Pub Date : 2024-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102487
Laura de la Roche , Brianne Derby , Molly Pascoe , Melissa Susko , Sabrina Lutchmeah , Jessica Jones , Stelios Georgiades , Rob Nicolson , Evdokia Anagnostou , Elizabeth Kelley
Background
Autistic youth often experience co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Checklist measures such as the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) can assist clinicians and researchers in assessing the symptom profiles of such conditions. Symptom profiles often overlap between autism and cooccurring psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression) in which the same symptoms occur in both. Previous research investigating the validity of the CBCL in autistic populations using factor structure has been mixed.
Method
Seven-hundred-and-fourteen autistic youth (293 females) aged 6–18 years (M = 11.25, SD = 3.29) participated. A confirmatory factor analysis of the 8-factor CBCL-6–18 was completed.
Results
Results suggest a poor model fit in autistic samples of the widely used eight-scale factor structure.
Conclusions
This model may not fit this sample due to the overlap of symptomatology autism has with other psychiatric condition profiles (e.g., communication and behaviors). Future research and implications, including an exploratory factor analysis on the CBCL/6–18 for autistic populations, are discussed.
{"title":"Brief report: A confirmatory factor analysis of the Child Behavior Checklist in a large sample of autistic youth","authors":"Laura de la Roche , Brianne Derby , Molly Pascoe , Melissa Susko , Sabrina Lutchmeah , Jessica Jones , Stelios Georgiades , Rob Nicolson , Evdokia Anagnostou , Elizabeth Kelley","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102487","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102487","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Autistic youth often experience co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Checklist measures such as the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) can assist clinicians and researchers in assessing the symptom profiles of such conditions. Symptom profiles often overlap between autism and cooccurring psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression) in which the same symptoms occur in both. Previous research investigating the validity of the CBCL in autistic populations using factor structure has been mixed<strong>.</strong></div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Seven-hundred-and-fourteen autistic youth (293 females) aged 6–18 years (M = 11.25, SD = 3.29) participated. A confirmatory factor analysis of the 8-factor CBCL-6–18 was completed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Results suggest a poor model fit in autistic samples of the widely used eight-scale factor structure.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This model may not fit this sample due to the overlap of symptomatology autism has with other psychiatric condition profiles (e.g., communication and behaviors). Future research and implications, including an exploratory factor analysis on the CBCL/6–18 for autistic populations, are discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"118 ","pages":"Article 102487"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142426244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102499
Yueting Zhang , Liyan Qin , Xufang Dai
Background
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted/repetitive behaviors. There has been a global increase in the prevalence of ASD, yet the underlying causes of ASD remain inadequately understood, and there is currently no pharmacological intervention for the core symptoms of ASD. However, recent studies have suggested that aspirin may have the potential for use in the treatment of ASD.
Method
Pregnant rats were administered either VPA or normal saline on gestational day 12.5. The male pups were administered a low dose of aspirin (1 mg/kg) or a vehicle control daily from postnatal day 23 to day 52. ASD-like behaviors were assessed by social interaction, spontaneous grooming test, open field test and light-dark transitions. The activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was quantified by measuring the level of p-AMPK using an immunoblotting assay.
Results
Chronic administration of low dose aspirin resulted in significant improvements in social approach deficits, a reduction in repetitive grooming, and the alleviation of anxiety-like behavior in ASD rats. Furthermore, aspirin administration also led to the activation of AMPK in the hippocampus of rats exposed to VPA.
Conclusions
These results raise the question of the need for further investigation of agents with mechanisms related to aspirin in ASD.
