Social Communication Functioning Research Articles

Deliberately generated and imitated facial expressions of emotions in people with eating disorders

BackgroundPeople with eating disorders have difficulties in socio emotional functioning that could contribute to maintaining the functional consequences of the disorder. This study aimed to explore the ability to deliberately generate (i.e., pose) and imitate facial expressions of emotions in women with anorexia (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), compared to healthy controls (HC). MethodsOne hundred and three participants (36 AN, 25 BN, and 42 HC) were asked to pose and imitate facial expressions of anger, disgust, fear, happiness, and sadness. Their facial expressions were recorded and coded. ResultsParticipants with eating disorders (both AN and BN) were less accurate than HC when posing facial expressions of emotions. Participants with AN were less accurate compared to HC imitating facial expressions, whilst BN participants had a middle range performance. All results remained significant after controlling for anxiety, depression and autistic features. LimitationsThe relatively small number of BN participants recruited for this study. ConclusionsThe study findings suggest that people with eating disorders, particularly those with AN, have difficulties posing and imitating facial expressions of emotions. These difficulties could have an impact in social communication and social functioning. This is the first study to investigate the ability to pose and imitate facial expressions of emotions in people with eating disorders, and the findings suggest this area should be further explored in future studies.

A brief self-rating scale for the assessment of individual differences in gesture perception and production

Gesture production and perception have a strong impact on speech perception and social-communicative functioning. Consequently, we created the ‘Brief Assessment of Gesture’ (BAG) tool, a set of 12 subjective statements relating to gesture production and perception in everyday life. German native speakers (n=220) were asked to rate each statement. Individual differences in empathy were assessed to disentangle sensitivity to gesture production and perception from general empathic/social functioning. A PCA revealed a four-factor solution, reflecting one production and one perception factor, each occurring with and without an empathy component. The current investigation yielded good psychometric results, with a high reliability and internal consistency. Our findings suggest that BAG is a straightforward and useful tool to assess individual differences in gesture production and comprehension, as well as related empathic/social functioning. As such, BAG may serve as an important instrument for research in speech comprehension, cognitive development, language learning and social-communicative functioning.

Oxytocin increases eye contact during a real-time, naturalistic social interaction in males with and without autism.

Autism spectrum conditions (autism) affect ~1% of the population and are characterized by deficits in social communication. Oxytocin has been widely reported to affect social-communicative function and its neural underpinnings. Here we report the first evidence that intranasal oxytocin administration improves a core problem that individuals with autism have in using eye contact appropriately in real-world social settings. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subjects design is used to examine how intranasal administration of 24 IU of oxytocin affects gaze behavior for 32 adult males with autism and 34 controls in a real-time interaction with a researcher. This interactive paradigm bypasses many of the limitations encountered with conventional static or computer-based stimuli. Eye movements are recorded using eye tracking, providing an objective measurement of looking patterns. The measure is shown to be sensitive to the reduced eye contact commonly reported in autism, with the autism group spending less time looking to the eye region of the face than controls. Oxytocin administration selectively enhanced gaze to the eyes in both the autism and control groups (transformed mean eye-fixation difference per second=0.082; 95% CI:0.025–0.14, P=0.006). Within the autism group, oxytocin has the most effect on fixation duration in individuals with impaired levels of eye contact at baseline (Cohen's d=0.86). These findings demonstrate that the potential benefits of oxytocin in autism extend to a real-time interaction, providing evidence of a therapeutic effect in a key aspect of social communication.

