Autisme Information Science

12 mai 2017

L'obésité maternelle pré-grossesse et le développement neuropsychologique chez les enfants d'âge préscolaire: une étude prospective de cohorte

Aperçu: G.M.

L'obésité maternelle pré-grossesse peut entraver le développement neuropsychologique chez les nourrissons.

L'étude visait à vérifier si l'obésité maternelle pré-grossesse était associée au développement neuropsychologique chez 1 827 enfants espagnols.

À 5 ans, le développement cognitif et psychomoteur a été évalué à l'aide des symptômes de McCarthy Scales of Child's Abilities, le trouble déficitaire de l'attention et de l'hyperactivité (TDAH) en utilisant les Critères de Diagnostic et le Manuel Statistique des Troubles Mentaux et les symptômes du syndrome du spectre de l'autisme en utilisant le Test du Syndrome d'Asperger Infantile.

Le pourcentage de mères et de pères obèses était respectivement de 8 et 12%. Dans les modèles non ajustés, les enfants des mères obèses avaient des scores inférieurs aux enfants des mères de poids normal dans toutes les sous-échelles de McCarthy. Après ajustement, seule la sous-échelle verbale est restée statistiquement significativement réduite.

Aucune association n'a été observée chez les pères obèses.

L'obésité maternelle et paternelle était associée à une augmentation des symptômes liés au TDAH. L'obésité parentale n'a pas été associée à des symptômes d'autisme.

2017 May 11. doi: 10.1038/pr.2017.118.

Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity and neuropsychological development in pre-school children: A prospective cohort study

Casas M^1,^2,³, Forns J^1,^2,^3,⁴, Martínez D^1,^2,³, Guxens M^1,^2,^3,⁵, Fernandez-Somoano A^3,^6,⁷, Ibarluzea J^3,^8,⁹, Lertxundi N^9,¹⁰, Murcia M^3,¹¹, Rebagliato M^3,^11,¹², Tardon A^3,^6,⁷, Sunyer J^1,^2,³, Vrijheid M^1,^2,³.

Author information

1: ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain.
2: Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.
3: CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
4: Department of Genes and Environment, Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
5: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
6: Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA)-Obra Social Cajastur, Spain.
7: Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Oviedo, Spain.
8: Subdirección de Salud Pública de Gipuzkoa. The Basque Government's Health Department, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain.
9: Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (BioDonostia), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain.
10: University of the Basque Country (EHU/UPV), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain.
11: FISABIO-Universitat de València-Universitat Jaume I Joint Research Unit of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Valencia, Spain.
12: Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Spain.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity may impair infant neuropsychological development, but it is unclear if intrauterine or confounding factors drive this association.

METHODS:

We assessed whether maternal pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with neuropsychological development in 1,827 Spanish children. At 5 years, cognitive and psychomotor development was assessed using McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms using the Criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and autism spectrum disorder symptoms using the Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test. Models were adjusted for socio-demographic factors and maternal intelligence quotient. We used paternal obesity as negative control exposure since it involves the same source of confounding than maternal obesity.

RESULTS:

The percentage of obese mothers and fathers was 8 and 12%, respectively. In unadjusted models, children of obese mothers had lower scores than children of normal weight mothers in all McCarthy subscales. After adjustment, only the verbal subscale remained statistically significantly reduced (β: -2.8; 95%CI: -5.3, -0.2). No associations were observed among obese fathers. Maternal and paternal obesity were associated with an increase in ADHD-related symptoms. Parental obesity was not associated with autism symptoms.

CONCLUSION:

Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with a reduction in offspring verbal scores at pre-school age.Pediatric Research accepted article preview online, 11 May 2017. doi:10.1038/pr.2017.118.

PMID: 28493861
DOI: 10.1038/pr.2017.118

Les perceptions des familles de la contribution des spécialistes en soins infirmiers cliniques d'invalidité intellectuelle (ID-CNS) en Irlande.

Aperçu: G.M.
Les CNS (infirmières cliniciennes spécialisées) jouent un rôle important et contribuent à soutenir les familles et les clients, et l'Irlande occupe une position unique pour développer des connaissances sur les soins spécialisés pour les personnes ayant une déficience intellectuelle qui peuvent être partagées à l'échelle nationale et internationale.

