Repetitive Patterns Of Behavior Research Articles

‘Home away from home’: Examining the lived experiences of a child with ASD in a recreational dance setting

ABSTRACT Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition characterized by restrictive, repetitive patterns of behaviour, and impairments in social communication. Various forms of physical activity, including dance, have shown to improve ASD symptoms among children. The study’s purpose was twofold: to examine the lived experiences of a family with a child with ASD, in order to examine family functioning and the effects of the child’s participation in a dance programme. The family unit and dance instructor participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews, which included a myriad of questions about the family, and the child’s participation in a recreational dance programme. One salient main theme that emerged was Dance, Dance, Dance, with three subthemes: (1) ‘Home Away from Home’ (studio as a representation of home), (2) Growing as a Person (physically, emotionally,socially), and (3) Lessons Learned (bidirectional learning between student and teacher). Dance provided many benefits to the child, including improvements in social and listening skills, as well as confidence. Further, dance allowed the child to grow socially and personally. This study may act as a support for other families faced with an ASD diagnosis, as well as highlight the benefits of recreational dance programmes for children with ASD.

SOCIAL INCLUSION OF CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITHAUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN INDIA: A LITERATURE REVIEW

<p>Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by insufficiency in social communication and social interaction skills and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. The aim of this research was to analyze empirical studies on inclusion of children with Autism in India over the past 20 years and then propose recommendations for future research. A systematic process was used to conduct the review which included identifying the data source, assessing the quality of our studies, and drawing analysis of our findings. The result included different stakeholder’s perspectives which were parents and teachers. </p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0986/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Logotherapy to improve parent-child relationship among mothers of autistic children: a randomized clinical trial.

Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by three characteristics: impairment in the quality of social relationships, severe impairment in communication, and restricted, repetitive behavioral patterns. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of logotherapy on the parent-child relationship among mothers of autistic children. This research is a clinical trial with pre-test, post-test design, and control group. Forty mothers were selected and randomly assigned into two groups of intervention and control. The intervention group attended 10 sessions (90 min) of logotherapy, twice a week, while the control group received the routine intervention. A mother-child relationship evaluation questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS statistical software was employed to analyze the data. The results showed that group logotherapy training affects the parent-child relationship in mothers of autistic children. We only examined the relatively short-term effects of logotherapy on parents' and children's outcomes because after the children's school year ended, their mothers did not refer to the center. In order to achieve accurate results, we recommend examining the long-term effects of this approach in future studies. Logotherapy is an effective approach to improve the parent-child relationship in mothers of autistic children.

B and T Immunoregulation: A New Insight of B Regulatory Lymphocytes in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a complex pathogenesis, by impairment social communication and interaction, and may also manifest repetitive patterns of behavior. Many studies have recognized an alteration of the immune response as a major etiological component in ASDs. Despite this, it is still unclear the variation of the function of the immune response.Aim: Our aim is to investigate the levels of immunological markers in peripheral blood of children with ASD such as: regulatory B and T cells, memory B and natural killer (NK) cells.Materials and Methods: We assessed various subsets of immune cells in peripheral blood (regulatory B and T cells, B-cell memory and natural killer cells) by multi-parametric flow cytometric analysis in 26 ASD children compared to 16 healthy controls (HCs) who matched age and gender.Results: No significant difference was observed between B-cell memory and NK cells in ASDs and HCs. Instead, regulatory B cells and T cells were decreased (p < 0.05) in ASD subjects when compared to HCs.Discussion: Regulatory B and T cells have a strategic role in maintaining the immune homeostasis. Their functions have been associated with the development of multiple pathologies especially in autoimmune diseases. According to our study, the immunological imbalance of regulatory B and T cells may play a pivotal role in the evolution of the disease, as immune deficiencies could be related to the severity of the ongoing disorder.

Astroglia in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term encompassing several neurodevelopmental disorders such as Asperger syndrome or autism. It is characterised by the occurrence of distinct deficits in social behaviour and communication and repetitive patterns of behaviour. The symptoms may be of different intensity and may vary in types. Risk factors for ASD include disturbed brain homeostasis, genetic predispositions, or inflammation during the prenatal period caused by viruses or bacteria. The number of diagnosed cases is growing, but the main cause and mechanism leading to ASD is still uncertain. Recent findings from animal models and human cases highlight the contribution of glia to the ASD pathophysiology. It is known that glia cells are not only “gluing” neurons together but are key players participating in different processes crucial for proper brain functioning, including neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, inflammation, myelination, proper glutamate processing and many others. Despite the prerequisites for the involvement of glia in the processes related to the onset of autism, there are far too little data regarding the engagement of these cells in the development of ASD.