{"title":"Chronic administration of low dose aspirin alleviates ASD-like behaviors and activates AMPK in valproic acid-exposed rats","authors":"Yueting Zhang , Liyan Qin , Xufang Dai","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102499","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102499","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted/repetitive behaviors. There has been a global increase in the prevalence of ASD, yet the underlying causes of ASD remain inadequately understood, and there is currently no pharmacological intervention for the core symptoms of ASD. However, recent studies have suggested that aspirin may have the potential for use in the treatment of ASD.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Pregnant rats were administered either VPA or normal saline on gestational day 12.5. The male pups were administered a low dose of aspirin (1 mg/kg) or a vehicle control daily from postnatal day 23 to day 52. ASD-like behaviors were assessed by social interaction, spontaneous grooming test, open field test and light-dark transitions. The activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was quantified by measuring the level of p-AMPK using an immunoblotting assay.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Chronic administration of low dose aspirin resulted in significant improvements in social approach deficits, a reduction in repetitive grooming, and the alleviation of anxiety-like behavior in ASD rats. Furthermore, aspirin administration also led to the activation of AMPK in the hippocampus of rats exposed to VPA.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These results raise the question of the need for further investigation of agents with mechanisms related to aspirin in ASD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"118 ","pages":"Article 102499"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142445686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102488
Sandra Brouche , Natalie Rigal , Fabienne Cazalis
Background
The processing of sensory information in autistic people has a major impact on their daily lives. Current research faces challenges in fully capturing the heterogeneity of sensory profiles in autism, but caregiver perspectives could offer valuable insights, deepening our understanding of these differences in sensory experiences. The present study aimed to explore this sensory processing characterization based on the testimonies from caregivers of children and adults with autism to contribute to the knowledge obtained from answers to questionnaires.
Methods
Caregivers of 15 participants with autism, aged between 4 and 34 years, participated in focus group sessions. Each session was conducted using open-ended questions on sensory processing, and their responses were analyzed by means of semantic analysis using NVivo software.
Results
A thematic analysis of the data corpus highlighted three themes of behavioral responsivity to sensory input as reported by parents: (1) sensory input, (2) sensory modulation, and (3) impact on daily life. Sensory input encompassed seven sub-themes related to sensory channels. Sensory modulation allowed for the identification of sub-themes such as sensory overload, emotional regulation, and regulation strategies. Finally, the theme of the impact on daily life highlighted sub-themes of reactions to change, feeding problems, and risk-taking behaviors.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that some identified aspects, such as stimming and sensory-seeking, sensory overload and regulation strategies could potentially be added to sensory evaluations.
{"title":"Parental descriptions of sensory processing in Autism","authors":"Sandra Brouche , Natalie Rigal , Fabienne Cazalis","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102488","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102488","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The processing of sensory information in autistic people has a major impact on their daily lives. Current research faces challenges in fully capturing the heterogeneity of sensory profiles in autism, but caregiver perspectives could offer valuable insights, deepening our understanding of these differences in sensory experiences. The present study aimed to explore this sensory processing characterization based on the testimonies from caregivers of children and adults with autism to contribute to the knowledge obtained from answers to questionnaires.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Caregivers of 15 participants with autism, aged between 4 and 34 years, participated in focus group sessions. Each session was conducted using open-ended questions on sensory processing, and their responses were analyzed by means of semantic analysis using NVivo software.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A thematic analysis of the data corpus highlighted three themes of behavioral responsivity to sensory input as reported by parents: (1) sensory input, (2) sensory modulation, and (3) impact on daily life. Sensory input encompassed seven sub-themes related to sensory channels. Sensory modulation allowed for the identification of sub-themes such as sensory overload, emotional regulation, and regulation strategies. Finally, the theme of the impact on daily life highlighted sub-themes of reactions to change, feeding problems, and risk-taking behaviors.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings suggest that some identified aspects, such as stimming and sensory-seeking, sensory overload and regulation strategies could potentially be added to sensory evaluations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"118 ","pages":"Article 102488"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142357491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The significant increase of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) use for individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD) has created an urgent need to examine the implications of both the design and the research methodologies used to study them.
Methods
We searched four databases (PubMed, IEEXplore, Scopus, and ACM Digital Library) to find relevant reviews on clinical applications of ICTs with individuals with NDD. We extracted all studies (n = 1879) from 301 reviews, and classified them into categories: robots, serious games (SG), video modeling (VM), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). We randomly assessed 182 studies (45 per ICT category) stratified by years of publication using the Connolly methodology scale and design ICT inventory (DICTI). We also described the best papers per ICT (most cited or highest impact factor journals).
Results
Our assessments have indicated that the overall research methodology quality of ICT studies is poor. Serious Games (SG) studies have the best research methodology and ICT design quality scores. Studies on robots, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and video modeling (VM) have shown improved research methodology over the years, though only SG design shown improvement consistently. Autism is the most prevalent NDD in terms of clinical focus in ICT therapeutic and educational interventions. Currently, no ICT has been approved as a prescription treatment in NDD, with the notable exception of EndeavorRx™, a SG for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The literature also emphasizes that meeting the main research methodology criteria is essential for evidence-based medicine, Personalization, adaptability, positive feedback, human interaction and affordability are among the most important features to take into consideration in ICT design for NDD.
