Autisme Information Science

14 mai 2017

Mercure, arsenic, cadmium et plomb dans le sang chez les enfants avec un diagnostic de trouble du spectre de l'autisme

Aperçu: G.M.

Les facteurs environnementaux ont été impliqués dans l'étiologie du trouble du spectre de l'autisme (TSA); Cependant, le rôle des métaux lourds n'a pas été entièrement défini. Cette étude a permis de déterminer si les concentrations sanguines de mercure, d'arsenic, de cadmium et de plomb chez les enfants avec un diagnostic de TSA diffèrent sensiblement de celles des témoins appariés selon l'âge et le sexe.

Cent quatre-vingts enfants non apparentés avec un diagnostic de TSA et 184 contrôles sans TSA ont été recrutés. Les données ont montré que les enfants avec un diagnostic de TSA avaient des niveaux significativement plus élevés de mercure et d'arsenic et un taux de cadmium inférieur.

Les niveaux de plomb n'ont pas varié de manière significative entre les groupes.

Les résultats de cette étude sont cohérents avec de nombreuses études antérieures, qui montrent un rôle important pour l'exposition aux métaux lourds, en particulier le mercure, dans l'étiologie des TSA.

2017 May 8. doi: 10.1007/s12011-017-1002-6.

Blood Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Li H¹, Li H², Li Y¹, Liu Y¹, Zhao Z^3,⁴.

Author information

1: Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.
2: Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, StVincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research and University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
3: Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China. zhaozy@zju.edu.cn.
4: Department of Pediatric Health Care, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 57 Zhuganxiang Road, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China, 310003. zhaozy@zju.edu.cn.

Abstract

Environmental factors have been implicated in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, the role of heavy metals has not been fully defined. This study investigated whether blood levels of mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead of children with ASD significantly differ from those of age- and sex-matched controls. One hundred eighty unrelated children with ASD and 184 healthy controls were recruited. Data showed that the children with ASD had significantly (p < 0.001) higher levels of mercury and arsenic and a lower level of cadmium. The levels of lead did not differ significantly between the groups. The results of this study are consistent with numerous previous studies, supporting an important role for heavy metal exposure, particularly mercury, in the etiology of ASD. It is desirable to continue future research into the relationship between ASD and heavy metal exposure.

PMID: 28480499
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-017-1002-6

L'autisme en Europe du Sud-Est: un sondage auprès des personnels soignants dans les troubles du spectre de l'autisme

Aperçu: G.M.

L'objectif de cette étude était de comprendre le diagnostic, les services et les expériences vécues des familles touchées par la TSA en Europe du Sud-Est.

758 soignants d'Albanie, de Bulgarie, de Croatie et de Turquie ont été interrogés de 2013 à 2015 sur les caractéristiques de l'enfant avec un diagnostic de TSA; Rencontres de service; Et les perceptions des soignants. L'âge moyen à la première préoccupation était de 24,4 mois (SD 11,8) et au diagnostic, 40,0 mois (SD 19,0)

Les psychiatres étaient les diagnosticiens le plus fréquents; La plupart des enfants ont reçu un service lié aux TSA, le plus souvent de l'orthophonie.

Malgré les différences entre les pays, les résultats relatifs à l'âge auquel le TSA devient premier sujet de préoccupation, les disparités dans l'accès et l'utilisation des services, et la stigmatisation, répondent aux besoins régionaux communs.

2017 May 8. doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3145-x.

Autism in Southeast Europe: A Survey of Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Daniels AM¹, Como A², Hergüner S³, Kostadinova K⁴, Stosic J⁵, Shih A⁶.