Endocannabinoid System Unlocks the Puzzle of Autism Treatment via Microglia.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder and characterized by early childhood-onset impairments in social interaction and communication, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior or interests. So far there is no effective treatment for ASD, and the pathogenesis of ASD remains unclear. Genetic and epigenetic factors have been considered to be the main cause of ASD. It is known that endocannabinoid and its receptors are widely distributed in the central nervous system, and provide a positive and irreversible change toward a more physiological neurodevelopment. Recently, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been found to participate in the regulation of social reward behavior, which has attracted considerable attention from neuroscientists and neurologists. Both animal models and clinical studies have shown that the ECS is a potential target for the treatment of autism, but the mechanism is still unknown. In the brain, microglia express a complete ECS signaling system. Studies also have shown that modulating ECS signaling can regulate the functions of microglia. By comprehensively reviewing previous studies and combining with our recent work, this review addresses the effects of targeting ECS on microglia, and how this can contribute to maintain the positivity of the central nervous system, and thus improve the symptoms of autism. This will provide insights for revealing the mechanism and developing new treatment strategies for autism.

Prevalence of Malocclusions in Autistic Patients in Isfahan

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed by impairments in social interaction and communication with repetitive and restrictive stereotyped behavioral patterns. The Prevalence of autism has been reported to be increased in recent years. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of different types of malocclusion among ASD patients in Isfahan in 2018. Materials &amp; Methods: In a descriptive and cross-sectional trial, 92 ASD patients were studied in the age range of 7-18 years at the center for autism patients in Isfahan. Clinical oral examinations of patients are taken to assess the involved malocclusions (Cl I, Cl II and Cl III malocclusions) and malocclusion traits (deep bite, open bite and cross bite) by an educated dental student under the supervision of an orthodontist under natural light. The data are reported using frequency and percentage indices. Results: Class I malocclusion had the highest prevalence 54.3% (50) among ASD patients and the prevalence of class II and class III were found to be 19.6% (18) and 7.6% (7) respectively. The frequency of malocclusions traits of deep bite, cross bite and the open bite were 27.2% (25), 18.5% (17) and 7.6% (7) respectively. Among of the total patients, 65.2% (60) showed normal bite and 18/5% (17) showed Normal occlusion. Conclusion: ASD patients showed class I, class II and class III malocclusions from the most to least frequency and the most frequent malocclusion traits were also deep bite, cross bite and open bite respectively.

Recent Updates in Psychopharmacology for the Core and Associated Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior. This article aims to review the recent literature pertaining to psychopharmacology for the core and associated symptoms of ASD including social impairment, repetitive behaviors, irritability, and language impairment. Recent medication trials targeting social impairment in ASD have focused on neuropeptides (oxytocin and vasopressin) and memantine. None of these three medications has demonstrated consistent benefit for social impairment in ASD; however, additional studies are underway. Two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) provide evidence against the use of SSRIs for repetitive behaviors in youth with ASD. Preliminary studies have investigated cannabidiol (CBD) for irritability in ASD but further studies are needed to demonstrate safety and efficacy. Finally, three double-blind, placebo-controlled studies provide preliminary evidence for folinic acid for the treatment of verbal language deficits in children with ASD. The identification of safe and effective pharmacological treatments to ameliorate the core and associated symptoms of ASD has proven difficult.

