Et si le Quotient du spectre de l'autisme se composait de deux sous-groupes différents? Analyse en grappes du Quotient du spectre autistique dans la population générale.

Aperçu: G.M.

Le but de cette étude était d'étudier si les personnes dans la population générale ayant des scores élevés sur le Quotient du spectre de l'autisme constituaient un seul groupe homogène ou non. Sur la base des résultats de l'analyse, les élèves pourraient être divisés en six groupes. Les résultats de cette étude ont suggéré que les personnes dans la population générale avec des scores élevés au quotient de spectre de l'autisme peuvent se composer de deux groupes qualitativement différents.

Autism. 2017 Apr;21(3):323-332. doi: 10.1177/1362361316638787. Epub 2016 Jul 9.

Whether the Autism Spectrum Quotient consists of two different subgroups? Cluster analysis of the Autism Spectrum Quotient in general population

Kitazoe N^1,2, Fujita N^1,3, Izumoto Y^2,4, Terada SI^1,3, Hatakenaka Y^2,5.

Author information

1

1 Kochi University, Japan.

2

2 Kochi Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Japan.

3

3 Kochi Research Project for Developmental Disorders, Japan.

4

4 Kochi Health Sciences Center, Japan.

5

5 Kochi Prefectural Medical and Welfare Centre, Japan.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the individuals in the general population with high scores on the Autism Spectrum Quotient constituted a single homogeneous group or not. A cohort of university students (n = 4901) was investigated by cluster analysis based on the original five subscales of the Autism Spectrum Quotient. Based on the results of the analysis, the students could be divided into six clusters: the first with low scores on all the five subscales, the second with high scores on only the 'attention to detail' subscale, the third and fourth with intermediate scores on all the subscales, the fifth with high scores on four of the five subscales but low scores on the 'attention to detail' subscale and the sixth with high scores on all the five subscales. The students with high total Autism Spectrum Quotient scores (n = 166) were divided into two groups: one with high scores on four subscales but low scores on the 'attention to detail' subscale and the other with high scores on all the five subscales. The results of this study suggested that individuals from the general population with high Autism Spectrum Quotient scores may consist of two qualitatively different groups.

PMID: 27132011

DOI: 10.1177/1362361316638787

Analyse psychométrique de l 'observation systématique des signes d'alarme pour le trouble du spectre de l'autisme chez les tout - petits

Aperçu: G.M.

L'observation systématique des signes d'alarme fournit une mesure d'observation de 16 à 24 mois avec une bonne discrimination, sensibilité et spécificité. 

Autism. 2017 Apr;21(3):301-309. doi: 10.1177/1362361316636760. Epub 2016 Jul 9.

Psychometric analysis of the Systematic Observation of Red Flags for autism spectrum disorder in toddlers

Dow D¹, Guthrie W¹, Stronach ST², Wetherby AM¹.

Author information

1

1 Florida State University, USA.

2

2 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, USA.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of the Systematic Observation of Red Flags as an observational level-two screening measure to detect risk for autism spectrum disorder in toddlers when used with a video-recorded administration of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales. Psychometric properties of the Systematic Observation of Red Flags were examined in a sample of 247 toddlers of 16- to 24 months old: 130 with autism spectrum disorder, 61 with developmental delays, and 56 typically developing. Individual items were examined for performance to create an algorithm with improved sensitivity and specificity, yielding a total Composite score and Domain scores for Social Communication and Restricted Repetitive Behaviors. Codes indicating clear symptom presence were collapsed to yield a count of the number of Red Flags for the overall scale and each symptom domain. Results indicated significant group differences with large effects for the Composite, both Domain scores, and Red Flags score, and good discrimination (area under the curve = 0.84-0.87) between autism spectrum disorder and nonspectrum groups for the Composite, Social Communication Domain, and Social Communication Red Flags score. The Systematic Observation of Red Flags provides an observational screening measure for 16- to 24-month-olds with good discrimination, sensitivity, and specificity. A cutoff of 20 on the Composite is recommended to optimally detect autism spectrum disorder risk.

