Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire Research Articles

A comparison of the social cognition and neurocognitive characteristics of adolescents with suicide behavior, adolescent with depression and healthy controls.

Deficits in neurocognition and social-cognition have been suggested to be an endophenotype for suicidal behavior. We aimed to compare the social-cognition and neurocognitive characteristics of adolescents diagnosed with depression with and without suicidal behavior and to investigate whether these functions predict suicide. Adolescents diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with suicidal behavior (n = 42); MDD without suicidal behavior (n = 44) and age- and sex-matched controls (n = 43) were included. The University of Pennsylvania Computerized Neurobehavioral Test Battery and Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) were used to evaluate social-cognition and neurocognitive characteristics. Several neurocognitive domain values of MDD groups, were significantly different from the control group. Neutral emotion recognition task (p = 0.025) and ASSQ scores were found to be significantly impaired in the patient groups (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that, only the increase in the Suicide Probability Scale score was found to be significant as a risk factor predicting suicide (p = 0.007, OR: 1.246). While the neurocognitive and social-cognitive performances of adolescents with MDD were significantly lower than the control group, these performances in the two depression groups were similar. When the predictors of suicidal behavior were examined, it was found that only the increase in suicidal ideation scores predicted suicide.

Neurobehavioral Phenotype of Children With Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy.

To describe the neurobehavioral phenotype of congenital myotonic dystrophy. Congenital myotonic dystrophy (CDM) is the most severe form of myotonic dystrophy, characterized by symptom presentation at birth and later, cognitive impairment, autistic features, and disordered sleep. The neurobehavioral phenotype was assessed in this cross-sectional study by a neuropsychological battery consisting of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Third Edition, Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, Second Edition (Vineland-II), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function including preschool and teacher reports, Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire, Social Communication Scale, and Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised. Sleep quality was evaluated with the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale. Fifty-five children with CDM, ages 5 weeks to 14 years, were enrolled. The mean age and (CTG)n repeats (±SD) were 6.4 ± 3.8 years and 1,263 ± 432, respectively. The mean IQ was 64.1 ± 14.9 on the Weschler scales with 65.6% of participants falling in the extremely low range for IQ. Adaptive functioning was significantly low for 57.1% of participants (n = 20). Caregiver report of executive functioning indicated 23.1% (9/39) of participants had clinically elevated levels of dysfunction, though teacher report was discrepant and indicated 53.3% of participants with CDM fell in this range (8/15). Spearman correlations were strongly positive (p ≤ 0.05) for estimated full scale IQ, overall adaptive functioning and with daily living and socialization domain standard scores on the Vineland-II ranging from r = 0.719 to r = 0.849 for all ages. Aspects of executive function were directly related to features of autism and sleep quality. Social communication was inversely related to all aspects of daily functioning, except communication, and directly related to aspects of autism behavior. Depressed IQ, adaptive skills, and executive functioning, poor sleep quality, and features of autism and altered social functioning individually describe different aspects of the neurobehavioral phenotype in CDM. These neurobehavioral and sleep measures could help quantitatively measure and assess the burden of cognitive impairment in CDM.

Specific brain imaging alterations underlying autistic traits in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

BackgroundAutistic traits (ATs) are frequently reported in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to examine ATs in children with ADHD from both behavioral and neuroimaging perspectives.MethodsWe used the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) to assess and define subjects with and without ATs. For behavioral analyses, 67 children with ADHD and ATs (ADHD + ATs), 105 children with ADHD but without ATs (ADHD − ATs), and 44 typically developing healthy controls without ATs (HC − ATs) were recruited. We collected resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data and analyzed the mean amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (mALFF) values (an approach used to depict different spontaneous brain activities) in a sub-sample. The imaging features that were shared between ATs and ADHD symptoms or that were unique to one or the other set of symptoms were illustrated as a way to explore the “brain–behavior” relationship.ResultsCompared to ADHD-ATs, the ADHD + ATs group showed more global impairment in all aspects of autistic symptoms and higher hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI). Partial-correlation analysis indicated that HI was significantly positively correlated with all aspects of ATs in ADHD. Imaging analyses indicated that mALFF values in the left middle occipital gyrus (MOG), left parietal lobe (PL)/precuneus, and left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) might be specifically related to ADHD, while those in the right MTG might be more closely associated with ATs. Furthermore, altered mALFF in the right PL/precuneus correlated with both ADHD and ATs, albeit in diverse directions.ConclusionsThe co-occurrence of ATs in children with ADHD manifested as different behavioral characteristics and specific brain functional alterations. Assessing ATs in children with ADHD could help us understand the heterogeneity of ADHD, further explore its pathogenesis, and promote clinical interventions.