Behavioral aspects and neurobiological properties underlying medical cannabis treatment in Shank3 mouse model of autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease with a wide spectrum of manifestation. The core symptoms of ASD are persistent deficits in social communication, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These are often accompanied by intellectual disabilities. At present, there is no designated effective treatment for the core symptoms and co-morbidities of ASD. Recently, interest is rising in medical cannabis as a treatment for ASD, with promising clinical data. However, there is a notable absence of basic pre-clinical research in this field. In this study, we investigate the behavioral and biochemical effects of long-term oral treatment with CBD-enriched medical cannabis oil in a human mutation-based Shank3 mouse model of ASD. Our findings show that this treatment alleviates anxiety and decreases repetitive grooming behavior by over 70% in treated mutant mice compared to non-treated mutant mice. Furthermore, we were able to uncover the involvement of CB1 receptor (CB1R) signaling in the Avidekel oil mechanism, alongside a mitigation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glutamate concentrations. Subsequently, RNA sequencing (RNA seq) of cerebellar brain samples revealed changes in mRNA expression of several neurotransmission-related genes post-treatment. Finally, our results question the relevancy of CBD enrichment of medical cannabis for treating the core symptoms of ASD, and emphasize the importance of the THC component for alleviating deficits in repetitive and social behaviors in ASD.

Brain MRI in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Narrative Review and Recent Advances

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is neuropsychiatric continuum of disorders characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and restricted repetitive patterns of behavior which impede optimal functioning. Early detection and intervention in ASD children can mitigate the deficits in social interaction and result in a better outcome. Various non‐invasive imaging methods and molecular techniques have been developed for the early identification of ASD characteristics. There is no general consensus on specific neuroimaging features of autism; however, quantitative magnetic resonance techniques have provided valuable structural and functional information in understanding the neuropathophysiology of ASD and how the autistic brain changes during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. In this review of decades of ASD neuroimaging research, we identify the structural, functional, and molecular imaging clues that most accurately point to the diagnosis of ASD vs. typically developing children. These studies highlight the 1) exaggerated synaptic pruning, 2) anomalous gyrification, 3) interhemispheric under‐ and overconnectivity, and 4) excitatory glutamate and inhibitory GABA imbalance theories of ASD. The application of these various theories to the analysis of a patient with ASD is mitigated often by superimposed comorbid neuropsychological disorders, evolving brain maturation processes, and pharmacologic and behavioral interventions that may affect the structure and function of the brain.Level of Evidence4Technical EfficacyStage 3

Signaling Pathways and Sex Differential Processes in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders associated with deficits in social communication and restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior, that affect up to 1 in 54 children. ASDs clearly demonstrate a male bias, occurring ~4 times more frequently in males than females, though the basis for this male predominance is not well-understood. In recent years, ASD risk gene discovery has accelerated, with many whole-exome sequencing studies identifying genes that converge on common pathways, such as neuronal communication and regulation of gene expression. ASD genetics studies have suggested that there may be a “female protective effect,” such that females may have a higher threshold for ASD risk, yet its etiology is not well-understood. Here, we review common biological pathways implicated by ASD genetics studies as well as recent analyses of sex differential processes in ASD using imaging genomics, transcriptomics, and animal models. Additionally, we discuss recent investigations of ASD risk genes that have suggested a potential role for estrogens as modulators of biological pathways in ASD, and highlight relevant molecular and cellular pathways downstream of estrogen signaling as potential avenues for further investigation.

Molecular signatures from multi-omics of autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia.

The genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) impedes the unification of multiple biological hypotheses in an attempt to explain the complex features of ASD, such as impaired social communication, social interaction deficits, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. However, recent psychiatric genetic studies have identified numerous risk genes and chromosome loci (copy number variation: CNV) which enable us to analyze at the single gene level and utilize system-level approaches. In this review, we focus on ASD as a major neurodevelopmental disorder and review recent findings mainly from the bioinformatics of omics studies. Additionally, by comparing these data with other major psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia (SCZ), we identify unique characteristics of both diseases from multiple enrichment, pathway, and protein-protein interaction networks (PPIs) analyses using susceptible genes found in recent large-scale genetic studies. These unified, systematic approaches highlight unique characteristics of both disorders from multiple aspects and demonstrate how convergent pathways can contribute to an understanding of the complex etiology of such neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.