PMID: 27132013

DOI: 10.1177/1362361316636760

Métabolisme phosphoinositide défectueux dans l'autisme

Aperçu : G.M.

Les phosphoinositides sont des composants essentiels des membranes lipidiques et des régulateurs cruciaux de nombreuses fonctions cellulaires, notamment la transduction du signal, le trafic des vésicules, la localisation et l'activité des récepteurs membranaires et la détermination de l'identité de la membrane. Les études génétiques et fonctionnelles montrent de plus en plus que ces enzymes sont souvent dysrégulées ou mutées dans les troubles du spectre de l'autisme. [...] cela offre des possibilités intéressantes d'explorer le métabolisme phosphoinositide altéré comme une cible thérapeutique chez les personnes avec certaines formes d'autisme. Cette revue résume les études génétiques et fonctionnelles qui identifient les défauts du métabolisme des phosphoinositides dans l'autisme et les troubles apparentés...

J Neurosci Res. 2017 May;95(5):1161-1173. doi: 10.1002/jnr.23797. Epub 2016 Jul 4.

Defective phosphoinositide metabolism in autism

Gross C^1,2.

Author information

1

Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.

2

Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Abstract

Phosphoinositides are essential components of lipid membranes and crucial regulators of many cellular functions, including signal transduction, vesicle trafficking, membrane receptor localization and activity, and determination of membrane identity. These functions depend on the dynamic and highly regulated metabolism of phosphoinositides and require finely balanced activity of specific phosphoinositide kinases and phosphatases. There is increasing evidence from genetic and functional studies that these enzymes are often dysregulated or mutated in autism spectrum disorders; in particular, phosphoinositide 3-kinases and their regulatory subunits appear to be affected frequently. Examples of autism spectrum disorders with defective phosphoinositide metabolism are fragile X syndrome and autism disorders associated with mutations in the phosphoinositide 3-phosphatase tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), but recent genetic analyses also suggest that select nonsyndromic, idiopathic forms of autism may have altered activity of phosphoinositide kinases and phosphatases. Isoform-specific inhibitors for some of the phosphoinositide kinases have already been developed for cancer research and treatment, and a few are being evaluated for use in humans. Altogether, this offers exciting opportunities to explore altered phosphoinositide metabolism as a therapeutic target in individuals with certain forms of autism. This review summarizes genetic and functional studies identifying defects in phosphoinositide metabolism in autism and related disorders, describes published preclinical work targeting phosphoinositide 3-kinases in neurological diseases, and discusses the opportunities and challenges ahead to translate these findings from animal models and human cells into clinical application in humans. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID: 27376697

PMCID: PMC5214992  [Available on 2017-11-01]

DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23797

Examen systématique des facteurs affectant la conduite automobile et le transport de véhicules automobiles chez les personnes avec trouble du spectre de l'autisme

Traduction partielle: G.M. 

Disabil Rehabil. 2017 May;39(9):837-846. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2016.1161849. Epub 2016 Apr 4.

Systematic review of factors affecting driving and motor vehicle transportation among people with autism spectrum disorder

Lindsay S¹.

Author information

1

a Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Cette revue systématique vise à évaluer de façon critique la littérature sur les facteurs qui influent sur la conduite automobile et le transport automobile des personnes avec trouble du spectre de l'autisme et à donner un aperçu des orientations futures pour la recherche.This systematic review is to critically appraise the literature on factors affecting driving and motor vehicle transportation experiences of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and to provide insight into future directions for research.

METHODS:

Systematic searches of eight databases identified 22 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. These studies were analysed in terms of the characteristics of the participants, methodology, results of the study and quality of the evidence.

RESULTS:

Among the 22 studies, 2919 participants (364 individuals with ASD; 2555 parents of youth with ASD; mean age of person with ASD = 17.3) were represented, across six countries. Studies (n = 13) focused on factors affecting driving, including challenges in obtaining a licence, driving confidence, driving behaviours and strategies to improve driving skills. In regards to factors related to public and/or school transportation, nine studies explored rates of transportation use, access, cost and safety.

