Indicators Of Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Articles

Kindergarten teachers' knowledge of the initial indicators of autism spectrum disorder

هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى التعرف على مدى معرفة معلمات رياض الأطفال بالمؤشرات الأولية لاضطراب طيف التوحد في مدينة جدة، استخدمت هذه الدراسة المنهج الوصفي لتحقيق أهدافها، من خلال تصميم أداة تضمنت (22) عبارة مُقسمة على بعدي (مؤشرات التواصل والتفاعل الاجتماعي، مؤشرات السلوكيات النمطية والاهتمامات المحددة)، وبلغ عدد العينة المشاركة (273) من معلمات رياض الأطفال بمدينة جدة، أظهرت نتائج هذه الدراسة ارتفاع مستوى معرفة معلمات رياض الأطفال بالمؤشرات الأولية لاضطراب طيف التوحد، بالإضافة إلى عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية تُعزى لمتغير خبرة العمل مسبقًا مع الأطفال ذوي اضطراب طيف التوحد، وتوصي الباحثة بتضمين المقررات الدراسية في كليات إعداد معلمات رياض الأطفال على مقررات الكشف والتدخل المبكر، و العمل على عقد ورش تدريبية مختصة في مجال التدخل المبكر لزيادة خلفية معلمات رياض الأطفال عن مجال التربية الخاصة والتعامل مع ذوي الإعاقة، واستراتيجيات التعليم التي تساعد على تنمية المهارات في حال ظهور مؤشرات التأخر النمائي لدى الأطفال.

Exploring Growth in Expressive Communication of Infants and Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

One of the earliest indicators of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is delay in language and social communication. Despite consensus on the benefits of earlier diagnosis and intervention, our understanding of the language growth of children with ASD during the first years of life remains limited. Therefore, this study compared communication growth patterns of infants and toddlers with ASD to growth benchmarks of a standardized language assessment. We conducted a retrospective analysis of growth on the Early Communication Indicator (ECI) of 23 infants and toddlers who received an ASD diagnosis in the future. At 42 months of age, children with ASD had significantly lower rates of gestures, single words, and multiple words, but significantly higher rates of nonword vocalizations. Children with ASD had significantly slower growth of single and multiple words, but their rate of vocalization growth was significantly greater than benchmark. Although more research is needed with larger samples, because the ECI was designed for practitioners to monitor children's response to intervention over time, these findings show promise for the ECI's use as a progress monitoring measure for young children with ASD. Limitations and the need for future research are discussed.

Atypical social communication is associated with positive initial impressions among peers with autism spectrum disorder.

Atypical social communication is a key indicator of autism spectrum disorder and has long been presumed to interfere with friendship formation and first impressions among typically developing youth. However, emerging literature suggests that such atypicalities may function differently among groups of peers with autism spectrum disorder. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between atypical social communication patterns and first impression sociometric ratings by peers in groups of youth with autism spectrum disorder. Findings suggest that, contrary to typically developing individuals, several forms of atypical communication among youth with autism spectrum disorder are associated with more positive first impressions by others with autism spectrum disorder. This suggests that interventions designed to increase friendships among youth with autism spectrum disorder may benefit from reframing their approach to addressing atypical social communication.

1002 Endorsement Of Sleep Problems Indexes Autism Severity In Children And Adolescents: Evidence From A Large Community Sample

Abstract Introduction Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience sleep problems. A reliance on case-control studies rather than dimensional samples limit our ability to understand how sleep problems distinguish diagnosis and severity of ASD. To address this need, we present preliminary findings from a large community sample of individuals with heterogeneous autism phenotypes. Methods All participants (≤ 21 years) were selected from the Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART) (final n= 977; 233F; 11.27±4.13 years), a public-private-academic registry of families in Rhode Island affected by ASD-like symptoms. Participants completed the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition to confirm the presence of diagnosable ASD. Each caretaker also completed dimensional measures of functional impairment: Social Responsiveness Scale, 2nd edition and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (2nd/3rd editions). Caretakers were asked whether the participant suffered current/past sleep problems: yes/no. All analyses are adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity, caregiver education, and scale-version (e.g., 2nd/3rd ed., where applicable). Results Endorsement of sleep problems distinguished ASD diagnosis: a confirmed diagnosis of ASD was associated with greater prevalence of sleep problems compared to ASD diagnosis (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.05,2.38; p = .028). Across the sample, endorsement of sleep problems was associated with impairments in adaptive behavior (b = -4.73; 95% CI: -7.47,-2.00045; p = .001) and social responsiveness (b = 6.72; 95% CI: 3.27,10.16; p < .001). Conclusion These data from a heterogenous community sample provide evidence for a link of sleep to the phenomenology of ASD. While the search for better diagnostic indicators of ASD continues, we recommend that clinicians consider a brief assessment of sleep behaviors of patients with such neurodevelopmental conditions as autism. Support Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative, Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute at Brown University. K01MH109854 (JMS), NIGMS Advance CTR (JMS). KNAW Ter Meulen Grant (MEKV).