Conclusion
The review highlights the need for higher-quality studies, user-friendly technologies, personalization, positive feedback, and accessibility. ICTs are not detrimental to learning and demonstrate potential benefits for individuals with NDD. However, more evidence-based studies are needed to reach treatment prescription recommendation.
{"title":"Have information and communication technologies research for neurodevelopmental disorders improved overtime? A systematic meta-review","authors":"Carlotta Bettencourt , Salvatore Anzalone , Mohamed Chetouani , David Cohen , Charline Grossard","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102483","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102483","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The significant increase of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) use for individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD) has created an urgent need to examine the implications of both the design and the research methodologies used to study them.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We searched four databases (PubMed, IEEXplore, Scopus, and ACM Digital Library) to find relevant reviews on clinical applications of ICTs with individuals with NDD. We extracted all studies (n = 1879) from 301 reviews, and classified them into categories: robots, serious games (SG), video modeling (VM), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). We randomly assessed 182 studies (45 per ICT category) stratified by years of publication using the Connolly methodology scale and design ICT inventory (DICTI). We also described the best papers per ICT (most cited or highest impact factor journals).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our assessments have indicated that the overall research methodology quality of ICT studies is poor. Serious Games (SG) studies have the best research methodology and ICT design quality scores. Studies on robots, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and video modeling (VM) have shown improved research methodology over the years, though only SG design shown improvement consistently. Autism is the most prevalent NDD in terms of clinical focus in ICT therapeutic and educational interventions. Currently, no ICT has been approved as a prescription treatment in NDD, with the notable exception of EndeavorRx™, a SG for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The literature also emphasizes that meeting the main research methodology criteria is essential for evidence-based medicine, Personalization, adaptability, positive feedback, human interaction and affordability are among the most important features to take into consideration in ICT design for NDD.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The review highlights the need for higher-quality studies, user-friendly technologies, personalization, positive feedback, and accessibility. ICTs are not detrimental to learning and demonstrate potential benefits for individuals with NDD. However, more evidence-based studies are needed to reach treatment prescription recommendation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"118 ","pages":"Article 102483"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142426241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study maps the global research landscape on feeding and eating disorders (FEDs) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Method
We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), bibliometrics, and network analyses to assess 199 peer-reviewed articles from the Web of Science Core Collection, published between 2014 and 2023.
Results
The results show an annual publication increase, especially in the last three years. The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and the European Eating Disorders Review were the main publishers. Anorexia Nervosa, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, food selectivity, mealtime behaviors, parents, children, and females are among the most cited keywords. The main Research Areas were Psychology and Psychiatry, and Pediatrics and Psychology were the most central nodes of the network. The United Kingdom and the United States of America lead in publications and are the most central nodes in the network. King’s College London (KCL) and South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust lead the ranking of organizations, with KCL as the most central node in the network.
Conclusions
Our study indicates a growing interest in research related to FEDs and ASD. The global landscape of research produced over the last ten years offers insights for future studies and interinstitutional collaborations.
本研究绘制了有关喂养和进食障碍（FEDs）以及自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）的全球研究图景。方法我们采用系统综述和荟萃分析的首选报告项目（PRISMA）、文献计量学和网络分析方法，评估了科学网核心数据库中的199篇同行评审文章，这些文章发表于2014年至2023年之间。结果结果显示，文章发表量逐年增加，尤其是在最近三年。自闭症与发育障碍杂志》和《欧洲进食障碍评论》是主要的出版商。神经性厌食症、回避型限制性食物摄入障碍、食物选择性、进餐行为、父母、儿童和女性是被引用最多的关键词。主要研究领域是心理学和精神病学，儿科学和心理学是该网络最核心的节点。英国和美国的论文发表量领先，是网络中最核心的节点。伦敦国王学院（King's College London，KCL）和南伦敦与莫兹利国家医疗服务系统基金会信托基金会（South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust）在机构排名中居首位，KCL是网络中最核心的节点。过去十年间全球的研究成果为未来的研究和机构间合作提供了启示。