2017 May 11. doi: 10.1111/jocn.13873.

Families perceptions of the contribution of intellectual disability clinical nurse specialists (ID-CNSs) in Ireland

Doody O¹, Slevin E², Taggart L³.

Author information

1: Department of Nursing and Midwifery, North Bank Campus, University of Limerick, Limerick.
2: Autism Initatives, Belfast, Co. Antrim.
3: University of Ulster, Jordanstown Campus, Shore Road, Newtownabbey.

Abstract

AIM AND OBJECTIVES:

To explore families perceptions of the contribution of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) in intellectual disability nursing in Ireland.

BACKGROUND:

CNS roles have developed over the years and are seen as complex and multifaceted, causing confusion, frustration and controversy. 2001 saw the formal introduction of CNS roles in Ireland across nursing including intellectual disability.

DESIGN:

A exploratory qualitative approach utilising semi-structured one-to-one interviews with 10 family members regarding their perceptions of the CNS in intellectual disability.

METHODS:

Data were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using Burnard's framework. Ethical approval was gained and access granted by service providers.

FINDINGS:

The study highlights that intellectual disability CNSs contribute and support care deliver across a range of areas including; personal caring, supporting and empowering families, liaison, education and leadership.

CONCLUSIONS:

CNSs have an important role and contribution in supporting families' and clients, and Ireland is in a unique position to develop knowledge regarding specialist care for people with intellectual disability that can be shared nationally and internationally.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE:

Ireland is in a unique position to develop knowledge regarding specialist care for people with intellectual disability that can be shared and adapted by other healthcare professionals in other countries that do not have a specialised intellectual disability nurses. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

KEYWORDS:

Clinical nurse specialist; Families; Ireland; intellectual disability; service delivery

PMID:: 28493636
DOI:: 10.1111/jocn.13873

Niveaux de plasma de la secretagogine (SCGN) et leur association avec le comportement cognitif et social chez les enfants avec un diagnostic de trouble du spectre de l'autisme (TSA)

2017 Apr;27(4):222-226. doi: 2594.

Secretagogin (SCGN) Plasma Levels and their Association with Cognitive and Social Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD)

Alhowikan AM¹, -Ayadhi LA¹, Halepoto DM¹.

Author information

1: Department of Physiology, Autism Research and Treatment Center, Al-Amodi Autism Research Chair, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the secretagogin (SCGN) plasma levels in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to age and gender-matched healthy control, and its association with cognitive and social behaviors by using childhood autism rating scale (CARS) and social responsiveness scale (SRS).

STUDY DESIGN:

Case-control study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY:

Autism Research and Treatment Center, Al-Amodi Autism Research Chair, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from October 2015 to May 2016.

METHODOLOGY:

SCGN levels were determined in the plasma of thirty-seven (37) autistic children using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), categorized as mild-moderate and severe as indicated by their CARS scores and compared with thirty (30) age and gender-matched control samples. Correlation between SCGN levels and different cognitive and social behavior scales (CARS and SRS) was determined by Spearman's correlation coefficient (r).

RESULTS:

The results indicated that autistic children (n=37) had significantly (p= 0.005) lower plasma level of SCGN {45.7 (26.2) ng/ml [median (IQR)]} than those of healthy controls {n=30, 70.8 (48.6) ng/ml [median (IQR)]}. Children with severe (n=28, 76%) as well as mild to moderate autism (n=09, 24%) also exhibited significantly lower SCGN levels {47.5 (27) ng/ml [median (IQR)], p =0.014} and {45.7 (16.6) ng/ml [median (IQR)], p = 0.02)}, respectively than healthy controls {n=30, 70.8 (48.6) ng/ml [median (IQR)]}. However, there was no significant difference between the SCGN levels of children with mild to moderate and severe autism (p = 0.66). Spearman's correlation coefficient (r) was used to determine the relationships between SCGN levels and different variables (CARS, SRS). However, the results showed no significant correlation between SCGN and these scales. (CARS, r=-0.03, p=0.86; SRS, r=0.21, p=0.20).

CONCLUSION:

The low SCGN plasma levels in children with ASD probably indicate that SCGN might be implicated in the pathogenesis of autism. However, these data should be treated with caution until further investigations are performed using larger sample sizes to determine whether the decrease in plasma SCGN levels is a mere consequence of autism or it plays a pathogenic role in the disease.

PMID:28492151
DOI: 2594

Transcription du connecteur: Rôles pour les facteurs de transcription et les régulateurs de chromatine dans le développement de synapses dépendant de l'activité

Aperçu: G.M.