A follow-up and treatment model for pediatric eating disorders: examination of the clinical variables of a child and adolescent psychiatry eating disorder outpatient clinic.

Anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders are common in children and adolescents and are characterized by symptoms such as food restriction, efforts to lose weight, fear of gaining weight and impaired body image. Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening psychiatric disorder and its management in the outpatient setting can be challenging for clinicians. The aim of this study was to introduce the subunit service model developed for the multidisciplinary diagnosis and management of eating disorders in the outpatient setting and to evaluate the clinical follow-up of patients. The medical records of 37 patients who were followed up by the eating disorders team at our clinic between 2018 and 2022 were reviewed. The study was designed as retrospective case study. A diagnosis was made according to DSM-5 and a treatment plan was developed for each case. Body mass index (BMI), Clinic Global Impression (CGI) scale scores, duration of follow-up, number of interviews and other scale scores (The Turgay Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Scale and the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire Scale) of 37 patients aged 12-17 years diagnosed with an eating disorder and followed up in our clinic were statistically compared. The Eating Disorder Follow-up Model developed and applied in our clinic had a positive effect on patients BMI scores, a significant improvement in CGI scores was observed. Conclusion: We believe that this multidisciplinary system will serve as a model for other mental health centers by raising awareness and guiding mental health professionals in the follow-up and treatment of eating disorders.

Changes in the psychosocial and clinical profiles of anorexia nervosa patients during the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic and related control measures have increased the prevalence of anorexia nervosa (AN), and recent studies demonstrated that approximately 70% of individuals diagnosed with AN experienced deterioration in symptoms. This study aimed to examine the psychosocial and clinical impacts on patients with AN during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study involved 35 female AN adolescents who were being treated at Ege University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department. To assess pre-pandemic symptom levels and daily life routines, a retrospective form utilizing the visual analog scale (VAS) was employed. Body mass index (BMI) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) data were recorded by an interviewer for all 35 patients who gave consent to participate in the study. Fifteen patients completed all the forms [VAS, the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders Scale (SCARED), the Eating Attitudes Test, the Quality-of-Life Scale (QoLS), the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire, and the Turgay DSM-4 Based Screening and Evaluation Scale for Behavioral Disorders in Children and Adolescents] online in 2022. Clinical diagnosis and progress were assessed retrospectively using The Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS). The duration of the follow-up period and the number of psychiatric visits were obtained retrospectively from patient files. Retrospective data on pre-pandemic symptom levels and daily life routines were collected using the VAS. The mean age of AN patients was 16.67 ± 1.63 years. Comorbid diseases were present in 73.33% of patients, and major depressive disorder (MDD) was the most common (46.66%). Mean scores indicated moderate levels of anxiety (SCARED score: 37.23 ± 12.67) and depression (CDI score: 17.23 ± 10.85). QoLS scores were negatively correlated with eating attitudes (r = -0.601, p = 0.039). Obsession level, exercise level, and screen time increased during the pandemic, while social activity, quality of education, and perception of learning decreased. BMI increased in all patients. Patients who completed the forms had a higher number of psychiatric visits compared to those who did not complete the forms (p = 0.033). The mean number of clinic visits was 26.27 ± 20.33. The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic had adverse effects on AN patients and disrupted their daily routines. These patients experienced high rates of comorbidities. The patients showed improvement in BMI scores, indicating the positive impact of treatment. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive psychiatric care and targeted interventions for AN patients during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Factor analysis of the autism spectrum screening questionnaire in a population-based child sample

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate several possible factor structures of the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ). Materials and methods We used the 27-item screening tool for school-aged children in a general population of 8-year-old children (n = 3,538) and compared the occurring solutions to previously published factor models. Results A one-factor solution and a four-factor solution were identified in Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and confirmed with Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), while two-, three-, five- and six-factor solutions were rejected. In CFA, our four-factor solution showed the best goodness-of-fit indexes when compared with factor models previously presented by Posserud et al. and Ehlers et al. Conclusions The results indicate a strong underlying connection between all ASSQ items which is elicited by the one-factor solution. Although as a screening tool, ASSQ is functioning with the unifactorial solution, the four factors can help to identify certain clusters of autism spectrum traits.