Author information

1: Simons Foundation, 160, 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10010, USA. adaniels@simonsfoundation.org.
2: Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Center 'Mother Teresa', RR Dibres, 370, Tirana, Albania.
3: Meram Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey.
4: National Center of Public Health and Analyses, Boulevard "Akademik Ivan Evstratiev Geshov", 15, 1431, Sofia, Bulgaria.
5: Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Zagreb, Borongajska cesta, 83f, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia.
6: Autism Speaks, 1 E, 33rd street, New York, NY, 10016, USA.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand the diagnostic, service and lived experiences of families affected by ASD in Southeast Europe. A total of 758 caregivers from Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Turkey were surveyed from 2013 to 2015 about characteristics of the child with ASD; service encounters; and caregiver perceptions. The average age at first concern was 24.4 months (SD 11.8) and at diagnosis, 40.0 months (SD 19.0). Psychiatrists were the most common diagnostician; most children received some ASD-related service, most frequently speech and language therapy. Caregivers endorsed challenges in access to care and perceived stigma. Despite country differences, findings relative to age at first concern, disparities in access and service utilization, and stigma speak to common regional needs.

PMID: 28480480
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3145-x

Prévalence et corrélations socioéconomiques de l'autisme chez les enfants fréquentant les écoles primaires et secondaires du sud-est du Nigéria

Aperçu: G.M.

Au total, 721 sujets ont rempli le questionnaire. L'âge des répondants variait entre 3 et 18 ans, avec un âge moyen de 12,71 et un écart-type de 3,03 ans. Vingt un enfants ont rempli les critères de l'autisme, ce qui donne une prévalence de 2,9%. Il existe une association significative entre l'âge dans les catégories . Et les caractéristiques socio-économiques de l'autisme de l'enfance dans le sud-est du Nigeria sont similaires à celles d'autres parties du monde.

2016 Dec;16(4):936-942. doi: 10.4314/ahs.v16i4.8.

Prevalence and socioeconomic correlates of autism among children attending primary and secondary schools in south east Nigeria

Chinawa JM¹, Manyike PC², Aniwada EC¹, Chinawa AT³, Obu HA⁴, Odetunde OI⁵, Nwokocha AR¹, Ibekwe RR⁶.

Author information

1: College of Medicine, Department of pediatrics, University of Nigeria/ University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku- Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
2: Federal Teaching Hospital.
3: (Epid& Med Stat), FWACP, FMCPH Lecturer, College of Community medicine, University of Nigeria/University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku- Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
4: Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria/ University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku- Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
5: College of Medicine,Department of pediatrics, University of Nigeria/ University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku- Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
6: Department of pediatrics, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence and socio-economic determinants of autism among children attending primary and secondary schools in South East, Nigeria.

METHODS:

This was a cross-sectional study that assessed the prevalence and socio-economic pattern of childhood autism among children attending primary and secondary schools in Enugu and Ebonyi states, South East Nigeria. The questionnaire was adapted from American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR, 2000). The study was carried out between June and October, 2014. The schools were selected by listing all the mixed schools in the urban and semi- urban areas by simple random sampling.

RESULTS:

A total of 721 subjects completed the questionnaire. The age of respondents ranged between 3 and 18 years, with mean age of 12.71 and standard deviation of 3.03 years. Twenty one children fulfilled the criteria for autism giving a prevalence of 2.9%. There is a significant association between age in categories (fishers exact test, p = 0.013) and social class (p=0.033).

CONCLUSION:

The prevalence of autism was 2.9%; and the socio-economic characteristics of childhood autism in South East Nigeria are similar to those in other parts of the world.

PMID: 28479884
PMCID: PMC5398438
DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v16i4.8

Développement du cerveau structurel chez les enfants et les adolescents en santé

Aperçu: G.M.

La maturation du cerveau progresse tout au long de l'enfance jusqu'à l'adolescence. L'étude du mécanisme du développement du cerveau au cours de ces périodes chez les personnes en bonne santé est nécessaire à certaines fins cliniques.

La morphométrie basée sur Voxel (VBM) est un moyen efficace d'analyser les images de résonance magnétique cérébrale (IRM) chez les enfants et les adolescents, car les structures cérébrales chez les enfants et les adolescents varient considérablement en fonction de leur âge, de leur sexe et de plusieurs autres facteurs.

Dans cet article, on discute de l'information provenant d'études utilisant VBM concernant la relation entre le développement du cerveau structurel chez les enfants et les adolescents en bonne santé et l'âge, le style de vie, les parents et les variations génétiques.

