Autism Severity Research Articles

자폐스펙트럼장애 영유아의 자폐증상, 사회성숙도, 문제행동과 어머니의 우울증상이 어머니 양육스트레스에 미치는 영향

자폐스펙트럼장애 영유아의 자폐증상, 사회성숙도, 문제행동과 어머니의 우울증상이 어머니 양육스트레스에 미치는 영향

Somatic disorders in autism as one of the factors of behavioral and social interaction disorders

Autism is a pressing global problem in a number of medical and related scientific disciplines. For autism, a polysystemic feature is typical, and neurological changes are usually accompanied by somatic ones, most often affecting the intestine, pancreas, and often lungs, pelvic organs, kidneys, adrenal glands and other organs. It is not surprising that the mortality from somatic causes in such children exceeds the mortality of healthy children of the same age groups by 3–10 or more times (depending on the severity of autism). Many studies report a high prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in autistic people. The most common of these is chronic constipation (22% on average). The functional interaction of the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system is due to the presence of various connections and includes the autonomic nervous, immune and neuroendocrine systems. Of particular importance in gastrointestinal disorders and the pathogenesis of autism is the intestinal microbiota, a complex bacterial community located in the gastrointestinal tract. Under the influence of external and internal factors, the microbiota changes the permeability of the intestinal and blood-brain barriers, and the metabolites produced by the altered microbiota can enter the bloodstream and the central nervous system, disrupting its functioning. It was proven that there are pronounced differences between the intestinal microbiota of healthy children and autistic children, and directed individual correction often leads to normalization or significant improvement in social and communicative behavior and other deviations typical of children with autism. Thus, violations in the somatic sphere can increase the severity of the clinical presentation of autism, causing various behavioral and communication disorders. Identification of the spectrum of these disorders, as well as the study of the mechanisms of their development and interrelationship, is an urgent problem, the solution of which may be important for determining the tactics of complex therapy of patients with autism spectrum disorders.

Parental Age at Conception and the Relationship with Severity of Autism Symptoms

ABSTRACT Background Previous research has examined the relationship between advanced parental age at conception and the incidence of autism, and has noted strong relationships between advanced parental age and other developmental disabilities. Aim The purpose of this study was to confirm that and extend that knowledge to the association between advanced parental age and severity of autism symptoms as measured by a parental report of ASD symptom severity. Methods The current study included 252 participants between the ages of 2–17 years and their parents. Results Child’s gender and paternal age were found to be significant predictors of autism severity with males and children with older fathers at conception showing the highest severity. Interestingly, maternal age was not found to be a significant predictor of autism risk or severity of symptoms in this sample. Conclusion Possible explanations for these findings are discussed, as well as future directions for research in this area.

Heterogeneities in Cognitive and Socio-Emotional Development in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Intellectual Disability as a Comorbidity.

Introduction: Intellectual disability (ID) is frequently associated as a comorbidity in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study investigated a) how similar the heterogeneity in the cognitive and socio-emotional developmental profiles was for children with ASD and ID, b) the difference between the subjects’ profiles and those of typically developing children (TD) matched for developmental levels, c) the skills existing with the lowest and highest developmental levels, and d) the relationship between developmental profiles in ASD and the severity of autism, ID, and the overall developmental level. Participants: The sample was comprised of 119 children (101 boys and 18 girls) who ranged in chronological age (CA) from 21 months to 14 years (M = 5 years 2 months; SD = 2 years 6 months) with developmental levels lower than 24 months. They came from three countries (France = 40, Brazil = 40, and Algeria = 39). The control group was comprised of 40 TD children from these same countries who ranged in CA from 4 to 24 months (M = 1 year 3 months; SD = 5 months). The ASD diagnosis was carried out according to International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems-10th Edition (ICD-10), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th ed (DSM-5) criteria and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Measures: Children were tested using the Social Cognitive Evaluation Battery (SCEB; Adrien, 2007) by trained psychologists from public and private institutions specialized in the diagnosis of autism and interventions in this field. The SCEB explores 16 functional abilities, in both cognitive and socio-emotional areas, and allows the calculation of domain and area developmental levels and heterogeneity indices for the global, cognitive, and socio-emotional areas. Results: Children with ASD developmental profiles show very high heterogeneity as opposed to TD children. Regardless of the country of origin, there are similarities between the heterogeneous cognitive and socio-emotional developmental profiles of the children with ASD, whose profiles are characterized by lower developmental levels of language and vocal imitation skills, and a relationship between these developmental heterogeneities and the degree of severity of autistic symptomatology, intellectual disability, and overall development level. The implications of this study are presented for clinical assessment and intervention purposes in ASD and ID.

