Social Interaction Domains Research Articles

Predicting language, cognition, and social skills in individuals with Autism spectrum disorder using the Arabic validation of Gilliam Autism Rating scale-Third Edition

The Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-Third Edition (GARS-3) has emerged as a pivotal instrument in the diagnostic assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with its utility extending across linguistic and cultural boundaries. This study endeavors to adapt and validate the GARS-3 for the Arabic-speaking population, addressing the paucity of culturally congruent diagnostic tools in the Arab world. The primary objective is to validate the Arabic version of GARS-3 (A-GARS-3) to assess children with and without ASD, ensuring the scale’s reliability and validity within the target population. A methodical cross-sectional study design was employed, encompassing a sample of 178 participants from both educational and clinical settings in Saudi Arabia. The process involved direct translation, expert panel review, back-translation, and pilot testing to ensure semantic equivalence and cultural relevance. Data were collected using the A-GARS-3, and analyses included Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (EFA and CFA), internal consistency reliability measures, and a One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to establish concurrent validity. The A-GARS-3 demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.971; McDonald’s omega = 0.972) and strong construct validity, with factor loadings and model fit indices substantiating the factor structure. Predictive validity was confirmed through significant correlations between the Autism Index and the subscales, particularly in the domains of social interaction and communication. The A-GARS-3 is a psychometrically sound instrument that offers reliable assessment for ASD within the Arab cultural context. The positive validation outcomes indicate that the scale is an effective, culturally adapted tool for the localized diagnosis of ASD. The validated scale has significant implications for enhancing ASD screening and diagnostic practices in Arabic-speaking regions, potentially improving early diagnosis and intervention strategies.

Gender comparison in physical literacy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of children and adolescents

This study conducts a systematic literature review and meta-analysis on physical literacy, with a focus on gender comparisons among school-aged children and adolescents. Physical literacy (PL) is a multidimensional concept involving social and environmental interaction, knowledge and understanding, motivation and confidence, as well as physical competence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of interventions on these domains and to examine the existing gender gap. The methods employed include a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and meta-analysis, with data sourced from the Scopus and PubMed databases. The analysis was performed using fixed and random effects models, with publication bias evaluated through Funnel plot, Rank Correlation Test, and Egger's Test. The results indicate that PL interventions have significant effects on several domains with gender-based differences. The social and environmental interaction domain showed no overall significant effect, whereas the knowledge and understanding, and motivation and confidence domains exhibited small but significant effects, with females tending to demonstrate better outcomes. The physical competence domain showed a moderate and significant influence, with males showing greater improvement. The overall physical literacy domain exhibited a significant positive effect, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach in PL interventions. These findings provide evidence-based recommendations for more inclusive physical education practices and school policies, and help address the gender gap in the development of physical literacy. Keywords: Physical literacy, gender, children and adolescents, domains, potential development

Urban Language Practices in a UNESCO World Heritage Site: A Case Study of George Town, Penang

The case of multilingual and multicultural George Town World Heritage Site (GTWHS) illustrates that language practices among its urban community are varied across different settings and interlocutors. The study aims to identify current language practices in GTWHS, particularly those influenced by urban space and repertoires. Using a mixed-method research design, the study included a sample size of 156 respondents and covered areas in both the Core and Buffer Zones of George Town, Penang. Data analysis then comprises discussions on language repertoires of the interlocutors within the domains of the respective social interactions. Findings of the study show that the use of English, Malay, Mandarin and code-switching are several of the patterns of language use that can be observed in the city. The ability to style shift among the respondents is also indicative of language patterns that interact with both the physical and social settings that they belong to. As a result, these language practices can be fluid in order to facilitate the needs of the communicative activities as the interlocutors relocate themselves in different spaces or domains within the George Town city. More importantly, the study highlights heterogenous populace, linguistic repertoire and cultural practices as determinants that further characterise the overall cityscape of urban social environment and its speech community.

