Article
Psychology, Developmental
Pang Chaxiong, Catherine Burrows, Kelly N. Botteron, Stephen R. Dager, Annette M. Estes, Heather C. Hazlett, Robert T. Schultz, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Joseph Piven, Jason Wolff
Summary: The study found that repetitive sensory-motor behavior was the best predictor of social skills in high-familial-risk toddlers with ASD, and all three RRB subtypes were associated with each subdomain of social skills, with repetitive sensory-motor being the strongest and most consistent factor.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Yurika Tsuji, Shu Imaizumi, Masumi Sugawara, Arata Oiji
Summary: Sensory symptoms are common in individuals with ASD, and the suffering due to these symptoms mediates the relationship between sensory symptoms and internalizing problems. Therefore, a support system specifically targeting the reduction of suffering caused by sensory symptoms is necessary, especially for students in regular classes.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Junbin Tian, Xuping Gao, Li Yang
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication, social interaction, and repetitive restricted behaviors. Understanding the potential mechanisms behind these behaviors is crucial for finding new treatment options.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Jagadeeswaran Indumathy, April Pruitt, Nicole M. Gautier, Kaitlin Crane, Edward Glasscock
Summary: The study found that mutations related to epilepsy result in a significant reduction in repetitive behaviors but normal social interactions, while partial deletion of the Kcna1 gene leads to increased self-grooming and decreased sociability, indicating characteristics similar to autism spectrum disorder. In double-mutant mice, the mutations interact to partially normalize behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder.
BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Ren, Kang Huang, Yumo Li, Qin Yang, Liping Wang, Kun Guo, Pengfei Wei, Yong Q. Zhang
Summary: This study developed a pupilometer for dogs and used it to measure real-time pupillary responses. The researchers found that gene-edited dogs carrying mutations in Shank3 showed altered pupillary responses to light, loud noise, and high reward food. The Shank3 mutant dogs also exhibited impaired pupillary synchrony during dog-human interaction. These findings suggest that the pupilometer can be used to study the underlying neural mechanisms of autism spectrum disorder and other psychiatric disorders.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Hongbo Du, Feng Dai, Ang Li, Ruochen Jiang
Summary: In waterway regulation engineering, understanding the dynamic responses and failure mechanism of saturated rocks subjected to repetitive compression-shear impacting is of great significance. This study conducted tests on saturated and dry sandstone specimens using the split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus. The results indicate that the loading rate and shear component have a negative influence on the bearing capacity of saturated sandstone, but also improve energy absorption and utilization.
ROCK MECHANICS AND ROCK ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Craig D. Perl, Zanna B. Johansen, Zahra Moradinour, Marie Guiraud, C. E. Restrepo, Vun Wen Jie, A. Miettinen, Emily Baird
Summary: Heatwaves have detrimental impacts on animal morphology and behavior, especially during development. This study tested the effects of exposure to elevated temperatures during the late development stage on the behavior and morphology of adult worker bumblebees. The results showed that exposure to high temperatures during a portion of late development impaired the initial behavioral responses of workers to sensory stimuli, but did not significantly impact body or organ size.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Marta Fernandez, Carlos A. Sanchez-Leon, Javier Llorente, Teresa Sierra-Arregui, Shira Knafo, Javier Marquez-Ruiz, Olga Penagarikano
Summary: Research on a mouse model of autism with Cntnap2 gene knockout showed alterations in cerebellar sensory processing, including changes in firing patterns of Purkinje cells and intrinsic properties, providing insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms of core sensory deficits in autism.
Article
Pediatrics
N. Sunil Kumar, Prahbhjot Malhi, Bhavneet Bharti, Lokesh Saini
Summary: This study compared the frequency of repetitive behaviors among children with autism spectrum disorder, developmentally delayed children, and typically developing children. Results showed that children with ASD had significantly higher total scores and number of endorsed items on the Repetitive Behaviors Scale-Revised (RBS-R).
INDIAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Tanya Gandhi, Charles C. Lee
Summary: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by alterations in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Rodent models exhibiting ASD-like phenotypes are useful for studying neural mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for repetitive behaviors in ASD and related neuropsychiatric disorders. Understanding the mechanisms and circuit alterations in rodent models can inform translational research in this area.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Jessica M. Schwartzman, Zachary J. Williams, Jared K. Richards, Samantha R. Mattheiss, Katherine O. Gotham
Summary: Depression is more prevalent among autistic adults, and the insistence on sameness behavior is moderately related to depressive symptoms in this population. However, repetitive sensorimotor behaviors have only a slight impact on predicting depression. Neuroticism has a strong positive relationship with depression, completely attenuating the effect of insistence on sameness behavior. This study provides important insights into risk factors for depression in autism.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Rebecca Kvisler Iversen, Charlie Lewis
Summary: This study reexamined the relationship between executive function (EF) and restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and typical development, and found a significant association between high levels of RRBs and poor EF skills. This indicates that cognitive mechanisms may correlate with challenging RRBs and suggests potential interventions for managing these behaviors in the future.