A pilot study of dialectical behaviour therapy skills training for autistic adults.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder with the hallmark features of social impairment and restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour. Individuals with ASD often experience co-occurring mental health difficulties, some of which may obfuscate the ASD features themselves. Although there is a high need for mental health services for autistic adults, there are surprisingly few evidence-based treatments (EBTs) available; moreover, many mental health practitioners who are well-trained in EBTs shy away from treating autistic individuals due to lack of training in ASD. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of dialectical behaviour therapy skills training (DBT-ST) in a sample of autistic adults without intellectual disability. Sixteen adults with ASD were recruited from a treatment waiting list to enrol in this study, which included 24 weeks of DBT-ST delivered in a group setting. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using retention and attendance data and a participant satisfaction questionnaire. Retention (81.3%) and attendance data (mean 87.5%) provided support for the feasibility of this intervention. Overall satisfaction ratings were high (mean 4.5 out of 5), and participants reported that they felt that DBT-ST would probably be helpful for others with ASD (mean 4.5 out of 5). The study findings provide preliminary evidence of (1) the feasibility of providing DBT-ST for autistic adults in community-based clinics, and (2) the perceived benefit of DBT-ST for this under-served population. Recommended modifications to the standard DBT-ST materials are discussed.

Fostering Emotion Recognition in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Facial expressions are of utmost importance in social interactions, allowing communicative prompts for a speaking turn and feedback. Nevertheless, not all have the ability to express themselves socially and emotionally in verbal and non-verbal communication. In particular, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are characterized by impairments in social communication, repetitive patterns of behaviour, and restricted activities or interests. In the literature, the use of robotic tools is reported to promote social interaction with children with ASD. The main goal of this work is to develop a system capable of automatic detecting emotions through facial expressions and interfacing them with a robotic platform (Zeno R50 Robokind® robotic platform, named ZECA) in order to allow social interaction with children with ASD. ZECA was used as a mediator in social communication activities. The experimental setup and methodology for a real-time facial expression (happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and neutral) recognition system was based on the Intel® RealSense™ 3D sensor and on facial features extraction and multiclass Support Vector Machine classifier. The results obtained allowed to infer that the proposed system is adequate in support sessions with children with ASD, giving a strong indication that it may be used in fostering emotion recognition and imitation skills.

An update on the cause and treatment of sleep disturbance in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by abnormalities in social communication/interaction and restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior. ASD is a relatively common psychiatric disorder, with a prevalence of approximately 1.7% in children. Although many children and adolescents with ASD visit the hospital for medical help for emotional and behavioral problems such as mood instability and self-harming behavior, there are also many visits for sleep disturbances such as insomnia and sleep resistance. Sleep disturbances are likely to increase fatigue and daytime sleepiness, impaired concentration, negatively impact on daytime functioning, and pose challenges in controlling anger and aggressive behavior. Sleep disturbance in children and adolescents with ASD negatively affects the quality of life, nothing to say the quality of life of their families and school members. In this review, sleep disturbances that are common in children and adolescents with ASD and adolescents are presented. The developmental and behavioral impacts of sleep disturbances in ASD were also considered. Finally, non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments for sleep disturbances in children and adolescents with ASD and adolescents are reviewed.

Social Deficits and Repetitive Behaviors Are Improved by Early Postnatal Low-Dose VPA Intervention in a Novel shank3-Deficient Zebrafish Model.

Mutations of the SHANK3 gene are found in some autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients, and animal models harboring SHANK3 mutations exhibit a variety of ASD-like behaviors, presenting a unique opportunity to explore the underlying neuropathological mechanisms and potential pharmacological treatments. The histone deacetylase (HDAC) valproic acid (VPA) has demonstrated neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties, suggesting possible therapeutic utility for ASD. Therefore, SHANK3-associated ASD-like symptoms present a convenient model to evaluate the potential benefits, therapeutic window, and optimal dose of VPA. We constructed a novel shank3-deficient (shank3ab–/–) zebrafish model through CRISPR/Cas9 editing and conducted comprehensive morphological and neurobehavioral evaluations, including of core ASD-like behaviors, as well as molecular analyses of synaptic proteins expression levels. Furthermore, different VPA doses and treatment durations were examined for effects on ASD-like phenotypes. Compared to wild types (WTs), shank3ab–/– zebrafish exhibited greater developmental mortality, more frequent abnormal tail bending, pervasive developmental delay, impaired social preference, repetitive swimming behaviors, and generally reduced locomotor activity. The expression levels of synaptic proteins were also dramatically reduced in shank3ab–/– zebrafish. These ASD-like behaviors were attenuated by low-dose (5 μM) VPA administered from 4 to 8 days post-fertilization (dpf), and the effects persisted to adulthood. In addition, the observed underexpression of grm5, encoding glutamate metabotropic receptor 5, was significantly improved in VPA-treated shank3ab–/– zebrafish. We report for the first time that low-dose VPA administered after neural tube closure has lasting beneficial effects on the social deficits and repetitive behavioral patterns in shank3-deficient ASD model zebrafish. These findings provide a promising strategy for ASD clinical drug development.