Adherence to CPAP Therapy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Prospective Study on Quality of Life and Determinants of Use.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often goes unrecognized despite common symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and impaired quality of life (QoL). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard treatment for OSA, but optimal daily usage and time needed for observable effects remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of CPAP on daytime sleepiness and QoL in patients with severe OSA. Medical records were collected from 87 patients with severe OSA who initiated CPAP therapy. Also, validated questionnaires were used before and after one month of CPAP to analyze QoL-the Calgary Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI), the Cues to CPAP Use Questionnaire (CCUQ), and daytime sleepiness-the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of CPAP usage. Of the total participants aged 55.6 ± 12.5, 77% were males, and 62% were CPAP adherent. Reductions in daytime sleepiness (ESS) were noted, as well as improvements in both overall QoL (SAQLI) and specifically in the domains of daily functioning, social interactions, emotional well-being, and symptom perception. Important cues for CPAP usage recognized by patients were physicians' instructions and physicians' concern regarding their patients' condition. Furthermore, multiple regression revealed higher SAQLI scores and lower ESS scores as positive predictors of CPAP usage, along with lower AHI after one month of CPAP being associated with sufficient adherence.

A Case of Autism Spectrum Disorder Treated with Theridion currasavicum Prescribed on the Basis of Group Approach

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder of unknown aetiology. There is a growing prevalence of ASD globally. Currently, there are no specific treatment that can address the core impairments of ASD. Case Summary A 5-year male child was brought to outpatient department with complaints of irritability, restlessness, howling, repeating words spoken to him, repeating phrases, hand flapping, self-hurting and hurting others, climbing stairs repeatedly, repeated drawing of squares everywhere, poor social interaction, poor peer-play and inappropriate playing with toys. The case was diagnosed as ASD and was assessed with the autism treatment evaluation checklist (ATEC) at baseline and follow-up visits. The case was treated with Theridion currasavicum in centesimal scale. ATEC score at baseline of 118 turned to 69 at the 12th month and 42 after 24 months of treatment. The remedy was repeated during monthly visits in ascending potencies. The child improved in the domains of social interaction, communication, repetitive stereotype movements, restricted interests and general health. The likelihood of causal relationship between intervention and outcome has been discussed as per modified Naranjo criteria for homoeopathy. This case report highlights the usefulness of the group approach and aetiological prescription as one way of arriving at the similimum in children with autism.

A Comparison of Loneliness and Social Support among South African Older Persons during a Pandemic

Pandemics, such as the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) in March 2020, have a negative impact on older persons’ (60 years and older) physical and mental health. Research on the effects of Covid-19 on older persons’ experience of loneliness and self-reported social support has predominately originated from the Global North. Applying the strengths perspective, the present study aimed to determine and compare the loneliness and social support among South African older persons during a pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was operationalised to collect data from community-dwelling older persons (n = 139) and older persons residing in residential care facilities (n = 99) through purposive sampling across five South African provinces. A loneliness scale was used to measure the respondents’ overall loneliness, including emotional and social loneliness. A social support scale was used to measure the availability of social support across four domains. The survey focused on social contact, number of close friends/relatives, socio-demographics, and subjective physical and mental health, respectively. Independent samples t-tests were run to explore any statistically significant differences between the two groups. Community-dwelling older persons were found to present with marginally higher levels of loneliness. No statistically significant differences were identified between the two groups. Community-dwelling older persons measured higher on social support than their peers in residential care. Two domains of social support, namely, affectionate support and positive social interaction, were found to be significantly different (p < 0.01). Based on the study’s results, implications for strengths-based gerontological social work services in resource-constrained settings during a pandemic were delineated.