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Bryan D. Alvarez, Cassandra Cavazos, Cheyenne A. Morales, Shannon M. Lopez, Dionisio A. Amodeo
Summary: Restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are commonly divided into lower-order and higher-order categories. Modulation of specific serotonin receptors can affect lower-order RRBs, but different receptors have varying effects on RRBs. Further research on less explored receptors and understanding their different modulation effects may be crucial for developing therapeutic approaches for RRBs.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Miguel Comparan-Meza, Ivette Vargas de la Cruz, Fernando Jauregui-Huerta, Rocio E. Gonzalez-Castaneda, Oscar Gonzalez-Perez, Alma Y. Galvez-Contreras
Summary: This study examined the biopsychological correlates of RRBs in ASD patients, exploring the etiology, continuance, and clinical evolution of these behaviors. Alterations in neurotransmission system, brain volume, growth factors, neural connectivity, behavioral inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and environmental factors were identified as key factors in the origin of RRBs, suggesting potential targets for novel therapeutic strategies.
BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2021)
Review
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Chaxiong Pang, Adele F. Dimian, Jason J. Wolff
Summary: Early differences in restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) are evident in autistic children before the age of 2, including differences in frequency and intensity. The relationship between early RRB and functional outcomes is mixed, and the level of RRB is unrelated to autism severity in young autistic children. Various types of RRB, such as repetitive motor behaviors, atypical sensory behaviors, insistence on sameness, and self-injurious behaviors, can be observed in autistic children during the first years of life. Early RRB might be valuable for early screening efforts.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Thelma E. Uzonyi, Elizabeth R. Crais, Linda R. Watson, Sallie W. Nowell, Grace T. Baranek, Lauren M. Turner-Brown
Summary: This study documented the presence of transactional engagement in parent-child interactions in a sample of young children at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study found that transactional engagement occurred at a higher rate than other types of engagement, and was more likely to occur when initiated by parents. Post-hoc analyses also identified a potential early marker of ASD within certain behaviors displayed during transactions.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Paige Huguely Davis, Heba Elsayed, Elizabeth R. Crais, Linda R. Watson, Rebecca Grzadzinski
Summary: The study showed that caregivers participating in parent-mediated interventions improved in characteristics of responsiveness, thus facilitating the development of children's social communication skills. Caregiver behaviors play a crucial role in improving child behaviors, providing evidence for novel intervention targets, methods for tracking change, and tailored treatment planning for toddlers with elevated likelihood for autism spectrum disorder.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Wanqing Zhang, Kelsey L. Thompson, Linda R. Watson, Dore R. LaForett
Summary: The study found that families with private insurance were less likely to receive needed services compared to those with public insurance, but there were no significant differences between privately and publicly insured children in receiving treatment or parental frustration in obtaining services. However, parents' frustration increased with the severity of ASD.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Education, Special
Alapika Jatkar, Dunia Garrido, Shuting Zheng, Greyson Silverman, Heba Elsayed, Paige Huguely Davis, Helen Lee, Elizabeth R. Crais, John Sideris, Lauren Turner-Brown, Grace T. Baranek, Linda R. Watson, Rebecca Grzadzinski
Summary: Baseline child characteristics may predict treatment outcomes for children with autism. Sensory reactivity and atypical vocalizations may be important factors to consider in treatment planning.
JOURNAL OF EARLY INTERVENTION
(2023)
Article
Education, Special
Jonet Artis, Linda R. Watson, Elizabeth S. Crais
Summary: The coaching behaviors within the adaptive responsive teaching intervention were examined, finding that joint interaction and child-focused behaviors were most common, while guided practice, caregiver practice, and problem-solving behaviors were less frequent. The use of joint interaction behaviors was positively associated with parent education levels, while child-focused behaviors were negatively associated. Additionally, more information sharing by the interventionists predicted greater change in parent responsiveness, while more child-focused behaviors predicted less change.
JOURNAL OF EARLY INTERVENTION
(2022)
Article
Education, Special
Jessica Amsbary, Mei-Ling Lin, Melissa N. Savage, Leslie Fanning, Stephanie Reszka, Linda R. Watson, Brian Boyd
Summary: This study discusses the development of a website aiming to help parents of preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder to learn about interventions and enhance home-school collaboration. Parents perceived the website to be useful in targeting social-communication and play skills with their children, and highlighted specific aspects they found effective. The findings suggest that involving parents in the developmental processes can ensure usability and effectiveness of resources and interventions.
