Social Communication Patterns Research Articles

Synaptic dysfunction and abnormal behaviors in mice lacking major isoforms of Shank3

SHANK3 is a synaptic scaffolding protein enriched in the postsynaptic density (PSD) of excitatory synapses. Small microdeletions and point mutations in SHANK3 have been identified in a small subgroup of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. SHANK3 also plays a key role in the chromosome 22q13.3 microdeletion syndrome (Phelan-McDermid syndrome), which includes ASD and cognitive dysfunction as major clinical features. To evaluate the role of Shank3 in vivo, we disrupted major isoforms of the gene in mice by deleting exons 4-9. Isoform-specific Shank3(e4-9) homozygous mutant mice display abnormal social behaviors, communication patterns, repetitive behaviors and learning and memory. Shank3(e4-9) male mice display more severe impairments than females in motor coordination. Shank3(e4-9) mice have reduced levels of Homer1b/c, GKAP and GluA1 at the PSD, and show attenuated activity-dependent redistribution of GluA1-containing AMPA receptors. Subtle morphological alterations in dendritic spines are also observed. Although synaptic transmission is normal in CA1 hippocampus, long-term potentiation is deficient in Shank3(e4-9) mice. We conclude that loss of major Shank3 species produces biochemical, cellular and morphological changes, leading to behavioral abnormalities in mice that bear similarities to human ASD patients with SHANK3 mutations.

Socioscope: Human Relationship and Behavior Analysis in Social Networks

In this paper, we propose a socioscope model for social-network and human-behavior analysis based on mobile-phone call-detail records. Because of the diversity and complexity of human social behavior, no one technique will detect every attribute that arises when humans engage in social behaviors. We use multiple probability and statistical methods for quantifying social groups, relationships, and communication patterns and for detecting human-behavior changes. We propose a new index to measure the level of reciprocity between users and their communication partners. This reciprocity index has application in homeland security, detection of unwanted calls (e.g., spam), telecommunication presence, and product marketing. For the validation of our results, we used real-life call logs of 81 users which contain approximately 500 000 h of data on users' location, communication, and device-usage behavior collected over eight months at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) by the Reality Mining Project group. Also, call logs of 20 users collected over six months by the University of North Texas (UNT) Network Security team are used. The MIT and UNT data sets contain approximately 5000 callers. The experimental results show that our model is effective.

Autismo, teoria da mente e o papel da cegueira mental na compreensão de transtornos psiquiátricos

Individuos portadores de transtornos do espectro do autismo podem ser acometidos por anormalidades qualitativas nos contatos sociais e padroes de comunicacao. Muitos estudos demonstraram que uma grande quantidade destes individuos pode ter anormalidades no processamento cognitivo Teoria da mente (ToM), isto e, eles podem ter uma incapacidade de inferir os seus estados mentais e os de terceiros. Tal condicao foi chamada de por Baron-Cohen (1995). Alguns autores recentemente aventaram a possibilidade de que individuos sofrendo de esquizofrenia e transtorno bipolar, da mesma forma que autistas, exibam cegueira mental, causando comprometimento em seu funcionamento social. Este artigo discute o conceito de cegueira mental e a visao de que se trata de uma habilidade exclusivamente humana. Em seguida, apresenta alguns testes disponiveis para avaliacao da cegueira mental e, finalmente, mostra algumas evidencias cientificas de que deficits ToM podem afetar pacientes com outras condicoes psiquiatricas.

Emerging drugs for the treatment of symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders

Importance of the field: Autism spectrum disorders, or pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs), are neurodevelopmental disorders defined by qualitative impairment in social interaction, impaired communication and stereotyped patterns of behavior. The most common forms of PDD are autistic disorder (autism), Asperger's disorder and PDD not otherwise specified. Recent surveillance studies reveal an increase in the prevalence of autism and related PDDs. The use of pharmacologic agents in the treatment of these disorders can reduce the impact of interfering symptoms, providing relief for affected individuals and their families.Areas covered in this review: This review examines results from neurobiologic research in an attempt to both elucidate the pathophysiology of autism and guide the development of pharmacologic agents for the treatment of associated symptoms. The safety and efficacy data of drugs currently in clinical use for the treatment of these symptoms, as well as pharmaceuticals currently under development, are discussed.What the reader will gain: This comprehensive review will deepen the reader's current understanding of the research guiding the pharmacologic treatment of symptoms associated with autism and related PDDs. Areas of focus for future research are also discussed. The need for large-scale investigation of some commonly used pharmacologic agents, in addition to the development of drugs with improved efficacy and safety profiles, is made evident.Take home message: Despite progress in the development of pharmacologic treatments for a number of interfering symptom domains associated with autism and other PDDs, a great deal of work remains.