CONCLUSION:

Nos résultats mettent en évidence plusieurs lacunes dans la recherche et un besoin urgent de nouvelles formations et de soutiens liés au transport pour les personnes avec TSA. Les implications en matière de réadaptation : de nombreuses personnes avec TSA rencontrent des difficultés pour obtenir un permis de conduire, conduire efficacement et avec assurance comparativement à celles qui n'ont pas de TSA. Plusieurs stratégies peuvent être utiles pour enseigner aux personnes avec TSA à conduire, y compris la communication directe, en encourageant les mécanismes d'adaptation, en décomposant les tâches et en fournissant des leçons de conduite régulières et cohérentes. Les cliniciens et les éducateurs devraient préconiser une formation et des soutiens supplémentaires pour les personnes avec  TSA. Davantage de recherches sont nécessaires dans la perspective de comprendre les expériences des personnes avec TSA et les défis particuliers qu'elles rencontrent en obtenant un permis et en voyageant dans les transports publics .
Our findings highlight several gaps in the research and an urgent need for further transportation-related training and supports for people with ASD. Implications for rehabilitation Many people with ASD encounter challenges in obtaining a driver's licence, driving confidence and driving performance compared to those without ASD. Several strategies can be useful when teaching people with ASD to drive including direct communication, encouraging coping mechanisms, breaking down tasks and providing regular and consistent driving lessons. Clinicians and educators should advocate for further transportation-related training and supports for people with ASD. More research is needed from the perspective of people with ASD to understand their experiences and the particular challenges that they encounter in obtaining a licence and navigating public transportation.

PMID: 27045872

DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2016.1161849

* Modélisation des troubles neurodéveloppementaux et psychiatriques avec les iPSC humaines

Aperçu: G.M.

Les troubles neurodéveloppementaux et psychiatriques, dont les troubles du spectre de l'autisme et la schizophrénie, sont des troubles complexes et hétérogènes affectant une grande partie de la population mondiale. Les causes en sont mal comprises et les traitements actuellement disponibles sont limités d'où la nécessité de développer une thérapeutique rationnelle fondée sur une compréhension de l'étiologie et de la pathogenèse du trouble.
La technologie de dérivation des cellules souches pluripotentes (IPSC), reprogrammées à partir de cellules somatiques de sujets sains ou de patients, offre l'occasion de récapituler le développement normal et pathologique des tissus humains, ouvrant ainsi une nouvelle voie à la modélisation des troubles et au développement de médicaments

J Neurosci Res. 2017 May;95(5):1097-1109. doi: 10.1002/jnr.24031. Epub 2017 Feb 10.

Modeling neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diseases with human iPSCs

Wen Z¹.

Author information

1

Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Cell Biology, and Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.

Abstract

Neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, are complex and heterogeneous disorders that affect a large portion of the world's population. While the causes are still poorly understood, currently available treatments are limited; the development of rational therapeutics based on an understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease is imperative. The breakthrough technology of deriving induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), reprogrammed from somatic cells of healthy subjects or patients, offers an unprecedented opportunity to recapitulate both normal and pathological development of human tissue, thereby opening up a new avenue for disease modeling and drug development in a more genetically tractable and disease-relevant system. Here, I review the recent progress in the use of human iPSCs for modeling neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders and developing novel therapeutic strategies, and discuss challenges in this rapidly moving field. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

KEYWORDS:

disease modeling; drug discovery; human-induced pluripotent stem cells; neurodevelopmental disorders; psychiatric disorders

PMID: 28186671

DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24031

Effets d'une intervention fondée sur l'employeur sur les résultats en matière d'emploi chez les jeunes ayant des besoins de soutien importants attribuables à l'autisme.

Traduction: G.M.

Autism. 2017 Apr;21(3):276-290. doi: 10.1177/1362361316635826. Epub 2016 Jul 9.