JOURNAL OF SPECIAL EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Grace T. Baranek, John Sideris, Yun-Ju Chen, Elizabeth R. Crais, Lauren Turner-Brown, Linda R. Watson
Summary: This study examined the factor structure of the First Years Inventory, version 3.1 (FYIv3.1), and found a seven-factor structure that can detect early behavioral risk signs associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The FYIv3.1 showed significant discrimination between different outcome groups at age 3 years, indicating its validity and potential use for early detection in a broader age range.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Kim Kaiser, Michele E. Villalobos, Jill Locke, Iheoma U. Iruka, Camille Proctor, Brian Boyd
Summary: Parent training in Autism Spectrum Disorders has been shown to be effective in increasing parents' advocacy, knowledge, and empowerment. However, most interventions are not culturally grounded and do not address the unique needs of under-represented communities. This study describes the implementation of a culturally concordant Parent Training program for Black families, which showed promising results in promoting engagement and empowerment. Further research is needed to address parental mistrust and examine culturally grounded strategies.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Emily Campi, Elizabeth Choi, Yun-Ju Chen, Cristin M. Holland, Stephanie Bristol, John Sideris, Elizabeth R. Crais, Linda R. Watson, Grace T. Baranek
Summary: Infants at elevated likelihood of developing autism may exhibit differences in sensory reactivity, particularly hyporeactivity, as early as 7 months old. Caregiver responsiveness, which is associated with positive social communication outcomes, has not been sufficiently examined in relation to infant sensory reactivity. This study found that sensory hyperreactivity moderates the association between sensory hyporeactivity and caregiver responsiveness, suggesting that infants with moderately high sensory hypo- and hyperreactivity have higher levels of caregiver responsiveness.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Ed-Dee G. Williams, Matthew J. Smith, Brian Boyd
Summary: This article argues for the use of diversity advisory boards in autism research and intervention development to ensure inclusivity and representation of marginalized groups. These advisory boards will promote intentional consideration of diverse identities, increase diverse samples of participants, and bridge the research-to-practice gap. Suggestions for forming and engaging diversity advisory boards are provided.
Review
Psychology, Developmental
Thelma E. Uzonyi, Alaina C. Grissom, Ranita Anderson, Helen Lee, Sarah Towner-Wright, Elizabeth R. Crais, Linda R. Watson, Rebecca J. Landa
Summary: Various methods have been used to measure parent responsiveness to children with autism or elevated likelihood of autism, leading to difficulties in comparing results across studies. This scoping review analyzed 101 articles to summarize the behavioral coding methods used, highlight strengths and weaknesses in reporting, and propose a best practice model for coding and reporting standards. The review revealed variations in procedures, measurement forms, and aspects of responsiveness measured, and emphasized the need for clear definitions and replicable research protocols.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zachary J. Williams, Roseann Schaaf, Karla K. Ausderau, Grace T. Baranek, D. Jonah Barrett, Carissa J. Cascio, Rachel L. Dumont, Ekomobong E. Eyoh, Michelle D. Failla, Jacob I. Feldman, Jennifer H. Foss-Feig, Heather L. Green, Shulamite A. Green, Jason L. He, Elizabeth A. Kaplan-Kahn, Bahar Keceli-Kaysili, Keren Maclennan, Zoe Mailloux, Elysa J. Marco, Lisa E. Mash, Elizabeth P. Mckernan, Sophie Molholm, Stewart H. Mostofsky, Nicolaas A. J. Puts, Caroline E. Robertson, Natalie Russo, Nicole Shea, John Sideris, James S. Sutcliffe, Teresa Tavassoli, Mark T. Wallace, Ericka L. Wodka, Tiffany G. Woynaroski
Summary: This study examined the supra-modal sensory traits in autistic individuals by analyzing data from 3868 autistic youth. The results showed that sensory hyperreactivity (HYPER) could be reliably measured in all sensory modalities, while sensory hyporeactivity (HYPO) and sensory seeking (SEEK) demonstrated psychometric limitations in certain modalities. Modality-specific response pattern scores were found to have significant value for characterizing sensory reactivity in autism.
Article
Rehabilitation
Yi-An Chen, Martin Norgaard
Summary: Stroke survivors showed acceptance and positive feedback on receiving in-home music-based training via a mobile app. mHealth technologies may allow positive effects of music-based interventions in motor performance and home practice compliance. Further developments in the co-design process with patients, caregivers, and therapists are needed to design a patient-oriented app to deliver better in-home music-based interventions for stroke survivors.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
