Early cognitive and brain development in infants and children with ASD

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Kolesnik-Taylor ◽  
Emily Jones
Keyword(s):  
Brain Development ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Infants And Children ◽  
Behavioral Symptoms ◽  
Late Emergence ◽  
Exact Etiology ◽  
Diagnostic Window ◽  
In Infants And Children

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction, restrictive, and repetitive behaviors. The exact etiology of the condition is unknown, and the heterogeneity and the late emergence of characteristic symptoms of ASD limits our ability to identify infants and children who may require early intervention. One way to address the complexity of this condition is to examine early cognitive and brain development prior to the consolidation of behavioral symptoms at around 2–3 years. This chapter overviews early brain and cognitive development in ASD-relevant domains, and putative underlying brain mechanisms. Isolating critical features of early development may be used to reduce the diagnostic window and establish effective intervention options.

Emotion Dysregulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder

2018 ◽  
pp. 282-298
Author(s):  
Emily Neuhaus
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Educational Outcomes ◽  
Emotion Dysregulation ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder

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.

scholarly journals Cariprazine alleviates core behavioral deficits in the prenatal valproic acid exposure model of autism spectrum disorder

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktor Román ◽  
Nika Adham ◽  
Andrew G. Foley ◽  
Lynsey Hanratty ◽  
Bence Farkas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Partial Agonist ◽  
Social Play ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Social Recognition ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Exposure Model ◽  
Behavioral Deficits

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.

RELATIONSHIP AMONG SENSORY ISSUES AND REPETITIVE BEHAVIORS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

2020 ◽  
pp. 59-64
Author(s):  
OJS Admin
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sensory Stimuli ◽  
Key Features ◽  
Communication Impairments ◽  
Autism Disorder

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.

Gastrointestinal problems are associated with increased repetitive behaviors but not social communication difficulties in young children with autism spectrum disorders

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 136236132095950
Author(s):  
Payal Chakraborty ◽  
Kimberly L H Carpenter ◽  
Samantha Major ◽  
Megan Deaver ◽  
Saritha Vermeer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptom ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Symptoms ◽  
Behavioral Symptom ◽  
Communication Difficulties

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder are more likely than typically developing individuals to experience a range of gastrointestinal abnormalities, including chronic diarrhea, constipation, food sensitivities, and abdominal pain. These gastrointestinal symptoms have been associated with higher levels of irritability and aggressive behavior, but less is known about their relationship with core autism spectrum disorder symptoms. We investigated the relationship between autism spectrum disorder and gastrointestinal symptom severity while accounting for three associated behavioral symptom domains (Irritability, Aggressiveness, and Specific Fears), in a sample of 176 children (140 males and 36 females) ages 2–7 years old with autism spectrum disorder. Most participants had at least one reported gastrointestinal symptom (93.2%) and had more than one gastrointestinal symptom (88.1%). After accounting for each associated behavioral symptom domain, repetitive behaviors and stereotypies were positively associated with gastrointestinal symptom severity. Social and communication difficulties were not significantly associated with gastrointestinal symptom severity after accounting for associated behavioral symptoms. Our findings replicate a previously described association between irritability and aggression and gastrointestinal symptoms. Furthermore, gastrointestinal symptom severity is associated with repetitive behaviors, a subset of core autism spectrum disorder symptoms. This suggests that gastrointestinal symptoms may exacerbate repetitive behaviors, or vice versa, independent from other associated behavioral symptoms. Lay Abstract Individuals with autism spectrum disorder are more likely than typically developing individuals to experience a range of gastrointestinal abnormalities, including chronic diarrhea, constipation, food sensitivities, and abdominal pain. These gastrointestinal symptoms have been associated with higher levels of irritability and aggressive behavior, but less is known about their relationship with core autism spectrum disorder symptoms. We investigated the relationship between autism spectrum disorder symptom severity and gastrointestinal symptoms while accounting for three associated behavioral symptom domains (Irritability, Aggressiveness, and Specific Fears), in a sample of 176 children (140 males and 36 females) ages 2–7 years old with autism spectrum disorder. A large majority (93.2%) of the sample had at least one reported gastrointestinal symptom, and most (88.1%) participants had more than one gastrointestinal symptom. Various types of gastrointestinal symptoms were reported; the most common symptoms reported were constipation, food limits, gas/bloating, and stomach pain. After accounting for each associated behavioral symptom domain, repetitive behaviors and stereotypies were significantly associated with gastrointestinal symptom severity. Increased severity of autism spectrum disorder symptoms was correlated with increased gastrointestinal symptom severity. Social and communication difficulties were not significantly associated with gastrointestinal symptom severity after accounting for associated behavioral symptoms. Our findings replicate a previously described association between irritability and aggression and gastrointestinal symptoms. Furthermore, we found that repetitive behaviors, but not social or communication symptoms, are associated with gastrointestinal symptom severity, even after accounting for associated behavioral symptoms. This suggests that gastrointestinal symptoms may exacerbate repetitive behaviors, or vice versa, independent from other associated behavioral symptoms.

