Rates Of Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Articles

Effectiveness of a short, intensive, art-based group intervention on attention level in children with autism spectrum disorders: a pre-post experimental study

Background The rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is dramatically rising globally, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. There has been little research on the effects of art-based interventions on attention impairments among children with ASD. Objective To examine the effectiveness of a short, intensive, art-based intervention on attention switching and attention to detail in children with moderate-severe ASD. Methods In this pre- and post-experimental study, children previously diagnosed with levels 2 and 3 ASD were invited to join a one-month, art-based course. The art-based intervention was held 3 days/week for 2 hours per day. Results The mean age of subjects was 8.33 (range 5 to 11) years; there were 10 (83.33%) males and 2 (16.67%) females. The total Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ-Child) scores from baseline to one week after completion of the art-based course were not significantly different. In addition, mean social skills scores of attention switching and attention to detail, as well as communication scores were not significantly changed from baseline to after course completion. However, the children had significantly worse median imagination scores after the course compared to baseline scores (18.0 vs. 16.0, respectively) (P=0.0020). Conclusion After a one-month, art-based, group intervention, AQ-Child scores did not change significantly in total score, social skills, attention switching, attention to detail, or communication. The median imagination score worsened after, compared to before, the intervention. However, these results need to be interpreted with caution due to the very small sample size.

Comorbidity rates of autism spectrum disorder and functional neurological disorders: A systematic review, meta-analysis of proportions and qualitative synthesis.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and functional neurological disorders (FND) are relatively common conditions, and there has been recent interest in the overlap between them. Both conditions share core features of alexithymia, impaired interoception and deficits in attentional focus. To date, relatively little is known about the comorbidity rates between ASD and FND. This is the first meta-analysis and qualitative synthesis on the subject. We found that around 10% of children presenting with functional seizures have a comorbid ASD diagnosis. People with ASD are more likely than the neurotypical population to have functional somatic disorders, and there is also evidence that ASD rates are higher for other FNDs such as functional motor disorders. Since FND comes with risks of unnecessary medical procedures and investigations, it is important to recognize the potential for people with ASD to have an FND comorbidity.

Social challenges, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in youth with neurofibromatosis type I

Objective Youth with neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) demonstrate high rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which often have overlapping behaviors. Diagnostic clarity is important to guide services. This study evaluated ASD classification in NF1 using various methods and whether those with ADHD suspicion have more social challenges associated with ASD. Method 34 youth with NF1 (M age = 10.5 ± 1.6 years), completed ASD assessments that combined direct observation and informant ratings to yield a Clinician Best Estimate (CBE) classification. Caregivers rated ASD-related social challenges using the Social Responsiveness Scale- 2nd Edition (SRS-2). Results ASD classification varied depending on the method, ranging from 32% using low-threshold SRS-2 cut-scores (T ≥ 60) to under 6% when combining cut scores for diagnostic observational tools and stringent SRS-2 cut-scores (T ≥ 70). 14.7% had a CBE ASD classification. 44% were judged to have autism traits associated with a non-ASD diagnosis. The 52.9% with a suspicion of ADHD had higher SRS-2 scores than those without ADHD, F (7, 26) = 3.45, p < .05, Wilk’s lambda = 0.518, partial eta squared = 0.482. Conclusions Findings highlight the importance of rigorous diagnostic methodology when evaluating ASD in NF1 to inform the selection of targeted interventions for socialization challenges in NF1.

Training Law Enforcement Officers About Autism: Evaluation of Adding Virtual Reality or Simulation to a Traditional Training Approach.