The role of zinc supplementation on the metallothionein system in children with autism spectrum disorder.

The present research was carried out to elucidate the role of zinc (Zn) supplementation on the plasma concentration and gene expression, as well as the effects on cognitive-motor performance, in a cohort of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study was performed on a cohort of 30 pediatric subjects with ASD, encompassing an age range of 3-8years. The impact of Zn supplementation was investigated in 3months (or 12weeks) on the ASD children. Each daily dosage of Zn was calculated as being equal to the body weight in kg plus 15-20mg. The effect of Zn was also evaluated on the serum level of metallothionein 1 (MT-1A), and the severity of autism via scores on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. The effect of Zn was investigated on the gene expression of MT1-A before and after Zn supplementation. The data of the present study showed an increase in cognitive-motor performance and an increased serum metallothionein concentration, as well as a significant lowering in the circulating serum levels of copper (Cu) following Zn supplementation. In the cohort of ASD patients, the genetic expression of MT-1 was higher after Zn therapy than before the treatment. In conclusion, Zn supplementation might be an important factor in the treatment of children with ASD.

Social Differences Between Monolingual English and Bilingual English-Spanish Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

ObjectiveBilingualism is increasingly prevalent; however, research in bilingual children with autism is sparse. The purpose of this study was to compare social skills and autistic features in monolingual English and bilingual English-Spanish children with autism spectrum disorder. MethodsWe conducted a review of the multidisciplinary evaluations done in all children aged one to six years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in an inner city, university-affiliated clinic from 2003 to 2013. Collected information included demographics, developmental testing, and autistic characteristics. ResultsWe identified 462 children; 165 were bilingual English-Spanish and 297 were monolingual English. Parents of bilingual children reported stereotyped or repetitive use of language more often (66% vs 48% P = 0.002) than monolinguals. Significant differences were not found in social interaction, use of nonverbal behaviors, peer relationships, sharing or social or emotional reciprocity, mannerisms, or autism severity. ConclusionsBilingualism does not seem to confer an extra vulnerability on children with autism spectrum disorder; however, differences in qualitative use of language were observed.

Progressive neuroanatomical changes caused by Grin1 loss-of-function mutation

NMDA receptor dysfunction is central to the encephalopathies caused by missense mutations in the NMDA receptor subunit genes. Missense variants of GRIN1, GRIN2A, and GRIN2B cause similar syndromes with varying severity of intellectual impairment, autism, epilepsy, and motor dysfunction. To gain insight into possible biomarkers of NMDAR hypofunction, we asked whether a loss-of-function variant in the Grin1 gene would cause structural changes in the brain that could be detected by MRI. We also studied the developmental trajectory of these changes to determine whether structural changes coincided with reported cognitive impairments in the mice. We performed magnetic resonance imaging in male Grin1−/− knockdown mice (GluN1KD) that were three, six, or twelve weeks old. Deformation-based morphometry was used to assess neuroanatomical differences. Volumetric reductions were detected in substantia nigra and striatum of GluN1KD mice at all ages. Changes in limbic structures were only evident at six weeks of age. Reductions in white matter volumes were first evident at three weeks, and additional deficits were detected at six and twelve weeks. FluoroJade immunofluorescence revealed degenerating neurons in twelve-week old GluN1KD mice. We conclude that Grin1 loss-of-function mutations cause volume reductions in dopaminergic structures early in development, while changes to limbic and white matter structures are delayed and are more pronounced in post-adolescent ages. The evidence of degenerating neurons in the mature brain indicates an ongoing process of cell loss as a consequence of NMDAR hypofunction.