Des études récentes ont élucidé un certain nombre de mécanismes moléculaires qui permettent aux facteurs de transcription nucléaire et aux protéines régulatrices de la chromatine de coder des aspects de spécificité dans le développement de la synapse dépendant de l'expérience.

2017 May 10:jn.00067.2017. doi: 10.1152/jn.00067.2017.

Transcribing the connectome: Roles for transcription factors and chromatin regulators in activity-dependent synapse development

Chen LF¹, Zhou AS¹, West AE².

Author information

1: Duke University.
2: Duke University west@neuro.duke.edu.

Abstract

The wiring of synaptic connections in the developing mammalian brain is shaped by both intrinsic and extrinsic signals. One point where these regulatory pathways converge is via the sensory experience-dependent regulation of new gene transcription. Recent studies have elucidated a number of molecular mechanisms that allow nuclear transcription factors and chromatin regulatory proteins to encode aspects of specificity in experience-dependent synapse development. Here we review the evidence for the transcriptional mechanisms that sculpt activity-dependent aspects of synaptic connectivity during postnatal development and we discuss how disruption of these processes is associated with aberrant brain development in autism and intellectual disability.

PMID: 28490640
DOI: 10.1152/jn.00067.2017

Profils neuropsychologiques, caractéristiques de la personnalité et modèles relationnels familiaux chez les parents d'enfants avec un diagnostic de trouble du spectre de l'autisme

Aperçu: G.M.

L'étude des profils neuropsychologiques et des caractéristiques de personnalité des parents de personnes avec un diagnostic de trouble du spectre de l'autisme (TSA) a mis en évidence des traits spécifiques qui se sont révélés utiles à des fins diagnostiques.

Des mesures psychodiagnostiques ont été utilisées pour étudier les profils cognitifs, les caractéristiques de la personnalité et les patrons relationnels familiaux dans un groupe de parents d'enfants avec un diagnostic de TSA associés à une déficience intellectuelle (DI). Ce groupe a ensuite été comparé à un autre groupe de parents d'enfants avec un syndrome de Prader-Willi.

Les résultats ne montrent aucune différence entre les deux groupes en ce qui concerne le Quotient intellectuel, alors que des différences importantes ont été trouvées au test d'intelligence Wechsler, qui a partiellement confirmé les données de la littérature relatives aux performances des parents de personnes atteintes de TSA. Aucune différence n'a été trouvée dans le fonctionnement exécutif et les capacités de mémoire. En ce qui concerne les patrons relationnels familiaux, les familles d'enfants avec un diagnostic de TSA ont montré une cohésion réduite et un désengagement plus élevé.

2017 Mar-Apr;52(2):75-82. doi: 10.1708/2679.27443.

[Neuropsychological profiles, personality features and familial relational patterns in parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders]

[Article in Italian]

Zingale M¹, Città S¹, Occhipinti P¹, Elia F¹, Buono S¹.

Author information

1: UOC di Psicologia, IRCCS Oasi Maria SS. Troina (Enna).

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

The study of neuropsychological profiles and personality features of parents of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has highlighted specific traits that turned out to be useful for diagnostic purposes.

AIM AND METHODS:

In our study, psychodiagnostic measures have been used to investigate cognitive profiles, personality features and familial relational patters in a group of parents of children with ASD associated to Intellectual Disability (ID). This group was then compared with a another group of parents of children with Prader-Willi syndrome.

RESULTS:

Results show no differences between the two groups with regard to Intellectual Quotient, while significant differences were found at the intelligence test Wechsler, which partially confirmed data from the literature relating to the performances of parents of persons with ASD. No differences were found in the executive functioning and memory abilities. As for familial relational patters, families of children with ASD showed decreased cohesion and higher disengagement.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

Results obtained in the domains of familial relational patterns and emotional personality components seem to confirm how children's disability can significantly impact on the entire household, in particular in the case of children with ASD. This data suggest the need for intervention programs aimed at supporting the entire household, with the objective of improving coping strategies and resilience resources of the family.

PMID: 28492577
DOI: 10.1708/2679.27443

Une enquête auprès des parents avec enfants sur le spectre de l'autisme: expérience avec les services et les traitements

Aperçu: G.M.