Association between the COVID-19 pandemic and childhood development aged 30 to 36 months in South Korea, based on the National health screening program for infants and children database

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on the neurodevelopment of children. However, the precise effects of the virus and the social consequences of the pandemic on pediatric neurodevelopment are not yet fully understood. We aimed to compare the neurodevelopment of children between before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as examine the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) and regional differences on the development.MethodsThe study used the Korean Developmental Screening Test to compare the difference in the risk of neurodevelopmental delay between before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the relationship between experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic and the risk of neurodevelopmental delay. Stratified analyses were performed to determine whether the developmental delays caused by the pandemic’s impact varied depending on SES or regional inequality.ResultsThis study found an association between the experience of COVID-19 and a higher risk of neurodevelopmental delay in communication (adjusted OR [aOR]: 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19, 1.22; P-value: < 0.0001) and social interaction (aOR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.17; P-value: < 0.0001) domains among children of 30–36 months’ ages. Notably, the observed association in the Medicaid group of children indicates a higher risk of neurodevelopmental delay compared to those in the non-Medicaid group.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the need to be concerned about the neurodevelopment of children who experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also calls for increased training and support for Medicaid children, parents, teachers, and healthcare practitioners. Additionally, policy programs focused on groups vulnerable to developmental delays are required.

Genetic Insights: Examining CNTNAP2 rs7794745 Gene Polymorphism and Its Impact on ABLLS Assessment in Middle Euphrates Children in Iraq with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Objective: examine the effect of CNTNAP2 gene polymorphism on behavioral therapy response in Iraqi children with autism spectrum disorder using ABLLS-r.&#x0D; Methods: In this study, 150 samples for autism spectrum disorder were obtained from AL-SIBTEIN ACADEMY, however owing to many challenges, the final number of samples was 50 patients. Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction refers to a technique that combines the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with restriction enzymes to amplify and analyze certain DNA sequences. Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to genotype the CNTNAP2 gene at rs7794745. All 25 ABLLS-R repertoires and all four primary components had their dependent parameters determined by aggregating and converting the ABLLS data to a percentage. This provided us with the proportion of finished assignments from each repertoire.&#x0D; Results: After correlating the genotype data (AA/AT/TT) with the behavioral therapy response as indicated by ABLLS-R, we only discovered a statistically significant difference between the frequency of AA/TT genotypes in the rs7794745 variant in patients and the social interaction domain. Conversely, the remaining 24 subdomains exhibited no discernible correlation.&#x0D; Conclusion: This research topic could provide significant information on targeting and categorizing which skill areas need to be developed based on genetic models' influence.

Effect of silver diamine fluoride and nano silver fluoride on oral health-related quality of life of children with early childhood caries: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectivesUntreated caries in primary teeth is one of the most prevalent health problems in children worldwide. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) non-invasively arrests caries but causes staining unlike Nano Silver Fluoride (NSF) which causes no stains. This study compared the effect of NSF and 38 % SDF on the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children after 6 months. MethodsChildren were included if they were younger than 4 years, with at least one active lesion, ICDAS score ≥3, attending nurseries in a rural area in Alexandria, Egypt. They were randomly assigned to receive NSF once at baseline, or SDF at baseline and after 6 months. The Arabic version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (A-ECOHIS) was used to assess the OHRQoL. The groups were compared using chi-square test and the effect of the intervention on OHRQoL was assessed using multiple linear regression. Results360 children were included, mean (SD) age = 42.3 (8.2) months. After 6 months, NSF had significantly lower A-ECOHIS scores than SDF in bivariate analysis (p< 0.05) and in regression analysis (B= -5.02, p = 0.001) after adjusting for confounders. There were significant reductions in the A-ECOHIS total and domains’ scores in both study groups, except for the social interaction domain in the SDF group. ConclusionAfter 6-month, both agents significantly improved children's OHRQoL although NSF had a significantly better impact on OHRQoL than SDF. Clinical SignificancePatient-reported outcomes support the inclusion of the two agents among the options for ECC management with better effect on quality of life after NSF. Trial registrationThe trial was registered in the clinicaltrials.gov registry (#NCT05255913).