Study of The Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on A Sample of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined complex neurodevelopmental syndrome. ASD is one of the most common child psychiatric disorders. Despite the long history of research on ASD, no much is known yet about the exact biological causes and how the disorder can be effectively treated. Objective: To study clinical effect of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on a sample of children with autism spectrum disorder. Patients and Methods: the sample consisted of 30 children. Their ages ranged from 4 to 10 years old. After being diagnosed clinically according to DSM-5 through a designed semi-structured interview and through application of childhood autistic rating scale CARS and assessment of the degree of clinical severity of autism spectrum disorders according to DSM-5. Results: The results of the study after the completion of 12 sessions of rTMS, there was a significant difference and improvement in the severity of the clinical symptoms for ASD except for the level of activity and listening response and use of the body by comparing the severity of symptoms before and after rTMS. Comparing results before and after rTMS by the level of clinical severity of autism according to DSM-5; at the level of severity in social communication, the improvement was statistically significant (p-value 0.001). At the level of severity in restricted and repetitive behaviors the improvement was statistically highly significant (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: this study concluded that rTMS over left dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex may be safe and effective way of providing a relief of ASD symptoms.

Relationship between Upper Limb Co-Ordination and Severity Level in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

AbstractBackground: Autism is a multisystem neurodevelopmental disturbance characterized by stereotyped behaviors, restricted interests, as well as impaired communication and social interactions.Aim of Study: The current study examined the relationship between upper limb coordination, as measured by Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency 2nd Edition (BOT-2), and autism severity, as measured by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).Subjects and Methods: Thirty (30) children with a diag-nosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) were evaluated using the CARS and then tested for upper limb coordination using (BOT-2), Statistical analysis was then conducted to examine the relationship between autism severity and upper limb coordination.Results: The results of the present study showed that there was a negative correlation between CARS score and upper limb after adjustment for age, weight, height, gender and year of birth.Conclusion: Evidence suggests that upper limb coordina-tion in children with ASD is related to the severity of the disorder. Further research is needed to determine the extent and consistency of the motor impairments and possible treat-ments.

Enhanced perioperative management of children with autism: a pilot study

When children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are in hospital, difficulties with socialization, communication, and behaviour can be exacerbated. The purpose of this study was to establish feasibility of an enhanced perioperative care pathway. Utilizing parental and provider feedback, a protocol including environment modification, anxiolysis plans, specialized order sets, and child life specialist (CLS) support was developed over a nine-month period. Autism severity scores (ASS), communication styles, triggers, and previous experiences were used to create individualized care plans in the preoperative clinic. Emotion and sedation scores in the same day surgery unit, at anesthesia induction, and in the postanesthesia care unit were recorded. Acceptance was obtained from nurses, anesthesiologists, and parents. Feasibility criteria included the recruitment rate, adherence to protocol, data collection, and patient follow-up. Eighteen patients were enrolled in this pilot study. All feasibility criteria including recruitment, adherence to study protocol (97%), and follow-up (94%) were met. Fifteen (83%) patients were nonverbal and minimally interactive (ASS = 3). Common triggers were loud noises (78%), crowds (78%), and bright lights (56%). After implementation of the protocol, 15 (83%) of the anesthetic inductions were described as excellent. Ten different premedication plans were used. Parents described the personalized plan, anxiolysis medication, and CLS support as advantageous. All (100%) nurses, anesthesiologists, and parents felt the program should continue. We showed that a multidisciplinary perioperative care plan for children with severe ASD was feasible and 100% accepted at our institution. The individual nature of anxiolysis plans was considered a strength of the protocol.

