASD cases (405 ± 109 copies) and controls (403 ± 86 copies). The HC and A groups did not differ by rDNA copy number (p > 0.4). The genetic trait “rDNA copy number in patient’s genome” can potentially be applied as an additional marker in differential diagnostics of childhood-onset schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders.

Comparison of serum thrombospondin-1 and thrombospondin-2 levels among children with autism spectrum disorder and healthy controls

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, the etiology of which has not been clearly determined yet. There is increasing evidence that synaptic and dendritic changes are involved in the etiology of ASD. The aim of this study is to determine whether serum Thrombospondin-1 and Thrombospondin-2 differ between ASD patients and healthy controls. This study also investigates possible correlations between clinical symptomatology of ASD and serum Thrombospondin-1 and Thrombospondin-2 levels. Method: A total of 44 children with ASD and 21 healthy controls under 6 years of age were included in the study. Symptom severity and behavioral problems among children with ASD were evaluated by using Childhood Autism Rating Scale and Abnormal Behavior Checklist. Serum levels of Thrombospondin-1 and Thrombospondin-2 were measured by using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Result: No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of serum Thrombospondin-1 and Thrombospondin-2 levels. In addition, no correlation was determined between Thrombospondin-2 levels and clinical symptomatology and severity of ASD. However, the Thrombospondin-1 level was found to negatively correlated with the total score of Childhood Autism Rating Scale, inappropriate speech and stereotype subscale scores of Aberrant Behavior Checklist scale. Conclusion: Thrombospondin-1 might have a potential role in the etiopathogenesis of ASD. Further studies are required to clearly elucidate the association between Trombospondin-1 and ASD.

Early life exposure to triclosan from antimicrobial daily necessities may increase the potential risk of autism spectrum disorder: A multicenter study in China

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders with unclear etiologies. Our recent work indicated that maternal exposure to triclosan (TCS) significantly increased the autistic-like behavior in rats, possibly through disrupting neuronal retinoic acid signaling. Although environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) have been associated with autism in humans, the relationship between TCS, one of the EEDs found in antibacterial daily necessities, and autism has received little attention. ObjectiveThe aims of this multicenter study were to evaluate TCS concentrations in typically developing (TD) children and ASD children, and to determine the relationship between TCS levels and the core symptoms of ASD children. MethodsA total of 1345 children with ASD and 1183 TD children were enrolled from 13 cities in China. Ages ranged between 2 and 7 years. A questionnaire was used to investigate the maternal use of antibacterial daily necessities (UADN) during pregnancy. The core symptoms of ASD were evaluated using the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Social Response Scale (SRS), and the Children Neuropsychological and Behavior Scale-Revision 2016 (CNBS-R2016). The TCS concentration was measured using LC-MS/MS. ResultsMaternal UADN during pregnancy may be an unrecognized potential environmental risk factor for ASD (OR=1.267, P = 0.023). Maternal UADN during pregnancy strongly correlated with TCS levels in the offspring (Adjusted β = 0.277, P < 0.001). TCS concentration was higher in ASD children (P = 0.005), and positively correlated with ABC (Sensory subscales: P = 0.03; Social self-help subscales: P = 0.011) and SRS scale scores (Social awareness subscales: P = 0.045; Social communication subscales: P = 0.001; Autism behavior mannerisms subscales: P = 0.006; SRS total score: P = 0.003) in ASD children. This association was more pronounced in boys than in girls. ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first case-control study to examine the correlation between TCS and ASD. Our results suggest that maternal UADN during pregnancy may be a potential risk of ASD in offspring. Further detection of TCS levels showed that maternal UADN during pregnancy may be associated with excessive TCS exposure. In addition, the level of TCS in children with ASD is higher than TD children. The higher levels of TCS in children with ASD may be significantly associated with more pronounced core symptoms, and this association was more significant in male children with ASD.

10.18081/2333-5106/2022.10/136

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social deficits, communication inabilities and stereotypic behaviors. There are many suspected genetic causes of autism, but no cure has been proven to work to treat the disorder. Stem cells have been studied for their potential role in treating ASDs. Twenty-five children who fulfilled the autism criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition [total scores below 30 indicate that an individual is “non-autistic,” while scores of 30 or above indicate that an individual is “autistic.” Individuals with scores above 30 are further subdivided into having “mild to moderate autism” (30 to 36.5) or “severe autism” (37 to 60)]. In this study only Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores &gt;37 was participated in this study. Harvested bone marrow from posterior iliac crest under light general anesthesia, for all patients under 10 kg collected 6 ml/kg while calculated the volume above 10-year age group (60 ml + [body weight in kg − 10] × 7 ml). Isolated mononuclear cells through Ficoll gradient under sterile condition in laminar flow class 2. The end products transmitted to sterile tube and injected slowly intrathecally. The same procedure was repeated 3 months later. The result after first bone marrow transplant showed that no severe side effects related with these procedures. The median CARS score decreasing from 52 to 44.2 (P =0.02). Beside this data the severity of autism spectrum disorder signs and symptoms were reduced. Inconclusion, this resulted data suggested that stem cell therapy for children with autism might be safe and effective. However, the evidence was compromised by the limitations in current study size, lacking standardized injection routes and doses of stem cells, as well as shortages in diagnostic tools and long period follow-up studies.