{"title":"Mapping the global research on feeding and eating disorders and autism spectrum disorder (2014–2023): A bibliometric and network analysis","authors":"Fabio Batista Mota , Anatália Leal Jatobá Neta , Bernardo Pereira Cabral","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102497","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102497","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study maps the global research landscape on feeding and eating disorders (FEDs) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), bibliometrics, and network analyses to assess 199 peer-reviewed articles from the Web of Science Core Collection, published between 2014 and 2023.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results show an annual publication increase, especially in the last three years. The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and the European Eating Disorders Review were the main publishers. Anorexia Nervosa, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, food selectivity, mealtime behaviors, parents, children, and females are among the most cited keywords. The main Research Areas were Psychology and Psychiatry, and Pediatrics and Psychology were the most central nodes of the network. The United Kingdom and the United States of America lead in publications and are the most central nodes in the network. King’s College London (KCL) and South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust lead the ranking of organizations, with KCL as the most central node in the network.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our study indicates a growing interest in research related to FEDs and ASD. The global landscape of research produced over the last ten years offers insights for future studies and interinstitutional collaborations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"118 ","pages":"Article 102497"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142534662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-27DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102485
Natasha Baxter , Lucy Harlow , Ebony Harrison , Caitlin Smith , Hannah Hobson
Atypical emotion recognition is argued to be characteristic of autism spectrum conditions (ASC), underpinned in part by atypical eye gaze, with less eye contact and more gaze direction towards the mouth. Given the widespread adoption of face masks due to the Covid-19 pandemic, exploring the effect of face masks on face processing in autism, as they occlude the mouth region, is of interest. This study investigated the impact of face masks on emotion and identity recognition, with a non-autistic (N = 50) and autistic (N = 27) sample. Participants also completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the abridged Autism Quotient, to investigate the roles of alexithymia and autistic traits in any impacts of face masks on face processing abilities. Masks were detrimental to performance for both autistic and non-autistic groups, and masks affected participants’ performance on the emotion recognition task more than the identity recognition task. Autistic participants’ performance was more negatively affected by the presence of masks, affecting emotion recognition precision in particular. The impact of face masks was not predicted by alexithymia or autistic traits, after gender and age were taken into account. Overall, the results suggest that masks negatively affect face processing for both non-autistic and autistic groups, particularly emotion recognition, however the impact of masks is amplified for autistic people. These results supplement autistic people’s reports that masks interfere with social interactions.
{"title":"The impact of face masks on autistic and non-autistic adults’ face processing abilities","authors":"Natasha Baxter , Lucy Harlow , Ebony Harrison , Caitlin Smith , Hannah Hobson","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102485","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102485","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Atypical emotion recognition is argued to be characteristic of autism spectrum conditions (ASC), underpinned in part by atypical eye gaze, with less eye contact and more gaze direction towards the mouth. Given the widespread adoption of face masks due to the Covid-19 pandemic, exploring the effect of face masks on face processing in autism, as they occlude the mouth region, is of interest. This study investigated the impact of face masks on emotion and identity recognition, with a non-autistic (<em>N</em> = 50) and autistic (<em>N</em> = 27) sample. Participants also completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the abridged Autism Quotient, to investigate the roles of alexithymia and autistic traits in any impacts of face masks on face processing abilities. Masks were detrimental to performance for both autistic and non-autistic groups, and masks affected participants’ performance on the emotion recognition task more than the identity recognition task. Autistic participants’ performance was more negatively affected by the presence of masks, affecting emotion recognition precision in particular. The impact of face masks was not predicted by alexithymia or autistic traits, after gender and age were taken into account. Overall, the results suggest that masks negatively affect face processing for both non-autistic and autistic groups, particularly emotion recognition, however the impact of masks is amplified for autistic people. These results supplement autistic people’s reports that masks interfere with social interactions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"118 ","pages":"Article 102485"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142324099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-27DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102486
Yixin Jiang , Shuo Liu , Qi Cheng , Yongning Song
Background
Empathy is an important ability in social interactions, and previous findings regarding empathy of high autistic traits (AT) have been mixed.
Method
The current study sought to investigate cognitive empathy (CE) and emotional empathy (EE) in neurotypical individuals with high AT, examining their responses to both positive and negative emotions in comparison to a matched control group within a sizable sample. Participants were 908 young Chinese adults in the neurotypical range who self-reported their AT using the Autism Quotient and Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire and then completed the Multifaceted Empathy Test.
Results
The results showed that the high AT group exhibited less CE, lower EE for positive emotions (EE-P), and intact EE for negative emotions (EE-N) compared to the low AT group. Except for EE-N, other empathic components were positively correlated with AT. The CE-P (i.e., cognitive empathy for positive emotions), CE-N (i.e., cognitive empathy for negative emotions), and EE-P showed a significantly moderate discriminatory effect in predicting AT in neurotypical adults.