Prevalence rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the globe and lifespan suggest that law enforcement officers (LEOs) are likely to interact with autistic people in their professional duties. In developed countries, LEOs have professional encounters with autistic individuals, and research strongly supports LEOs need training to increase their knowledge about autism and confidence interacting with autistic people. The purpose of the present study is to compare three training approaches with LEOs: (a) a training presentation alone (P), (b) a training presentation combined with virtual reality simulation (P + VR), and (c) a training presentation combined with in-vivo simulation (P + SIM). The primary outcomes are LEO knowledge of autism and self-reported confidence in responding to autism calls. The present study included 259 LEOS who completed a survey assessing autism knowledge and confidence in level of skill before and after participating in ASD-specific training for LEOs. Findings support that participant knowledge of autism and confidence in responding significantly increased for all LEOs equally across training conditions. Results support that formalized training in ASD significantly impacts LEO's knowledge of ASD and confidence responding to calls. As such, standardized training for LEOs is needed to assure appropriate knowledge and confidence when responding to calls involving autistic persons.

Gestational exposure to benzodiazepines or z-hypnotics and neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Benzodiazepine (BDZP) and/or z-hypnotic dispensing during pregnancy has increased globally, as have rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the association between gestational exposure to BDZP and/or z-hypnotics and diagnosis of ASD or ADHD in offspring. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS from inception till December 2023 for relevant English-language articles. Outcomes of interest were risk of ASD and ADHD, two independent primary outcomes, in children exposed anytime during pregnancy to BDZP and/or z-hypnotics versus those unexposed. Secondary outcomes were trimester-wise analyses. Using a random effects model, we pooled the overall and trimester-wise hazard ratios (HRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), separately for risk of ASD and ADHD. We found six eligible retrospective cohort studies and no case-control studies. There was no increased risk of ASD associated with anytime gestational BDZP and/or z-hypnotic exposure (primary outcome, HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.81-1.50; 4 studies; n = 3,783,417; 80,270 exposed, 3,703,147 unexposed) nor after first trimester exposure (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.83-1.58; 3 studies; n = 1,539,335; 70,737 exposed, 1,468,598 unexposed) or later trimester exposures. A very small but significantly increased risk of ADHD was noted with anytime gestational exposure to these drugs (primary outcome, HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.12; 4 studies; n = 2,000,777; 78,912 exposed, 1,921,865 unexposed) and also with (only) second trimester exposure (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.12; 3 studies; n = 1,539,281; 33,355 exposed, 1,505,926 unexposed). Findings were consistent in sensitivity analyses. Gestational exposure to benzodiazepines or z-hypnotics was not associated with an increased risk of ASD and with only a marginally increased risk of ADHD in offspring. Given the likelihood of confounding by indication and by unmeasured variables in the original studies, our findings should reassure women who need these medications for severe anxiety or insomnia during pregnancy.

M-CHAT-R: UTILIZING FOR SCREENING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted condition marked by challenges in communication and social interactions, behavioral restrictions, and repetitive actions. Identifying children who may be at risk of ASD early on is crucial for prompt consultation, monitoring, and intervention. Objectives: Determine the rate of Autism Spectrum Disorder in children between the ages of 18 and 36 months by utilizing the M-CHAT-R scale at the clinic of Can Tho Children's Hospital. And identify the associated risk factors for that rate of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 608 children aged 18-36 months who were examined at the clinic of Can Tho Children's Hospital. Results: The majority of children in the study, comprising 88.3%, fell within the age range of 24-36 months, with proportions of boys and girls at 57.6% and 42.4%, respectively. Among the children, 94.7% (576/608 children) were classified as low risk, while medium risk and high risk accounted for 4.28% (26/608 children) and 1.02% (6/608 children), respectively. Questions with notably high positive rates among at-risk children were item 2 (38.9%), item 5 (15.2%), item 12 (16.2%), item 11 (4.8%). Conversely, the least common symptom was indicated in question 9, where children showed a preference for moving activities, accounting for only 2.7%. Associations were observed between the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder and factors such as gender (p=0.04), father’age (p=0.024), alcohol consumption (p=0.047), birth asphyxia (p=0.036), seizures due to high fever/unknown cause (p=0.035). Conclusion: In the study, the rate of positive M-CHAT-R was 5.3% (32 out of 608 children), predominantly observed in the low-risk group, accounting for 94.7%. The majority of positive cases fell within the 24-36 month age group, comprising 26 out of the 32 children. The risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder showed correlations with gender, father’s age older or equal to 35 years old, alcohol consumption, birth asphyxia and seizures triggered by high fever or unknown causes. However, there was no observed relationship between the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder and age group factors.