Factors affecting knowledge of autism spectrum disorder among pediatric residents in eastern China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThere is a global increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early identification of ASD in children and intervention are key aspects in the management of ASD. However, early identification is partly dependent on knowledge on ASD among pediatricians. This study analyzed the extent of ASD knowledge and its underlying factors among pediatric residents in eastern China, to provide a reference for medical education reforms.MethodsThe study employed the Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Health Workers questionnaire. A total of 138 pediatric residents participated in the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic characteristics and the four domains of the questionnaire. Univariate analysis was employed to assess impacts of the demographic characteristics on the questionnaire scores. On the other hand, multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the participants’ demographic characteristics and the questionnaire scores.ResultsThe average ASD cognitive score of 138 respondents was 13.38 ± 4.48. The ASD cognitive scores in female pediatric residents were higher compared to that in males (p < 0.05). Residents who had obtained professional doctor qualification certificate were more than those without professional doctor qualification certificate (p < 0.05). The ASD knowledge in the group which did not have rotation in both departments was lower than in the group which had rotation in both departments (p < 0.05) as well as the group that had rotation in developmental and behavioral pediatrics department only (p < 0.05). Our multivariate linear regression model demonstrated significant statistical differences (p < 0.05), and showed that gender and systematic exposure to ASD knowledge had significant effects on cognitive scores (p < 0.05).ConclusionMost participants had relatively low levels of awareness and knowledge about ASD, especially on ASD comorbidities and age of onset. Women, systematic learning of ASD knowledge in medical school, successful passing of the physician examination, and rotation in the developmental and behavioral pediatrics (DBP) department significantly influence the levels of ASD awareness and knowledge. It is, therefore, important to strengthen ASD education in medical students at the university level and make rotation in the DBP department a requisite for pediatric trainees.

Evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in children with autism spectrum disorders

BackgroundThe study compared retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, macular thickness, and macular volume of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to those of healthy control group and correlated the RNFL thickness with symptom severity in children with ASD. MethodForty children between the ages of 7 and 12 with normal intelligence levels and who were diagnosed with ASD as per DSM-5 were included in the ASD group. The control group consisted of healthy children, who were matched with subjects in the ASD group in terms of age and gender. The Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) were used to evaluate the severity of the disease in the cases diagnosed with ASD. The RNFL, macular thickness, and macular volume of all participants were measured optical coherence tomography (OCT). ResultsThe temporal, temporal superior, nasal superior, temporal inferior, and global RNFL thicknesses were significantly lower in the ASD group than in the control group. There was no correlation between the RNFL thickness and ASD symptom severity. The macular thickness and volume were not significantly different between the groups. ConclusionOur data suggest that lower RNFL thickness may relate to atypical brain development in the ASD, and this can be measured in the retina.

The Contribution of Game-based learning: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Dyscalculia

This paper explores the potential of games to mathematics learning and promotion of globalpsychomotricity, relational/social skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Dyscalculia students of Basic Education in Portugal. Inspired by Space Adventure: Defend the Planet! (SADP), an educational research-based game to children&amp;#39;s primary mathematics’ learning [PTDC/COM-CSS/32022/2017], a game-based intervention was created to psychomotricity sessions at school facilities. The study was conducted by the researcher, Superior Technician of SEN and Rehabilitation. A mixed method approach is used to research: what impact does the intervention have on participants&amp;#39; motivation, engagement, learning of mathematics and development of participants? Five schools in Portugal participated in the study, between December 2021 and March 2022, with 12 sessions, one session/week, 45 minutes. The sample: 19 participants: 12 boys, 9 with ASD and 3 with Dyscalculia; 7 girls, 2 with ASD and 5 with Dyscalculia. The average age is M=8.6 with SD=1.8. Prior to the intervention, the following instruments were applied: pre-tests of math skills, communication and social interaction, receptive and expressive language; Childhood Autism RatingScale; a Battery Movement Assessment Battery for Children; questionnaire Technologies/Video Games and Questionnaire of Support Measures for Learning and Inclusion. During the intervention, an observation grid and alternative communication materials were used per session. A PC, the SADP, gymnasium/relaxation room with a chair, table and gym supplies. From the results, computers, tablets, and mobile phones are the most frequently used by children. GRID/ABC Autism, Bini ABC/Human Body, and Minecraft/Troll are video games often played by participants. One girl aged 12 explained to the researcher how to create worlds on Minecraft, which is an indicator that “good” video games could be beneficial for ASD. “I feel free to explore my imagination!”- she said. Most children expressed rich verbalizations about SADP: “I love it”, “This game is interesting”. As preliminary results children were motivated, participative, engaged with learning math, and able to co-create motor activities inspired by SADP challenges. The data analysis of the present study is in progress and will be presented.