Evidence in Education

How much can we reasonably expect from research in education? There are many reasons to think the effects could be both powerful and positive. The call to make more use of research evidence does not in any way conflict with professional autonomy; if anything, it reinforces it.There are many areas of education where we do not have enough evidence to be confident about what to do. However, there are areas where we do have enough knowledge and yet are not applying it broadly. The take-up of evidence greatly depends on professionals’ belief that their work should be guided by reliable knowledge, yet that belief is itself largely created by social practices and communication patterns. Many of the necessary elements to do so are simply not there today in most schools or school systems. Many of these features could be reinforced with relatively little effort with good results for students.

PROTOCOL: Effectiveness of adult employment assistance services for persons with autism spectrum disorders

The incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has been increasing over the last two decades. Currently, 1 in 110 children are identified with ASD in the United States (CDC, 2009). ASD refers to a range of neurological disorders that involve some degree of difficulty with communication and interpersonal relationships. The range of the spectrum for autism disorders is wide with those at the higher functioning end often able to lead relatively independent lives and complete academic programs even while demonstrating social awkwardness. Those at the lower functioning end of the autism spectrum often demonstrate physical limitations, may lack speech, and have the inability to relate socially with others. As persons with ASD age, options such as employment become increasingly important as a consideration for long-term personal planning and quality of life. While many challenges exist for persons with ASD in obtaining and maintaining employment, some research is showing that, with effective behavioral and social interventions, employment can occur (Schaller & Yang, 2005). In fact, about 37% of individuals with ASD report having been employed for 12 months or more, four years after exiting high school (Newman, Wagner, Cameto, & Knokey, 2009). However, several studies show that individuals with ASD are more likely to lose their employment for behavioral and social interaction problems rather than their inability to perform assigned work tasks (Dew & Alan, 2007; Hurlbutt & Chalmers, 2004; Unger, 1999). Research has been conducted in the area of autism and employment, but such research has not been reported in a comprehensive evidence review format before. Thus, a systematic review on the effectiveness of adult employment assistance interventions for individuals with ASD would not only demonstrate the extent and magnitude of the interventions’ effects, but also provide ideas for further research that can inform implementation and refinement of related employment-focused programs.

Talking the talk, walking the walk: Social network norms, communication patterns, and condom use among the male partners of female sex workers in La Romana, Dominican Republic

Male partners of female sex workers are rarely targeted by HIV prevention interventions in the commercial sex industry, despite recognition of their central role and power in condom use negotiation. Social networks offer a naturally existing social structure to increase male participation in preventing HIV. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between social network norms and condom use among male partners of female sex workers in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Male partners (N =318) were recruited from 36 sex establishments to participate in a personal network survey. Measures of social network norms included 1) perceived condom use by male social network members and 2) encouragement to use condoms from social network members. Other social network characteristics included composition, density, social support, and communication. The primary behavioral outcome was consistent condom use by male partners with their most recent female sex worker partner during the last 3 months. In general, men reported small, dense networks with high levels of communication about condoms and consistent condom use. Multivariate logistic regression revealed consistent condom use was significantly more likely among male partners who perceived that some or all of their male social network members used condoms consistently. Perceived condom use was, in turn, significantly associated with dense networks, expressing dislike for condoms, and encouragement to use condoms from social network members. Findings suggest that the tight social networks of male partners may help to explain the high level of condom use and could provide an entry point for HIV prevention efforts with men. Such efforts should tap into existing social dynamics and patterns of communication to promote pro-condom norms and reduce HIV-related vulnerability among men and their sexual partners.

Talking the talk, walking the walk: Social network norms, communication patterns, and condom use among the male partners of female sex workers in La Romana, Dominican Republic

Talking the talk, walking the walk: Social network norms, communication patterns, and condom use among the male partners of female sex workers in La Romana, Dominican Republic

Mothers' Social Communicative Adjustments to Young Children With Mild Developmental Delays

The social communication and compliance patterns of 63 mothers interacting with their young children who had mild developmental delays in social play and instructional tasks were examined in a longitudinal study. Results were consistent with the hypothesis that mothers appropriately adjust their social communications in accordance with children's developmental characteristics and task demands. The extent of scaffolding specificity that mothers used in the instructional task also indicated a high level of sensitivity to children's developmental characteristics. Analyses conducted over a 2-year period revealed that adjustments were commensurate with children's emerging social communication abilities, suggesting that mothers of children with developmental delays continue to display social communication patterns that are supportive of their child's development.

The neuropathology of autism: where do we stand?

