Article
Psychiatry
Christian C. Joyal, Julie Carpentier, Suzie McKinnon, Claude L. Normand, Marie-Helene Poulin
Summary: This exploratory study found that adolescents/young adults with ASD face challenges in understanding sexuality, sexual experiences, and sexual education, compared to typically developing individuals. Support and attention are needed in these areas to improve sexual health outcomes for individuals with ASD.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Priscila Kelly da Silva Bezerra do Nascimento, David Franciole Oliveira Silva, Tassia Louise Sousa Augusto de Morais, Adriana Augusto de Rezende
Summary: This review aimed to summarize scientific evidence on the relationship between zinc status and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents. A total of 52 studies were included, with 19 studies showing lower zinc concentrations in the ASD group. However, overall, there was no significant difference in zinc concentrations between children and adolescents with ASD compared to controls. More prospective studies with greater methodological rigor are needed to further characterize this relationship.
Article
Education, Special
Kathleen E. Feeney, Shanna L. Burke
Summary: This study utilized National Survey of Children's Health data on 27,417 adolescents with an assessed diagnosis of ASD, and considered the presence of adult mentorship and the level of social engagement. Findings showed that adult mentorship moderated the association between ASD status and social engagement, with adolescents with ASD who had adult mentors demonstrating higher levels of social engagement than non-mentored typically developing peers.
RESEARCH IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Elizabeth Manders, Sharon Goodill, Sabine C. Koch, Ellen Giarelli, Marcia Polansky, Kathleen Fisher, Thomas Fuchs
Summary: The study found that individuals on the autism spectrum often followed instructions in mirroring tasks but lacked social engagement with their partners; interactions between participants and partners often did not develop further; synchrony and affective engagement were more strongly correlated in free dance and interactive behavior videos.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ramkumar Aishworiya, Tatiana Valica, Randi Hagerman, Bibiana Restrepo
Summary: While behavioral interventions remain the primary treatment for autism spectrum disorder, new targeted treatments addressing the underlying neurophysiology have emerged. These treatments show promise in effectively addressing the core symptoms of autism and may also target genetic mechanisms associated with the disorder. This article provides a review of current pharmacological treatments for autism and explores upcoming targeted approaches in autism management.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Shijun Li, Ziyang Tang, Nanxin Jin, Qiansu Yang, Gang Liu, Tiefang Liu, Jianxing Hu, Sijun Liu, Ping Wang, Jingru Hao, Zhiqiang Zhang, Xiaojing Zhang, Jinfeng Li, Xin Wang, Zhenzhen Li, Yi Wang, Baijian Yang, Lin Ma
Summary: This study developed a deep learning-based approach to identify brain differences between individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typical development (TD) using T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study detected nine brain areas that differed significantly between ASD and TD. This research provides a new computer-aided technique for helping physicians diagnose and screen children at risk of ASD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEURAL SYSTEMS
(2022)
Review
Psychiatry
Clemence Bougeard, Francoise Picarel-Blanchot, Ramona Schmid, Rosanne Campbell, Jan Buitelaar
Summary: This study provides an overview of the prevalence of ASD and its comorbidities in children and adolescents in the United States and Europe. The results show an increasing prevalence of ASD over time and significant heterogeneity in the prevalence of comorbidities, highlighting the importance of personalized approaches to treatment and support. Understanding the prevalence of ASD and its comorbidities is crucial for raising awareness among stakeholders.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Ning Li, Hongyan Chen, Yi Cheng, Fenghua Xu, Guangcong Ruan, Senhong Ying, Wen Tang, Lu Chen, Minjia Chen, LinLing Lv, Yi Ping, Dongfeng Chen, Yanling Wei
Summary: This study found that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can improve gastrointestinal symptoms and behavioral symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without causing severe complications. FMT may be a promising therapeutic strategy to improve the symptoms of patients with ASD by altering gut microbiota.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Belinda O'Hagan, Pooja Sonikar, River Grace, Dasha Castillo, Emily Chen, Malhaar Agrawal, Simone Dufresne, Zach Rossetti, Lauren Bartolotti, Shari Krauss
Summary: This qualitative study explored the perceptions of participants and their caregivers regarding their involvement in the Teens Engaged as Mentors (TEAM) program. Participants saw the program as providing increased socialization opportunities, promoting friendships and openness towards others. Caregivers observed growth in their children's social skills and confidence through their participation.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Giulio Valagussa, Giulia Purpura, Alessandra Nale, Rita Pirovano, Miryam Mazzucchelli, Enzo Grossi, Cecilia Perin
Summary: Atypical sensory processing and motor impairments are commonly observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Tip-toe behavior (TTB) is a possible clinical finding, but its cause is not well understood. This pilot study found that individuals with ASD and TTB showed a specific pattern of under responsive/seeks sensation on a sensory profile assessment, suggesting that sensory-motor features may be important when rehabilitating TTB in individuals with ASD.