Effects of an employer-based intervention on employment outcomes for youth with significant support needs due to autism

Wehman P¹, Schall CM¹, McDonough J¹, Graham C¹, Brooke V¹, Riehle JE², Brooke A¹, Ham W¹, Lau S¹, Allen J¹, Avellone L¹.

Author information

1

1 Virginia Commonwealth University, USA.

2

2 Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA.

Resumé

Le but de cette étude était de développer et d'enquêter sur une intervention de 9 mois fondée sur l'employeur  pour les jeunes du secondaire avec un trouble du spectre de l'autisme pour apprendre des compétences professionnelles et acquérir un emploi. L'intervention a modifié un programme intitulé projet SEARCH et a incorporé l'utilisation de l'analyse appliquée de comportement pour développer le projet SEARCH en plus des supports du trouble du spectre de l'autisme. Un essai clinique randomisé a comparé la mise en œuvre du projet SEARCH plus les services de soutien aux troubles du spectre de l'autisme avec les services d'éducation spéciale du secondaire habituels.Les participants étaient 49 personnes d'âge scolaire âgées entre 18 et 21 ans diagnostiqués avec un trouble du spectre de l'autisme et admissibles à un emploi aidé. Les élèves devaient également faire preuve d'indépendance par rapport aux soins. À 3 mois après l'obtention du diplôme, 90% du groupe de traitement a acquis un emploi à temps partiel concurrentiel gagnant entre 9.53 et 10.66 -US $ par heure. De plus, 87% de ces personnes ont maintenu un emploi à 12 mois après l'obtention du diplôme. Les résultats d'emploi du groupe témoin ont été de 6% pour l'acquisition d'un emploi, 3 mois après l'obtention du diplôme et de 12% pour l'acquisition d'un emploi 12 mois après l'obtention du diplôme. Les résultats positifs sur l'emploi générés par le groupe de traitement prouvent que les jeunes avec trouble du spectre de l'autisme peuvent décrocher et maintenir un emploi compétitif. En outre, il est prouvé qu'ils sont en mesure d'avancer dans ce délai avec un nombre d'heures hebdomadaires travaillées plus importantes, alors qu'ils ont également montré une indépendance croissante dans le cadre de travail.
 The purpose of this study was to develop and investigate an employer-based 9-month intervention for high school youth with autism spectrum disorder to learn job skills and acquire employment. The intervention modified a program titled Project SEARCH and incorporated the use of applied behavior analysis to develop Project SEARCH plus Autism Spectrum Disorder Supports. A randomized clinical trial compared the implementation of Project SEARCH plus Autism Spectrum Disorder Supports with high school special education services as usual. Participants were 49 high-school-aged individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 years diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and eligible for supported employment. Students also had to demonstrate independent self-care. At 3 months post-graduation, 90% of the treatment group acquired competitive, part-time employment earning US$9.53-US$10.66 per hour. Furthermore, 87% of those individuals maintained employment at 12 months post-graduation. The control group's employment outcomes were 6% acquiring employment by 3 months post-graduation and 12% acquiring employment by 12 months post-graduation. The positive employment outcomes generated by the treatment group provide evidence that youth with autism spectrum disorder can gain and maintain competitive employment. Additionally, there is evidence that they are able to advance within that time toward more weekly hours worked, while they also displayed increasing independence in the work setting.

KEYWORDS:

Project SEARCH; applied behavior analysis; autism; autism spectrum disorder; employment; positive behavior support; transition to adulthood

PMID: 27154907

DOI: 10.1177/1362361316635826

Une revue internationale des mesures d'évaluation des connaissances sur l'autisme

Aperçu: G.M.

