Parent–child interaction related to brain functional alterations and development outcomes in autism spectrum disorder: A study based on resting state-fMRI

Background

Limited study has investigated the influence of parent–child interaction on brain functional alterations and development outcomes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children. This pilot study aimed to explore the relationship between parent–child interaction, brain functional activities and development outcomes of ASD children.

Methods

and Procedures: 653 ASD with an average age of 41.06 ± 10.88 months and 102 typically developmental (TD) children with an average age of 44.35 ± 18.39 months were enrolled in this study, of whom 155 ASD completed brain rs-fMRI scans. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) measured using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data reflect local brain function. The parent-child interaction was assessed by the Chinese Parent–child Interaction Scale (CPCIS). Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and developmental quotient (DQ) indicated development outcomes.

Outcomes and Results

Total CPCIS score was negatively correlated with CARS total score, and positively correlated with DQ. The frequency of parent–child interaction was negatively correlated with ALFF values in the left median cingulate and paracingulate gyri (DCG.L) and ReHo values in the right superior frontal gyrus, medial (SFGmed.R)(P < 0.05, FDR correction). ALFF values in the DCG.L and ReHo values in the SFGmed.R play complete mediating roles in the relationship between parent–child interaction and performance DQ.

Conclusion and implications

This study suggest that parent–child interaction has an impact on autistic characteristics and DQ of ASD children. Local brain regions with functional abnormalities in the DCG.L and SFGmed.R may be a crucial factors affecting the performance development of ASD children with reduced parent-child interaction.