Social Communication Functioning: An Appraisal of Current Assessment Tools through the Lens of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health ? Child & Youth Version

Abstract Objective: Social communication, or the use of language in social interactions, is critical to everyday human functioning. Although widely recognized as a key aspect of pediatric speech-language pathology practice, there is currently no consistently used approach to how social communication functioning is assessed for this population. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health – Child and Youth version (ICF-CY) offers a framework for describing social communication functioning, and thus how well it is represented in current parent- and teacher-report assessment tools for preschool and school-age social communication. Method: Functional dimensions of social communication were identified from chapters of the ICF-CY. These functional dimensions were used to appraise the extent to which current pediatric social communication assessment tools are representative of social communication functioning. 11 parent- and teacher-report tools were appraised. Results: Current social communication assessment tools for children were found to represent the foundational functional dimensions of social communication in its broadest sense. However, these assessment tools did not adequately represent the functional dimensions of specific social communicative contexts (e.g., Domestic Life). Further, these tools did not adequately represent the impact of physical context or conversational partner on social communication functioning. Conclusions: The ICF-CY framework revealed that the appraised social communication assessments provide a partial description of children’s social communication functioning. Collaborative interprofessional interaction, supplemental and new assessments are needed to achieve the necessary authentic assessment of social communication functioning to achieve meaningful evidence based intervention.

Asperger syndrome and nonverbal learning difficulties in adult males: self- and parent-reported autism, attention and executive problems.

A specific overlap between Asperger syndrome (AS) and nonverbal learning difficulties (NLD) has been proposed, based on the observation that, as a group, people with AS tend to have significantly higher verbal IQ (VIQ) than performance IQ (PIQ), one of the core features of NLD. The primary aim was to assess the longer term outcome of NLD--broken down into persistent and transient forms. The present study of 68 individuals was performed in the context of a larger prospective longitudinal study to late adolescence/early adult life of 100 boys with AS. Using self- and parent-report measures, we studied the longer term outcome of the NLD (defined as VIQ > PIQ by 15 points) as regards social communication, repetitive behaviour, attention, and executive function (EF) was studied. Three subgroups were identified: (1) Persistent NLD (P-NLD), (2) Childhood "only" NLD (CO-NLD) and (3) Never NLD (NO-NLD). The P-NLD group had the worst outcome overall. The CO-NLD group had better reported EF scores than the two other AS subgroups. There were no differences between the subgroups regarding social communication, repetitive behaviour, or attentional skills. Low PIQ increased the risk of ADHD symptoms. In the context of AS in males, P-NLD carries a relatively poor outcome, particularly with regard to self-reported EF. However, CO-NLD appears to entail a significantly better outcome. The results underscore the importance of analysing the cognitive profile both at diagnosis and after several years, so as to be able to formulate a realistic prognosis.

PS1-39: Health Care Utilization for Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorders in Five Large Health Systems

Background/AimsApproximately 1 in 88 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a complex disorder characterized by impairment in social skills, communication, and cognitive and behavioral functioning. Several studies have indicated that children with ASD use a different pattern of health services than typically developing children. However, most previous studies have included small samples, or only included one health system. The purpose of this analysis is to examine patterns of health service use in a large group of geographically- and racially/ethnically-diverse children with ASD enrolled in the Mental Health Research Network (MHRN) Autism Registry.MethodsData from 2009 and 2010 from the virtual data warehouse (VDW) of 5 health plans was used to collect comprehensive information on patterns of health services for children with ASD and a comparison group of children without ASD. Comparisons of the patterns of service use in the two groups were conducted. Two part models of service use were used. In the first stage, logistic regression was used to examine the likelihood of any use of services. In the second stage, negative binomial regression was used to examine the level of use services.ResultsThe study includes 8,363 children with ASD and 83,575 comparison children, making it the largest study of patterns of ASD service use to date. Preliminary results indicate that children with ASD were significantly more likely to use most types of services including speech therapy (OR 12.2; 95% CI 10.9–13.9), mental health (OR 8.9; 95% CI 8.4–9.5), and neurology (OR 8.3; 95% CI 7.6–9.1). In contrast, they were significantly less likely to use some services including vaccinations (OR .80; 95% CI .75–.85).ConclusionsChildren with ASD have significant physical and mental health needs related to their condition and these are reflected in increased use of services in many categories. However, in some cases children with ASD receive fewer important health care services, notably vaccinations. Better understanding of the needs of children with ASD, family beliefs and preferences, and systematic coordination of care for these children could aid in helping families to use health care services most effectively.