Do Autistic Traits Predict Outcome of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

The first aim of this study was to explore whether children with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and subclinical autistic traits can be differentiated from children with OCD without these traits based on clinical OCD-related characteristics, distinct OCD symptom patterns, and type of comorbidity. The second aim was to investigate whether autistic traits predict immediate and long-term outcome of exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in pediatric OCD.The participants in this study were a total of 257 children and adolescents aged 7-17 years, recruited from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden as a part of the Nordic long-term OCD treatment study (NordLOTS). Inclusion criteria were an OCD diagnosis based on DSM-IV criteria and a Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) total severity score of 16 or higher. No children with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum were included. An Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) cut-off score of ≥ 17 was used to define the group of OCD patients with autistic traits and all participants were treated with 14 weekly sessions of manualized CBT.Comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and tic disorders, subclinical internalizing and externalizing symptoms, lower insight into OCD symptoms, more indecisiveness and pervasive slowness, and ordering/arranging OCD symptoms were found to be significantly associated with having OCD with autistic traits. No difference was found between the groups on treatment outcomes.Results suggest that children and adolescents with OCD and autistic traits portray a different clinical profile than those without these traits, but that CBT is equally effective for those with and without autistic traits.

The association between autistic-like traits and sluggish cognitive tempo symptoms in children with ADHD

Objective: Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) and autistic-like traits (ALTs) may occur together in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to explore a possible association between SCT and ALTs in a sample diagnosed with ADHD. Method: A total of 147 children and adolescents with ADHD aged 6 to 14 were included in the study. The parents completed Barkley’s Child Attention Survey and Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire. A mental status examination and a semistructured interview were applied to detect comorbidities. Results: Approximately 54,2% (n = 26) of the participants with high ALT levels had higher SCT. SCT symptoms were positively associated with ALT levels. Moreover, the association between SCT and ALTs remained significant after controlling for age, gender, parental ages at giving birth and inattentive presentation of ADHD. SCT predicted higher levels of ALTs, and ALTs predicted higher levels of SCT. Conclusion: The present study provided evidence of an association between SCT and ALTs in ADHD children even when controlled for inattentive presentation and other child- and parent-related variables. The findings may contribute to clarifying some pieces of the clinical picture by revealing the interrelationship between SCT and ALT accompanying ADHD in understanding the underlying transdiagnostic structures of clinically heterogeneous ADHD.

The relationship between executive functions and chronotype in healthy siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to examine executive functions in healthy siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to evaluate the relationship between chronotype and executive functions (EF). This study included 40 healthy siblings (case group) of children with ASD and 40 healthy controls. Executive functions were evaluated by Stroop Test, Serial Digit Learning Test (SDLT) and Cancellation Test (CT). Children’s Chronotype Questionnaire (CCTQ) and Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) were administered to parents. It was determined that the Stroop Test and CT performances of the case group were significantly worse than the control group. There was no difference in SDLT. It was determined that the total CCTQ score of the case group was significantly higher. In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between the chronotype total score and the number of false targets in the second part of CT. In the logistic regression analysis; the chronotype total score, Stroop test fifth part correction number and CT fourth part error number were determined as possible factors in the differentiation of the case and control groups. More studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between executive functions and chronotype in siblings of children with ASD.

Adaptation of autism spectrum screening questionnaire (ASSQ) for use in Georgian school settings

Purpose Even though 95% of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), live in low- and middle-income countries, there is a dearth of studies from these countries, including the Republic of Georgia. Several ASD screening tools are available, but few are validated for use in Georgian or other smaller countries. This study aims to adapt and validate the autism spectrum screening questionnaire (ASSQ) for use in Georgia. Design/methodology/approach The ASSQ was administered for all third-grade students in 402 schools in the five main Georgian cities, n = 27,336. Prior to use, the 27-item ASSQ was translated, back-translated and adapted for use in Georgia. A total of 16,556 students (approximately 61%) were assessed by a parent and/or teacher. Optimal cutoff scores were estimated. Randomly chosen children who screened positive (n = 173) and negative (n = 127) were offered comprehensive assessment using standardized diagnostic procedures. Findings Data from 15,510 parents- and 13,517 teachers-administered ASSQ revealed statistically significant differences in median and cutoff scores between parents and teachers: 7 versus 4 and 9 versus 6, respectively. Cutoff score = 14, on either parent or teacher ASSQ, had sensitivity of 0.94, indicating that it can be used in school settings. Originality/value The Georgian adaptation of the ASSQ creates opportunity for further ASD research, while also providing a valid screening tool for clinicians. Data from Georgia will add to the growing understanding of the broader ASD phenotype.

