Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders in Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
pp. 51-72
Author(s):  
Katherine Gotham ◽  
Florencia Pezzimenti ◽  
Mareike Eydt-Beebe ◽  
Gloria T. Han ◽  
Catherine G. Herrington
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

There is substantial data pointing to evidence of heightened rates of psychotic experiences and schizophrenia spectrum disorders in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Given overlapping genetics and neurobiology between the two disorders, the prevalence of this comorbidity is not surprising. And yet, psychosis in ASD has received relatively little attention in either the scientific or the clinical literatures. Following an introduction to the shared historical context of schizophrenia and ASD, this chapter reviews the diagnostic criteria for psychosis and the assessment tools available for evaluating symptoms. Difficulties in differentiating true psychotic symptoms from several hallmark ASD features, as well as in diagnosing psychosis in minimally verbal individuals with ASD, are highlighted, and recommendations for making this diagnostic distinction are offered. With regard to treatment, there is a striking absence of literature addressing how to treat psychosis when it presents in individuals with ASD. This chapter highlights best practice treatments for childhood-onset and adult schizophrenia and related disorders and discusses how these treatments might apply or need adaptation when treating an individual with ASD. Finally, this chapter offers recommendations for future research regarding the nature, prevalence, developmental course, assessment, and most effective treatments for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders when they present in individuals with ASD.

Measuring change in facial emotion recognition in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1607-1628
Author(s):  
Andrea Trubanova Wieckowski ◽  
L Taylor Flynn ◽  
J Anthony Richey ◽  
Denis Gracanin ◽  
Susan W White
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Emotion Recognition ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Facial Emotion Recognition ◽  
Facial Emotion ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Electronic Database Search

Children and adults with autism spectrum disorder are less accurate in facial emotion recognition, which is thought to contribute to impairment in social functioning. Although many interventions have been developed to improve facial emotion recognition, there is no consensus on how to best measure facial emotion recognition in people with autism spectrum disorder. This lack of agreement has led to wide variability in how facial emotion recognition is measured and, subsequently, inconsistent findings related to impact of intervention targeting facial emotion recognition impairment. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the extant research on measurement of facial emotion recognition in the context of treatment. We conducted an electronic database search to identify relevant, peer-reviewed articles published between January 1998 and November 2019 to identify studies evaluating change in facial emotion recognition in autism spectrum disorder. Sixty-five studies met inclusion criteria, utilizing a total of 36 different assessment measures for facial emotion recognition in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Only six of the measures were used in multiple studies conducted by different investigative teams. The outcomes of the studies are reported and summarized with the goal of informing future research. Lay Abstract Children and adults with autism spectrum disorder show difficulty recognizing facial emotions in others, which makes social interaction challenging. While there are many treatments developed to improve facial emotion recognition, there is no agreement on the best way to measure such abilities in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The purpose of this review is to examine studies that were published between January 1998 and November 2019 and have measured change in facial emotion recognition to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments. Our search yielded 65 studies, and within these studies, 36 different measures were used to evaluate facial emotion recognition in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Only six of these measures, however, were used in different studies and by different investigators. In this review, we summarize the different measures and outcomes of the studies, in order to identify promising assessment tools and inform future research.

scholarly journals Mathematics education for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Where are we now?

1970 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 17-39
Author(s):  
Monica Carr ◽  
Wee Tiong Seah
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Mathematics Classroom ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Intellectual Ability ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Single Case Design ◽  
Disability Group

Individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the fastest growing disability group, exhibit varying degrees of intellectual ability. Students with ASD are increasingly held accountable to academic standards comparable to their peers. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is widely considered best practice for supporting these students. Twenty-six single-case design (SCD) mathematics classroom teaching interventions, conducted with students diagnosed with ASD, were systematically located and reviewed in detail. Most interventions were conducted in special education mathematics classrooms involving low ability students. Interventions typically targeted simple mathematics skills, and a paucity of research addressing more complex mathematical skills was noted. Elsewhere in the literature, teachers who have students with ASD in their classrooms reported having received no autism training, and described subsequent stress and potential to burn-out as a result. A need for future research with high ability mathematics students is observed, and the relevance of a values paradigm approach is proposed.

scholarly journals The Contribution of Machine Learning and Eye-Tracking Technology in Autism Spectrum Disorder Research: A Systematic Review

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (23) ◽  
pp. 2982
Author(s):  
Konstantinos-Filippos Kollias ◽  
Christine K. Syriopoulou-Delli ◽  
Panagiotis Sarigiannidis ◽  
George F. Fragulis
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Eye Tracking ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Tracking Technology