Impact of Some Common Chronic Dermatoses on Quality of Life of Egyptian Patients in Delta Region

Background: Skin is the most visible organ which determines to a great extent our appearance and plays a major function in social communication and sexual attractiveness. Thus, the skin condition may have a considerable impact on the patient's well being. Regardless of the psychiatric morbidity, skin diseases can greatly affect the patient's quality of life (QOL). Thus, patient oriented QOL measures are particularly beneficial in chronic diseases as they assess how the diseases affect a person socially, psychologically and physically. Objectives: The aim of this work was to determine the impact of some chronic dermatoses (acne vulgaris, psoriasis (Ps) and vitiligo) on QOL among the patients in the Delta region. Patients and Methods: The current study comprised 120 patients who were classified into three groups; each group contained 40 patients, (group I acne vulgaris), (group II Ps) and (group III vitiligo). All these patients were subjected to: combined dermatological and psychological questionnaires to assess the QOL. Results: (Group I): As regard Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) score; the social relationships and psychological states problems showed statistically significant difference compared with the subjective assessment of the current acne severity. (Group II): As regard Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) score; the psychological, daily activities and social relationships problems showed statistically significant difference compared with physical and work or school problems. (Group III): As regard Vitiligo Disability Index (VDI) score; the daily activities and social relationships problems showed statistically significant difference compared with feeling and symptoms, personal relationships and financial problems. In the current study, we found that the acne vulgaris as a disease has the worst QOL . Egyptian Dermatology Online Journal Vol. 10 No 1: 2, June 2014 2 http://www.edoj.org.eg Conclusion: The dermatologists should understand the profound effect of these diseases on the QOL and should know the psychosocial and psychiatric consequences of the diseases.

Three children with autism spectrum disorder learn to perform a three-step communication sequence using an iPad®-based speech-generating device

BackgroundMany children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have limited or absent speech and might therefore benefit from learning to use a speech-generating device (SGD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate a procedure aimed at teaching three children with ASD to use an iPad®-based SGD to make a general request for access to toys, then make a specific request for one of two toys, and then communicate a thank-you response after receiving the requested toy. MethodA multiple-baseline across participants design was used to determine whether systematic instruction involving least-to-most-prompting, time delay, error correction, and reinforcement was effective in teaching the three children to engage in this requesting and social communication sequence. Generalization and follow-up probes were conducted for two of the three participants. ResultsWith intervention, all three children showed improvement in performing the communication sequence. This improvement was maintained with an unfamiliar communication partner and during the follow-up sessions. ConclusionWith systematic instruction, children with ASD and severe communication impairment can learn to use an iPad-based SGD to complete multi-step communication sequences that involve requesting and social communication functions.

Coordinated Information Generation and Mental Flexibility: Large-Scale Network Disruption in Children with Autism.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes deficits in social cognition, communication, and executive function. Recent neuroimaging studies suggest that ASD disrupts the structural and functional organization of brain networks and, presumably, how they generate information. Here, we relate deficits in an aspect of cognitive control to network-level disturbances in information processing. We recorded magnetoencephalography while children with ASD and typically developing controls performed a set-shifting task designed to test mental flexibility. We used multiscale entropy (MSE) to estimate the rate at which information was generated in a set of sources distributed across the brain. Multivariate partial least-squares analysis revealed 2 distributed networks, operating at fast and slow time scales, that respond completely differently to set shifting in ASD compared with control children, indicating disrupted temporal organization within these networks. Moreover, when typically developing children engaged these networks, they achieved faster reaction times. When children with ASD engaged these networks, there was no improvement in performance, suggesting that the networks were ineffective in children with ASD. Our data demonstrate that the coordination and temporal organization of large-scale neural assemblies during the performance of cognitive control tasks is disrupted in children with ASD, contributing to executive function deficits in this group.