2017 May;69(5):539-545. doi: 10.11477/mf.1416200780.

[Structural Brain Development in Healthy Children and Adolescents]

[Article in Japanese]

Matsudaira I¹, Kawashima R, Taki Y.

Author information

1: Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University.

Abstract

Brain maturation progresses throughout childhood into adolescence. Investigating the mechanism of brain development during these periods in healthy people is necessary for some clinical purposes. For example, these mechanisms are needed to investigate the mechanism of impaired brain maturation in neurodevelopmental disorders-such as autism spectrum disorders or attention-deficit hyper disorder-and improve early prevention of psychiatric or neurodegenerative diseases like depression or Alzheimer's disease. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) is an effective way to analyze brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) of children and adolescents, as the brain structures of children and adolescents vary widely depending on their age, sex, and several other factors. In this article, information from studies using VBM about the relationship between structural brain development in healthy children and adolescents and age, life style, parenting, and genetic variations is discussed.

PMID: 28479531
DOI: 10.11477/mf.1416200780

Morphométrie à base de Voxel dans le trouble du spectre de l'autisme

Aperçu: G.M.

Le trouble du spectre de l'autisme montre des déficits dans la communication sociale et l'interaction, comprenant les comportements communicatifs non verbaux (par exemple, le contact visuel, les gestes, la prosodie vocale et les expressions faciales) et des comportements restreints et répétitifs comme symptômes de base. Ces symptômes de base apparaissent comme un développement comportemental atypique chez les bambins atteints du trouble.

Le développement neuronal atypique est considéré comme une base neurale à un tel développement comportementalement atypique. Un certain nombre d'études utilisant la morphométrie à base de voxel ont déjà été menées pour comparer les volumes de cerveaux régionaux entre les personnes avec un diagnostic de trouble du spectre de l'autisme et celles ayant un développement typique.

Le document de revue actuel ajoute quelques brèves discussions sur les facteurs potentiels qui contribuent à l'incohérence observée dans les résultats précédents, comme la difficulté à contrôler les effets confus de différentes phases de développement parmi les participants à l'étude.

2017 May;69(5):529-538. doi: 10.11477/mf.1416200779.

[Voxel-Based Morphometry in Autism Spectrum Disorder]

[Article in Japanese]

Yamasue H¹.

Author information

1: Department of Psychiatry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder shows deficits in social communication and interaction including nonverbal communicative behaviors (e.g., eye contact, gestures, voice prosody, and facial expressions) and restricted and repetitive behaviors as its core symptoms. These core symptoms are emerged as an atypical behavioral development in toddlers with the disorder. Atypical neural development is considered to be a neural underpinning of such behaviorally atypical development. A number of studies using voxel-based morphometry have already been conducted to compare regional brain volumes between individuals with autism spectrum disorder and those with typical development. Furthermore, more than ten papers employing meta-analyses of the comparisons using voxel based morphometry between individuals with autism spectrum disorder and those with typical development have already been published. The current review paper adds some brief discussions about potential factors contributing to the inconsistency observed in the previous findings such as difficulty in controlling the confounding effects of different developmental phases among study participants.

PMID: 28479530
DOI: 10.11477/mf.1416200779

Concevoir des applications de communication augmentatives et alternatives: les résultats des groupes de discussion avec les orthophonistes et les parents d'enfants avec un diagnostic de trouble du spectre de l'autisme

Aperçu: G.M.

Le but de cette étude était d'obtenir un aperçu des orthophonistes (SLP) et des parents d'enfants avec un diagnostic de trouble du spectre de l'autisme (TSA) concernant les caractéristiques attrayantes des applications de communication augmentative et alternative (AAC).

Cette étude démontre comment les parties prenantes clés dans la AAC, les orthophonistes et les parents peuvent fournir des informations pour aider au développement de futures conceptions d'interface AAC. Les principaux intervenants peuvent être une ressource inexploitée dans le développement des futures interfaces AAC pour les enfants avec un diagnostic de TSA

2017 May 10:1-13. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2017.1324526.

Designing augmentative and alternative communication applications: the results of focus groups with speech-language pathologists and parents of children with autism spectrum disorder

Boster JB¹, McCarthy JW¹.