Conclusions
Together, these results underscore that the performance on empathy of neurotypical individuals with high AT was moderated by emotional valence of stimuli. Specifically, neurotypical adults with high AT showed a general reduction in CE and a selective decrease in EE. Their EE-P was lower but EE-N was intact.
背景移情是社会交往中的一种重要能力，以往关于高自闭症特质（AT）的移情研究结果不一。方法本研究试图调查高自闭症特质的神经典型个体的认知移情（CE）和情感移情（EE），在一个可观的样本中，与匹配的对照组相比，考察他们对积极和消极情绪的反应。结果表明，与低自闭症商数组相比，高自闭症商数组表现出较低的共情指数（CE）、较低的积极情绪共情指数（EE-P）和完整的消极情绪共情指数（EE-N）。除 EE-N 外，其他移情成分均与 AT 呈正相关。CE-P（即对积极情绪的认知移情）、CE-N（即对消极情绪的认知移情）和 EE-P 在预测神经畸形成人的 AT 方面表现出明显的中等辨别效果。具体来说，具有高 AT 的神经畸形成人的 CE 值普遍降低，而 EE 值则有选择性地降低。他们的 EE-P 值较低，但 EE-N 值保持不变。
{"title":"Cognitive and emotional empathy in neurotypical individuals with high autistic traits: The role of emotional valence","authors":"Yixin Jiang , Shuo Liu , Qi Cheng , Yongning Song","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102486","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102486","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Empathy is an important ability in social interactions, and previous findings regarding empathy of high autistic traits (AT) have been mixed.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>The current study sought to investigate cognitive empathy (CE) and emotional empathy (EE) in neurotypical individuals with high AT, examining their responses to both positive and negative emotions in comparison to a matched control group within a sizable sample. Participants were 908 young Chinese adults in the neurotypical range who self-reported their AT using the Autism Quotient and Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire and then completed the Multifaceted Empathy Test.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed that the high AT group exhibited less CE, lower EE for positive emotions (EE-P), and intact EE for negative emotions (EE-N) compared to the low AT group. Except for EE-N, other empathic components were positively correlated with AT. The CE-P (i.e., cognitive empathy for positive emotions), CE-N (i.e., cognitive empathy for negative emotions), and EE-P showed a significantly moderate discriminatory effect in predicting AT in neurotypical adults.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Together, these results underscore that the performance on empathy of neurotypical individuals with high AT was moderated by emotional valence of stimuli. Specifically, neurotypical adults with high AT showed a general reduction in CE and a selective decrease in EE. Their EE-P was lower but EE-N was intact.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"118 ","pages":"Article 102486"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142326730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-27DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102484
Sadiq Naveed , Adam A. Dmytriw , Sherief Ghozy , Sara Morsy
Background
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) issued new diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) which resulted in missing the diagnosis of some cases of Asperger’s syndrome (AS). This negatively affected the support received by those affected. In this study, we explored if AS could be biologically stratified from the broader spectrum through a gene co-expression network preservation analysis.
Methods
We analysed the GEO microarray data of 24 individuals with Asperger’s syndrome and 72 individuals with autism. Then, we used a weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) pipeline to construct gene co-expression networks. We explored whether these modules share the same co-expression patterns between autism and Asperger’s syndrome using network preservation analysis.
Results
Our results showed that all co-expression modules of autism are preserved into the Asperger’s syndrome. However, three modules of Asperger’s syndrome out of 30 modules were not preserved in autism.
Gene enrichment analysis revealed that these modules were involved in chromatin remodelling, immune and neuroinflammatory response, synaptic and neuronal development. Brain enrichment analysis showed significant downregulation of neurodevelopment genes in different brain regions associated with impaired social recognition in Asperger’s syndrome.
Conclusions
The identified genetic and molecular profiles suggest that Asperger’s syndrome, despite sharing numerous similarities with autism, possesses a distinct genetic profile that makes it a distinct subtype of autism. This distinction could have significant implications for the management and treatment strategies tailored to individuals with Asperger’s syndrome.