Neurobiologically based interventions for autism spectrum disorders-rationale and new directions

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are heterogeneous, neurodevelopmental disorders with early onset, characterized by a triad of impairments in reciprocal interaction and communication as well as repetitive and restricted interests and activities. Though underlying causes still remain largely unknown, there is now evidence for abnormal growth trajectories in the early brain development in ASD during vulnerable periods and subsequent impairment of neuronal organization and differentiation of neuronal networks. A growing number of studies over the last 10 years support the efficacy of behaviorally based interventions in ASD for the improvement of social communication and behavioral functioning. In contrast, research on neurobiologically based therapies for ASD is still at its beginnings. In this article, we will provide a selective overview of novel interventions and trainings based on neurobiological principles. Directions and options for future research on treatment aiming at restoration of normal plasticity in disrupted brain circuits in ASD are discussed.

Preference-Enhanced Communication Intervention and Development of Social Communicative Functions in a Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who exhibit limited speech can learn to communicate using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. We describe the case of Ian, a 10-year-old boy with ASD who had learned to use an Apple iPod®- and iPad®-based speech-generating device (SGD)Note 1, picture exchange (PE), and manual signing (MS) for functional communication (e.g., requesting), but had difficulty in using these AAC systems for spontaneous and socially oriented functions of communication. His difficulties were originally conceptualized as reflecting the social interaction and communication deficits characteristic of ASD. Alternatively, we suggest that the intervention did not allow for the development of more advanced communication. A preference-enhanced intervention was introduced with Ian’s chosen AAC system only, that is the iPad®-based SGD. Opportunities for communication were created using highly motivating activities and behavioral strategies. Results suggest that the approach facilitated development of spontaneous and socially oriented communication.

Preschool-Based Social Communication Treatment for Children With Autism: 12-Month Follow-Up of a Randomized Trial

This study reports 12-month follow-up data from a randomized controlled trial of preschool-based social communication treatment for young children with autism. A total of 61 children (48 males) with autism, 29 to 60 months of age, had earlier been randomized either to 8 weeks of preschool-based social communication treatment in addition to standard preschool program (n = 34) or to standard preschool program only (n = 27). Significant short-term effects on targeted social communication skills have previously been published. Long-term gains in social communication, language and global social functioning and communication were assessed from video-taped preschool teacher-child and mother-child interactions, Early Social Communication Scales, Reynell Developmental Language Scale, and Social Communication Questionnaire. Compared with those in the control group, the treated children achieved significantly larger improvements in joint attention and joint engagement from baseline to 12-month follow-up. However, no effects were detected on language and global ratings of social functioning and communication. The treatment effect on child initiation of joint attention increased with increasing level of sociability at baseline, whereas nonverbal IQ and expressive language had no moderating effect. This study is the first to show that, similar to specialist-delivered treatment, preschool-based treatment may produce small but possibly clinically important long-term changes in social communication in young children with autism. The treatment did not affect language and global ratings of social functioning and communication. More studies are needed to better understand whether treatment effects may be improved by increasing the intensity and duration of the treatment. Clinical trial registration information--Joint Attention Intervention and Young Children With Autism; http://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT00378157.

Chemosignals of Stress Influence Social Judgments

Human body odors have important communicative functions regarding genetic identity, immune fitness and general health, but an expanding body of research suggests they can also communicate information about an individual’s emotional state. In the current study, we tested whether axillary odors obtained from women experiencing psychosocial stress could negatively influence personality judgments of warmth and competence made about other women depicted in video scenarios. 44 female donors provided three types of sweat samples: untreated exercise sweat, untreated stress sweat and treated stress sweat. After a ‘washout’ period, a commercial unscented anti-perspirant product was applied to the left axilla only to evaluate whether ‘blocking’ the stress signal would improve the social evaluations. A separate group of male and female evaluators (n = 120) rated the women in the videos while smelling one of the three types of sweat samples. Women in the video scenes were rated as being more stressed by both men and women when smelling the untreated vs. treated stress sweat. For men only, the women in the videos were rated as less confident, trustworthy and competent when smelling both the untreated stress and exercise sweat in contrast to the treated stress sweat. Women’s social judgments were unaffected by sniffing the pads. The results have implications for influencing multiple types of professional and personal social interactions and impression management and extend our understanding of the social communicative function of body odors.

