Review
Psychology, Developmental
Jenna B. Lebersfeld, Marissa Swanson, Christian D. Clesi, Sarah E. O'Kelley
Summary: ADOS-2 shows stronger performance than ADI-R in both sensitivity and specificity. The accuracy of ADOS-2 varies between research and clinical settings. ADI-R also demonstrates differences in performance between clinical and research samples, with higher specificity in research settings.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Sanna Stroth, Johannes Tauscher, Nicole Wolff, Charlotte Kuepper, Luise Poustka, Stefan Roepke, Veit Roessner, Dominik Heider, Inge Kamp-Becker
Summary: Although the sample size of females with ASD is smaller than males, the existing diagnostic tools appear to sufficiently capture the core autistic features in both groups.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Shuting Zheng, Aaron Kaat, Cristan Farmer, Stephen Kanne, Stelios Georgiades, Catherine Lord, Amy Esler, Somer L. Bishop
Summary: This study utilized a multi-trait/multi-method factor analysis framework to identify 4 substantive factors and 3 orthogonal method factors related to social communication deficits in children with autism spectrum disorder. These factors can provide insights into understanding social communication impairments and their differences in autism and other disorders.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Inge Kamp-Becker, Johannes Tauscher, Nicole Wolff, Charlotte Kuepper, Luise Poustka, Stefan Roepke, Veit Roessner, Dominik Heider, Sanna Stroth
Summary: This study found that reduced subsets of diagnostic features may effectively differentiate ASD from other mental disorders, with ADOS items appearing to be more significant than ADI-R, especially in adolescents and adults. The imbalance of ADOS and ADI-R items in the models suggests that ADI-R may play a lesser role in this differentiation process in older age groups.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Anita K. Chisholm, Kristina M. Haebich, Natalie A. Pride, Karin S. Walsh, Francesca Lami, Alex Ure, Tiba Maloof, Amanda Brignell, Melissa Rouel, Yael Granader, Alice Maier, Belinda Barton, Hayley Darke, Gabriel Dabscheck, Vicki A. Anderson, Katrina Williams, Kathryn N. North, Jonathan M. Payne
Summary: This study provides a detailed characterization of autistic behaviors in children with NF1 and investigates their association with other common NF1 characteristics. The findings show elevated autistic behaviors in children with NF1, which are weakly correlated with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms. The study highlights the importance of considering broader child characteristics when interpreting autism-specific measures in this population.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Rebecca M. Pollak, Jordan E. Pincus, T. Lindsey Burrell, Joseph F. Cubells, Cheryl Klaiman, Melissa M. Murphy, Celine A. Saulnier, Elaine F. Walker, Stormi Pulver White, Jennifer G. Mulle
Summary: The 3q29 deletion syndrome is associated with significant social disability, regardless of ASD diagnosis. Individuals with 3q29del-ASD have significantly increased social disability compared to typically developing individuals, while individuals with 3q29del + ASD have similar levels of social disability as non-syndromic ASD individuals, but better preserved social communication compared to them. It is important to consider verbal ability and social disability separately in this population to ensure equal access to ASD and social skills evaluations and services.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jung -Chi Chang, Meng-Chuan Lai, Yi-Ling Chien, Chung -Yuan Cheng, Yu -Yu Wu, Susan Shur-Fen Gau
Summary: This study examined the psychometric properties of the Mandarin version of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic (Mandarin-ADOS-G) and found it to be a reliable and valid instrument for assisting the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Mandarin-speaking population.
JOURNAL OF THE FORMOSAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Beata Kazek, Anna Brzoska, Justyna Paprocka, Tomasz Iwanicki, Karolina Koziol, Agnieszka Kapinos-Gorczyca, Wirginia Likus, Malgorzata Ferlewicz, Agnieszka Babraj, Agata Buczek, Irena Krupka-Matuszczyk, Ewa Emich-Widera
Summary: Children with ASD often exhibit difficulties during mealtimes, requiring entertainment and diverting of attention, being fed by parents, and consuming meals away from the table. Significant differences in utensil usage and food selectivity were found, working to the disadvantage of the study group. More focus should be placed on feeding and eating problems in children with ASD, with a need for multidisciplinary team cooperation and parental involvement in their care.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Krzysztof Maria Wilczynski, Aleksandra Augusciak-Duma, Aleksandra Stasik, Lena Cichon, Alicja Kawalec, Malgorzata Janas-Kozik
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interactions, communication, and behavior. This study found that the balance between the expression levels of the CD38 gene and the oxytocinase gene plays a key role in the risk and clinical presentation of ASD.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Marios Adamou, Sarah L. Jones, Stephanie Wetherhill
Summary: The study found that the ADOS-2 module four assessment is not accurate in predicting diagnostic outcomes for autism spectrum disorder, but scores from the 'restricted interests' component may have predictive value.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jacopo Pruccoli, Simone Rosa, Carlo Alberto Cesaroni, Elisabetta Malaspina, Antonia Parmeggiani
Summary: The study found that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) traits do not impact the treatment intensity and outcomes of adolescent patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Patients with AN and suspected ASD traits showed overlapping treatment types, psychopathological, and weight outcomes compared to other AN patients. ASD total scores were not correlated with treatment intensity or outcomes.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