Author information

1: a Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders , Ohio University , Athens , OH , USA.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to gain insight from speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) regarding appealing features of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) applications.

METHOD:

Two separate 1-hour focus groups were conducted with 8 SLPs and 5 parents of children with ASD to identify appealing design features of AAC Apps, their benefits and potential concerns. Participants were shown novel interface designs for communication mode, play mode and incentive systems. Participants responded to poll questions and provided benefits and drawbacks of the features as part of structured discussion.

RESULTS:

SLPs and parents identified a range of appealing features in communication mode (customization, animation and colour-coding) as well as in play mode (games and videos). SLPs preferred interfaces that supported motor planning and instruction while parents preferred those features such as character assistants that would appeal to their child. Overall SLPs and parents agreed on features for future AAC Apps.

CONCLUSION:

SLPs and parents have valuable input in regards to future AAC app design informed by their experiences with children with ASD. Both groups are key stakeholders in the design process and should be included in future design and research endeavors. Implications for Rehabilitation AAC applications for the iPad are often designed based on previous devices without consideration of new features. Ensuring the design of new interfaces are appealing and beneficial for children with ASD can potentially further support their communication. This study demonstrates how key stakeholders in AAC including speech language pathologists and parents can provide information to support the development of future AAC interface designs. Key stakeholders may be an untapped resource in the development of future AAC interfaces for children with ASD.

PMID: 28488902
DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2017.1324526

L'orientation des pères pour le diagnostic de l'autisme chez leurs enfants: une étude théorique réaliste

Aperçu: G.M.

Seize pères d''enfants avec un diagnostic d'autisme ont été interrogés pour développer une théorie fondée expliquant comment ils ont appris le diagnostic d'autisme de leurs enfants. Les résultats suggèrent que le processus d'orientation implique au moins deux phases: s'orienter et orienter les autres.

La phase d'orientation autonome impliquait que les pères soupçonnait des différences de développement, s'engageaient dans des activités de recherche et d'éducation, en faisant évaluer formellement leurs enfants, s'informaient sur le pronostic de leurs enfants et avaient de la curiosité sur l'étiologie de l'autisme.

La phase d'orientation des autres impliquait d'orienter les membres de la famille et d'orienter les membres de leur communauté élargie.

Des recommandations pour la fourniture de services adaptés, le soutien aux pères et les recherches futures sont proposées.

2017 May 9. doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3149-6.

Fathers' Orientation to their Children's Autism Diagnosis: A Grounded Theory Study

Hannon MD¹, Hannon LV².

Author information

1: Department of Counseling and Educational Leadership, College of Education and Human Services, Montclair State University, 3190 University Hall, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA.
2: Program in Teacher Education/Teacher Development, College of Education and Human Services, Montclair State University, Montclair, USA. hannonmi@mail.montclair.edu.

Abstract

Sixteen fathers of individuals with autism were interviewed to develop a grounded theory explaining how they learned about their children's autism diagnosis. Results suggest the orientation process entails at least two phases: orienting oneself and orienting others. The orienting oneself phase entailed fathers having suspicion of developmental differences, engaging in research and education activities, having their children formally evaluated; inquiring about their children's prognosis, and having curiosities about autism's etiology. The orienting others phase entailed orientating family members and orienting members of their broader communities. Recommendations for responsive service provision, support for fathers, and future research are offered.

PMID: 28488079
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3149-6

Agents de conversation incarnés en psychologie clinique: une revue sur la portée

Aperçu: G.M.

Les agents de conversation intégrés (ECA) sont des personnages générés par ordinateur qui simulent les propriétés clés de la conversation humaine en face à face , comme le comportement verbal et non verbal. Dans les interventions en ligne sur la cybersanté, les ECA peuvent être utilisées pour la fourniture de facteurs automatisés de soutien humain.