Translation and Validation of Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire in Urdu for Autistic Children

Aim: The objective of this study is Translation and validation of autism spectrum screening questionnaires in Urdu. Methods: This was a cross-cultural validation study conducted at the Rising Sun Institute in Lahore utilizing convenient sampling. Twenty pediatric rehabilitation experts and parents of children with autism spectrum disorders, ranging in age from 6 to 17, were included in the study. Two different translators translated the original English edition of ASSQ into Urdu (forward translation). One of the translators was a technological expert, while the other was a medical professional. These interpreters could communicate well in both English and Urdu. The Urdu version of the ASSQ was subsequently translated into English (backward translation). This was carried out by a healthcare expert who had been blinded to the original English version of the ASSQ. The final version was given to an expert panel for assessment after both scales were compared. Panel created the final translated Urdu version of the data. The guardian's approval was obtained in advance, and anonymity was guaranteed. The data was entered into and analyzed using the SPSS version 21 application. The variables in the study were represented using descriptive statistics such as tables, graphs, and percentages. Results: For reliability statistics, the mean age of the participants was 54.87, with a standard deviation of 0.7648. The translated ASSQ questionnaire had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.584. After testing and re-testing on parents of Autism patients, the inter item correlation (Pearson Correlation) varied between (0.510-0.845). After translation of ASSQ, the intra-class correlation varied from 0.345 to 0.484. Conclusion: Urdu version of autism spectrum screening questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for autism children. Keywords: Autism, Screening, Questionnaire, Autistic

Evaluation of social cognition, autistic traits, and dysmorphology in comorbid specific learning disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Research on areas such as social cognition, autistic traits, and minor physical anomalies in comorbid Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is limited. In this study, we compared these areas in children aged between 8 and 14 with comorbid SLD and ADHD and their typically developed peers. Emotion recognition and social cognition were evaluated by Faces Test, Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, Comprehension Test, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire and Social Responsiveness Scale were used for screening of autism spectrum disorder in children. Furthermore, autistic traits in parents were measured by Autism-Spectrum Quotient. The MPAs of all the subjects were determined by pediatric geneticists. We detected that children with comorbid SLD and ADHD performed worse than controls in all social cognition tests and maternal AQ score had a strong correlation with the Faces Test, DERS, and SRS scores. Also, the total ASSQ score in the comorbid SLD and ADHD group was significantly higher than controls. Finally, MPAs were significantly more frequent in the comorbid SLD and ADHD group. Impairment in social cognition and evaluation of autistic traits and dysmorphology in children with comorbid SLD and ADHD may provide useful information on neurodevelopmental disorders.

What is Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Republic of Georgia?

IntroductionDespite the fact that 95% of all &lt;5 years of age children with developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) live in low- and middle-income countries (LAMI), to date there is an information gap in LAMI studies including Republic of Georgia.ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence and describe the clinical characteristics of ASDs among the third-grade school students using a total population approach.MethodsThe target population (N=27,336) included all 3rd grade students of schools of five main cities of Georgia. The study was conducted in four steps: phase I screening, sampling of screen positive students, phase II confirmative diagnostic assessment, and best-estimate diagnosis. Parents and teachers completed two screening questionnaires in phase I: 27-item Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) and 25-item Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). In phase II, screen-positive children were evaluated using standardized diagnostic assessments.ResultsOverall, 16,654 students (82%) were assessed by either parent and/or teacher. Students whose ASSQ and/or SDQ scores were in the top 10th percentile were considered as screened positive for diagnostic assessment (N=1976). Of 300 students completed diagnostic assessment 53 were diagnosed ASD. Crude prevalence of ASDs was estimated to be 4.5%. 75% of cases of ASD were first diagnosed. Efforts are currently underway to compute adjusted prevalence, which will be available for the Conference presentation.ConclusionsThe prevalence data of ASD is important to assess the burden of the disorder and facilitate better understanding of specifics of the disorder in different part of the world.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Estimating the Prevalence of Specific Learning Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Japanese School-Age Children Who Stutter