Cette étude a mené une revue systématique de la littérature occidentale et internationale pour examiner les mesures utilisées pour évaluer les connaissances sur le trouble du spectre de l'autisme et a identifié 44 mesures uniques de connaissances dans 67 études menées dans 21 pays. Les mesures utilisées dans chaque étude ont été évaluées en termes de force psychométrique. Sur les 67 études examinées, seulement 7% ont été évaluées comme utilisant une mesure avec un soutien psychométrique fort par rapport à 45% qui ont été évalués comme utilisant une mesure sans soutien psychométrique rapporté. .

Autism. 2017 Apr;21(3):262-275. doi: 10.1177/1362361316638786. Epub 2016 Jul 8.

An international review of autism knowledge assessment measures

Harrison AJ¹, Slane MM¹, Hoang L², Campbell JM³.

Author information

1

1 University of Georgia, USA.

2

2 Skidmore College, USA.

3

3 University of Kentucky, USA.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder-specific knowledge deficits contribute to current disparities in the timing and quality of autism spectrum disorder services throughout the United States and globally. This study conducted a systematic review of Western and International literature to examine measures used to assess autism spectrum disorder knowledge. This review identified 44 unique autism spectrum disorder knowledge measures across 67 studies conducted in 21 countries. Measures used in each study were evaluated in terms of psychometric strength. Of the 67 studies reviewed, only 7% were rated as using a measure with strong psychometric support compared to 45% that were rated as using a measure with no reported psychometric support. Additionally, we examined content overlap and subdomains of autism spectrum disorder knowledge assessed (e.g. etiology, symptoms) and cross-cultural adaptation procedures utilized in the field. Based on these findings, the need for a cross-culturally valid and psychometrically sound measure of autism spectrum disorder knowledge is discussed and recommendations for improving current assessment methods are presented, including suggestions for measure subdomains.

KEYWORDS:

autism spectrum disorder; cross-cultural assessment; knowledge; mental health literacy; psychometrics

PMID: 27154908

DOI: 10.1177/1362361316638786

Changements de l'anxiété à la suite d'un essai contrôlé randomisé d'une intervention thérapeutique fondée sur le théâtre pour les jeunes avec trouble du spectre de l'autisme

Aperçu: G.M.

L'anxiété et le stress accrus sont fréquents chez les enfants avec trouble du spectre de l'autisme et sont associés à des défis sociaux. L'intervention basée sur le théâtre (30 jeunes de 8 à 14 ans), médiée par les pairs, contribue non seulement à l'amélioration de la compétence sociale chez les jeunes avec trouble du spectre de l'autisme, mais contribue également à réduire l'anxiété associée à une plus grande interaction sociale avec les pairs. Les résultats suggèrent qu'un certain degré d'excitation physiologique est essentiel à l'interaction sociale.

Autism. 2017 Apr;21(3):333-343. doi: 10.1177/1362361316643623. Epub 2016 Jul 8.

Changes in anxiety following a randomized control trial of a theatre-based intervention for youth with autism spectrum disorder

Corbett BA¹, Blain SD¹, Ioannou S², Balser M¹.

Author information

1

1 Vanderbilt University, USA.

2

2 Lipscomb University, USA.

Abstract

Increased anxiety and stress are frequently found in children with autism spectrum disorder and are associated with social challenges. Recently, we reported changes in social competence following peer-mediated, theatre-based intervention. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the intervention on reducing anxiety and stress. Participants included 30 youth with autism spectrum disorder (8-14 years old) randomly assigned to the experimental (17) or waitlist control (13) group. Pretest adjusted, between-group differences were analyzed for state-anxiety, trait-anxiety, play-based cortisol, and diurnal cortisol. Pearson correlations were conducted between anxiety, cortisol, and group play. Significant pretest-adjusted between-group differences at posttest were observed on trait-anxiety (F(1, 27) = 9.16, p = 0.005) but not state-anxiety (F(1, 27) = 0.03, p = 0.86), showing lower trait-anxiety in the experimental group. There were no between-group differences on cortisol. There was a significant negative correlation between group play and trait-anxiety (r = -0.362, p = 0.05). Playground cortisol correlated with group play, for the experimental group (r = 0.55, p = 0.03). The theatre-based, peer-mediated intervention not only contributes to improvement in social competence in youth with autism spectrum disorder but also contributes to reductions in trait-anxiety associated with more social interaction with peers. Results suggest that some degree of physiological arousal is essential for social interaction.