Les troubles du spectre de l'autisme (TSA) sont des troubles du développement neurologique tout au long de la vie, et on sait peu de choses sur la façon dont les parents abordent la santé et les conséquences psychosociales des TSA.

Cet article présente des méthodes pour créer des ressources de recherche sur l'autisme et décrit les services et les traitements utilisés par les enfants avec un diagnostic de TSA et pour leurs familles.

Les enfants des 1155 répondants étaient racialement et ethniquement divers (55% blancs, 6% noirs, 5% asiatiques, 9% multiraciaux, 24% hispaniques) et représentative de la population totale invitée à participer à l'égard du sexe chez les enfants (83% hommes ), l'âge de l'enfant (57% <10 ans) et le diagnostic de TSA (64% du trouble autiste).

Les services et les traitements les plus fréquemment utilisés étaient les programmes d'éducation individualisés (85%), les visites de médecins de famille (78%) et l'orthophonie et les thérapies occupationnelles (55% et 60% respectivement).

Les programmes à domicile comprenaient souvent la mise en œuvre de la formation en compétences sociales (44%) et la gestion du comportement (42%).

L'utilisation de médicaments par prescription était élevée (48%).

Les aidants ont signalé une perturbation des routines personnelles et familiales en raison de comportements problématiques.

2017;21. doi: 10.7812/TPP/16-009.

A Survey of Parents with Children on the Autism Spectrum: Experience with Services and Treatments

Becerra TA¹, Massolo ML², Yau VM³, Owen-Smith AA⁴, Lynch FL⁵, Crawford PM⁶, Pearson KA⁷, Pomichowski ME⁸, Quinn VP⁹, Yoshida CK¹⁰, Croen LA¹¹.

Author information

1: Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Department of Research & Evaluation for Kaiser Permanente Southern California in Pasadena. tracy.a.becerra@kp.org
2: Senior Research Project Manager for the Division of Research in Oakland, CA. maria.l.massolo@kp.org.
3: Former Staff Scientist for the Autism Research Program at the Division of Research in Oakland, CA. vincentmyau@gmail.com.
4: Behavioral Scientist and Assistant Professor in Health Management and Policy at Georgia State University in Atlanta. aowensmith@gsu.edu.
5: Health Economist and Senior Investigator at the Center for Health Research in Portland, OR. frances.lynch@kpchr.org.
6: Research Associate at the Center for Health Research in Portland, OR. phillip.m.crawford@kpchr.org.
7: Former Research Project Manager at the Center for Health Research in Portland, OR. kathryn.a.pearson@gmail.com.
8: Former Research Associate at the Department of Research & Evaluation for Kaiser Permanente Southern California in Pasadena. magdalena.e.pomichowski@kp.org.
9: Former Research Scientist II in the Department of Research & Evaluation for Kaiser Permanente Southern California in Pasadena. virginia.p.quinn@kp.org.
10: Data Consultant at the Division of Research in Oakland, CA. cathleen.k.yoshida@kp.org.
11: Senior Research Scientist at the Division of Research in Oakland, CA. lisa.a.croen@kp.org.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are lifelong neurodevelopmental disorders, and little is known about how parents address the health and psychosocial consequences of ASD. Few studies have examined use of various treatments and services in a large, diverse sample of children with ASD and their families.

OBJECTIVE:

This paper presents methods to create an autism research resource across multiple large health delivery systems and describes services and treatments used by children with ASD and their families.

METHODS:

Four study sites conducted a Web survey of parents of children and adolescents with ASD who were members of Kaiser Permanente. We tabulated data distributions of survey responses and calculated χ² statistics for differences between responders and nonresponders.

RESULTS:

The children of the 1155 respondents were racially and ethnically diverse (55% white, 6% black, 5% Asian, 9% multiracial, 24% Hispanic) and representative of the total population invited to participate with respect to child sex (83% male), child age (57% < 10 years), and ASD diagnosis (64% autistic disorder). The most frequently used services and treatments were Individualized Education Programs (85%), family physician visits (78%), and occupational and speech therapy (55% and 60%, respectively). Home-based programs frequently included implementation of social skills training (44%) and behavior management (42%). Prescription medication use was high (48%). Caregivers reported disruption of personal and family routines because of problem behaviors.

CONCLUSION:

These survey data help to elucidate parents' experiences with health services for their children with ASD and serve as a potential resource for future research.