Language Shifts in Case of Language Policy of Kazakhstan

This paper contains the description and analysis of some aspects of language policy in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The description of the main trends of national programmes of functioning and development of all languages spoken in Kazakhstan. The attention is paid to the practice of non-stop language education that should ensure the high level of official language awareness by every citizen of the Republic and preservation of all the linguistic richness of Kazakhstani society. The regulations of the Language Act where the guarantee of protection and state support of all the languages spoken in the Republic are depicted in details in order to preserve the various ethnic cultures and languages within the territory, including the English. The descriptive characteristics of of language vitality of nations oft he country gives the opportunity to present the significance and importance of any language of Kazakhstani society. At the present the general conceptual basis oft he lanuage development in Kazakhstan is «National Programme of Language Functioning and Development: 2011-2020» [1], which is considered to be realized within 10 years. The main purpose oft he give programme is to extend and strengthen the social-communicative functions of the official language of the Republic, to preserve the general cultural functions of the Russian language, to develop the other languages spoken in Kazakhstan, to facilitate in the development of the English and other foreign languages. The cultural project of the country about language trinity is the new branch in language policy and finds the functional reflection in national standards of education of the country. Language education concepts reflect the world experience in the context of education, i.e. the acception of the unique national standardization on level structures and subject contents – 6 levels of language awareness (Kazakh, Russian and foreign language) taking into account «General European Standards of Language Competence». In conclusion of the paper the results of the analysis of some aspects of language policy and national programme planning are presented. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n8p653

PS1-14: Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Findings from the Mental Health Research Network Autism Registry Web Survey

Background/Aims Approximately 1 in 88 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a complex disorder characterized by impairment in social skills, communication, and cognitive and behavioral functioning. In order for policy makers and clinical managers to evaluate new approaches to treating and managing ASD, they need brief comprehensive outcome measures. One approach that could be useful in this context is measurement of health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), which provides a comprehensive picture of health status including an individual’s psychosocial, emotional, and physical wellbeing. This comprehensive approach is particularly important in conditions such as ASD that have multiple impacts on a person’s health. Few previous studies have examined HR-QOL in persons with ASD, and most of these studies have used small samples. The purpose of this analysis is to examine HR-QOL in a group of geographically- and racially/ethnically-diverse children with ASD who are enrolled in the Mental Health Research Network (MHRN) Autism Registry.

Social facilitation of male song by male and female conspecifics in the zebra finch, Taeniopygia guttata

Zebra finches are a ubiquitous model system for the study of vocal learning in animal communication. Their song has been well described, but its possible function(s) in social communication are only partly understood. The so-called ‘directed song’ is a high-intensity, high-performance song given during courtship in close proximity to the female, which is known to mediate mate choice and mating. However, this singing mode constitutes only a fraction of zebra finch males’ prolific song output. Potential communicative functions of their second, ‘undirected’ singing mode remain unresolved in the face of contradicting reports of both facilitating and inhibiting effects of social company on singing. We addressed this issue by experimentally manipulating social contexts in a within-subject design, comparing a solo versus male or female only company condition, each lasting for 24h. Males’ total song output was significantly higher when a conspecific was in audible and visible distance than when they were alone. Male and female company had an equally facilitating effect on song output. Our findings thus indicate that singing motivation is facilitated rather than inhibited by social company, suggesting that singing in zebra finches might function both in inter- and intrasexual communication.

The Fukushima Nuclear Crisis Reemphasizes the Need for Improved Risk Communication and Better Use of Social Media

The potential of social media has expanded far beyond the initial function of social communication among a network of friends. It has become an increasingly important tool in risk communication to allow the dissemination of timely and accurate information to global citizens to make more informed choices regarding a particular crisis. The Fukushima nuclear crisis is an example where the potential of social media was not fully tapped. This caused undue stress and distrust of authorities. While the use of social media in this crisis could have altered significantly the level of trust in authorities and others, two additional points should be considered. One point is the use of plain language versus scientific language in order to reach a wider audience. The other is an urgent need to improve public information especially in the event of a nuclear emergency and to enhance educational efforts and action by improving radiological protection communication from regulatory bodies and international agencies. These are points that also play a large role in the use of social media.