Early and objective autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment, as well as early intervention are particularly important and may have long term benefits in the lives of ASD people. ASD assessment relies on subjective rather on objective criteria, whereas advances in research point to up-to-date procedures for early ASD assessment comprising eye-tracking technology, machine learning, as well as other assessment tools. This systematic review, the first to our knowledge of its kind, provides a comprehensive discussion of 30 studies irrespective of the stimuli/tasks and dataset used, the algorithms applied, the eye-tracking tools utilised and their goals. Evidence indicates that the combination of machine learning and eye-tracking technology could be considered a promising tool in autism research regarding early and objective diagnosis. Limitations and suggestions for future research are also presented.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Related Disruptive Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
pp. 136-158
Author(s):  
Connor M. Kerns ◽  
Chandler Puhy ◽  
Chelsea M. Day ◽  
Steven J. Berkowitz
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Oppositional Defiant Disorder ◽  
Challenging Behaviors ◽  
Disruptive Behaviors ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Oppositional Defiant ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Defiant Behavior

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition characterizes oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) as reflecting pervasive patterns of irritable mood, defiant behavior, and/or vindictiveness. Youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit high rates of disruptive behaviors commonly associated with ODD, such as noncompliance, irritability, temper tantrums, and mood dysregulation. This chapter reviews the presentation of ODD in individuals with ASD, including current prevalence estimates, proposed etiology, validated assessment methods, and emerging best practices designed to treat challenging behaviors. Although there is a robust literature describing assessment and treatment procedures for disruptive behaviors in individuals with ASD, conceptualizing these hallmark behaviors within the framework of ODD is relatively novel and not without controversy. Discussion thus includes challenges around the applicability of the diagnostic criteria in this population and future research directions that may provide clarity on this issue.

Exploring Growth in Expressive Communication of Infants and Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
pp. 105381512199557
Author(s):  
Jay Buzhardt ◽  
Anna Wallisch ◽  
Dwight Irvin ◽  
Brian Boyd ◽  
Brenda Salley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Progress Monitoring ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Infants And Toddlers ◽  
Early Communication ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Language Growth

One of the earliest indicators of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is delay in language and social communication. Despite consensus on the benefits of earlier diagnosis and intervention, our understanding of the language growth of children with ASD during the first years of life remains limited. Therefore, this study compared communication growth patterns of infants and toddlers with ASD to growth benchmarks of a standardized language assessment. We conducted a retrospective analysis of growth on the Early Communication Indicator (ECI) of 23 infants and toddlers who received an ASD diagnosis in the future. At 42 months of age, children with ASD had significantly lower rates of gestures, single words, and multiple words, but significantly higher rates of nonword vocalizations. Children with ASD had significantly slower growth of single and multiple words, but their rate of vocalization growth was significantly greater than benchmark. Although more research is needed with larger samples, because the ECI was designed for practitioners to monitor children’s response to intervention over time, these findings show promise for the ECI’s use as a progress monitoring measure for young children with ASD. Limitations and the need for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals A systematic PRISMA review of individuals with autism spectrum disorder in secure psychiatric care: prevalence, treatment, risk assessment and other clinical considerations

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare S. Allely
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Care ◽  
Psychiatric Hospitals ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secure Psychiatric Care

Purpose Patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with specific assessment, specific difficulties, needs and therapeutic issues and therefore are a challenging group for forensic services. Given the challenge that individuals with ASD present to forensic services, the suggested increase in the number of this group within this setting and the relatively little amount of research which suggests they face a number of difficulties within the prison environment, the purpose of this paper is to identify and review all the studies which have been carried out investigating any aspect of ASD in relation to secure hospital settings. Design/methodology/approach Seven internet-based bibliographic databases were used for the present review. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Findings A total of 12 studies were included in this review; 3 looked at the prevalence of ASD in secure psychiatric hospitals. One study evaluated the clinical utility of the AQ screening tool to assess self-reported autistic traits in secure psychiatric settings. Three explored any type of characteristics of patients with ASD detained in secure psychiatric hospitals. One study investigated the experiences or quality of life of patients with an ASD detained in secure psychiatric care. Two studies investigated awareness, knowledge and/or views regarding patients with ASD held by staff working within secure psychiatric hospitals. Lastly, three studies (one of which was also included in the prevalence category above) looked at the effectiveness of interventions or treatment of patients with ASD in secure psychiatric hospitals. Clinical recommendations and future research directions are discussed. Originality/value To the author’s knowledge, this is the first review to explore what research has been carried out looking specifically at patients with ASD in relation to secure forensic settings.