PMID: 27154909

DOI: 10.1177/1362361316643623

Résultats cliniques des traitements comportementaux pour la fugue chez les personnes avec trouble du spectre de l'autisme et d'autres troubles du développement.

Aperçu: G.M.

Les réductions de la fugue de la ligne de base au traitement final pour chaque participant démontrent que l'intervention comportementale est un traitement très efficace pour la fugue.

Autism. 2017 Apr;21(3):375-379. doi: 10.1177/1362361316644732. Epub 2016 Jul 9.

Clinical outcomes of behavioral treatments for elopement in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities

Call NA^1,2, Alvarez JP^1,2, Simmons CA³, Lomas Mevers JE^1,2, Scheithauer MC^1,2.

Author information

1

1 Emory University, USA.

2

2 Marcus Autism Center, USA.

3

3 University of Georgia, USA.

Abstract

The external validity of behavioral treatments for elopement (i.e. leaving supervision without permission) remains unclear because studies to date include only small samples ( n = 1-3). This study quantified the overall effectiveness of behavioral treatments for elopement by retrospectively examining treatment data from all patients seen for the treatment of elopement at an intensive day treatment clinic ( n = 11), irrespective of treatment success. Reductions in elopement from baseline to the final treatment for each participant demonstrate that behavioral intervention is a highly effective treatment for elopement, as determined by the large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.18).

PMID: 27178995

DOI: 10.1177/1362361316644732

Les modèles de perte et de gain de communication signalés par les parents chez les enfants de 1 à 2 ans ne sont pas propres au trouble du spectre de l'autisme

Aperçu: G.M. 

Un plus grand nombre d'enfants , âgés de 1 à 2 ans, diagnostiqués ultérieurement avec autisme comparés aux enfants avec difficultés de langage et enfants sans autisme ni troubles du langage perdent des compétences dans plus d'un domaine : Trouble du spectre autistique (47%), troubles du langage (15%, p = 0,0003), développement typique (16%, p <0,001) . La perte était la plus fréquente chez tous les groupes dans le domaine de «l'émotion et du regard», mais avec une proportion plus élevée chez les enfants autistes (27%, troubles du langage (12%, p = 0,03), développement typique = 0,03)). Une proportion plus élevée d'enfants avec trouble du spectre de l'autisme a également perdu des compétences gestuelles  (p = 0,01), en sons (p = 0,009) et en compréhension (p = 0,004) par rapport aux enfants ayant un développement typique mais pas avec ceux ayant une altération du langage.

Autism. 2017 Apr;21(3):344-356. doi: 10.1177/1362361316644729. Epub 2016 Jul 8.

Parent-reported patterns of loss and gain in communication in 1- to 2-year-old children are not unique to autism spectrum disorder

Brignell A^1,2, Williams K^1,2,3, Prior M¹, Donath S^1,2, Reilly S^2,4, Bavin EL⁵, Eadie P¹, Morgan AT^1,2.

Author information

1

1 The University of Melbourne, Australia.

2

2 Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Australia.

3

3 The Royal Children's Hospital, Australia.

4

4 Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Australia.

5

5 La Trobe University, Australia.

Abstract

We compared loss and gain in communication from 1 to 2 years in children later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (n = 41), language impairment (n = 110) and in children with typical language development at 7 years (n = 831). Participants were selected from a prospective population cohort study of child language (the Early Language in Victoria Study). Parent-completed communication tools were used. As a group, children with autism spectrum disorder demonstrated slower median skill gain, with an increasing gap between trajectories compared to children with typical development and language impairment. A proportion from all groups lost skills in at least one domain (autism spectrum disorder (41%), language impairment (30%), typical development (26%)), with more children with autism spectrum disorder losing skills in more than one domain (autism spectrum disorder (47%), language impairment (15%, p = 0.0003), typical development (16%, p < 0.001)). Loss was most common for all groups in the domain of 'emotion and eye gaze' but with a higher proportion for children with autism spectrum disorder (27%; language impairment (12%, p = 0.03), typical development (14%, p = 0.03)). A higher proportion of children with autism spectrum disorder also lost skills in gesture (p = 0.01), sounds (p = 0.009) and understanding (p = 0.004) compared to children with typical development but not with language impairment. These findings add to our understanding of early communication development and highlight that loss is not unique to autism spectrum disorder.