Purpose: This study aimed to predict special educational needs in children who stutter (CWS) using a screening test for three neurodevelopmental disorders (specific learning disorder [SLD], attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], and autism spectrum disorder [ASD]). While most previous studies have been conducted by speech-language pathologists, this study was conducted in an educational setting. Additionally, we investigated correlations between children's scores in scales for assessing neurodevelopmental disorders and stuttering severity. Method: Participants were 116 CWS (ages 6–12 years) from resource rooms for speech-language disorders in Japan. Speech-language teachers in resource rooms were asked to evaluate CWS and respond to the Learning Disabilities Inventory–Revised, ADHD Rating Scale, and Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire. Results: We received 90 valid responses with no missing values. Among them, 32 (35.5%) children were judged as having difficulties related to SLD, ADHD, and ASD in school life. Among them, 23 (25.6%) were SLD suspected, 12 (13.3%) were ADHD suspected, and nine (10.0%) were ASD suspected. Difficulty in speaking, writing, math, and hyperactivity/impulsivity was significantly and positively correlated with stuttering severity. Moreover, in the group of CWS with suspected neurodevelopmental disorders, the distribution of scores related to SLD was skewed toward high scores. Conclusions: CWS in this study showed higher rates of suspected SLD, ADHD, and ASD within a school setting compared with the rates for typically developing children surveyed in Japan in 2012 through another prior study. In addition, the effect of stuttering severity on academic skills is discussed.

Symptoms and antecedents of autism in children born extremely premature: a national population-based study.

The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of autism (ASD) symptoms, i.e. , social difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and communicational problems, among children born extremely preterm (EP) compared to a reference group, and to investigate possible antecedents of ASD symptoms among EP children. Method is a national Norwegian cohort of 11year old EP children, excluding those with intellectual disabilities, non-ambulatory cerebral palsy, blindness, and/or deafness. Parents and teachers reported ASD symptoms using The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ). Social difficulties, repetitive behaviors, communicational problems, and a total ASSQ score were presented. Combined ratings on the ASSQ was defined as parent and/or teacher scoring the child ≥ 98th percentile of the reference group, which was the population-based Bergen Child Study. Of eligible children, 216 (64%) EP and 1882 (61%) reference children participated. EP children had significantly higher mean scores and combined ratings on social difficulties (14.5% vs. 4.1%, OR: 3.2), repetitive behaviors (23.7% vs. 4.0%, OR: 6.4), communicational problems (23.1% vs. 4.8%, OR: 5.4), and the total ASSQ score (18.3% vs. 3.4%, OR: 5.7) compared to reference children. Only no prenatal steroids, IQ 70-84, and mental health problems at 5years of age were significantly associated with ASD symptoms at 11years of age. EP children were at increased risk of social difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and communicational problems, and approximately one out of five were reported as high scorers of ASD symptoms. No prenatal steroids use, IQ in the lower range, and mental health problems at 5years of age were associated with ASD symptoms.

O efeito dos programas Son-Rise e Floor-Time nas habilidades de interação social e comportamentos estereotipados de crianças com Transtornos do Espectro do Autismo: um ensaio clínico

Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which difficulty in social interaction skills and performing limited and stereotyped activities are among its symptoms. This study aims to determine the effect of Son-Rise and Floor Time programs on social interaction skills and stereotyped behaviors in children with ASD. The present study was a Clinical Trial. The participant were 60 children with ASD who were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to three groups (Son-Rise intervention, Floor-Time intervention, and control group with routine occupational therapy interventions). For data gathering, Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire, Gilliam Autism Rating Scale, and Autism Social Skills Profile were used, respectively. For data analysis, repeated measures and analysis of variance were used (two-way between and within- subjects). The results of data analysis showed that Son-Rise and Floor Time programs had a positive effect on social interaction skills of children with ASD, and reduced stereotyped behaviors of these children; Also, there is a significant difference between the effectiveness of Son-Rise and Floor-Time programs on social interaction skills and stereotyped behavior in the post-test, which is more effective in the Floor Time compared to Son-Rise program.

Parent-Reported Suicidal Ideation in Three Population-Based Samples of School-Aged Korean Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire Screen Positivity