Epilepsy and Autism Severity: A Study of 6,975 Children

Epilepsy is known to occur in a higher-than-expected proportion of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Prior studies of this heterogeneous disorder have suggested that intelligence quotient (IQ) may drive this relationship. Because intellectual disability (ID) is, independently of ASD, a risk factor for epilepsy, current literature calls into question the long-understood unique relationship between ASD and epilepsy. Second, data have been unclear about whether developmental regression in ASD is associated with epilepsy. Using two cohorts from an online research registry, totaling 6,975 children with ASD, we examined the independent role of four ASD severity measures in driving the relationship with epilepsy: ID, language impairment, core ASD symptom severity, and motor dysfunction, controlling for two known relevant factors: age and sex. We also examined whether developmental regression and epilepsy have an independent statistical link. All four ASD severity factors showed independent statistical associations with epilepsy in one cohort, and three in the other. ID showed the largest relative risk (RR) in both cohorts. Effect sizes were modest. Regression similarly showed an independent statistical association with epilepsy, but with small effect size. Similar to previous work, ID showed the greatest contribution to RR for epilepsy among children with ASD. However, other ASD severity markers showed statistical associations, demonstrating that the ASD-epilepsy association is not reducible to the effect of ID. Inconsistencies in the literature may be due to underpowered studies, yet moving forward with larger-n studies, clinical significance and scientific relevance may be dictated by effect size and not merely statistical significance. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1251-1259. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Epilepsy is known to occur more often in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) than is the case in the general population. The association between ASD and epilepsy is of interest because studying the two disorders in combination may help advance our understanding of genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms-as well as therapies-for both. Recent studies have suggested that intelligence quotient (IQ) alone in individuals with ASD may account for the increased prevalence of epilepsy. However, our approach was to look at a range of severity factors relevant to ASD and to look for correlations between each severity factor and epilepsy, within two large samples of children with ASD. In summary, we found that each severity factor-presence of intellectual disability, presence of language atypicalities, ASD-specific symptoms severity, and presence of motor issues-independently predicted a small increased risk for epilepsy, countering the argument that IQ alone is a risk factor. We also examined whether epilepsy is associated with developmental regression. Although severe epilepsy syndromes such as Landau-Kleffner syndrome are known to cause autistic-like symptoms following developmental regression, there is controversy about whether other forms of epilepsy are associated with the more common developmental regression seen in many young children with epilepsy. Indeed, we found a small association between epilepsy and developmental regression.

Cranio-Facial Characteristics in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Background: Cranio-facial anomalies frequently occur in neurodevelopmental disorders because both face and brain are derived from neuroectoderm. The identification of differences in the facial phenotype of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) may reflect alterations in embryologic brain development in children with ASD. Methods: we evaluated 33 caucasian children with ASD using a 2D computerized photogrammetry. Anthropometric euclidean measurements and landmarks located on the soft tissue of the face and head, were based on five cranio-facial indexes. Relationships between anthropometric z-scores and participant characteristics (i.e., age, Global IQ, severity of autistic symptoms measured using the CARS checklist) were assessed. Results: Cephalic index z-score differed significantly from 0 in our ASD group (p = 0.019). Moreover, a significant negative correlation was found between Facial Index z-score and CARS score (p = 0.003); conversely, a positive correlation was found between Interchantal Index z-score and CARS score (p = 0.028). Conclusion: our measurements shows a dolichocephalic head shape which is not correlated with autism severity. Importantly, two craniofacial markers were significantly correlated with autism severity: increased orbital hyperthelorism and decrease of height of the facial midline. These data support previous findings of craniofacial anomalies in autism spectrum disorder suggesting an “ASD facial phenotype” that could be used to improve ASD diagnoses.

The association between particulate matter 2.5 exposure and children with autism spectrum disorder

ObjectiveParticulate matter (PM) as an environmental pollutant is suspected to be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this study was to assess whether exposures to PM2.5 during the first three years of life in relation to the risk and degree of the severity of ASD. MethodsA total of two hundred and ninety-seven 3–6 years old Chinese children (99 confirmed autism cases and 198 their age-gender matched control subjects) were included. Children's exposures to PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm) during the first three years after birth were estimated. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the PM2.5-ASD association. ResultsThe mean levels of PM2.5 exposures in ASD and typical developmental children during the first three years of life were 89.8[standard deviations (SD): 6.1] μg/m3 and 87.3(6.6) μg/m3, respectively (p = 0.002). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the serum levels of PM2.5 and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score indicating severity of autism (r = 0.259; p = 0.010). Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the optimal cutoff value of PM2.5 levels as an indicator for auxiliary diagnosis of ASD was projected to be 89.5ug/m3, which yielded a sensitivity of 65.4% and a specificity of 63.2%, with the area under the curve at 0.61 (95% confidence intervals [CIs], 0.54−0.68; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis models were used to assess ASD risk according to PM2.5 quartiles (the lowest quartile [Q1] as the reference), with the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% CIs) were recorded. As shown in the Table 2, the 3rd and 4th quartile of PM2.5 were compared against the Q1, and the risks were increased by 103% (OR = 2.03; 95%CI: 1.13–5.54; p = 0.015) and 311% (4.15; 2.04–9.45; p = 0.002), respectively. ConclusionsTo conclude, the evidence from this study allowed us to conclude that there was an association between PM2.5 exposure and ASD risk and severity.