The First Year Inventory: a longitudinal follow-up of 12-month-old to 3-year-old children

The First Year Inventory is a parent-report measure designed to identify 12-month-old infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder. First Year Inventory taps behaviors that indicate risk in the developmental domains of sensory-regulatory and social-communication functioning. This longitudinal study is a follow-up of 699 children at 3 years of age from a community sample whose parents completed the First Year Inventory when their children were 12 months old. Parents of all 699 children completed the Social Responsiveness Scale-Preschool version and the Developmental Concerns Questionnaire to determine age 3 developmental outcomes. In addition, children deemed at risk for autism spectrum disorder based on liberal cut points on the First Year Inventory, Social Responsiveness Scale-Preschool, and/or Developmental Concerns Questionnaire were invited for in-person diagnostic evaluations. We found 9 children who had a confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder from the sample of 699. Receiver operating characteristic analyses determined that a two-domain cutoff score yielded optimal classification of children: 31% of those meeting algorithm cutoffs had autism spectrum disorder and 85% had a developmental disability or concern by age 3. These results suggest that the First Year Inventory is a promising tool for identifying 12-month-old infants who are at risk for an eventual diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

Neuropattern: A new translational tool to detect and treat stress pathology. II. The Teltow study

The present study was designed to test the clinical utility of Neuropattern (NP), a newly developed translational diagnostic tool. NP consists of biological and psychological measures that facilitate the identification of functional changes (called “neuropatterns”) in patients with stress-related health problems. In this prospective, randomized control trial, we expected NP to improve therapeutic efficacy, as compared with the usual treatment. NP was applied to 101 in-patients suffering from various mental disorders (mainly depression, anxiety disorders, and adjustment disorders), and scoring high on the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) somatization scale. The patients (73% females, mean ± standard deviation age 46 ± 9.03 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: in the experimental group (n = 51), physicians received results from NP diagnostics, while in the control group (n = 50), this information was not available until discharge from the hospital. Improvements of symptoms in consequence of treatment were monitored by two self-rating scales, the SCL-90-R and Short Form-12 health survey, and a physician's clinical global rating (Beeinträchtigungs–Schwere Score). There was a significantly greater improvement in the experimental group in the self-rating assessments on symptom severity (p = 0.03) and quality of life (p = 0.05), but not in the observer rating of emotional, physical, and social-communicative functioning (p = 0.13). Treatment efficacy in patients can be improved by providing the attendant physician and the patient with diagnostic information and treatment recommendations by NP. The role of concrete mediators of treatment efficacy awaits further research.

Why do capuchin monkeys urine wash? An experimental test of the sexual communication hypothesis using fMRI

Urine washing (UW) consists of depositing urine on the hands and vigorously rubbing the body. As urine contains chemical and pheromonal cues, UW may convey socially relevant information. Although ritualized UW is observed in many New World primates, including capuchin monkeys, the functional significance of UW remains unclear. In this experiment, we investigated the social signaling hypothesis of UW. Specifically, we hypothesized that UW by males conveys socially relevant signals that females can detect. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to test whether adult female capuchins show differential brain activation in response to adult male and juvenile male capuchin urine. We expected to see changes in activation of structures involved in olfactory processing, including the piriform cortex, medial preoptic and anterior hypothesis, orbitofrontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Data were acquired from four adult female capuchin monkeys. Presentations of odor stimuli (obtained from unfamiliar males) were made during fMRI acquisition using a standard ON-OFF design. All fMRI data were spatially normalized to a template and analyzed using the FMRI Expert Analysis Tool Version 5.98, part of the FMRIB's Software Library (www.fmrib.ox.ac.uk/fsl). Whole brain analyses revealed significant activations in the inferior temporal cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, precuneus, hippocampus, pulvinar, and cerebellum when females were presented with the adult male urine. Notably, significantly greater signal activation was observed in several regions associated with olfactory processing, when subjects were presented with adult male urine as compared with urine from juvenile males. Our results indicate that UW serves a social communicative function in capuchins, providing support for the sexual signaling hypothesis.