So Yoon Kim, Miae Oh, Guiyoung Bong, Da-Yea Song, Nan-He Yoon, Joo Hyun Kim, Hee Jeong Yoo
Summary: This study examined the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (K-ADOS-2) in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in South Korea. The results showed that the K-ADOS-2 had sufficient sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic consistency across all developmental cells. However, further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of the K-ADOS-2 in capturing restricted, repetitive behaviors and differentiating ASD from other developmental disabilities.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Hannah M. Rea, Roald A. Oien, Frederick Shic, Sara Jane Webb, Allison B. Ratto
Summary: The study compared autistic males and females on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and found that females were less likely to show atypical social-communication behaviors. However, when controlling for overall symptom intensity, no sex differences were observed. This suggests that the diagnostic tool may be less sensitive to female presentations of ASD or that autistic females exhibit fewer or less intense ASD behaviors.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
V. Courchesne, R. Bedford, A. Pickles, E. Duku, C. Kerns, P. Mirenda, T. Bennett, S. Georgiades, I. M. Smith, W. J. Ungar, T. Vaillancourt, A. Zaidman-Zait, L. Zwaigenbaum, P. Szatmari, M. Elsabbagh
Summary: This study explored the association between age and non-verbal IQ on 15 RRB symptoms in children with ASD over time. Results showed that the proportion of children showing RRB tended to diminish with age, except for sensitivity to noise and circumscribed interests. Higher NVIQ was associated with more stable behavior over time, while lower NVIQ was associated with a higher prevalence of certain RRB.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Omar Dekhil, Ahmed Shalaby, Ahmed Soliman, Ali Mahmoud, Maiying Kong, Gregory Barnes, Adel Elmaghraby, Ayman El-Baz
Summary: This study aims to provide a detailed analysis of how functional connectivity fluctuates over time and quantify instances of overconnectivity or underconnectivity, as well as identify areas where these connectivity patterns correlate with the Autism Diagnosis Observation Schedule using non-parametric surrogates test. The study also demonstrates how these connectivity patterns affect behaviors in subjects.
MEDICAL IMAGE ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiaokuang Ma, Jing Wei, Yuehua Cui, Baomei Xia, Le Zhang, Antoine Nehme, Yi Zuo, Deveroux Ferguson, Pat Levitt, Shenfeng Qiu
Summary: The study demonstrates that regulation of MET signaling is a key mechanism in controlling cortical circuit development and normal behavior. Prolonged MET signaling alters the molecular composition of synaptic proteins, affects dendritic spine maturation and neural connectivity, leading to developmental abnormalities and impaired behavior in adulthood.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md Mostafijur Rahman, Yu-Hsiang Shu, Ting Chow, Frederick W. Lurmann, Xin Yu, Mayra P. Martinez, Sarah A. Carter, Sandrah P. Eckel, Jiu-Chiuan Chen, Zhanghua Chen, Pat Levitt, Joel Schwartz, Rob McConnell, Anny H. Xiang
Summary: Studies have shown that air pollution during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, with a greater risk for boys. The study found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the first two trimesters of pregnancy is associated with an increased ASD risk, especially in boys. The role of ozone (O3) exposure on ASD risk warrants further investigation.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Jack P. Shonkoff, W. Thomas Boyce, Nicole R. Bush, Megan R. Gunnar, Takao K. Hensch, Pat Levitt, Michael J. Meaney, Charles A. Nelson, Natalie Slopen, David R. Williams, Patricia Pelufo Silveira
Summary: As the science of adversity and resilience advances, and public awareness of the health consequences of stress grows, primary care providers are being increasingly asked to address the effects of adverse experiences on child wellbeing. This article explores the potential benefits and risks of measuring stress activation directly in young children, and highlights the importance of ethical considerations in interpreting and minimizing harm.
Article
Clinical Neurology
E. Singer, M. Niarchou, A. Maxwell-Horn, D. Hucks, R. Johnston, J. S. Sutcliffe, L. K. Davis, B. A. Malow
Summary: This study reviewed a detailed approach to querying sleep problems using electronic health records in a large healthcare center, and found that sleep issues are common in individuals on the autism spectrum. The use of specific keywords in the query structure may be beneficial for future research.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Maria Niarchou, Julia M. Sealock, Peter Straub, Sandra Sanchez-Roige, James S. Sutcliffe, Lea K. Davis
Summary: Testing the association between genetic scores for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and health conditions can provide insights into the complex etiology of ADHD. This study found that genetic scores for ADHD were associated with ADHD diagnoses early in life and with a range of health conditions throughout the lifespan. The results highlight the importance of considering genetic factors when studying clinical conditions.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART B-NEUROPSYCHIATRIC GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Emily B. Reilly, Kelli L. Dickerson, Lara J. Pierce, Jukka Leppanen, Viviane Valdes, Alma Gharib, Barbara L. Thompson, Lisa J. Schlueter, Pat Levitt, Charles A. Nelson
Summary: Maternal perceived stress is associated with the trajectory of infant attentional bias towards angry facial expressions, with infants of mothers experiencing higher stress levels showing a different pattern compared to infants of mothers with lower stress levels.