Impact of Auditory Integration Therapy (AIT) on the Plasma Levels of Human Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Neurotrophic factors, including the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), are of importance for synaptic plasticity regulation, intended as the synapses' ability to strengthen or weaken their responses to differences in neuronal activity. Such plasticity is essential for sensory processing, which has been shown to be impaired in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study is the first to investigate the impact of auditory integration therapy (AIT) of sensory processing abnormalities in autism on plasma GDNF levels. Fifteen ASD children, aged between 5 and 12years, were enrolled and underwent the present research study. AIT was performed throughout 10 days with a 30-min session twice a day. Before and after AIT, Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and Short Sensory Profile (SSP) scores were calculated, and plasma GDNF levels were assayed by an EIA test. A substantial decline in autistic behavior was observed after AIT in the scaling parameters used. Median plasma GDNF level was 52.142pg/ml before AIT. This level greatly increased immediately after AIT to 242.05pg/ml (P < 0.001). The levels were depressed to 154.00pg/ml and 125.594pg/ml 1month and 3months later, respectively, but they were still significantly higher compared with the levels before the treatment (P = 0.001, P = 0.01, respectively). There was an improvement in the measures of autism severity as an effect of AIT which induced the up-regulation of GDNF in plasma. Further research, on a large scale, is needed to evaluate if the cognitive improvement of ASD children after AIT is related or not connected to the up-regulation of GDNF.

Comprehensive Analysis of Rare Variants of 101 Autism-Linked Genes in a Hungarian Cohort of Autism Spectrum Disorder Patients.

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous. Former genetic studies suggested that both common and rare genetic variants play a role in the etiology. In this study, we aimed to analyze rare variants detected by next generation sequencing (NGS) in an autism cohort from Hungary.MethodsWe investigated the yield of NGS panel sequencing of an unselected ASD cohort (N = 174 ) for the detection of ASD associated syndromes. Besides, we analyzed rare variants in a common disease-rare variant framework and performed rare variant burden analysis and gene enrichment analysis in phenotype based clusters.ResultsWe have diagnosed 13 molecularly proven syndromic autism cases. Strongest indicators of syndromic autism were intellectual disability, epilepsy or other neurological plus symptoms. Rare variant analysis on a cohort level confirmed the association of five genes with autism (AUTS2, NHS, NSD1, SLC9A9, and VPS13). We found no correlation between rare variant burden and number of minor malformation or autism severity. We identified four phenotypic clusters, but no specific gene was enriched in a given cluster.ConclusionOur study indicates that NGS panel gene sequencing can be useful, where the clinical picture suggests a clinically defined syndromic autism. In this group, targeted panel sequencing may provide reasonable diagnostic yield. Unselected NGS panel screening in the clinic remains controversial, because of uncertain utility, and difficulties of the variant interpretation. However, the detected rare variants may still significantly influence autism risk and subphenotypes in a polygenic model, but to detect the effects of these variants larger cohorts are needed.

From Toddlerhood to Adolescence: Which Characteristics Among Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder Predict Adolescent Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Symptom Severity? A Long-Term Follow-Up Study.

High rates of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbidity have been described in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study searched for predictors at toddlerhood of the severity of ADHD symptoms at adolescence. The study included 65 participants, (mean age = 13:8year), diagnosed with ASD at toddlerhood. Participants underwent a comprehensive assessment of cognitive ability, adaptive skills and autism severity at toddlerhood and adolescence. More severe restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) in toddlerhood predicted the severity of Inattention symptoms. In addition, more severe RRB and lower adaptive skills in the toddler years significantly predicted the severity of Hyperactivity/Impulsivity symptoms. Adolescents with elevated ADHD symptoms diagnosed at toddlerhood with ASD showed lower cognitive and adaptive skills and more severe autism symptoms.