The neurobiology and neuropathology of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) remain poorly defined. Brain imaging studies suggest that the deficits in social cognition, language, communication and stereotypical patterns of behaviour that are manifest in individuals with ASD, are related to functional disturbance and 'disconnectivity', affecting multiple brain regions. These impairments are considered to arise as a consequence of abnormal pre- and postnatal development of a distributed neural network. Examination of the brain post mortem continues to provide fundamental information concerning the cellular and subcellular alterations that take place in the brain of autistic individuals. Neuropathological observations that have emerged over the past decade also point towards early pre- and postnatal developmental abnormalities that involve multiple regions of the brain, including the cerebral cortex, cortical white matter, amygdala, brainstem and cerebellum. However, the neuropathology of autism is yet to be clearly defined, and there are several areas that remain open to further investigation. In this respect, more concerted efforts are required to examine the various aspects of cellular pathology affecting the brain in autism. This paper briefly highlights four key areas that warrant further evaluation.

Mobiles everywhere

This article explores how young people's everyday patterns of social communication are affected by the increased use of mobile phones. We discuss three areas in which there are potential implications: (i) contact patterns and face-to-face interaction; (ii) other forms of spatial mobility; and (iii) individual planning and use of time. Empirically, we focus on change and rely on a two-wave panel study of 40 young persons living in Göteborg, Sweden. Data were collected through time-use diaries and in-depth interviews. The results show that young people's total interactions with their social environment increase as the mobile promotes a flexible lifestyle of instant exchange and constant updates. Thresholds — regarding space, time and content — for communicative action are reduced. A more impulsive practice of decision-making evolves and people become more careless about time-keeping. With the reduction in the constraints of time and space, the instant access of the mobile becomes difficult to refuse, and perceived dependency on mobiles increases.

The Social Aspects of Fishing Effort

While economic literature inspired by the “tragedy of the commons” has emphasised people’s tendency to increase fishing effort beyond desirable levels, sociologists and anthropologists who have studied the social aspects of fishing have often emphasised the capacity of these factors to restrict fishing effort. The article addresses the influence of social norms and communication on fishing effort in an empirical study of the Atlantic blue whiting fishery. The data were generated at a time when this fishery had yet to see efficient quota regulations, and had been subject to a rapid growth in fishing effort, making it the largest fishery in the Atlantic. The article argues that social norms and communication patterns in the fishing fleet create a synergic effect of co-operation and competition on fishing effort. The article questions the view that social norms and communication necessarily represent a solution to the tragedy of the commons.

Beckett and Television: In a Different Context

Sociologist Manuel Castells's sweeping 1,445-page, three-volume study, under the general title The Information Age, details the ways in which the rapid development and proliferation of information technology over the past two decades has created radically new social paradigms that call into question traditional societal structures and individuals’ relations to communal organizations as well as their personal perceptions of self. “Our societies are increasingly structured around the bipolar opposition of the Net and the Self,” Castells writes in his introduction to volume 1. “The Net,” a term covering the ever-expanding networked communication media, he defines as fluid and constantly changing, while the “Self” is in a constant search for some fixity or certainty, now that the primary markers of identity – sexual, religious, ethnic, territorial – are no longer clearly delineated or self-evident. This bipolarity between Net and Self has given rise to a condition Castells describes as “structural schizophrenia,” in which “patterns of social communication become increasingly under stress” (3).

Beckett and Television: In a Different Context

Sociologist Manuel Castells's sweeping 1,445-page, three-volume study, under the general title The Information Age, details the ways in which the rapid development and proliferation of information technology over the past two decades has created radically new social paradigms that call into question traditional societal structures and individuals’ relations to communal organizations as well as their personal perceptions of self. “Our societies are increasingly structured around the bipolar opposition of the Net and the Self,” Castells writes in his introduction to volume 1. “The Net,” a term covering the ever-expanding networked communication media, he defines as fluid and constantly changing, while the “Self” is in a constant search for some fixity or certainty, now that the primary markers of identity – sexual, religious, ethnic, territorial – are no longer clearly delineated or self-evident. This bipolarity between Net and Self has given rise to a condition Castells describes as “structural schizophrenia,” in which “patterns of social communication become increasingly under stress” (3).

Guía de buena práctica para el diagnóstico de los trastornos del espectro autista

The autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnostic process requires expertise both in the knowledge of autism as in teamwork strategies with different professionals, often working in different clinic services, and with parents. To recommend a consensus diagnostic procedure for ASD, that has been designed by the Study Group of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. The reports emphasize the need to obtain a complete clinical history, covering personal, family and psychosocial antecedents; detailing the basic areas affected in ASD--social interaction, communication and restricted patterns of behaviour, activities and interests. Diagnostic tests to be used as a routine in all cases are described and analysed--including both psychoeducational and biomedical tests. Also, tests indicated in cases with suspected identifiable physical disorders are covered, as well as those medical tests to be used for research purposes only. The diagnostic procedure requires the implementation of a coordinated interdisciplinary assessment strategy, that needs to ensure the participation of professionals from very different fields in active collaboration with the family. Their role culminates in the preparation and delivery of a personalized report. Every diagnostic procedure needs to be accompanied by an action plan that includes immediate support to the person with ASD, as well as information to the family on resources and community initiatives in their living area.