Evaluating screening for autism spectrum disorder using cluster randomization

We evaluated the rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a group invited to a screening program compared to the rates in two groups who received usual care. The population eligible for screening was all children in Iceland registered for their 30-month well-child visits at primary healthcare centers (PHCs) from March 1, 2016, to October 31, 2017 (N = 7173). The PHCs in the capital area of Reykjavik were the units of cluster randomization. Nine PHCs were selected for intervention (invited group), while eight PHCs received usual care (control group 1). PHCs outside the capital area were without randomization (control group 2). An interdisciplinary team, including a pediatrician contributing with physical and neurological examination, a psychologist evaluating autism symptoms using a diagnostic instrument, and a social worker interviewing the parents, reached a consensus on the clinical diagnosis of ASD according to the ICD-10 diagnostic system. Children in the population were followed up for at least two years and 119 cases were identified. The overall cumulative incidence of ASD was 1.66 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37, 1.99). In the invited group the incidence rate was 2.13 (95% CI: 1.60, 2.78); in control group 1, the rate was 1.83 (95% CI: 1.31, 2.50); and in control group 2, the rate was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.66, 1.50). Although the rate of ASD was higher in the invited group than in the control groups, the wide confidence intervals prevented us from concluding definitively that the screening detected ASD more readily than usual care.

Developmental associations between motor and communication outcomes in Fragile X syndrome: Variation in the context of co-occurring autism.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the leading heritable cause of intellectual disability, has a co-occurrence rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) estimated at ~60%. Children with FXS experience delayed achievement and slower development of key motor abilities, which happens to an even greater extent for children with both FXS and ASD. A multitude of studies have demonstrated that motor abilities are foundational skills related to later communication outcomes in neurotypical development, as well as in the context of ASD. However, these associations remain unexamined in FXS, or FXS + ASD. In this study, we aimed to determine the associations between early motor skills and their rate of development on communication outcomes in FXS. Furthermore, we investigated whether these associations varied in the context of co-occurring FXS + ASD. Results revealed within-FXS variation in the context of co-occurring ASD between some aspects of motor development and communication outcomes, yet within-FXS consistency between others. Findings provide evidence for variability in developmental processes and outcomes in FXS in the context of co-occurring ASD and offer implications for intervention.

Counselors’ Perceptions of Competencies in the Treatment of Children with Autism

The development of competencies specific to specialized populations is a growing area of interest in the counseling profession. The rise of rates of autism spectrum disorder in children in the United States has garnered the attention of service providers advocating for the advancement of practice to promote comprehensive, quality care to this underserved population. In an extension of these efforts, this phenomenological investigation examined counselors’ competencies in treating autism in children. Analysis of in-depth interviews with 14 counselors resulted in the identification of four themes: (a) Exposure to Autism, (b) Autism Knowledge, (c) Intervention Services, and (d) Counselor Identity. Contributions to promote services for this population in clinical practice and counselor education are discussed.