Toddlers to teenagers: Long-term follow-up study of outcomes in autism spectrum disorder.

This prospective study examined the developmental changes over time of adolescents diagnosed in toddlerhood with autism spectrum disorder and searched for child characteristics at toddlerhood that predict outcome at adolescence. The study included 65 participants who were divided into low cognitive (developmental quotient < 85; N = 41) and high cognitive (developmental quotient ⩾ 85; N = 21) groups in adolescence. Participants underwent a comprehensive assessment of cognitive ability, adaptive skills, and autism severity. Significant differences in the current clinical phenotypes and in developmental changes over time were found between the two cognitive groups. At baseline, the high cognitive group had significantly less severe social communication deficits. Only the high cognitive group showed a decrease in social communication deficits over time. Although the two groups did not differ in their adaptive skills at the time of diagnosis, the high cognitive group had better adaptive skills at adolescence. Better adaptive communication skills in toddlerhood were associated with better outcome at adolescence in cognitive ability, adaptive skills, and fewer autism symptoms. Less impaired baseline social affect and better cognitive ability predicted higher cognitive level and adaptive skills at adolescence. Cognitive potential of individuals with autism spectrum disorder plays an important role in long-term outcome and comprehensive evaluations at toddlerhood have strong prognostic value in adolescence.

A meta regression analysis of quality of life correlates in adults with ASD

BackgroundIn this meta-regression analysis, we investigated Pearson’s r correlations between Quality of Life (QoL) and several putative correlates, including (a) age, (b) intellectual quotient (IQ), (c) autism severity, and (d) social functioning (SF). MethodRobust variance estimation was used to synthesize the effect sizes from published and unpublished studies/datasets. One hundred sixty five effect sizes (extracted from 17 studies/datasets) comprising a total of 1721 participants with ASD (mean age = 35.64 years; mean percent male = 62.24%) were retrieved. ResultsSummary effect sizes derived from unconditional meta-regressions for the association between QoL and age, IQ, and autism severity were close to zero and statistically insignificant. In contrast, the summary effect size for the association between QoL and social functioning was statistically significant and moderately sized. ConclusionOf the correlates we examined, only social functioning appears to bear significant summary-level associations with QoL. Improvements in social functioning may enhance QoL in adults with ASD. Alternatively, interventions aimed at neurotypical populations that promote ASD acceptance may lead to increased QoL that is not dependent on social functioning. Factors other than normative adult outcomes that may influence adult QoL should be explored.

Atypical Response to Caregiver Touch in Infants at High Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Atypical response to tactile input is associated with greater socio-communicative impairments in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study examined overt orienting to caregiver-initiated touch in 12-month-olds at high risk for ASD (HRA) with (HRA+) and without (HRA-) a later diagnosis of ASD compared to low-risk comparison infants. Findings indicate that infants that go on to receive a diagnosis of ASD may more frequently fail to shift their attention in response to caregiver touch and when they do, they may be more likely to orient away from touch. Additionally, failure to respond to touch predicts ADOS severity scores at outcome suggesting that atypical response to touch may be an early indicator of autism severity.

Does Animation Facilitate Understanding of Graphic Symbols Representing Verbs in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Purpose The effects of animation on identification of graphic symbols for verbs were studied using the Autism Language Program Graphic Symbols Set in children diagnosed with mild-to-severe autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 3 and 7 years. Method The participants were randomly assigned to an animated symbol condition or a static symbol condition. Static symbols were spliced from the animated symbols to ensure that the symbols differed only in terms of the absence or presence of movement. The participants were asked to identify a target symbol among foils given the spoken label. Results There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to chronological age, autism severity, and receptive target verb knowledge. An independent t test revealed that animated symbols were more readily identified than static symbols. Conclusions Animation enhances the identification of verbs in children with autism spectrum disorder. Clinicians are encouraged to take advantage of animation when introducing graphic symbols representing verbs. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.