L'étude donne un aperçu des possibilités technologiques et cliniques, ainsi que la base de données fondées sur les preuves pour les applications ECA en psychologie clinique, afin d'informer les professionnels de la santé de l'activité dans ce domaine de recherche.

Cette étude comprenait N = 54 publications (N = 49 études). Plus de la moitié des études (n = 26) ont porté sur le traitement de l'autisme, et les ECA ont été utilisées le plus souvent pour la formation en compétences sociales (n = 23). Les applications variaient du simple renforcement des comportements sociaux par des expressions émotionnelles à des systèmes de conversation multimodaux sophistiqués. La plupart des applications (n = 43) étaient encore dans la phase de développement et de pilotage, ce qui n'est pas encore prêt pour l'évaluation ou l'application de routine. Peu d'études ont mené une recherche contrôlée sur les effets cliniques des ECA, comme la réduction de la gravité des symptômes.

Les ECA pour les troubles mentaux sont en train d'émerger. Les techniques de pointe, impliquant, par exemple, la communication par langage naturel ou le comportement non verbal, sont de plus en plus considérées et adoptées pour les interventions psychothérapeutiques dans les recherches de l'ECA avec des résultats prometteurs. Toutefois, la preuve de leur application clinique reste rare.

Pour accroître la base de données probantes en ce qui concerne les interventions sur Internet, nous proposons un accent supplémentaire sur les solutions ECA de faible technologie qui peuvent être rapidement développées, testées et appliquées dans la pratique courante.

2017 May 9;19(5):e151. doi: 10.2196/jmir.6553.

Embodied Conversational Agents in Clinical Psychology: A Scoping Review

Provoost S^1,², Lau HM^2,³, Ruwaard J^1,², Riper H^1,^2,^3,⁴.

Author information

1: Department of Clinical, Neuro & Developmental Psychology, Section Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
2: EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
3: GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
4: Telepsychiatry Unit, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Embodied conversational agents (ECAs) are computer-generated characters that simulate key properties of human face-to-face conversation, such as verbal and nonverbal behavior. In Internet-based eHealth interventions, ECAs may be used for the delivery of automated human support factors.

OBJECTIVE:

We aim to provide an overview of the technological and clinical possibilities, as well as the evidence base for ECA applications in clinical psychology, to inform health professionals about the activity in this field of research.

METHODS:

Given the large variety of applied methodologies, types of applications, and scientific disciplines involved in ECA research, we conducted a systematic scoping review. Scoping reviews aim to map key concepts and types of evidence underlying an area of research, and answer less-specific questions than traditional systematic reviews. Systematic searches for ECA applications in the treatment of mood, anxiety, psychotic, autism spectrum, and substance use disorders were conducted in databases in the fields of psychology and computer science, as well as in interdisciplinary databases. Studies were included if they conveyed primary research findings on an ECA application that targeted one of the disorders. We mapped each study's background information, how the different disorders were addressed, how ECAs and users could interact with one another, methodological aspects, and the study's aims and outcomes.

RESULTS:

This study included N=54 publications (N=49 studies). More than half of the studies (n=26) focused on autism treatment, and ECAs were used most often for social skills training (n=23). Applications ranged from simple reinforcement of social behaviors through emotional expressions to sophisticated multimodal conversational systems. Most applications (n=43) were still in the development and piloting phase, that is, not yet ready for routine practice evaluation or application. Few studies conducted controlled research into clinical effects of ECAs, such as a reduction in symptom severity.

CONCLUSIONS:

ECAs for mental disorders are emerging. State-of-the-art techniques, involving, for example, communication through natural language or nonverbal behavior, are increasingly being considered and adopted for psychotherapeutic interventions in ECA research with promising results. However, evidence on their clinical application remains scarce. At present, their value to clinical practice lies mostly in the experimental determination of critical human support factors. In the context of using ECAs as an adjunct to existing interventions with the aim of supporting users, important questions remain with regard to the personalization of ECAs' interaction with users, and the optimal timing and manner of providing support. To increase the evidence base with regard to Internet interventions, we propose an additional focus on low-tech ECA solutions that can be rapidly developed, tested, and applied in routine practice.