Maternal autoimmune disease and risk of offspring autism spectrum disorder - a nationwide population-based cohort study.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders which cause long term social and behavior impairment, and its prevalence is on the rise. Studies about the association between maternal autoimmune diseases and offspring ASD have controversial results. The aim of this study was to investigate whether maternal autoimmune diseases increase the risk of ASD in offspring from a population-based perspective. The data sources were Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) and Taiwan's Maternal and Child Health Database (MCHD), which were integrated and used to identify newborns whose mothers were diagnosed with autoimmune disease. Newborns were matched by maternal age, neonatal gender, and date of birth with controls whose mothers were without autoimmune disease using a ratio of 1:4 between 2004 and 2019. Data on diagnoses of autoimmune disease and autism spectrum disorders were retrieved from NHIRD. Patients who had at least 3 outpatient visits or at least 1 admission with a diagnosis of autoimmune disease and autism spectrum disorders were defined as incidence cases. The risks of ASD in offspring were compared between mothers with or without autoimmune disorders. We identified 20,865 newborns whose mothers had been diagnosed with autoimmune disease before pregnancy and matched them at a ratio of 1:4 with a total of 83,460 newborn whose mothers were without autoimmune disease, by maternal age, neonatal gender, and date of birth. They were randomly selected as the control group. The cumulative incidence rates of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were significantly higher among the offspring of mothers with autoimmune diseases. After adjusting for cofactors, the risk of ASD remained significantly higher in children whose mother had autoimmune diseases. Regarding to specific maternal autoimmune disease, Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis were both associated with elevated risks of ASD in offspring. Mother with autoimmune disease might be associated with increasing the risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring.

23 Association between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Parental Immigration among a Cohort of Preschool Children in Manitoba

Abstract Background Recent data indicate that rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are increasing and therefore, studies exploring risk factors for ASD that can further support early diagnosis and intervention are needed. A link between immigration and autism has been made by several international studies, but despite high rates of immigration, a Canadian study examining this association has not been conducted. Objectives To determine the proportion of children diagnosed with ASD at Manitoba’s primary autism referral site (the only publicly funded site for ASD evaluation of children &amp;lt;6 years of age) that were born to immigrant parents, and compare it with the known proportion of immigrants in Manitoba. Also, to compare demographic and clinical characteristics of children whose parents are immigrants with those whose parents were born in Canada. Design/Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of &amp;gt;2000 electronic records that identified all children &amp;lt;6 years diagnosed with ASD at the referral site between May 2016 and September 2021. Data on parental immigration, demographics, diagnostic evaluation, and medical history was collected. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the relative proportion of children with ASD from immigrant parents with the proportion of immigrants in Manitoba based on 2016 census data. Results A total of 1865 children were diagnosed with ASD during the study period. The mean age at referral and diagnosis was 2.81 (SD 1.26) years and 3.88 (SD 2.90) years respectively; 78% were male and 13.5% were born preterm. The proportion of children with ASD from immigrant parents (36%) was greater than the expected proportion (18.3%) of immigrants based on Manitoba census data (p &amp;lt; 0.001). The most common countries of origin of immigration were the Philippines (30.7%), India (11.6%), Nigeria (8.6%), and Ethiopia (6.4%). Overall, children of immigrants were younger at referral (2.71 years, SD = 0.98 versus 2.91 years, SD = 1.43; p &amp;lt;0.001), less likely to have a family history of ASD (17.1% versus 35.6%; p = &amp;lt;0.001) and less likely to have comorbidities (46.8% versus 53.9%; p &amp;lt;0.001) including global developmental delay (18% versus 27.6%; p &amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion At Manitoba’s primary autism referral site, there was a greater proportion of children diagnosed with ASD born to immigrant parents than expected when compared to the Manitoba population. Overall, children of immigrants were younger, less likely to have comorbidities, developmental delay, and a family history of ASD. Future prospective studies are required to better understand the complex relationship between immigration and ASD diagnosis.

The Paradoxical Clinical Course of Persons with Gambling Disorder and Comorbid Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The co-occurrence of gambling disorder (GD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been widely reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the social background, clinical characteristics, and clinical course of initial-visit GD patients with and without ADHD in a Japanese psychiatric hospital. We recruited 40 initial-visit GD patients and collected comprehensive information by self-report questionnaires, direct interviews, and medical records. 27.5% of the GD patients had comorbid ADHD. Compared to the GD patients without ADHD, those with ADHD had significantly higher comorbidity rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), lower rates of marriage, slightly less years of education and marginally lower employment rates. On the other hand, the GD patients with ADHD showed higher treatment retention rates and participation rates in the mutual support group. Despite presenting with disadvantageous characteristics, GD patients with ADHD exhibited a more favourable clinical course. Therefore, clinicians should be mindful of the possibility of ADHD comorbidity and the potential for better clinical outcomes among GD patients with ADHD.