Burnout Impact on Medical Students’ Performance in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

On Scientific Research Institute, that belongs to Autism- TRASCOS Association of Ourense (Spain), currently, a research was carried out regarding most significant explanatory predictive components related causal indicators of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with main aim of detecting the variables that explain the formation of diagnosis criteria and, therefore, to be able establish the most effective key principles for prevention and adaptation of psycho- development, social and educational. Globally, in preliminary conclusions can be affirmed for 200 participants, the most significant components of predictive perspective of this disorder are integrated of presence of genes very specific, which are present during corresponding karyotype studies performance [1,2].

Genetic Main Components for Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis

On Scientific Research Institute, that belongs to Autism- TRASCOS Association of Ourense (Spain), currently, a research was carried out regarding most significant explanatory predictive components related causal indicators of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with main aim of detecting the variables that explain the formation of diagnosis criteria and, therefore, to be able establish the most effective key principles for prevention and adaptation of psycho- development, social and educational. Globally, in preliminary conclusions can be affirmed for 200 participants, the most significant components of predictive perspective of this disorder are integrated of presence of genes very specific, which are present during corresponding karyotype studies performance [1,2].

Response to name in children with autism: Treatment, generalization, and maintenance

Deficits in response to name (RTN) are an early indicator of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and RTN is a treatment goal in many early intervention curricula for children with ASD. However, little research has empirically evaluated methods for increasing RTN in children with ASD. We evaluated a series of conditions designed to increase RTN for 4 children with ASD using a multielement experimental design. The schedules of tangible reinforcement were thinned after mastery and generalization was tested across people and contexts. Tangible reinforcers were necessary to increase RTN for all 4 participants, and the schedule of reinforcement was successfully thinned with all participants after intervention. Generalization was also observed across people and experimental contexts.

Disturbance of trace element and gut microbiota profiles as indicators of autism spectrum disorder: A pilot study of Chinese children

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disorder that is characterized by impairments of reciprocal social interaction and restricted stereotyped repetitive behavior. The goal of the present study was to investigate the trace element and gut microbiota profiles of Chinese autistic children and screen out potential metallic or microbial indicators of the disease. One hundred and thirty-six children (78 with ASD and 58 healthy controls) aged from 3 to 7 years were enrolled. The levels of lead, cadmium, arsenic, copper, zinc, iron, mercury, calcium and magnesium in hair samples from the children were analyzed. Fecal samples were also collected and the children’s gut microbiota profiles were characterized by 16s rRNA sequencing. Concentrations of lead, arsenic, copper, zinc, mercury, calcium and magnesium were significantly higher in the ASD group than in the control group. Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis indicated that the relative abundance of nine genera was increased in the autistic children. Redundancy analysis showed that arsenic and mercury were significantly associated with Parabacteroides and Oscillospira in the gut. A random forest model was trained with high accuracy (84.00%) and the metallic and microbial biomarkers of ASD were established. Our results indicate significant alterations in the trace element and gut microbiota profiles of Chinese children with ASD and reveal the potential pathogenesis of this disease in terms of metal metabolism and gut microecology.

How do adults and teens with self-declared Autism Spectrum Disorder experience eye contact? A qualitative analysis of first-hand accounts.

A tendency to avoid eye contact is an early indicator of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and difficulties with eye contact often persist throughout the lifespan. Eye contact difficulties may underlie social cognitive deficits in ASD, and can create significant social and occupational barriers. Thus, this topic has received substantial research and clinical attention. In this study, we used qualitative methods to analyze self-reported experiences with eye contact as described by teens and adults with self-declared ASD. Results suggest people with a self- declared ASD diagnosis experience adverse emotional and physiological reactions, feelings of being invaded, and sensory overload while making eye contact, in addition to difficulties understanding social nuances, and difficulties receiving and sending nonverbal information. Some data support existing mindblindness frameworks, and hyperarousal or hypoarousal theories of eye contact, but we also present novel findings unaccounted for by existing frameworks. Additionally, we highlight innovative strategies people with self-declared ASD have devised to overcome or cope with their eye contact difficulties.

Effect of Omega-3 and -6 Supplementation on Language in Preterm Toddlers Exhibiting Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms.

Delayed language development may be an early indicator of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early intervention is critical for children with ASD, and the present study presents pilot data on a clinical trial of omega-3 and -6 fatty acid supplementation and language development, a secondary trial outcome, in children at risk for ASD. We randomized 31 children to receive an omega-3 and -6 supplement or a placebo for 3 months, and measured their language abilities at baseline and after supplementation. Gesture use, but not word production, increased for children in the treatment group more than children in the placebo group. These results suggest possible effectiveness of omega-3 and -6 supplementation for language development in children at risk for ASD.