PMID: 28488981
DOI: 10.7812/TPP/16-009

11 mai 2017

Apprentissage statistique des mots chez les enfants avec un diagnostic de trouble du spectre de l'autisme et une déficience linguistique spécifique

Aperçu: G.M.

L'apprentissage des mots est une composante importante du développement du langage qui influe sur les résultats des enfants dans de multiples domaines. Malgré l'importance de la connaissance des mots, les mécanismes d'apprentissage des mots sont mal compris dans les enfants ayant une déficience linguistique spécifique (SLI) et les enfants avec un diagnostic de trouble du spectre de l'autisme (TSA).

Cette étude a examiné les mécanismes sous-jacents de l'apprentissage des mots, en particulier, l'apprentissage statistique et la cartographie rapide, chez les enfants d'âge scolaire ayant un développement typique et atypique.

Les enfants avec SLI avaient des performances plus faibles sur la segmentation des mots et les tâches de cartographie rapide par rapport aux groupes au développement typique et avec TSA, qui ne différaient pas les uns des autres. Cependant, lorsque les enfants avec SLI ont été exposés à une langue artificielle avec des phonèmes utilisés dans la tâche de cartographie ultérieure, ils ont réussi à apprendre plus de mots que dans la tâche isolée de cartographie rapide.

Il y a eu des preuves que les capacités de segmentation des mots sont associées à l'apprentissage des mots chez les enfants d'âge scolaire ayant un développement typique et un TSA, mais pas avec SLI. Les analyses de suivi ont également porté sur les performances chez les enfants avec TSA qui ont eu et n'ont pas eu de déficience linguistique. Les enfants avec TSA ayant une déficience linguistique ont mis en évidence des capacités d'apprentissage statistique intactes, mais des faiblesses subtiles dans les capacités de cartographie rapide.Comme prédit dans l'hypothèse de Déficit de Procédure (PDH) , les enfants avec SLI ont des déficiences dans l'apprentissage statistique. Cependant, les enfants avec SLI ont également des déficiences dans le cartographie rapide. Néanmoins, ils sont en mesure de profiter d'une exposition phonologique supplémentaire pour stimuler les performances ultérieures d'apprentissage des mots. Contrairement à la PDH, les enfants avec TSA semblent avoir un apprentissage statistique intact, quel que soit l'état de la langue; Cependant, les capacités de cartographie rapide diffèrent selon les compétences linguistiques plus larges.

2017 May 2. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12734.

Statistical word learning in children with autism spectrum disorder and specific language impairment

Haebig E¹, Saffran JR², Ellis Weismer S¹.

Author information

1: Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
2: Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Word learning is an important component of language development that influences child outcomes across multiple domains. Despite the importance of word knowledge, word-learning mechanisms are poorly understood in children with specific language impairment (SLI) and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study examined underlying mechanisms of word learning, specifically, statistical learning and fast-mapping, in school-aged children with typical and atypical development.

METHODS:

Statistical learning was assessed through a word segmentation task and fast-mapping was examined in an object-label association task. We also examined children's ability to map meaning onto newly segmented words in a third task that combined exposure to an artificial language and a fast-mapping task.

RESULTS:

Children with SLI had poorer performance on the word segmentation and fast-mapping tasks relative to the typically developing and ASD groups, who did not differ from one another. However, when children with SLI were exposed to an artificial language with phonemes used in the subsequent fast-mapping task, they successfully learned more words than in the isolated fast-mapping task. There was some evidence that word segmentation abilities are associated with word learning in school-aged children with typical development and ASD, but not SLI. Follow-up analyses also examined performance in children with ASD who did and did not have a language impairment. Children with ASD with language impairment evidenced intact statistical learning abilities, but subtle weaknesses in fast-mapping abilities.

CONCLUSIONS:

As the Procedural Deficit Hypothesis (PDH) predicts, children with SLI have impairments in statistical learning. However, children with SLI also have impairments in fast-mapping. Nonetheless, they are able to take advantage of additional phonological exposure to boost subsequent word-learning performance. In contrast to the PDH, children with ASD appear to have intact statistical learning, regardless of language status; however, fast-mapping abilities differ according to broader language skills.

PMID:28464253
DOI:10.1111/jcpp.12734

Un avantage sonore: augmentation de la capacité auditive dans l'autisme

Aperçu: G.M.