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Alexandra L. Lanjewar, Sonum Jagetia, Zuhayr M. Khan, Kathie L. Eagleson, Pat Levitt
Summary: This study determines the broad expression patterns of MET in mPFC and V1, providing insight into the similarities and differences in the neuronal subtypes and temporal patterns of MET expression between these cortical areas. The data suggest that MET signaling influences the development of distinct circuits in mPFC and V1 that underlie functional deficits following Met deletion.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Juan Pablo Arroyo, Andrew S. Terker, Yvonne Zuchowski, Jason A. Watts, Fabian Bock, Cameron Meyer, Wentian Luo, Meghan E. Kapp, Edward R. Gould, Adam X. Miranda, Joshua Carty, Ming Jiang, Roberto M. Vanacore, Elizabeth Hammock, Matthew H. Wilson, Roy Zent, Mingzhi Zhang, Gautam Bhave, Raymond C. Harris
Summary: Research has found that vasopressin can be produced in the kidneys, specifically in the tubular epithelial cells of mouse and human kidneys. This kidney-derived vasopressin is biologically active and regulated by hypertonic conditions and water restriction.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Sarah A. Carter, Jane C. Lin, Ting Chow, Xin Yu, Md Mostafijur Rahman, Mayra P. Martinez, Klara Feldman, Sandrah P. Eckel, Jiu-Chiuan Chen, Zhanghua Chen, Pat Levitt, Frederick W. Lurmann, Rob McConnell, Anny H. Xiang
Summary: This study examined the associations between maternal obesity, diabetes, preeclampsia, and asthma and the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with gastrointestinal disturbances (GIDs) in children. The results showed that each of the maternal conditions was associated with an increased likelihood of GIDs and ASD, and the association was strongest for ASD with GIDs.
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Daniel B. Campbell
Summary: This commentary provides an analysis of the original article by Shih et al. in this issue.
DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE AND CHILD NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Md Mostafijur Rahman, Sarah A. Carter, Jane C. Lin, Ting Chow, Xin Yu, Mayra P. Martinez, Pat Levitt, Zhanghua Chen, Jiu-Chiuan Chen, Daniel Rud, Juan Pablo Lewinger, Sandrah P. Eckel, Joel Schwartz, Frederick W. Lurmann, Michael J. Kleeman, Rob McConnell, Anny H. Xiang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of tailpipe and non-tailpipe emissions of fine particulate matter on the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The results showed that both sources of particulate matter were associated with increased risk of ASD, with the non-tailpipe sources of copper, iron, and manganese having a stronger effect. This suggests that reducing tailpipe emissions may not eliminate the association between traffic-related air pollution and ASD.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Chloe Elise Johnson, Elizabeth Anne Dunn Hammock, Adam Kabir Dewan
Summary: Genetic knockouts of Avpr1a, Oxtr, or Oxt genes in mice establish the causal relationship between these neuropeptide systems and social behaviors. Olfactory capabilities of these knockout models were assessed using psychophysical analyses and the results showed no deficits in their main olfactory system. This suggests that the observed social deficits in these knockout mice are not due to baseline deficits in olfactory processing.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Manal Tabbaa, Allison Knoll, Pat Levitt
Summary: Previous models of neurodevelopmental disorders have limitations in capturing the genetic diversity and symptom heterogeneity seen clinically. In this study, we tested whether introducing genetic background diversity in mouse models could replicate population and individual differences in response to a specific mutation in the autism risk gene, CHD8. Results showed that clinically relevant traits were disrupted in a manner similar to clinical observations, with significant strain and sex differences. Some strains exhibited large effect-size trait disruptions, while others showed resilience. Therefore, systematically incorporating genetic diversity in models of neurodevelopmental disorders provides a better framework for understanding individual differences in symptom etiologies.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Cristin M. Holland, John Sideris, Barbara L. Thompson, Pat Levitt, Grace T. Baranek
Summary: Infants show rapid development and increased human interactions during the first year, with gaze, affect, and object exploration playing important roles. However, current understanding on infant development mainly comes from non-Hispanic/Latino samples. This longitudinal study examines the development of gaze, affect, and object exploration in a primarily Latino sample, providing important insights into mother-infant play.
INFANT BEHAVIOR & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ramin Ali Marandi Ghoddousi, Valerie M. Magalong, Anna K. Kamitakahara, Pat Levitt
Summary: This article introduces a single-cell automated multiplex pipeline for RNA (SCAMPR), which can rapidly and accurately quantify and analyze high-dimensional gene expression datasets using dual immunohistochemistry and open-source image processing tools. This method enables topographic phenotyping of cell types and spatial mapping of gene expression in the nervous system.
CELL REPORTS METHODS
(2022)