PMID: 28487267
DOI: 10.2196/jmir.6553

Les enfants avec un diagnostic de trouble du spectre de l'autisme peuvent-ils apprendre un nouveau vocabulaire à partir du contexte linguistique?

Aperçu: G.M.

Cette étude a étudié si les enfants avec un diagnostic de troubles du spectre de l'autisme (TSA) peuvent apprendre le vocabulaire dans un contexte linguistique.

Trente-cinq enfants avec un diagnostic de TSA (18 avec un langage structurel approprié à l'âge; 17 avec déficience linguistique [ALI]) et 29 pairs au développement typique ont appris 20 mots scientifiques. La moitié a été présentée dans un contexte linguistique dont on peut déduire le sens, tandis que l'autre moitié était accompagnée d'une définition explicite. Les enfants avec un diagnostic de TSA ont pu apprendre du contexte. La condition n'a pas influencé l'apprentissage phonologique, mais la connaissance sémantique réceptive était la plus grande dans la condition de contexte et le savoir sémantique expressif le plus élevé dans la condition de définition. Le groupe ALI a appris moins que ses pairs. Cela suggère qu'au moins un certain vocabulaire devrait être enseigné explicitement, et les enfants ayant une ALI peuvent avoir besoin de cours supplémentaires.

2017 May 9. doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3151-z.

Can Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Learn New Vocabulary From Linguistic Context?

Lucas R^1,², Thomas L³, Norbury CF^3,⁴.

Author information

1: University of Roehampton, Whitelands College, Holybourne Avenue, London, UK. rebecca.lucas@roehampton.ac.uk
2: Royal Holloway University of London, Surrey, UK. rebecca.lucas@roehampton.ac.uk.
3: Royal Holloway University of London, Surrey, UK.
4: University College London, London, UK.

Abstract

This study investigated whether children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can learn vocabulary from linguistic context. Thirty-five children with ASD (18 with age-appropriate structural language; 17 with language impairment [ALI]) and 29 typically developing peers were taught 20 Science words. Half were presented in linguistic context from which meaning could be inferred, whilst half were accompanied by an explicit definition. Children with ASD were able to learn from context. Condition did not influence phonological learning, but receptive semantic knowledge was greatest in the context condition, and expressive semantic knowledge greatest in the definitional condition. The ALI group learnt less than their peers. This suggests that at least some vocabulary should be taught explicitly, and children with ALI may need additional tuition.

PMID:28488078
DOI:10.1007/s10803-017-3151-z

12 mai 2017

Les effets physiologiques et psychologiques de l'ostracisme chez les adultes avec un diagnostic de TSA

Aperçu: G.M.

Alors que la plupart des gens connaissent une certaine forme d'ostracisme à un moment donné de leur vie, il se manifeste beaucoup plus souvent chez les personnes avec un diagnostic de trouble du spectre de l'autisme ( TSA). On sait peu de choses sur la façon dont cette exclusion sociale est interprétée, expérimentée ou gérée.

Cette étude visait à explorer les effets psychologiques (les besoins de l'humeur et les besoins sociaux) ainsi que les effets physiologiques (stimulation) de l'ostracisme en utilisant un paradigme bien établi, Cyberball. Les résultats n'ont démontré aucune différence entre les groupes sur les besoins sociaux, mais l'état d'esprit a été jugé plus négatif par les TSA dans leur ensemble.

Les personnes avec TSA ont connu une excitation physiologique accrue, mais alors que ces individus ont déclaré une humeur générale générale, cette réponse à l'ostracisme n'a pas été exprimée comme émotionnellement significative pour ces personnes, ce qui suggère des difficultés interoceptives possibles dans cette population.

L'étude met en évidence la nécessité de comprendre à la fois les personnes sans TSA et l'intervention de cette détresse émotionnelle chez les personnes avec TSA.

2017 May 9. doi: 10.1007/s10803-017-3146-9.

The Physiological and Psychological Effects of Ostracism in Adults with ASD

Trimmer E¹, McDonald S², Kelly M³, Rushby JA².