KEYWORDS:

autism spectrum disorder; communication; language; regression; skill loss; trajectory

PMID: 27178996

DOI: 10.1177/1362361316644729

Traits de personnalité, mémoire autobiographique et connaissance de soi et des autres: Une étude comparative chez les jeunes avec trouble du spectre de l'autisme

Aperçu: G.M. : en comparant la mémoire autobiographique (sémantique et épisodique) et la connaissance de soi (auto-connaissance interne / externe et capacités d'introspection / mentalisation) de 48 enfants âgés de 11 à 18 ans avec des troubles du spectre de l'autisme, l'étude montre que les enfants présentaient des difficultés de mémoire autobiographiques qui se caractérisaient par une diminution de la récupération des traits de personnalité sémantique, plus de d'invites initiales pour faciliter la récupération de la mémoire épisodique et moins de souvenirs épisodiques contenant des informations émotionnelles et sensorielles. La connaissance du moi et des autres était également diminuée, avec une introspection réduite et des capacités mentales plus médiocres. Ils ont également été identifiés comme présentant une relation atypique entre la mémoire autobiographique et la connaissance de soi, qui était significativement différente des jeunes du groupe contrôle se développant avec autisme.

 

Autism. 2017 Apr;21(3):357-367. doi: 10.1177/1362361316645429. Epub 2016 Jul 9.

Personality traits, autobiographical memory and knowledge of self and others: A comparative study in young people with autism spectrum disorder

Robinson S¹, Howlin P², Russell A³.

Author information

1

1 Evelina London Children's Hospital, UK.

2

2 King's College London, UK.

3

3 University of Bath, UK.

Abstract

The relationship between dissociable components of autobiographical memory (e.g. semantic personality traits and episodic memory retrieval) and other cognitive skills that are proposed to enable one to develop a sense of self (e.g. introspection) have not previously been explored for children with autism spectrum disorder. This study compared autobiographical memory (semantic and episodic) and knowledge of self (internal/external self-knowledge and introspection/mentalising abilities) in children (aged 11-18 years) with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder and typically developing controls (total N = 48). Novel and standard tasks were employed. Compared to typically developing controls, young people with autism spectrum disorder had autobiographical memory difficulties that were characterised by a reduction in the retrieval of semantic personality traits, with more initial prompts required to facilitate episodic memory retrieval and fewer episodic memories containing emotional and sensory information. Knowledge of the self and others was also impaired, with reduced introspection and poorer mentalising abilities. Young people with autism spectrum disorder were also identified as presenting with an atypical relationship between autobiographical memory and self-knowledge, which was significantly different from typically developing controls. Test performance is discussed in relation to the functions of autobiographical memory, with consideration of how these cognitive difficulties may contribute to clinical practices and the social and behavioural characteristics of autism spectrum disorder.

KEYWORDS:

Asperger; cognitive behavioural therapy; externalising; mental states; self-concept; theory of mind

PMID: 27197697

DOI: 10.1177/1362361316645429

Perception du visage et apprentissage dans les troubles du spectre de l'autisme

Aperçu: G.M.

Hypothèse : les retards précoces dans le traitement de base du visage contribuent à la trajectoire atypique des compétences communicatives sociales chez les personnes avec TSA et contribuent à un apprentissage social pauvre tout au long du développement. 

Q J Exp Psychol (Hove). 2017 May;70(5):970-986. Epub 2016 Mar 16.