scholarly journals Visual systemizing preference in children with autism: A randomized controlled trial of intranasal oxytocin

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 511-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lane Strathearn ◽  
Sohye Kim ◽  
D. Anthony Bastian ◽  
Jennifer Jung ◽  
Udita Iyengar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Communication ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Fixation Time ◽  
Similar Response ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Visual Preference ◽  
Control Subjects

AbstractSeveral studies have suggested that the neuropeptide oxytocin may enhance aspects of social communication in autism. Little is known, however, about its effects on nonsocial manifestations, such as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. In the empathizing–systemizing theory of autism, social deficits are described along the continuum of empathizing ability, whereas nonsocial aspects are characterized in terms of an increased preference for patterned or rule-based systems, called systemizing. We therefore developed an automated eye-tracking task to test whether children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to matched controls display a visual preference for more highly organized and structured (systemized) real-life images. Then, as part of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, we examined the effect of intranasal oxytocin on systemizing preferences in 16 male children with ASD, compared with 16 matched controls. Participants viewed 14 slides, each containing four related pictures (e.g., of people, animals, scenes, or objects) that differed primarily on the degree of systemizing. Visual systemizing preference was defined in terms of the fixation time and count for each image. Unlike control subjects who showed no gaze preference, individuals with ASD preferred to fixate on more highly systemized pictures. Intranasal oxytocin eliminated this preference in ASD participants, who now showed a similar response to control subjects on placebo. In contrast, control participants increased their visual preference for more systemized images after receiving oxytocin versus placebo. These results suggest that, in addition to its effects on social communication, oxytocin may play a role in some of the nonsocial manifestations of autism.

scholarly journals The Gut-Brain-Microbiome Axis and Its Link to Autism: Emerging Insights and the Potential of Zebrafish Models

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. James ◽  
Elizabeth A. Davidson ◽  
Julio Yanes ◽  
Baharak Moshiree ◽  
Julia E. Dallman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Behavioral Symptoms ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Contributory Factor ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Gi Symptoms ◽  
Negative Impacts

Research involving autism spectrum disorder (ASD) most frequently focuses on its key diagnostic criteria: restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, altered sensory perception, and communication impairments. These core criteria, however, are often accompanied by numerous comorbidities, many of which result in severe negative impacts on quality of life, including seizures, epilepsy, sleep disturbance, hypotonia, and GI distress. While ASD is a clinically heterogeneous disorder, gastrointestinal (GI) distress is among the most prevalent co-occurring symptom complex, manifesting in upward of 70% of all individuals with ASD. Consistent with this high prevalence, over a dozen family foundations that represent genetically distinct, molecularly defined forms of ASD have identified GI symptoms as an understudied area with significant negative impacts on quality of life for both individuals and their caregivers. Moreover, GI symptoms are also correlated with more pronounced irritability, social withdrawal, stereotypy, hyperactivity, and sleep disturbances, suggesting that they may exacerbate the defining behavioral symptoms of ASD. Despite these facts (and to the detriment of the community), GI distress remains largely unaddressed by ASD research and is frequently regarded as a symptomatic outcome rather than a potential contributory factor to the behavioral symptoms. Allowing for examination of both ASD’s impact on the central nervous system (CNS) as well as its impact on the GI tract and the associated microbiome, the zebrafish has recently emerged as a powerful tool to study ASD. This is in no small part due to the advantages zebrafish present as a model system: their precocious development, their small transparent larval form, and their parallels with humans in genetics and physiology. While ASD research centered on the CNS has leveraged these advantages, there has been a critical lack of GI-centric ASD research in zebrafish models, making a holistic view of the gut-brain-microbiome axis incomplete. Similarly, high-throughput ASD drug screens have recently been developed but primarily focus on CNS and behavioral impacts while potential GI impacts have not been investigated. In this review, we aim to explore the great promise of the zebrafish model for elucidating the roles of the gut-brain-microbiome axis in ASD.