Examining bidirectional relationships between parenting and child maladjustment in youth with autism spectrum disorder: A 9-year longitudinal study

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 1199-1213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Dieleman ◽  
Sarah S. W. De Pauw ◽  
Bart Soenens ◽  
Wim Beyers ◽  
Peter Prinzie
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Problem Behaviors ◽  
Externalizing Problems ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Controlling Parenting ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Child Problems

AbstractLongitudinal bidirectional effects between parents and children are usually studied in samples of typically developing children, but remain understudied in families with a child with autism spectrum disorder. This three-wave longitudinal study examined how parents and children with autism spectrum disorder influence one another, relying on parent reports of parenting behaviors and children's problem behaviors across 9 years, in a sample of 139 youngsters (M age Time 1 = 10.2 years, 83% boys). Cross-lagged analyses indicated that children's externalizing problems at Time 1 predicted negative controlling parenting 6 years later (Time 2) that in turn predicted externalizing problems 3 years later (Time 3). Negative parental control at Time 1 also increased the risk for internalizing problems at Time 2. It was surprising that externalizing problems at Time 2 also predicted positive parental involvement at Time 3. Thus, although results indicate that externalizing problems generally elicit maladaptive reactions in parents, this study also suggests that parents adjust their way of reacting to externalizing child problems as their child reaches adolescence/emerging adulthood. Implications for future research on parenting dynamics in families with a child with autism spectrum disorder are discussed.

Assessment and Treatment of Selective Mutism in a Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
pp. 153465012098345
Author(s):  
Mirela Cengher ◽  
Joy C. Clayborne ◽  
Adrianna E. Crouch ◽  
Julia T. O’Connor
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Selective Mutism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Assessment And Treatment

Over 60% of children diagnosed with selective mutism are also diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Previous research established that behavioral interventions are effective at increasing speech in children with both diagnoses. However, few studies conducted assessments to determine environmental variables that inhibit speech, and such assessments are necessary for the development of effective and efficient treatments. This case study describes an assessment that evaluated the function(s) of selective mutism. The results confirmed that the participant did not talk to avoid social interaction and that mutism occurred primarily in the presence of multiple, unfamiliar people. Our first treatment focused on increasing tolerance for social interaction, demonstrated by an increase in speech production in the presence of unfamiliar people. Our second treatment focused on increasing qualitative aspects of the participant’s speech (i.e., both responses and initiations). Finally, we taught the participant’s parents to implement the treatment in naturalistic settings, and the participant demonstrated generalization of treatment effects across people and settings. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

scholarly journals Neural correlates of interpersonal space permeability and flexibility in autism spectrum disorder

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Massaccesi ◽  
Alexander Groessing ◽  
Lisa A. Rosenberger ◽  
Helena Hartmann ◽  
Michela Candini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Effective Connectivity ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Trust Game ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Interpersonal Space

AbstractInterpersonal space can be defined as a safety zone immediately surrounding our body, which allows us to feel comfortable during social interactions. Previous studies indicate that the size of interpersonal space at which the other is perceived as intrusive (permeability) and the ability to adapt interpersonal distance based on contextual factors (flexibility) are altered in children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The present fMRI study aimed at extending the previous findings by investigating the behavioral and neurophysiological underpinnings of interpersonal space permeability and flexibility in adults with ASD.Individuals with ASD and matched controls (CTR) performed a modified version of the stop-distance paradigm for measuring interpersonal space preferences. Participants observed prerecorded videos of two confederates moving towards them and rated their comfort to the observed distance. The assessment of interpersonal space preferences was performed before and after engaging in cooperative and non-cooperative social interactions with the confederates, experimentally induced by means of a repeated trust game.We observed general lower comfort in response to an approaching confederate in the ASD group compared to the CTR group, indicating preference for larger interpersonal space in autism (altered permeability). This preference was accompanied by reduced activity in bilateral dorsal intraparietal sulcus (dIPS) and left fusiform face area (FFA), regions previously shown to be involved in interpersonal space regulation. Furthermore, we observed differences in effective connectivity among dIPS, FFA, and amygdala in ASDs compared to CTRs, depending on the level of experienced comfort. No differences between ASDs and CTRs were observed in the adaptation of interpersonal space following a cooperative and non-cooperative social interaction, suggesting preserved interpersonal space flexibility in the ASD adult population.The present study provides evidence for impaired permeability of interpersonal space in adults with ASD. The findings suggest that a dysregulation of the activity and connectivity of brain areas involved in the processing of interpersonal space may contribute to preference for larger distance and avoidance of physical proximity in ASDs. Future research is needed to examine whether the observed alteration of interpersonal space processing is an effect of or a contributing factor to the social disabilities characterizing autism.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document