Face perception and learning in autism spectrum disorders

Webb SJ^1,2, Neuhaus E², Faja S^3,4.

Author information

1

a Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science , University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA.

2

b Center on Child Health, Behavior and Development (CHBD), Seattle Children's Research Institute (SCRI) , Seattle , WA , USA.

3

c Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School , Harvard University , Cambridge , MA , USA.

4

d Labs of Cognitive Neuroscience, Boston Children's Hospital , Boston , MA , USA.

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairment in social communication and restricted and repetitive interests. While not included in the diagnostic characterization, aspects of face processing and learning have shown disruptions at all stages of development in ASD, although the exact nature and extent of the impairment vary by age and level of functioning of the ASD sample as well as by task demands. In this review, we examine the nature of face attention, perception, and learning in individuals with ASD focusing on three broad age ranges (early development, middle childhood, and adolescence/adulthood). We propose that early delays in basic face processing contribute to the atypical trajectory of social communicative skills in individuals with ASD and contribute to poor social learning throughout development. Face learning is a life-long necessity, as the social world of individual only broadens with age, and thus addressing both the source of the impairment in ASD as well as the trajectory of ability throughout the lifespan, through targeted treatments, may serve to positively impact the lives of individuals who struggle with social information and understanding.

PMID: 26886246

PMCID: PMC5026554  [Available on 2018-05-01]

DOI: 10.1080/17470218.2016.1151059

La relation entre la naissance prématurée et la première préoccupation des aidants naturels chez les tout-petits avec trouble du spectre de l'autisme: un bref rapport.

Aperçu: G.M.

L'âge de la première préoccupation des aidants est significativement plus jeune pour ceux nés prématurément que ceux nés à terme.

Child Neuropsychol. 2017 May;23(4):502-508. doi: 10.1080/09297049.2015.1105206. Epub 2015 Nov 11.

The relationship between premature birth and caregiver first concern in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder: A brief report.

Goldin RL¹, Matson JL¹, Matheis M¹, Jang J¹.

Author information

1

a Department of Psychology , Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge , LA , USA.

Abstract

The current study examines the relationship between premature birth and the age at which caregivers first become concerned with their child's development in a sample of 84 toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The participants were split into two groups: those born prematurely and those born full term. The results indicate that the age of caregiver first concern is significantly younger for those born prematurely than those born full term. The average age caregivers reported first becoming concerned about their child's development was around 7 months for participants born prematurely and around 13 months for participants born full term. Possible explanations for the results and their implications are discussed.

 PMID:26558812

DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2015.1105206

Dopamine et le récepteur de la dopamine D1 associés à une interaction sociale réduite

Aperçu : G.M.

Un nouveau mécanisme génétique de perte du facteur cellulaire dendritique 1 (Dcf1) dans le système nerveux de la souris induit une carence en interaction sociale, comme dans l'autisme et influence l'interaction sociale via le système dopamine.

 

 

Behav Brain Res. 2017 May 1;324:51-57. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.01.045. Epub 2017 Feb 13.

Dopamine and dopamine receptor D1 associated with decreased social interaction

Liu Q¹, Shi J¹, Lin R¹, Wen T².

Author information

1

Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, 333 Nanchen Road, Shanghai, 200444, China.

2

Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, 333 Nanchen Road, Shanghai, 200444, China. Electronic address: wtq@shu.edu.cn

Abstract

Deficits in social interaction are hallmarks of neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, its underlying mechanism is still unclear. Here, we show that the loss of dendritic cell factor 1 (Dcf1) in the nervous system of mice induces social interaction deficiency, autism-like behaviour, and influences social interaction via the dopamine system. Dopamine receptor D1 agonist rescues this social cognition phenotype, and improves short-term plasticity. Together, this study presents a new genetic mechanism that affects social interaction and may provide a new way to improve positive social interaction and treat autism spectrum disorders.

Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

PMID: 28202411

DOI:10.1016/j.bbr.2017.01.045