Description of Neuropsychological Profile in Patients with 22q11 Syndrome

Background: 22q11 deletion syndrome (SD22Q11) is a neurogenetic condition that is associated with a high risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and intellectual disability. People with SD22Q11, both children and adults, often experience significant difficulties in social interactions, as well as neurocognitive deficits, and have elevated rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite this, the relationship between basic cognitive processes and cognitive ability in this population has not been well investigated. Methods: the main objective of the present research is to describe the neurocognitive profile of people with SD22Q11 using standardized neuropsychological assessment instruments. For this purpose, a sample of 10 participants aged between 7 and 15 years was administered an assessment battery with the following tests: WISC-V, CELF-5, NEPSY-II, CSAT-R, CARAS-R, TP, MABC-2, BRIEF-2, SENA, DABAS, ABAS-II, SCQ, and ADOS-2. Results: the results showed IQ scores in the borderline normal range, as well as difficulties in language functions, social skills, motor skills, and executive functions. Conclusions: an individualized assessment taking into account the globality of its expression, and a therapeutic approach adapted to the specific needs of children with this syndrome is essential.

Neurobehavioral risk factors influence prevalence and severity of hazardous substance use in youth at genetic and clinical high risk for psychosis.

Elevated rates of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use are observed in both patients with psychotic disorders and individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P), and strong genetic associations exist between substance use disorders and schizophrenia. While individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22qDel) are at increased genetic risk for psychosis, initial evidence suggests that they have strikingly low rates of substance use. In the current study, we aimed to directly compare substance use patterns and their neurobehavioral correlates in genetic and clinical high-risk cohorts. Data on substance use frequency and severity, clinical symptoms, and neurobehavioral measures were collected at baseline and at 12-month follow-up visits in two prospective longitudinal cohorts: participants included 89 22qDel carriers and 65 age and sex-matched typically developing (TD) controls (40.67% male, Mage = 19.26 ± 7.84 years) and 1,288 CHR-P youth and 371 matched TD controls from the North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study-2 and 3 (55.74% male; Mage = 18.71 ± 4.27 years). Data were analyzed both cross-sectionally and longitudinally using linear mixed effects models. Controlling for age, sex, and site, CHR-P individuals had significantly elevated rates of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use relative to TD controls, whereas 22qDel had significantly lower rates. Increased substance use in CHR-P individuals was associated with increased psychosis symptom severity, dysphoric mood, social functioning, and IQ, while higher social anhedonia was associated with lower substance use across all domains at baseline. These patterns persisted when we investigated these relationships longitudinally over one-year. CHR-P youth exhibited significantly increased positive psychosis symptoms, dysphoric mood, social functioning, social anhedonia, and IQ compared to 22qDel carriers, and lower rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to 22qDel carriers, both at baseline and at 1 year follow-up. Individuals at genetic and CHR-P have strikingly different patterns of substance use. Factors such as increased neurodevelopmental symptoms (lower IQ, higher rates of ASD) and poorer social functioning in 22qDel may help explain this distinction from substance use patterns observed in CHR-P individuals.

A scoping literature review of transition-related research involving youth with autism spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND: Owing to steadily increasing rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children, youth, and adults, it is certain that growing numbers of these individuals will need transition and vocational rehabilitation (VR) services for many years to come. ASD research has focused on identifying employment barriers rather than on effective interventions to remove or reduce those barriers. Even so, some evidence has demonstrated support for the effectiveness of specific transition-related interventions. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the existing literature regarding transition and employment for youth with ASD. METHOD: We begin with an overview of the clinical characteristics of ASD and its incidence and prevalence in the U.S. Then, we examine vocational issues facing individuals with ASD. RESULTS: The remainder of the article focuses on transition and VR implications with specific emphases on (a) interdisciplinary transition planning, (b) postsecondary educational supports and services, and (c) employment interventions. CONCLUSION: ASD is a high-incidence disability that presents significant service delivery and advocacy needs for young people with ASD and their families. Evidence-based employment interventions are available to help young people with ASD make smooth transitions to adulthood in the settings of their choice.