Le trouble du spectre de l'autisme (TSA) présente un profil de traitement auditif intrigant. Les individus montrent une discrimination améliorée du pitch, mais trouvent souvent des sons apparemment inoffensifs pénibles. Cette étude a utilisé deux expériences comportementales pour examiner si une capacité accrue de traitement des sons dans les TSA pourrait sous-tendre à la fois les difficultés et les capacités améliorées trouvées dans le domaine auditif.

Les personnes autistes étaient mieux en mesure de détecter d'autres sons inattendus et attendus (distraction accrue et performance supérieure respectivement). Cela suggère qu'ils ont une capacité de perception auditive accrue par rapport aux personnes non-autistes.

Cette capacité accrue peut expliquer les supériorités auditives observées dans l'autisme (par exemple, détection de hauteur élevée). Contrairement à l'intuition, cette même «compétence» pourrait entraîner une surcharge sensorielle souvent signalée - qui peut ensuite interférer avec la communication sociale.

Revoir le traitement perceptif autistique en termes de capacité accrue, plutôt que de déficit de filtrage ou d'incapacité de maintenir l'accent, augmente notre compréhension de cette condition complexe et a des implications pratiques importantes qui pourraient être utilisées pour développer des programmes d'intervention afin de minimiser la détresse souvent vue En réponse aux stimuli sensoriels.

2017 Apr 27. pii: S0010-0277(17)30096-3. doi: 10.1016/j.cognition.2017.04.002.

A sound advantage: Increased auditory capacity in autism

Remington A¹, Fairnie J².

Author information

1: Centre for Research in Autism and Education, UCL Institute of Education, United Kingdom. Electronic address: a.remington@ucl.ac.uk.
2: Centre for Research in Autism and Education, UCL Institute of Education, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has an intriguing auditory processing profile. Individuals show enhanced pitch discrimination, yet often find seemingly innocuous sounds distressing. This study used two behavioural experiments to examine whether an increased capacity for processing sounds in ASD could underlie both the difficulties and enhanced abilities found in the auditory domain. Autistic and non-autistic young adults performed a set of auditory detection and identification tasks designed to tax processing capacity and establish the extent of perceptual capacity in each population. Tasks were constructed to highlight both the benefits and disadvantages of increased capacity. Autistic people were better at detecting additional unexpected and expected sounds (increased distraction and superior performance respectively). This suggests that they have increased auditory perceptual capacity relative to non-autistic people. This increased capacity may offer an explanation for the auditory superiorities seen in autism (e.g. heightened pitch detection). Somewhat counter-intuitively, this same 'skill' could result in the sensory overload that is often reported - which subsequently can interfere with social communication. Reframing autistic perceptual processing in terms of increased capacity, rather than a filtering deficit or inability to maintain focus, increases our understanding of this complex condition, and has important practical implications that could be used to develop intervention programs to minimise the distress that is often seen in response to sensory stimuli.

PMID:28476357
DOI:10.1016/j.cognition.2017.04.002

Les oscillationsTheta pendant le sommeil actif synchronise le réseau sensorimotor Rubro-Hippocampal en développement

Aperçu: G.M.

Les oscillations neuronales constituent un mécanisme fondamental par lequel les structures nerveuses éloignées établissent et expriment une connectivité fonctionnelle. La connectivité fonctionnelle à longue distance entre l'hippocampe et d'autres structures du cerveau antérieur est activée par les oscillations theta.

L'étude montre pour la première fois que le noyau rouge de rat de nourrisson (RN) - une structure du tronc sensoriel montrent des oscillations theta (4-7 Hz) limitées principalement aux périodes de sommeil actif (REM).

2017 May 3. pii: S0960-9822(17)30407-4. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.03.077.

Theta Oscillations during Active Sleep Synchronize the Developing Rubro-Hippocampal Sensorimotor Network

Del Rio-Bermudez C¹, Kim J², Sokoloff G¹, Blumberg MS³.