Author information

1: School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia. e.trimmer@psy.unsw.edu.au.
2: School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
3: Newcastle University, Newcastle, Australia.

Abstract

Whilst some form of ostracism is experienced by most people at some point in their lives, it is experienced far more often in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Little is known about how this social exclusion is interpreted, experienced or managed. This study aimed to explore the psychological (mood and social needs) as well as the physiological (arousal) effects of ostracism using a well-established paradigm, Cyberball. Results demonstrated no differences between groups on social needs, however, mood was rated as more negatively by ASDs overall. Arousal was increased in when excluded compared with when excluded for ASDs, but not for controls. Overall, individuals with ASD experienced heightened physiological arousal but whilst these individuals reported overall lower mood, this response to ostracism was not expressed as emotionally significant to these individuals, suggesting possible interoceptive difficulties in this population. This highlights the need for both understanding in non-ASD individuals and intervention of this emotional distress in individuals with ASD.

PMID:28488077
DOI:10.1007/s10803-017-3146-9

Traitement postnatal utilisant des suppléments de curcumine pour modifier les dommages dans les modèles d'autisme induits par les VPA

Aperçu: G.M.

L'acide valproïque (VPA) est utilisé comme agent antiépileptique de première ligne et subit des essais cliniques pour être utilisés comme traitement pour de nombreux troubles. Les mères subissant un traitement VPA pendant la grossesse précoce auraient montré des taux accrus d'autisme parmi leurs descendants. Les avantages de la supplémentation en curcumine ont été étudiés en utilisant un modèle animal d'autisme induit par VPA.

La curcumine joue un rôle thérapeutique significatif dans l'atténuation des lésions cérébrales qui a été induite par l'exposition prénatale au VPA chez les rats; Cependant, son rôle thérapeutique en tant que complément alimentaire doit encore être certifié pour être utilisé chez l'homme.

2017 May 10;17(1):259. doi: 10.1186/s12906-017-1763-7.

Postnatal treatment using curcumin supplements to amend the damage in VPA-induced rodent models of autism

Al-Askar M¹, Bhat RS¹, Selim M², Al-Ayadhi L^3,^4,⁵, El-Ansary A^6,^7,⁸.

Author information

1: Department of Biochemistry, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
2: Department of Zoology, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
3: Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
4: Autism Research and Treatment Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
5: Shaik AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
6: Central Laboratory, Female Center for Medical Studies and Scientific Section, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. elansary@ksu.edu.sa.
7: Autism Research and Treatment Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. elansary@ksu.edu.sa.
8: Shaik AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. elansary@ksu.edu.sa.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Valproic acid (VPA) is used as a first-line antiepileptic agent and is undergoing clinical trials for use as a treatment for many disorders. Mothers undergoing VPA treatment during early pregnancy reportedly show increased rates of autism among their offspring. The benefits of curcumin supplementation were investigated using an animal model of VPA-induced autism.

METHODS:

The study was performed using a rodent model of autism by exposing rat fetuses to valproic acid (VPA) on the 12.5th day of gestation. At 7 days from their birth, the animals were supplemented with a specific dose of curcumin. Forty neonatal male Western Albino rats were divided into four groups. Rats in group I received only phosphate-buffered saline, rats in group II were the prenatal VPA exposure newborns, rats in group III underwent prenatal VPA exposure supplemented with postnatal curcumin, and rats in group IV were given only postnatal curcumin supplements.

RESULTS:

VPA rats exhibited delayed maturation and lower body and brain weights with numerous signs of brain toxicity, such as depletion of IFN-γ, serotonin, glutamine, reduced glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, lipid peroxidase with an increase in CYP450, IL-6, glutamate, and oxidized glutathione. A curcumin supplement moderately corrected these dysfunctions and was especially noticeable in improving delayed maturation and abnormal weight.

CONCLUSIONS:

Curcumin plays a significant therapeutic role in attenuating brain damage that has been induced by prenatal VPA exposure in rats; however, its therapeutic role as a dietary supplement still must be certified for use in humans.

PMID: 28486989
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1763-7