Combining parent and clinician ratings of behavioural indicators of autism spectrum disorder improves diagnostic classification

ABSTRACTReliance on a single informant method in the evaluation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can increase misclassification. Yet, current ASD screening instruments predominately rely on a single informant approach. This study combined scores from two ASD screening instruments, the clinician-administered Autistic Behavioural Indicators Instrument (ABII) and its Parent Questionnaire (ABII-PQ) equivalent, to examine whether a combination score improved ASD classification in a sample of children with ASD (n = 51, Mchild age = 3.6 years, SD = 1.01, range = 2–6 years). Results showed the ABII and ABII-PQ were significantly associated, r = .62, p = .01, and did not differ significantly on final correct ASD classification. However, final agreement on ASD classification between instruments was poor, κ = .19, p = .184. One method of combining scores from the ABII and ABII-PQ significantly improved classification, correctly classifying 100% of children with ASD. Results show combining scores from parent- and clinician-rated screening instruments could improve ASD classification.

Cerebellar gray matter differentiates children with early language delay in autism.

Early language delay (ELD) is one of the earliest indicators of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and predicts later cognitive and behavioral outcomes. We aimed to determine the neural correlates of ELD in autism, and examine the relationships between gray matter (GM), age of first word/phrase, and core ASD symptoms. We used voxel-based morphometry to examine whole-brain differences in GM in 8-13 year old children with autism (n = 13 ELD; n = 22 non-ELD) and 35 age-matched typically developing (TD) children. Multiple regression analyses examined the relationships between GM, age of first word/phrase, and autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) scores. Composite age of first word/phrase negatively correlated with GM throughout the cerebellum. Both ASD groups (ELD and non-ELD) had reduced GM in right cerebellar Crus I/II when compared to TD children. Left cerebellar Crus I/II was the only region in the brain that differentiated ELD and non-ELD children, with ELD children showing reduced GM relative to both non-ELD and TD groups. Group×score interactions converged in left Crus I/II, such that the non-ELD group showed poorer ADOS scores with increasing GM, whereas the ELD group showed poorer ADOS scores as GM decreased. Reduced GM in right cerebellar Crus I/I was related ASD diagnosis, while children with ELD showed additional reduced GM in left Crus I/II. These findings highlight the importance of specific cerebellar networks in both ASD and early language development, and suggest that bilateral disruption in cerebellar regions that interconnect with fronto-parietal networks could impact language acquisition in ASD. Autism Res 2016, 9: 1191-1204. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Measuring social communication behaviors as a treatment endpoint in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Social communication impairments are a core deficit in autism spectrum disorder. Social communication deficit is also an early indicator of autism spectrum disorder and a factor in long-term outcomes. Thus, this symptom domain represents a critical treatment target. Identifying reliable and valid outcome measures for social communication across a range of treatment approaches is essential. Autism Speaks engaged a panel of experts to evaluate the readiness of available measures of social communication for use as outcome measures in clinical trials. The panel held monthly conference calls and two face-to-face meetings over 14 months. Key criteria used to evaluate measures included the relevance to the clinical target, coverage of the symptom domain, and psychometric properties (validity and reliability, as well as evidence of sensitivity to change). In all, 38 measures were evaluated and 6 measures were considered appropriate for use, with some limitations. This report discusses the relative strengths and weaknesses of existing social communication measures for use in clinical trials and identifies specific areas in need of further development.

Can pupil size and pupil responses during visual scanning contribute to the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in children?

The purpose of this study was to determine whether baseline pupil size and pupil responses during visual scanning with eye-tracking technology could discriminate children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from mental age-matched and chronological age-matched controls. To this end, we used stimuli consisting in still color photographs presented centrally to the participant’s midline on a stimulus monitor. Each child was presented with a series of neutral faces, virtual faces (avatars) and different objects, separated by black slides. We recorded the mean pupil size and pupil size changes over time in each of the three categories of stimuli and during exposure to the black slides. Fifty-seven children participated in study (19 ASD, mean age 118 months; 19 mental age-matched controls, mean age 87 months; and 19 chronological age-matched controls, mean age 118 months). We compared the baseline pupil size and pupil responses during visual scanning among the three diagnostic groups. During the presentation of slides, the mean pupil size in the ASD group was clearly smaller than in the MA-matched and CA-matched groups. Discriminate analysis of pupil size during the presentation of black slides and slides with visual stimuli successfully predicted group membership in 72% of the participants. Group membership was correctly classified in 89% of the participants in the ASD group, in 63% in the MA-matched group and in 63% in the CA-matched group. These potential biomarkers may contribute to our understanding of the differences in neurological development in the brain in autism and could prove useful as indicators of ASD.

The Role of Developmental Histories in the Screening and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders

The incidence of diagnosed cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased dramatically over the past decade. This may indicate a larger population of individuals with ASD, and may also be the result of better diagnostic definitions and procedures. Early accurate diagnosis is particularly important for children with ASD because of the documented benefits of early educational interventions. One very important component of an ASD screening and diagnostic process is a developmental history. Not only can this type of information assist with diagnosis, but the process of interviewing parents and primary caretakers can provide opportunities for establishing a working alliance with the family, inform further assessment decisions, and facilitate treatment and intervention for coexisting and comorbid disorders. Both structured and semi-structured formats are available for obtaining developmental histories. Personnel who are assigned to obtain developmental histories need strong interviewing skills and extensive knowledge about the diagnostic indicators of ASD.