Article
Psychiatry
Sara P. Vilas, Renate L. E. P. Reniers, Amanda K. Ludlow
Summary: This study investigates differences in empathy abilities between adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and those with behavioral difficulties. The results show that individuals with ASD have deficits in cognitive empathy, while adolescents with behavioral difficulties exhibit lower levels of affective empathy. Particularly, adolescents with ASD and CD show poor performance in cognitive empathy abilities.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Agnes S. Chan, Zihan Ding, Tsz-lok Lee, Sophia L. Sze, Mei-Chun Cheung
Summary: This study aimed to examine the temporal processing of auditory inputs in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using an online assessment. The results showed that ASD participants had lower accuracy rates and higher passing thresholds compared to typically developing (TD) participants. The online assessment was found to be sensitive in differentiating individuals with ASD from those with TD.
Review
Psychology, Developmental
Julie Loubersac, Cecile Michelon, Laetitia Ferrando, Marie-Christine Picot, Amaria Baghdadli
Summary: This systematic review aims to identify factors associated with the age at which ASD is diagnosed. The results suggest that early diagnosis is associated with delayed social communication or intellectual disability, while there is limited evidence regarding the associations with sex, race, parental education, socioeconomic status, and accessibility to health care. Further studies using large and well-characterized data sets are needed to explore the clinical and socio-environmental factors involved in early diagnosis.
EUROPEAN CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Charis Styliadis, Rachel Leung, Selin Ozcan, Eric A. Moulton, Elizabeth Pang, Margot J. Taylor, Christos Papadelis
Summary: The study found that adolescents with ASD showed overactivation in the left hemisphere of the cerebellum when processing happy facial expressions, and overactivation in the midline of the cerebellum when processing angry facial expressions. This indicates a prioritized hemispheric activity for happy faces and a later midline activity for angry faces in adolescents with ASD.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Miriam Martini, Inge Merkelbach, Sander Begeer
Summary: Pre- and post-term children have an increased risk of autism, but there are no phenotypical differences across gestational age groups. The risk of autism is particularly high for post-term children, highlighting the need for further investigation into the relationship between gestational age and autism.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Elizabeth Stratton, Nick Glozier, Alix Woolard, Vicki Gibbs, Eleni A. Demetriou, Kelsie A. Boulton, Ian Hickie, Elizabeth Pellicano, Adam J. Guastella
Summary: The employment rates for autistic individuals are low, and mental health symptoms and disabilities are associated with vocational functioning. The association between anxiety and stress with vocational outcomes is attenuated in a multivariable model. Depression and disabilities are independent factors associated with vocational outcomes.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Daniel F. Hermens, Daniel Jamieson, Lauren Fitzpatrick, Dashiell D. Sacks, Frank Iorfin, Jacob J. Crouse, Adam J. Guastella, Elizabeth M. Scott, Ian B. Hickie, Jim Lagopoulos
Summary: This study found that patients with depression and bipolar disorder had impaired white matter integrity compared to healthy controls. Specifically, male patients with bipolar disorder had significantly lower white matter integrity in the fornix, which may be associated with cognitive impairments.
PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Z. Ambarchi, K. A. Boulton, R. Thapa, E. E. Thomas, M. M. DeMayo, N. J. Sasson, I. B. Hickie, Adam J. Guastella
Summary: Reduced social and object attention is observed in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), regardless of the presence of circumscribed interests (CIs). This finding suggests a diminished role of CIs and extends previous evidence of atypical attention patterns in ASD across social and non-social domains.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Claudia Bruno, Alys Havard, Malcolm B. Gillies, David Coghill, Jonathan Brett, Adam J. Guastella, Sallie-Anne Pearson, Helga Zoega
Summary: In Australia, there has been an increasing use of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication, especially among young females. However, treatment rates are still lower than the estimated prevalence of the disorder. Poor long-term treatment persistence in adolescents may require improved clinical monitoring.
AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Timothy C. Nielsen, Natasha Nassar, Antonia W. Shand, Hannah F. Jones, Velda X. Han, Shrujna Patel, Adam J. Guastella, Russell C. Dale, Samantha J. Lain
Summary: The aim of this study was to examine the potential synergistic effects between maternal autoimmune disease and early childhood infections and their association with ASD in offspring. The findings showed that both exposures were associated with increased risk of ASD, but there was no evidence of additive interaction between the two exposures.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adam J. Guastella, Kelsie A. Boulton, Andrew J. O. Whitehouse, Yun Ju Song, Rinku Thapa, Simon G. Gregory, Izabella Pokorski, Joanna Granich, Marilena M. DeMayo, Zahava Ambarchi, John Wray, Emma E. Thomas, Ian B. Hickie
Summary: Although oxytocin plays a crucial role in mammalian social development, its effectiveness as a medication to enhance human social development remains unclear. This study found that administering oxytocin to children with autism between the ages of 3 and 5 showed some indication of improvement in social responsiveness. However, there was no evidence of benefit in the overall sample or in the younger age group.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
C. Jameson, K. A. Boulton, N. Silove, R. Nanan, A. J. Guastella
Summary: This review examines the influence of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors on early life development and its divergence, as well as the connection between cutaneous atopic disease and neurodivergence. It explores the shared developmental origin of epidermal and neural tissue, along with related risk factors, to evaluate the skin-brain connection. The study suggests that early postnatal skin barrier integrity may serve as a marker for cortical integrity and early neurodevelopmental delays.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
James Ousey, Joseph C. Boktor, Sarkis K. Mazmanian
Summary: This study explores the influence of gut microbiota on the consumption of palatable foods, finding that the absence of gut bacteria leads to overconsumption of tasty foods and increased motivation for high-sucrose rewards in mice. Certain types of gut bacteria are able to suppress overconsumption, highlighting the significant impact of gut microbiota on behavioral responses in mice.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Joseph C. C. Boktor, Gil Sharon, Leo A. A. Verhagen Metman, Deborah A. A. Hall, Phillip A. A. Engen, Zoe Zreloff, Daniel J. J. Hakim, John W. W. Bostick, James Ousey, Danielle Lange, Gregory Humphrey, Gail Ackermann, Martha Carlin, Rob Knight, Ali Keshavarzian, Sarkis K. Mazmanian
Summary: This study analyzes the gut microbiome of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and controls, and finds significant alterations in microbial composition, taxon abundance, metabolic pathways, and microbial gene products in PD patients. These changes may be related to disease progression.
