scholarly journals Amygdala subnuclei development in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Association with social communication and repetitive behaviors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Seguin ◽  
Sara Pac ◽  
Jianan Wang ◽  
Rob Nicolson ◽  
Julio Martinez‐Trujillo ◽  
...  
Author(s):  
Emily Neuhaus

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. Although current diagnostic conceptualizations of ASD do not include emotional difficulties as core deficits, the disorder is associated with emotion dysregulation across the lifespan, with considerable implications for long-term psychological, social, and educational outcomes. The overarching goal of this chapter is to integrate existing knowledge of emotion dysregulation in ASD and identify areas for further investigation. The chapter reviews the prevalence and expressions of emotion dysregulation in ASD, discusses emerging theoretical models that frame emotion dysregulation as an inherent (rather than associated) feature of ASD, presents neurobiological findings and mechanisms related to emotion dysregulation in ASD, and identifies continuing controversies and resulting research priorities.


Author(s):  
Viktor Román ◽  
Nika Adham ◽  
Andrew G. Foley ◽  
Lynsey Hanratty ◽  
Bence Farkas ◽  
...  

Abstract Rationale Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction and restricted, repetitive behaviors. The unmet medical need in ASD is considerable since there is no approved pharmacotherapy for the treatment of these deficits in social communication, interaction, and behavior. Cariprazine, a dopamine D3-preferring D3/D2 receptor partial agonist, is already approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder in adults; investigation in patients with ASD is warranted. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cariprazine, compared with risperidone and aripiprazole, in the rat prenatal valporic acid (VPA) exposure model on behavioral endpoints representing the core and associated symptoms of ASD. Methods To induce the ASD model, time-mated Wistar rat dams were treated with VPA during pregnancy. Male offspring were assigned to groups and studied in a behavioral test battery at different ages, employing social play, open field, social approach-avoidance, and social recognition memory tests. Animals were dosed orally, once a day for 8 days, with test compounds (cariprazine, risperidone, aripiprazole) or vehicle before behavioral assessment. Results Cariprazine showed dose-dependent efficacy on all behavioral endpoints. In the social play paradigm, only cariprazine was effective. On the remaining behavioral endpoints, including the reversal of hyperactivity, risperidone and aripiprazole displayed similar efficacy to cariprazine. Conclusions In the present study, cariprazine effectively reversed core behavioral deficits and hyperactivity present in juvenile and young adult autistic-like rats. These findings indicate that cariprazine may be useful in the treatment of ASD symptoms.


Author(s):  
OJS Admin

Sensory issues and Repetitive Behaviors are the key features of Autism Disorder Syndrome (ASD). This is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by social communication impairments and the occurrence ofrestricted and repeated behavioral habits and desires, including irregular responses to sensory stimuli.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (16) ◽  
pp. 63-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Waller ◽  
Marie Sanford ◽  
Tina Caswell ◽  
Christine Bainbridge

Purpose In this article we describe a comprehensive initiative for preparing adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for successful transitions into adulthood. We present a framework for teaching and shaping social communication behaviors for bridging potential gaps in the progression from high school into postsecondary education, the workforce, and independent living. Background In our program, Information and Communication Readiness for All Transition Experiences (ICREATE), we integrate six fundamental components to build social communication behaviors for effective transitions into new experiences. Outcomes Participants in ICREATE demonstrate improvements in social communication behaviors, including self-awareness, social reciprocity, and self-advocacy behaviors. Throughout the program, participants apply and generalize their learned social communication behaviors to a variety of contexts. Implications The ICREATE program has significant implications for adolescents with ASD, their families, and their communities. The information we provide serves as an outline that can be modified and adapted for a variety of settings and populations.


2021 ◽  
pp. 332-351
Author(s):  
Saashi A. Bedford ◽  
Michelle Hunsche ◽  
Connor M. Kerns

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits and, similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), restricted and repetitive behaviors. The restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors and interests that are characteristic of ASD often resemble the obsessions and compulsions of OCD, which can make it difficult to distinguish or differentiate the two conditions. A common challenge in diagnosing comorbid ASD and OCD is the apparent overlap in symptoms between the two disorders. This chapter discusses the differentiation between OCD and ASD, the assessment and diagnosis of OCD within the context of ASD, and the treatment of this presentation of OCD.


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