scholarly journals Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells improved core symptoms of genetically modified mice model of autism Shank3B

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nisim Perets ◽  
Oded Oron ◽  
Shay Herman ◽  
Evan Elliott ◽  
Daniel Offen
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Genetic Mutation ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Mice Model ◽  
Restricted Interests ◽  
The Social ◽  
Core Symptoms

Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with main core symptoms including deficits in social-communication abilities and repetitive behaviors/restricted interests. ASD affects 1 of 88 children worldwide and currently there is no sufficiently effective treatment that alleviates its core deficits. In our previous studies, we have shown that both MSC and MSC-exo can ameliorate core ASD-like symptoms of the BTBR multifactorial mouse model of autism. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the MSC-exo migrate to distinct neuropathological areas in several mouse models, including the frontal cortex and cerebellum in BTBR mice. In contrast to BTBR mice, which is a multifactorial model of autism, the Shank3B KO mouse is used to study ASD which develops due to a specific genetic mutation. Here we demonstrate that intranasal treatment with MSC-exo improves the social behavior deficit in multiple paradigms, increases vocalization and reduces repetitive behaviors. We also observed an increase of GABRB1 in the prefrontal cortex. Taken together, our data indicate that intranasal treatment with MSC-exo improves the core ASD-like deficits of in this mouse model autism and therefore has the potential to treat ASD patients carrying the Shank3 mutation.

scholarly journals Autistic Communication and Imagination Sub-Traits Are Related to Audiovisual Temporal Integration in the Stream–Bounce Illusion

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Ayako Yaguchi ◽  
Souta Hidaka
Keyword(s):  
Social Communication ◽  
Multisensory Processing ◽  
Temporal Integration ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Audiovisual Integration ◽  
Autism Spectrum Quotient ◽  
Sensory Reactivity ◽  
Experimental Trials ◽  
Double Flash

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by atypical social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors; such traits are continuously distributed across nonclinical and clinical populations. Recently, relationships between ASD traits and low-level multisensory processing have been investigated, because atypical sensory reactivity has been regarded as a diagnostic criterion of ASD. Studies regarding an audiovisual illusion (the double-flash illusion) reported that social communication difficulties are related to temporal aspects of audiovisual integration. This study investigated whether similar relationships exist in another audiovisual illusion (the stream–bounce effect). In this illusion, two visual objects move toward each other, coincide, and pass each other, and the presentation of a transient sound at their coincidence induces a dominant perception that they bounce away from each other. Typically developing adults were recruited to perform experimental trials involving the stream–bounce effect. We measured their ASD traits using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient. The total quotient score was not related to any behavioral measurements of the effect. In contrast, for participants with higher difficulty in communication, the greatest magnitude of the stream–bounce effect occurred when the presentation timing of the sound tended to follow the visual coincidence. Participants with higher difficulty in imagination also showed the greatest magnitude of the effect when the presentation timing of the sound preceded that of the visual coincidence. Our findings regarding the stream–bounce effect, along with previous findings regarding the double-flash illusion, suggest that atypical temporal audiovisual integration is uniquely related to ASD sub-traits, especially in social communication.

Co-occurrence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
pp. 332-351
Author(s):  
Saashi A. Bedford ◽  
Michelle Hunsche ◽  
Connor M. Kerns
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Communication Deficits

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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