Author information

1: Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; DeLTA Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
2: Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
3: Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; DeLTA Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. Electronic address: mark-blumberg@uiowa.edu

Abstract

Neuronal oscillations comprise a fundamental mechanism by which distant neural structures establish and express functional connectivity. Long-range functional connectivity between the hippocampus and other forebrain structures is enabled by theta oscillations. Here, we show for the first time that the infant rat red nucleus (RN)-a brainstem sensorimotor structure-exhibits theta (4-7 Hz) oscillations restricted primarily to periods of active (REM) sleep. At postnatal day 8 (P8), theta is expressed as brief bursts immediately following myoclonic twitches; by P12, theta oscillations are expressed continuously across bouts of active sleep. Simultaneous recordings from the hippocampus and RN at P12 show that theta oscillations in both structures are coherent, co-modulated, and mutually interactive during active sleep. Critically, at P12, inactivation of the medial septum eliminates theta in both structures. The developmental emergence of theta-dependent functional coupling between the hippocampus and RN parallels that between the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Accordingly, disruptions in the early expression of theta could underlie the cognitive and sensorimotor deficits associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

PMID:28479324
DOI:10.1016/j.cub.2017.03.077

Hyperlexie: examen systématique, modélisation neurocognitive et résultats

Aperçu: G.M.

Dans cette étude systématique des cas (N = 82) et des études de groupe (dont 912 participants dont 315 sont hyperlexiques), l'étude vise à savoir si le profil hyperlexique est associé à l'autisme et pourquoi, si les modèles de lecture non-autistique peuvent enseigner l'hyperlexie, et quelles informations supplémentaires il est possible d'obtenir à partir de modèles spécifiques au fonctionnement cognitif autistique.

L'étude montre que l'hyperlexie, ou un profil hyperlexique, caractérise une partie substantielle du spectre de l'autisme, dans laquelle les sous-composantes de l'architecture de lecture typique sont modifiées et dissociées.

Les enfants autistes suivent une voie chronologiquement inversée lorsqu'ils apprennent à lire et utilisent de façon approfondie le système d'expertise perceptive, en particulier les systèmes de reconnaissance visuelle des formes de mots.

Nous concluons en discutant l'utilisation possible des compétences hyperlexiques en intervention.

2017 May 3. pii: S0149-7634(16)30639-X. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.04.029.

Hyperlexia: Systematic review, neurocognitive modelling, and outcome

Ostrolenk A¹, Forgeot d'Arc B², Jelenic P³, Samson F⁴, Mottron L⁵.

Author information

1: Centre d'excellence en Troubles Envahissants du Développement de l'Université de Montréal (CETEDUM), Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, 7070 Boulevard Perras, H1E 1A4, Montréal, QC, Canada. Electronic address: alexiaostrolenk@hotmail.fr
2: Centre d'excellence en Troubles Envahissants du Développement de l'Université de Montréal (CETEDUM), Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, 7070 Boulevard Perras, H1E 1A4, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; Département de Psychiatrie, Université de Montréal, H3T 1J4, Québec, Canada. Electronic address: b.forgeot@gmail.com.
3: Centre d'excellence en Troubles Envahissants du Développement de l'Université de Montréal (CETEDUM), Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, 7070 Boulevard Perras, H1E 1A4, Montréal, QC, Canada. Electronic address: patricia.jelenic.hrdp@ssss.gouv.qc.ca.
4: Centre d'excellence en Troubles Envahissants du Développement de l'Université de Montréal (CETEDUM), Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, 7070 Boulevard Perras, H1E 1A4, Montréal, QC, Canada. Electronic address: samsonfabienne1@gmail.com.
5: Centre d'excellence en Troubles Envahissants du Développement de l'Université de Montréal (CETEDUM), Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, 7070 Boulevard Perras, H1E 1A4, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; Département de Psychiatrie, Université de Montréal, H3T 1J4, Québec, Canada. Electronic address: laurent.mottron@gmail.com.

Abstract

Hyperlexia is defined as the co-occurrence of advanced reading skills relative to comprehension skills or general intelligence, the early acquisition of reading skills without explicit teaching, and a strong orientation toward written material, generally in the context of a neurodevelopmental disorder. In this systematic review of cases (N=82) and group studies (including 912 participants of which 315 are hyperlexic), we address: whether the hyperlexic profile is associated with autism and why, whether models of non-autistic reading can teach us about hyperlexia, and what additional information we can get from models specific to autistic cognitive functioning. We find that hyperlexia, or a hyperlexic-like profile, characterises a substantial portion of the autistic spectrum, in which the subcomponents of the typical reading architecture are altered and dissociated. Autistic children follow a chronologically inverted path when learning to read, and make extended use of the perceptual expertise system, specifically the visual word form recognition systems. We conclude by discussing the possible use of hyperlexic skills in intervention.

PMID:28478182
DOI:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.04.029