Associations between Symptom Severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Screen Time among Toddlers Aged 16 to 36 Months.

There is growing evidence that prevalence rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are increasing. A number of factors appear to contribute to this increase, including excessive screen time. Screen time seems to be linked to the severity of the symptoms of ASD. Given this, the aim of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between early screen time and ASD symptoms severity in the first 36 months of life. To this end, sixty-eight Iranian toddlers (mean age: 27.09 months; 22.1% females) with ASD were recruited. Parents completed the modified checklist for autism in toddlers (M-CHAT), the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R), and a lifestyle checklist. Next, parents rated children's daily exposure to content specifically designed (foreground media) and not specifically designed (background media) for children, along with their daily exposure to social interaction. Per day, toddlers spent 5.12 h (±3.77) with foreground media, 3.72 h (±3.57) with background media, and 2.89 h (±2.74) in interaction with other people (parents). To test the hypotheses, we performed a series of Pearson's correlations and multiple regression analyses. Toddlers' higher severity scores for ASD symptoms were associated with longer foreground (r = 0.234, p = 0.001) and longer background (r = 0.180, p = 0.012) media duration, and with shorter duration of interaction with others (r = 0.192, p = 0.009). Toddlers spending 1 h more in foreground screen time and background screen time have 0.38 and 0.29 more units in the ASD symptom severity scale, respectively, while toddlers spending 1 h more in social interactions have 0.42 fewer units in the ASD symptom severity scale. The screen time and interaction duration are related to ASD symptoms severity of toddlers. The cross-sectional study design precludes causal associations, although bi-directional relationships appear plausible.

Evaluating the Difference in Neuropsychological Profiles of Individuals with FASD Based on the Number of Sentinel Facial Features: A Service Evaluation of the FASD UK National Clinic Database.

(1) It might be implied that those with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) with fewer sentinel facial features have a "milder" neuropsychological presentation, or present with fewer impairments than those with more sentinel facial features. The aim of this service evaluation was to compare the neuropsychological profile of people with FASD with varying numbers of sentinel facial features. (2) A clinical sample of 150 individuals with FASD, aged between 6 and 37 years, completed various standardised assessments as part of their diagnostic profiling. These included the documented level of risk of prenatal alcohol exposure (4-Digit Diagnostic Code), sensory needs (Short Sensory Profile), cognition (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-4th Edition; WISC-IV), and communication and socialisation adaptive behaviours (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-2nd Edition; VABS-II). As FASD has high comorbidity rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), these were also reviewed. The profiles of the 'FASD with 2 or 3 sentinel facial features' group (n = 41; 28 male, 13 female) were compared with the 'FASD with 0 or 1 sentinel facial features' group (n = 109; 50 male, 59 female) using Chi² tests, independent sample t-tests, and Mann-Whitney U analyses (where appropriate). (3) There were no significant differences between the two comparison groups across any measure included in this service evaluation. (4) Whilst sentinel facial features remain an important aspect in recognising FASD, our service evaluation indicates that there is no significant relationship between the number of sentinel facial features and the neuropsychological profile of people with FASD in terms of severity of presentation.

A multimodal discrimination method for the response to name behavior of autistic children based on human pose tracking and head pose estimation

The incidence rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been rising in the past decades, and has reached 1 ∼ 2%. Clinical ASD screening requires long testing time, complicated doctor training and high cost. Therefore, an objective and accurate automated method is urgently needed for large-scale early screening of autistic children. The lack of response to one’s own name is one of the early warning signals of ASD. Response to name is included in various ASD early screening and diagnostic assessments. In this paper, we propose an algorithm that combines automatic name detection with human pose tracking and head pose estimation in computer vision. The final prediction is determined by the combination of shoulder rotation angle, head pose information and duration. The experimental data comes from the process of clinical screening for ASD, which has less laboratory control, more realistic child response, and a flexible number of accompanying parents. Thirty subjects including 29 children with ASD and 1 typical developing (TD) child participated in the experiment. The experimental results show that the consistency between our proposed method and clinical diagnosis achieves 93.3%, which indicates our method can play an effective auxiliary role in the early screening of ASD.

Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in all Individuals Diagnosed with Down Syndrome (DS): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocol

Background: Traditionally, autism spectrum disorder in people with Down syndrome was believed to be uncommon. This misconception is rooted in the challenges that a dual diagnosis poses. In fact, evidence indicates that children with Down syndrome are at risk for autism spectrum disorder with a potentially higher prevalence than the typically developing population. The purpose of this review is to determine the reported prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder in all individuals with Down syndrome in comparison to the prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder in the typical population when specific diagnostic tools are used. Methods: A systematic review will be conducted of the prevalence and incidence data and perform a meta-analysis of these results. This study will consider all studies that reported on children and adults with an existing diagnosis of Down syndrome and diagnosed by the standardized assessments for autism spectrum disorder. The diagnoses made by team assessment (psychologist, psychiatrist &amp; developmental pediatrician) will also be considered according to DSM-III, DSM-IV or DSM-V criteria for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder or if they use autism spectrum disorder screeners. Studies will be considered from all countries that have data reporting prevalence on this topic. The language restrictions will not be applied attempting to translate studies that are not in English. The five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, Scopus, and CINAHL) will be searched. Two reviewers will conduct all screening and data extraction independently. The articles will be categorized according to key findings and a critical appraisal performed. Discussion: The results of this review will bring increased awareness of the presence of autism spectrum disorder in individuals with Down syndrome. In doing so, this may facilitate a recommendation for screening and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in all individuals with Down syndrome. Based on the research demonstrating the benefits of early identification and intervention on the outcomes of children with autism, we anticipate similar benefits in this population. This will guide the allocation of resources and direct future research.

Impact of caesarean delivery on children’s autism-like behaviours: the mediation of exclusive breastfeeding

BackgroundThe rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been rising worldwide, and therefore it is important to identify potential causes of ASD to facilitate early prevention. This study examined the role of breastfeeding and the association between caesarean delivery (CD) and children’s autism spectrum disorder.MethodsThe data were from the Ma’anshan birth cohort (MABC) in China, that was set up between May 2013 and September 2014. Women within 14 gestational weeks were recruited. The delivery mode was extracted from medical notes and infant feeding was obtained from questionnaire surveys. Autism-like behaviour was assessed using the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT-23) when children were 18 months old, and 3 years of age. At 5 years of age, autism-like behaviour was assessed using the Clancy Autism Behavior Scale behavior. Structural equation models tested the mediation effects of breastfeeding between CD and children’s autism spectrum disorder.ResultsIn all, 1520 (48.89%) women gave birth via CD, and 406 (13.86%) children were identified with autism-like behaviours at 18 months. Compared with women giving birth via vaginal delivery, those giving birth via CD were more likely to experience a higher proportion of delayed initiation of breastfeeding (p < 0.01), and delayed onset of lactogenesis (p < 0.01). CD was associated with a lower proportion of exclusive breastfeeding at 4 months after delivery (p = 0.02). Autism-like behaviour was less likely amongst infants with exclusively breastfeeding at 4 months than amongst those not exclusively breastfeeding at 4 months (p < 0.01). SEM indicated that women who gave birth by CD were more likely to stop exclusive breastfeeding in the first 4 months (standard estimations = − 0.04, p = 0.02), and those children who were not exclusively breastfed at 4 months were more likely to have autism-like behaviours (standard estimations = − 0.05, p < 0.01). The associations persisted at 3 years, but not at 5 years.ConclusionsExclusive breastfeeding at 4 months of age mediated the association between caesarean delivery and children’s autism-like behaviours.