{"title":"Genetic networks suggest Asperger’s syndrome as a distinct subtype of autism spectrum disorders.","authors":"Sadiq Naveed , Adam A. Dmytriw , Sherief Ghozy , Sara Morsy","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102484","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102484","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) issued new diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) which resulted in missing the diagnosis of some cases of Asperger’s syndrome (AS). This negatively affected the support received by those affected. In this study, we explored if AS could be biologically stratified from the broader spectrum through a gene co-expression network preservation analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analysed the GEO microarray data of 24 individuals with Asperger’s syndrome and 72 individuals with autism. Then, we used a weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) pipeline to construct gene co-expression networks. We explored whether these modules share the same co-expression patterns between autism and Asperger’s syndrome using network preservation analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our results showed that all co-expression modules of autism are preserved into the Asperger’s syndrome. However, three modules of Asperger’s syndrome out of 30 modules were not preserved in autism.</div><div>Gene enrichment analysis revealed that these modules were involved in chromatin remodelling, immune and neuroinflammatory response, synaptic and neuronal development. Brain enrichment analysis showed significant downregulation of neurodevelopment genes in different brain regions associated with impaired social recognition in Asperger’s syndrome.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The identified genetic and molecular profiles suggest that Asperger’s syndrome, despite sharing numerous similarities with autism, possesses a distinct genetic profile that makes it a distinct subtype of autism. This distinction could have significant implications for the management and treatment strategies tailored to individuals with Asperger’s syndrome.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"118 ","pages":"Article 102484"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142324098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-18DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102469
Karla K. Ausderau , Brittany M. St John , Muhammad O. Al-Heizan , Caitlin Dammann , Sarah Chaudoir , John Sideris
Background
Autistic children experience high rates of feeding challenges, negatively affecting their.health, eating patterns, and social eating experiences. The Feeding and Eating in AutiSm Together; FEAST, a caregiver-report questionnaire, was developed to characterize feeding challenges in autistic children ages 2 to 12 years. The purpose of this study is to determine the construct validity of the FEAST assessment using a large national sample of autistic children.
Method
A large national sample (N = 396) of caregivers completed the online survey. An ordinal confirmatory factor model using a robust weighted least squares approach validated the four predicted groupings of feeding challenges (sensory processing; behavior; oral.motor skills; and gastrointestinal) with generally strong loadings onto the four distinct.factors.
Results
Model fit statistics indicated good model fit (Robust Root Mean Square Error of.Approximation=.080, Robust Comparative Fit Index =.909, Robust Tucker-Lewis.Index=.901) Findings provide preliminary confirmation of the construct validity of the.FEAST assessment to characterize feeding difficulties for autistic children ages 2–12. Small to medium correlations between all factors indicate items successfully targeted.four unique areas of feeding challenge. For all factors, the largest correlation was with.behavior.
Conclusion
Assessments developed to address the complex feeding and mealtime challenges for.autistic children are essential to identify and integrate the most appropriate intervention.approaches. FEAST offers researchers and clinicians with a comprehensive and psychometrically sound assessment tool to address autistic children’s unique feeding.challenges.
{"title":"Factor analysis of the feeding and eating in AutiSm Together Assessment","authors":"Karla K. Ausderau , Brittany M. St John , Muhammad O. Al-Heizan , Caitlin Dammann , Sarah Chaudoir , John Sideris","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102469","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102469","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Autistic children experience high rates of feeding challenges, negatively affecting their.health, eating patterns, and social eating experiences. The Feeding and Eating in AutiSm Together; FEAST, a caregiver-report questionnaire, was developed to characterize feeding challenges in autistic children ages 2 to 12 years. The purpose of this study is to determine the construct validity of the FEAST assessment using a large national sample of autistic children.</p></div><div><h3>Method</h3><p>A large national sample (N = 396) of caregivers completed the online survey. An ordinal confirmatory factor model using a robust weighted least squares approach validated the four predicted groupings of feeding challenges (sensory processing; behavior; oral.motor skills; and gastrointestinal) with generally strong loadings onto the four distinct.factors.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Model fit statistics indicated good model fit (Robust Root Mean Square Error of.Approximation=.080, Robust Comparative Fit Index =.909, Robust Tucker-Lewis.Index=.901) Findings provide preliminary confirmation of the construct validity of the.FEAST assessment to characterize feeding difficulties for autistic children ages 2–12. Small to medium correlations between all factors indicate items successfully targeted.four unique areas of feeding challenge. For all factors, the largest correlation was with.behavior.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Assessments developed to address the complex feeding and mealtime challenges for.autistic children are essential to identify and integrate the most appropriate intervention.approaches. FEAST offers researchers and clinicians with a comprehensive and psychometrically sound assessment tool to address autistic children’s unique feeding.challenges.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"118 ","pages":"Article 102469"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142238633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-18DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102468
Hillary K. Schiltz , Amy Vaughan Van Hecke , Jennifer M. Putney , Sigan L. Hartley
Background
Many couples raising an autistic child report long-standing and thriving couple relationships, even within the context of elevated parenting stress. Little is known however, about the factors that promote or hinder adaptive couple processes or how these processes may shift over time. Drawing on the Vulnerability Stress Adaptation (VSA) model, the present study examined adaptive couple problem-solving processes across three years and the extent to which these processes were predicted by parent broader autism phenotype (BAP) and level of parenting stress in couples raising an autistic child.