Retired and Making a Fresh Start: Older Russian Immigrants Discuss their Adjustment in Israel

AbstractSocial research on immigrants has usually centred on working age groups or youth, while studies on retired immigrants were typically driven by the social work, geriatric, or nursing agendas, centring on the issues of health, stress, social, and medical services. Trying to explore migration in old age from a broader sociological perspective, this qualitative study addressed different aspects of the socio‐cultural adjustment of older Russian immigrants of the 1990s in Israel. Drawing on group discussions and in‐depth interviews conducted in two major urban centres, the study covers senior immigrants' attitudes toward the host Israeli society; material privations and coping tools; intergenerational families; patterns of social organization, communication, and cultural consumption; ties with places of origin in the former Soviet Union (FSU); and the perceived sum total of losses and gains from migration. The findings indicate that older immigrants have developed multiple ways for meaningful identification with Israel and generally perceived their resettlement experience as difficult but positive. As their social networks were limited to the Russian immigrant community, most elders did not see their poor knowledge of Hebrew as a major integration obstacle. The main reported difficulties were in the areas of housing, low income, and weakening ties with younger family members.

Molecular genetics of autism spectrum disorders.

Autistic disorder belongs to a broad spectrum of pervasive developmental disorders. Autism is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous condition. It is characterized by impairment in a broad range of social interactions, communication, and repetitive patterns of behavior and interest. Although the exact etiology of the condition is not known, family and twin studies strongly support genetic factors in autism. Genome-wide scans suggest several susceptibility loci that may contain one or more predisposing genes. However, no such genes have been identified so far that predispose patients to autism. The condition is over 90% heritable, but the mode of inheritance is not clear. Moreover, it does not seem to be a single gene disorder. There is no cure for autism. Individualized structured education, family support services, and antipsychotic drugs are recommended. These may alleviate some behavioral problems. The identification of autism genes, an understanding of the neurobiology of the condition, and additional clinical studies may help to develop pharmacological interventions in the future.

Livin’ for the city: African American ethnogenesis and depression era migration

Abstract Urban ethnogenesis is a process by which a group creates and maintains social networks and communication patterns as the basis for institutional and communal life in urban areas. Ethnogenesis is a foundation upon which most historical, urbanward migrations have been built, including the “Great Migration” of African Americans during the first half of this century. Although a period of decreased migration, the Depression was marked by sizeable movement in which nearly 10% of the total African American population moved interregionally. Ethnogenic measures such as NAACP activism, the number of community newspapers directed at African Americans, and the longevity of a chapter of the National Urban League significantly increased migration flows.

Between Depression and Prosperity? Changes in the Community Context of Historical African American Migration

This article analyzes changes in the significance of African American ethnogenesis on the contrasting flows of young migrants and total migrants to urban areas throughout the United States. I test a destination migration model during the two decades 1930-40 and 1950-60. Because of the temporal and spatial dependency among the urban counties, I use seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) to estimate simultaneously the coefficients across the two periods. By focusing on the characteristics of urban destinations, the article goes beyond most previous work that considers only the characteristics of places of origin. By examining two distinct time periods, various period effects are also appropriately considered. The results support the significance of ethnogenesis, or the establishment of social networks and communication patterns as the bases of... institutional and communal life (Ronald C. Taylor), in shaping the historical migration of African Americans. However, due in part to this very ethnogenic activity, over time the relative risks of mobility for prospective migrants were gradually reduced as the migration itself became a social movement. Many of the factors that previously conditioned the migration declined in their significance, leading to reduced dynamism of the migration process

Between Depression and Prosperity? Changes in the Community Context of Historical African American Migration

This article analyzes changes in the significance of African American ethnogenesis on the contrasting flows of young migrants and total migrants to urban areas throughout the United States. I test a destination migration model during the two decades 1930–40 and 1950–60. Because of the temporal and spatial dependency among the urban counties, I use seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) to estimate simultaneously the coefficients across the two periods. By focusing on the characteristics of urban destinations, the article goes beyond most previous work that considers only the characteristics of places of origin. By examining two distinct time periods, various period effects are also appropriately considered. The results support the significance of ethnogenesis, or the establishment of “social networks and communication patterns as the bases of … institutional and communal life” (Taylor 1979:1405), in shaping the historical migration of African Americans. However, due in part to this very ethnogenic activity, over time the relative risks of mobility for prospective migrants were gradually reduced as the migration itself became a social movement. Many of the factors that previously conditioned the migration declined in their significance, leading to reduced dynamism of the migration process.