Biopsychological correlates of repetitive and restricted behaviors in autism spectrum disorders.

BackgroundAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered a neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by alterations in social interaction and communication, as well as patterns of restrictive and repetitive behaviors (RRBs). RRBs are defined as broad behaviors that comprise stereotypies, insistence on sameness, and attachment to objects or routines. RRBs can be divided into lower‐level behaviors (motor, sensory, and object‐manipulation behaviors) and higher‐level behaviors (restrictive interests, insistence on sameness, and repetitive language). According to the DSM‐5, the grade of severity in ASD partially depends on the frequency of RRBs and their consequences for disrupting the life of patients, affecting their adaptive skills, and increasing the need for parental support.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review to examine the biopsychological correlates of the symptomatic domains of RRBs according to the type of RRBs (lower‐ or higher‐level). We searched for articles from the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) using the terms: autism spectrum disorders, ASD, and autism‐related to executive functions, inhibitory control, inflexibility, cognitive flexibility, hyper or hypo connectivity, and behavioral approaches. For describing the pathophysiological mechanism of ASD, we also included animal models and followed PRISMA guidelines.ResultsOne hundred and thirty‐one articles were analyzed to explain the etiology, continuance, and clinical evolution of these behaviors observed in ASD patients throughout life.ConclusionsBiopsychological correlates involved in the origin of RRBs include alterations in a) neurotransmission system, b) brain volume, c) inadequate levels of growth factors, d) hypo‐ or hyper‐neural connectivity, e) impairments in behavioral inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and monitoring and f) non‐stimulating environments. Understanding these lower‐ and higher‐level of RRBs can help professionals to improve or design novel therapeutic strategies.

Neuroinflammation in Autism and Supplementation Based on Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Narrative Review.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities. The maternal status of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) regulates microglial activity and neuroinflammatory pathways during a child’s brain development. In children with ASD, the metabolism of PUFA is thought to be deficient or abnormal, leading to increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, increased oxidative stress and an imbalance in the formation and action of neurotransmitters. In addition, nutritional deficits in omega-3 PUFA may affect gut microbiota and contribute to ASD by the gut–brain axis. The aim of this study was to review the possible role of neuroinflammation in ASD development and the effect of omega-3 PUFA supplementation in children with ASD. Due to a wide heterogeneity across RCTs, no definitive conclusion about omega-3 PUFA effects in ASD can be drawn. Supplementation with PUFA could be considered as one of the aspects in regulating the biological status of the organism and could provide added value to standard medical and psychological interventions for reducing behavioral deficits.

Acupuncture for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a severe and pervasive heterogeneous neurodevelopment disorder [1], is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, repetitive behavioral patterns, and restricted interests

Nutritional Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Benghazi

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior that present during early development and result in clinically significant impairment. The study was carried on (62) male and (23) female their age group range from (&lt; 5year to &gt;14 year) who are assessed through distribution of detailed questionnaires. The participant was selected by communicating with their parents and caregivers by a sent copy of questionnaires. Weight and height was measured after completion of the questionnaire. The laboratory tests were obtained from medical records of participants. Data set was exported to SPSS for complete analysis. In the present study, the total number of subjects involved was 85 with ages ranging from &lt;5 years to &gt;14 years old and average age was2.5 years. The peak of autism ages was shown at age group 5y-10y (44.7%); Autism was significantly increases among male than female, but are not consider consistent; the most onset of strange behaviors among autism between age group 1y-3y (48.2%). Autism subjects were shown mostly complains of GIT symptoms and anemia. This data together suggested that hyperactivity, eating difficulty, food sensitivity, and certain medications, in addition to limited fiscal access could play part in the dietary pattern choice, feeding practice and body weight changes among autism.