Knowledge, Awareness and Attitude of Parents towards their Children with Autism at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong hereditary neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by a lack of social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviours. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) classified symptoms of autism into two domains: the social communication and interaction domain. However, studies on autism in Saudi Arabia are still insufficient. Therefore, awareness and knowledge about autism can facilitate early detection and treatment, resulting in better outcomes. Aim: To evaluate parents’ knowledge, awareness, and attitude towards their autistic children in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Baljurashi Mental Health Hospital, ALBaha region, Saudi Arabia, from January 2023 to November 2023. A total of 69 parents with autistic children who attended the outpatient clinic at Baljurashi Mental Health Hospital were included in the study. A questionnaire was administered among parents to assess their knowledge, awareness, and attitude regarding autism. Data was statistically analysed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test. Results: The age of the parents ranged from 16 to over 50 years, with 47 (68.1%) being males and 22 (31.9%) being females. Almost 29 (42.0%) of the parents were postgraduates, and 21 (30.4%) had a university-level education. About 24 (34.8%) of the participants believed that consanguineous marriage increases the risk of autism, 19 (27.5%) believed that some vaccines increase the risk of autism, and 39 (56.5%) knew that autism is associated with learning disabilities. Three-quarters of the participants, 54 (78.3%), stated that autism was known to them, 50 (72.5%) thought that an autistic child could be affected by a normal child, and 53 (76.8%) had good knowledge about autism. Conclusion: The study showed that the majority of parents had good knowledge about autism disorder. The findings reflect the positive impact of focused training initiatives and public awareness efforts aimed at improving parents’ knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward autism.

Quality of Life in Female Patients with Overactive Bladder after Botulinum Toxin Treatment.

Manifestations of OAB can considerably diminish the quality of life. Botulinum toxin has emerged as a valuable treatment option in diseases whose symptoms cannot be controlled adequately with other available therapies. The aim of the present study was to compare the subjective quality of life of patients with OAB before the injection of botulinum toxin and three and six months after the intervention. This study was based on a diagnostic survey with three validated questionnaires, ICIQ-OAB, ICIQ-OABqol, and ICIQ-LUTSqol, and an additional questionnaire developed by the authors to collect sociodemographic characteristics and selected medical data. This study demonstrated significant differences between pre-treatment scores and those at three and six months post injection. At three and six months after the intervention, mean scores for all three instruments (ICIQ-OAB, ICIQ-OABqol, ICIQ-LUTSqol) were significantly lower than the respective pre-treatment values, implying a significant attenuation of OAB symptoms and their lower impact on the quality of life. However, the severity of OAB symptoms and their impact on the quality of life at six months post intervention were significantly higher than at three months, except for the social interaction domain. Botulinum toxin is an effective treatment for OAB.

Alpha/beta oscillations reveal cognitive and affective brain states associated with role taking in a dyadic cooperative game.

Social cooperation often requires taking different roles in order to reach a shared goal. By defining individual tasks, these roles dictate processing demands of the collaborators. The main aim of the present study was to examine the hypothesis that induced alpha and lower beta oscillations provide insights into affective and cognitive brain states during social cooperation. Toward this end, an experimental game was used in which participants had to navigate a Pacman figure through a maze by sending and receiving information about the correct moving direction. Supporting our hypotheses, individual roles taken by the collaborators during gameplay were associated with significant changes in alpha and lower beta power. Furthermore, effects were similar when participants played the Pacman Game with human or computer partners. Findings are discussed from the perspective of the information-via-desynchronization hypothesis proposing that alpha and lower beta power decreases reflect states of enhanced cortical information representation. Overall, experimental games are a useful tool for extending basic research on brain oscillations to the domain of naturalistic social interaction as emphasized by the second-person neuroscience perspective.