Objectives Higher prevalence of suicidality has been reported in individuals with ASD. This study aimed to (1) Estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) in epidemiologically-ascertained, population-based, samples of children with ASD or Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) Screen Positivity (ASP); (2) Determine whether ASD/ASP is an independent risk factor for SI, controlling for known SI risk factors; and, (3) Develop an explanatory model for SI in children with ASD/ASP. Methods Participants came from three epidemiologically-ascertained samples of school-aged Korean children (n = 14,423; 3,702; 4,837). ASSQ ≥ 14 was the cutoff for ASP. A subsample (n = 86) was confirmed to have ASD. SI was based on parents’ endorsement of items on the Behavioral Assessment System for Children-2-Parent Report Scale-Children. Logistic regressions were used to assess associations between SI and ASD/ASP, controlling for demographics, peer victimization, behavior problems, and depression. To develop an explanatory model for SI within ASD/ASP, the associations between SI and child characteristics (comorbid conditions, ASD symptoms, IQ, adaptive function) were tested. Results SI was higher in children with ASD (14%) and ASP (16.6–27.4%) than ASSQ Screen Negative (ASN) peers (3.4–6.9%). ASD/ASP was strongly predictive of SI (ORs: 2.87–5.67), after controlling for known SI risk factors compared to ASN. Within the ASD and ASP groups, anxiety was the strongest predictor of SI. Conclusions SI prevalence was higher in non-clinical samples of children with ASD and ASP, relative to ASN peers. These results underscore the need for routine screening for SI in children with ASD and social difficulties, particularly those with high anxiety. Highlights Population-based, epidemiologically-ascertained, school-aged children ASD and ASP are independent risk factors for SI in school-aged children Anxiety is an independent risk factor for SI in children with ASD or ASP

Health-related risky behaviors in Chinese adolescents with autism: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHealth-related risky behaviors (HRB) generally refer to behaviors that have a negative influence on health and quality of life. HRB in adolescents with autism have not been well understood so far. We aim to explore health-related risky behaviors and their risk factors with autistic adolescents.MethodsIn this study, 150 adolescents with autism and 150 neurotypical adolescents were enrolled. Participants in both groups completed the Adolescent Health-Related Risky Behavior Inventory (AHRBI). Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ), Wechsler Intelligence Scale, Theory of Mind (ToM) Test, Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Self-Esteem Scale (SES) were also assessed in the autism group to explore risk factors.ResultsThe results showed that the total score of AHRBI and scores of "aggression and violence (AV)", "suicide or self-injury (SS)", "health-compromising behavior (HCB)", and "unprotected sex (US)" subscales in the autism group were significantly higher than those in the control group (Z value = − 4.58 ~ − 2.26, all P < 0.05). Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, low IQ score, low ToM test score, increasing age, and communication disorder were found as risk factors for health-related risky behaviors in autistic adolescents.ConclusionsAdolescents with autism have more health-related risky behaviors than neurotypical adolescents. We should pay attention to the emotional state, self-esteem, cognitive function, and verbal communication levels of autistic adolescent with health-related risky behaviors.

Prenatal exposure to paternal smoking and likelihood for autism spectrum disorder.

What is Already Known about This Subject: Genetics, (including de novo mutations), environmental factors (including toxic exposures), and their interactions impact autism spectrum disorder etiology. Paternal smoking is a candidate risk for autism spectrum disorder due to biological plausibility, high prevalence, and potential intervention.What This Study Adds: This original study and its replication confirms that paternal factors can substantially contribute to autism spectrum disorder risk for their offspring. It specifically indicates that paternal smoking both before and during pregnancy contributes significantly to autism spectrum disorder risk.Implications for practice, research, or policy: Smoking prevention, especially in pregnancy planning, may decrease autism spectrum disorder risk in offspring.

Use of the autism spectrum screening questionnaire for identification of autism spectrum disorders in 8-10 years old georgian children*

IntroductionRising prevalence of autism spectrum disorders highlights importance of research priority of development of effective screening procedures for schoolage children.ObjectivesThe study aimed to identify the prevalence of ASD among 8-10 y old schoolchildren in Republic of Georgia.MethodsIn 2019 a cross sectional survey in four main cities of Republic of Georgia was conducted, totally 3rd and 4th grade (8-10 y old) 16654 children from 211 public schools were included. The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ), completed by parents and teachers, was used to determine children at risk for ASD.Results16654 (response rate 74%) parents were agreed to participate in the study. Parents and teachers rated 770 (5.0%) and 669 children (4.9%), respectively, as screen positive (in top five percentile). Cut-off scores for 99-95 percentiles (top 1-5%) was defined. Boys were more likely to be rated screenpositive than girls. Share of boys rated in the top 5% by parents is 5.6% compared to 4.3% of girls. Teachers place boys in the top 5% even more frequently – 6.4% versus 3.4% girls. Pairwise correlation coefficients (0.53) revealed moderate correlations between scores and according to p-values (&lt; 0.05) all correlations were statistically significant.ConclusionsThe study defined the cut-off scores of ASSQ for 8-10 y old Georgian children and gender difference in prevalence of risk for ASD. Using the ASSQ was an effective instrument and could be used in school settings to identify children with special needs. *This work was supported by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia (SRNSFG), grant - FR-18-304.DisclosureNo significant relationships.