MOVEMENT DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kelsie A. Boulton, Marie-Antoinette Hodge, Ailsa Jewell, Natalie Ong, Natalie Silove, Adam J. Guastella
Summary: This study explores factors contributing to delayed developmental assessment in children. The average age of identifying developmental concerns was 3.0 years, while the average age of receiving assessment was 6.6 years. Despite 88.0% of caregivers expressing concerns by age 5, only 46.4% of children received a diagnostic assessment by that age. Parental age, relationship status, education level, prior use of support services, and cultural and linguistic background contribute to these delays.
Article
Biology
Reem Abdel-Haq, Johannes C. M. Schlachetzki, Joseph C. Boktor, Thaisa M. Cantu-Jungles, Taren Thron, Mengying Zhang, John W. Bostick, Tahmineh Khazaei, Sujatha Chilakala, Livia H. Morais, Greg Humphrey, Ali Keshavarzian, Jonathan E. Katz, Matthew Thomson, Rob Knight, Viviana Gradinaru, Bruce R. Hamaker, Christopher K. Glass, Sarkis K. Mazmanian
Summary: Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder characterized by neuroinflammation, alpha-synuclein pathology, and neurodegeneration. The gut microbiome, which is altered in PD, may impact motor and GI symptoms. Feeding a prebiotic high-fiber diet can improve motor deficits and reduce alpha-synuclein aggregation in PD-like mice, potentially through its effects on the gut microbiome and microglial activation.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Martha Munro, Kelsie A. Boulton, Natalie Phillips, M. Antoinette Hodge, Natalie Ong, David Coghill, Natalie Silove, Adam J. Guastella
Summary: Despite long wait times, public paediatric developmental assessment services remain crucial for the assessment of vulnerable children. However, there is a lack of research on how these services conduct assessments and provide reports to families. This study evaluated 85 reports and found that clinicians were more focused on autism diagnostic needs while caregivers were more focused on non-diagnostic needs. Reports rarely addressed comorbidities and used complex language for families. Recommendations for future practice are provided to improve the quality and effectiveness of reports for families attending developmental assessment services.
Article
Pediatrics
Jacob J. Crouse, Haley M. LaMonica, Yun Ju Christine Song, Kelsie A. Boulton, Cathrin Rohleder, Marilena M. DeMayo, Chloe E. Wilson, Victoria Loblay, Gabrielle Hindmarsh, Tina Stratigos, Michael Krausz, Nathanael Foo, Melissa Teo, Andrew Hunter, Adam J. Guastella, Richard B. Banati, Jakelin Troy, Ian B. Hickie
Summary: Recent years have witnessed significant advancements in understanding early childhood development and the dissemination of health information through digital technologies. The development of a new parenting app called "Thrive by Five" aims to provide evidence-based information and collective actions to caregivers globally, with the potential for improved outcomes in children. This ongoing global project incorporates a scientific framework, including domains to organize content, targeted neurobiological systems, anthropological and cultural considerations, and collaboration with experts in various fields.
JMIR PEDIATRICS AND PARENTING
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Kelsie A. Boulton, Adam J. Guastella, Marie-Antoinette Hodge, Eleni A. Demetriou, Natalie Ong, Natalie Silove
Summary: Children with neurodevelopmental conditions attending developmental assessment services have high rates of mental health concerns, with approximately 48% of preschool and 61% of school-age children having subclinical or clinically elevated scores. These rates remain high even after excluding items specifically related to neurodevelopmental concerns. School-aged females are more likely to have elevated internalizing problems compared to males (67% vs 48%). Children with multiple DSM-5 diagnoses also show a greater rate of subclinical or clinically elevated scores. These findings highlight the importance of identifying and addressing mental health concerns in children attending developmental assessment services.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Claudia Bruno, Alys Havard, Malcolm Gillies, David Coghill, Jonathan Brett, Adam Guastella, Sallie-Anne Pearson, Helga Zoega
PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY
(2022)