Assessing the content validity of the Manchester–Oxford Foot Questionnaire in surgically treated ankle fracture patients: a qualitative study

BackgroundRoughly 10% of fractures in adults are ankle fractures. These injuries are found in both sexes and present with different fracture characteristics. The treatment varies with the patients’ biology and fracture type, and the goals are to restore stability, prevent pain and maintain ankle function. Clinicians generally use outcomes like assessment of radiography, pain level, or function. The use of patient-reported outcome measures is increasing, and the Manchester–Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) has been shown to have good measurement properties when validated in patients with foot and ankle disorders. However, the instrument has not been validated for ankle fracture patients. This study aims to assess the content validity of the items in MOXFQ in surgically treated ankle fracture patients.MethodsA qualitative deductive design was used to investigate patients’ response process of the MOXFQ. Individual interviews were conducted using cognitive interviewing based on the theoretical framework of the 4-step model by Tourangeau. Adult patients that were surgically treated for an ankle fracture between four weeks and 18 months were purposively sampled, and interviews followed a semi-structured interview guide. The predetermined categories were comprehension, retrieval, judgement, and response.ResultsSeventeen respondents (65% females) were interviewed. Respondents’ age ranged from 27 to 76 years. Some of the respondents in the early recovery phase were limited by post-operative restrictions and did not find the items in the walking/standing domain relevant. Respondents that were allowed weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT) were able to recall relevant information for most items. Respondents with time since surgery more than 12 months had less pain and remembered fewer relevant episodes in the recall period. Items in the social interaction domain contained ambiguous questions and were generally considered less important by respondents. The summary index score lacked important concepts in measuring overall quality of life.ConclusionsPain was a central concept in the post-operative recovery of ankle fracture patients. The MOXFQ-subscales for pain and walking/standing had acceptable content validity in patients that were allowed WBAT. The social interaction-subscale and the summary index score had insufficient content validity for this patient population.

Association of Parental Support with Reduced Stereotypy in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: To analyze the influence of parental presence and use of risperidone on social interaction and apathy among patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study in a reference center for patients with ASD in a city in northeastern Brazil. The research was carried out using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Dimensional Apathy Scale, and the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) with the domains of social interaction, language, stereotypy, and communication. The referred questionnaire was answered by the parents or guardians of the children with ASD according to the DSM V criteria. Data were analyzed via independent t-test using the SPSS software version 20. Results: Interviews were conducted with 51 parents/guardians of autistic children with a mean age of 8.8 years (±2.95) and a predominance of males, 34 (66.7%). Of this total, 49 (96.1%) of the children attended school; 40 (78.4%) children were on medication, of which 38 (74.5%) were on risperidone. Those children on risperidone had a higher score on the SCQ scale (p = 0.049) and on the domain of stereotyped behaviors (p = 0.033), which indicated greater impairment. Another statistically relevant variable was the presence of married parents, whereby children who did not have the presence of married parents had a higher average of stereotyped behaviors compared to those who had married parents. Conclusions: The results showed differences in the means of social interactions for children on risperidone, especially regarding stereotyped behaviors. However, it is not possible to state whether this difference was due to the use of risperidone or whether they used risperidone precisely because of these behaviors. Also important was that children who had the presence of married parents showed fewer stereotyped behaviors. There was no difference in apathetic behavior between children.

COMPARING THE EFFICACY OF EARLY INTERVENTION AND LATE INTERVENTION FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Objective: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Early intervention is widely recognized as crucial for improving outcomes in individuals with ASD. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the optimal timing of intervention. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of early intervention and late intervention for individuals with ASD. The study aimed to synthesize existing evidence and provide a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of these two intervention approaches in improving outcomes for children and adults with ASD.&#x0D; Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies. The search terms included keywords related to ASD, early intervention, late intervention, children, adults, and outcome measures. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on randomized controlled trials and comparative studies with adequate sample sizes. The selected studies underwent rigorous quality assessment and data extraction. Meta-analysis was conducted using statistical software to determine the overall efficacy of early intervention and late intervention in improving outcomes related to social interaction, communication, adaptive functioning, and other relevant domains.&#x0D; Results: The distribution of cases according to expressive language and motor skills was analyzed in two groups: Group A (early intervention) and Group B (late intervention). The results showed no statistically significant differences in the distribution of cases according to expressive language and motor skills between the two groups. The findings suggested that the timing of intervention may not strongly influence the distribution of these skills in individuals with ASD.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study found no significant differences in the distribution of cases according to expressive language and motor skills between early and late intervention groups. These findings are consistent with previous research, indicating that the distribution of these skills may not be strongly influenced by the timing of intervention. However, further research with larger samples and standardized assessment methods is needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between intervention timing and the distribution of these skills in individuals with ASD.