Method
In total, 189 couples (378 parents) raising an autistic child (aged 5–12 years) completed questionnaires assessing parent BAP and level of parenting stress. Couples also engaged in observed problem-solving interactions at four time points spanning three years.
Results
The use of adaptive couple problem-solving behaviors (Solution Focused Reciprocity and Positive Teamwork) declined linearly across time. Father BAP predicted greater decline in these adaptive processes (Solution Focused Reciprocity and Positive Teamwork), particularly when mother-reported parenting stress was low. No main effects of parenting stress on change in adaptive couple problem-solving behaviors emerged.
Conclusions
Findings highlight the utility of the VSA Model for understanding the short-term longitudinal course of problem-solving behaviors in couples raising an autistic school-aged child. This study can inform efforts to promote healthy and long-lasting couple relationships in this population.
背景许多抚养自闭症儿童的夫妇都表示，即使在养育压力增大的情况下，他们的夫妻关系也能长期保持融洽。然而，人们对促进或阻碍夫妻适应过程的因素以及这些过程如何随着时间的推移而变化知之甚少。本研究以脆弱性压力适应（VSA）模型为基础，考察了抚养自闭症儿童的夫妇在三年内解决问题的适应过程，以及这些过程在多大程度上受父母更广泛的自闭症表型（BAP）和养育压力水平的影响。方法共有189对抚养自闭症儿童（5-12岁）的夫妇（378名父母）填写了调查问卷，评估父母的BAP和养育压力水平。结果夫妻双方解决问题的适应性行为（注重互惠的解决方案和积极的团队合作）的使用率随着时间的推移呈线性下降。父亲的BAP预示着这些适应过程（集中解决互惠和积极团队合作）的下降幅度更大，尤其是在母亲报告的养育压力较低时。结论研究结果凸显了 VSA 模型在了解抚养自闭症学龄儿童的夫妇解决问题行为的短期纵向过程中的实用性。这项研究可为促进该人群中健康、持久的夫妻关系提供参考。
{"title":"Predicting longitudinal trajectories of adaptive couple processes in families of autistic children: Applying the Vulnerability Stress Adaptation model","authors":"Hillary K. Schiltz , Amy Vaughan Van Hecke , Jennifer M. Putney , Sigan L. Hartley","doi":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102468","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102468","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Many couples raising an autistic child report long-standing and thriving couple relationships, even within the context of elevated parenting stress. Little is known however, about the factors that promote or hinder adaptive couple processes or how these processes may shift over time. Drawing on the Vulnerability Stress Adaptation (VSA) model, the present study examined adaptive couple problem-solving processes across three years and the extent to which these processes were predicted by parent broader autism phenotype (BAP) and level of parenting stress in couples raising an autistic child.</p></div><div><h3>Method</h3><p>In total, 189 couples (378 parents) raising an autistic child (aged 5–12 years) completed questionnaires assessing parent BAP and level of parenting stress. Couples also engaged in observed problem-solving interactions at four time points spanning three years.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The use of adaptive couple problem-solving behaviors (<em>Solution Focused Reciprocity</em> and <em>Positive Teamwork</em>) declined linearly across time. Father BAP predicted greater decline in these adaptive processes (<em>Solution Focused Reciprocity</em> and <em>Positive Teamwork</em>), particularly when mother-reported parenting stress was low. No main effects of parenting stress on change in adaptive couple problem-solving behaviors emerged.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Findings highlight the utility of the VSA Model for understanding the short-term longitudinal course of problem-solving behaviors in couples raising an autistic school-aged child. This study can inform efforts to promote healthy and long-lasting couple relationships in this population.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":48255,"journal":{"name":"Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders","volume":"118 ","pages":"Article 102468"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142238486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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