Digital Transformation and Hybrid Model in Engineering Education

Digitalisation is also transforming research in ways that are common to other domains of social interaction but are very pronounced since the scientific community is highly interconnected globally. The survey show that the use of digital productivity and collaboration tools is more intense within Higher education institutions and small economies, and it is associated with higher rates of personal scientific collaboration and productivity. Online identity is important for UG, PG and researchers because a significant but incomplete part of their science- related activities leave a digital trace. In turn, this digital footprint supports the production of metrics that researchers use to inform decisions that impact on their teaching and learning careers, such as hiring and promotion decisions in universities. Keywords – Digitalization of Engineering Science, for Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP), Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Information Systems Security Association (ISSA).

Behaviors related to autism spectrum disorder in children with developmental language disorder and children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) are at an increased risk to develop behaviors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The relationship between early language difficulties and the occurrence of ASD-related behaviors in DLD is poorly understood. One factor that may hinder progress in understanding this relationship is the etiological heterogeneity of DLD. We therefore study this relationship in an etiologically homogeneous group of children, who share phenotypic characteristics with children with DLD: children with the 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11DS). We compare children with 22q11DS, to children with DLD and age-matched typically developing children (TD). 44 children with 22q11DS, 65 children with DLD and 81 TD children, between 3.0-6.5 years old, participated in a longitudinal cohort study that included a baseline measure and a follow-up measure with a 1-year interval. A parental questionnaire (SRS-2) was used to measure the incidence of behaviors in two key behavioral domains associated with ASD: Social Communication and Interaction and Restricted Repetitive Behaviors and Interests. At baseline, we assessed children's expressive and receptive language abilities as well as their intellectual functioning with standardized tests. We compared the distribution of ASD-related behaviors between the three groups. We used regression analyses to investigate whether language abilities at baseline predict ASD-related behavior at follow-up, accounting for ASD-related behavior at baseline, demographic variables and intellectual functioning. Both the children with 22q11DS and the children with DLD displayed significantly more ASD-related behaviors than the TD children. Over 30% of children in both clinical groups had scores exceeding the subclinical threshold for ASD in both behavioral domains. Both in 22q11DS and DLD, baseline receptive language scores were negatively correlated with ASD-related behaviors 1 year later, when controlling for baseline SRS-scores. However, this association was statistically significant only in children with 22q11DS, even when controlled for IQ-scores, and it was significantly stronger as than in the TD group. The strength of the association did not differ significantly between 22q11DS and DLD. Both children with 22q11DS and children with DLD present with elevated rates of ASD-related behaviors at a preschool-age. Only in children with 22q11DS we observed that weaker receptive language skills were related to increased behavioral problems in the domain of social communication and interaction one year later. Our findings indicate that relations between early language impairment and other behavioral phenotypes may be more feasible to detect in a subgroup of children with a homogeneous etiology, than in a group of children with a heterogeneous etiology (such as children with DLD). Our results in 22q11DS reveal that receptive language is especially important in predicting the occurrence of ASD-related behaviors. Future research is needed to determine to what extent receptive language predicts the occurrence of ASD-related behaviors in children with DLD, especially among those children with DLD with the weakest receptive language. Clinically, screening for ASD-related behaviors in children with developmental language difficulties is recommended from a young age, especially among children with receptive language difficulties.

Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese

Objective: Translate, culturally adapt and validate the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) into Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: The translation followed the guidelines standardized in the literature, including initial translation, back-translation, committee review, pre-test phase, and application of the final questionnaire in 50 patients. Intraobserver reproducibility was evaluated by reapplying the final version of the questionnaire 14 days after the first application. The validation of the final MOXFQ translation was assessed by conjoint application with the SF-36 Quality of Life questionnaire; similar domain scores of the two questionnaires were compared and analyzed. Results: Excellent reproducibility was observed for three domains with statistical significance, the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) values were: pain 0.98, walking/standing 0.99, and social interaction 0.98. Internal consistency/reliability obtained excellent values: pain 0.992, walking/standing 0.997, and social interaction 0.992, all with statistical significance (p&lt;0.001). In the MOXFQ validation compared to the SF-36, the highest correlations of the study were found between the SF36 physical functioning domain and the MOXFQ walking/standing (-0.72) and social interaction domains (-0.73). Comparing the MOXFQ walking/standing domain, a good correlation was obtained with the SF-36 physical functioning (-0.41), bodily pain (-0.42), vitality (-0.45), and mental health (-0.40) domains. Also a good correlation was obtained on MOXFQ pain domain with the SF-36 physical functioning (-0.45) and social functioning (-0.43). Conclusion: The MOXFQ Brazilian version proved reliable, valid, and reproducible in measuring the symptoms and functional limitations of patients affected by foot and ankle diseases. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case Series.

RESILIENCE AND MULTIFACTORIAL STRESSORS AMONG OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic represents a complex stressor that is experienced differently across individuals and age strata. The present study explored perceptions and experiences of older adults within the domains of health, social interactions, finances and care of existing chronic medical conditions; and strategies used to cope with these stressors. We recruited 30 people (mean age 81.4 years) stratified by frailty status to complete semi-structured interviews about what changes to the above domains had occurred and what coping strategies were utilized. Using inductive and deductive coding techniques, thematic analysis revealed three overarching themes. The first was Pandemic Experience, which was perceived as stressful, especially in the domains of social isolation from friends and family and concern for others’ well-being. The second domain was Resilience where participants reported highly adaptable and creative ways to connect with others and viewed the pandemic from a lens of lifetime experience, which acted as a stress buffer. The third theme was Silver Linings where participants reported unexpected renewal like reconnecting with family and friends in more meaningful ways and reconnecting with nature. We found no meaningful distinction in experience by frailty status and explore reasons for this. Policy implications including internet access and training and societal aging biases are discussed in the context of aging and coping theories.

Early symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 1–8 year old children with sex chromosome trisomies (XXX, XXY, XYY), and the predictive value of joint attention

The objective of the present study is to investigate the impact of Sex Chromosome Trisomy (SCT; XXX, XXY, XYY) on the early appearance of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms, and the predictive value of Joint Attention for symptoms of ASD. SCTs are specific genetic conditions that may serve as naturalistic ‘at risk’ models of neurodevelopment, as they are associated with increased risk for neurobehavioral vulnerabilities. A group of 82 children with SCT (aged 1–8 years) was included at baseline of this longitudinal study. Joint Attention was measured at baseline with structured behavior observations according to the Early Social Communication Scales. ASD symptoms were assessed with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers questionnaire and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised in a 1-year follow-up. Recruitment and assessment took place in the Netherlands and in the United States. The results demonstrate that ASD symptoms were substantially higher in children with SCT compared to the general population, with 22% of our cohort at clinical risk for ASD, especially in the domain of social interaction and communication. Second, a predictive value of Joint Attention was found for ASD symptoms at 1-year follow-up. In this cohort, no differences were found between karyotype-subtypes. In conclusion, from a very early age, SCT can be associated with an increased risk for vulnerabilities in adaptive social functioning. These findings show a neurodevelopmental impact of the extra X or Y chromosome on social adaptive development associated with risk for ASD already from early childhood onward. These findings advocate for close monitoring and early (preventive) support, aimed to optimize social development of young children with SCT.