Update on psychopharmacology for autism spectrum disorders

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco O. Bertelli ◽  
Michele Rossi ◽  
Roberto Keller ◽  
Stefano Lassi
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Psychotropic Medications ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Purpose – The management of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) requires a multimodal approach of behavioural, educational and pharmacological treatments. At present, there are no available drugs to treat the core symptoms of ASDs and therefore a wide range of psychotropic medications are used in the management of problems behaviours, co-occurring psychiatric disorders and other associated features. The purpose of this paper is to map the literature on pharmacological treatment in persons with ASD in order to identify those most commonly used, choice criteria, and safety. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic mapping of the recent literature was undertaken on the basis of the following questions: What are the most frequently used psychoactive compounds in ASD? What are the criteria guiding the choice of a specific compound? How effective and safe is every psychoactive drug used in ASD? The literature search was conducted through search engines available on Medline, Medmatrix, NHS Evidence, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. Findings – Many psychotropic medications have been studied in ASDs, but few have strong evidence to support their use. Most commonly prescribed medications, in order of frequency, are antipsychotics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants and stimulants, many of them without definitive studies guiding their usage. Recent animal studies can be useful models for understanding the common pathogenic pathways leading to ASDs, and have the potential to offer new biologically focused treatment options. Originality/value – This is a practice review paper applying recent evidence from the literature.

scholarly journals The Molecular Genetics of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Genomic Mechanisms, Neuroimmunopathology, and Clinical Implications

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Guerra
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Copy Number Variations ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Affective Neuroscience ◽  
Model Animal ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Environmental Causes

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have become increasingly common in recent years. The discovery of single-nucleotide polymorphisms and accompanying copy number variations within the genome has increased our understanding of the architecture of the disease. These genetic and genomic alterations coupled with epigenetic phenomena have pointed to a neuroimmunopathological mechanism for ASD. Model animal studies, developmental biology, and affective neuroscience laid a foundation for dissecting the neural pathways impacted by these disease-generating mechanisms. The goal of current autism research is directed toward a systems biological approach to find the most basic genetic and environmental causes to this severe developmental disease. It is hoped that future genomic and neuroimmunological research will be directed toward finding the road toward prevention, treatment, and cure of ASD.

Residential placement and quality of life for adults with severe autism spectrum disorders and severe-to-profound intellectual disabilities

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 187-205
Author(s):  
Giuliana Galli Carminati ◽  
Federico Carminati ◽  
Rachel Lehotkay ◽  
Erica Nora Lorincz ◽  
Viviane Subirade-Jacopit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Aberrant Behavior ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Severe Intellectual Disability ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between some main characteristics of different living arrangements and the quality of life (QoL) of their users with severe intellectual disability and low-functioning autism spectrum disorders. Design/methodology/approach Study participants were assessed for ASD severity through the Childhood Autism Rating Scale or the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS): for behavioral problems with the aberrant behavior checklist (ABC); for perception of efficacy and satisfaction with care, through an adapted Visual Analogue Scale; and for QoL with the QoL inventory in residential environments (validated in French as Inventaire de la Qualité de Vie en Milieu Résidentiel). Because the goal was to define a “residential profile (RP),” the authors evaluated each participating residence with the Working Methods Scale and the questionnaire on residential parameters. Findings The RP allowed for the classification of the residences into three clusters. The authors found no clear relationship between QoL and the RP clusters, but the authors found the RP clusters to be significantly correlated with ABC factors F1 (irritability, agitation, crying) and F2 (lethargy, social withdrawal), and VABS scores for living, socialization, and motor skills. Originality/value RPs were more strongly correlated with ABC items and the ability to cope with everyday life than with QoL. The authors hypothesize that RP is correlated with both aberrant behavior and the autonomy of residents and that QoL remains relatively stable. Therefore, RP is correlated with the status of the residents; however, this appears not to be correlated with their QoL.

scholarly journals Defendants with autism spectrum disorders: what is the role of court liaison and diversion?

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 220-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eddie Chaplin ◽  
Jane McCarthy ◽  
Andrew Forrester
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Current Practice ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lower Courts ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Court Liaison ◽  
Individual Human

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of liaison and diversion services working in the lower courts (also known as Magistrates’ courts) with regard to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and their assessment, in particular, the role of pre-sentence and psychiatric reports and interviews. Design/methodology/approach Current practice is described in the lower courts in the context of current legislation and procedures. Findings When writing reports, there is a need for expertise to offer an opinion on future risk, disposal and what needs to be in place to support people with ASDs. No assumptions should be made when reporting on the basis of an ASD diagnosis alone and each case must be assessed on its individual merits while ensuring that individual human rights are protected. Originality/value There is currently a sparse literature examining ASD in court settings. This paper seeks to clarify the current practice.

scholarly journals Mixed Effects Models for Resampled Network Statistics Improves Statistical Power to Find Differences in Multi-Subject Functional Connectivity

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manjari Narayan ◽  
Genevera I. Allen
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Network Structure ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Covariate Effects ◽  
Activity Measurements ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

AbstractMany complex brain disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, exhibit a wide range of symptoms and disability. To understand how brain communication is impaired in such conditions, functional connectivity studies seek to understand individual differences in brain network structure in terms of covariates that measure symptom severity. In practice, however, functional connectivity is not observed but estimated from complex and noisy neural activity measurements. Imperfect subject network estimates can compromise subsequent efforts to detect covariate effects on network structure. We address this problem in the case of Gaussian graphical models of functional connectivity, by proposing novel two-level models that treat both subject level networks and population level covariate effects as unknown parameters. To account for imperfectly estimated subject level networks when fitting these models, we propose two related approaches — R2 based on resampling and random effects test statistics, and R3 that additionally employs random adaptive penalization. Simulation studies using realistic graph structures reveal that R2 and R3 have superior statistical power to detect covariate effects compared to existing approaches, particularly when the number of within subject observations is comparable to the size of subject networks. Using our novel models and methods to study parts of the ABIDE dataset, we find evidence of hypoconnectivity associated with symptom severity in autism spectrum disorders, in frontoparietal and limbic systems as well as in anterior and posterior cingulate cortices.

scholarly journals Psychometric properties of questionnaires and diagnostic measures for autism spectrum disorders in adults: A systematic review

Autism ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Wigham ◽  
Jacqui Rodgers ◽  
Tom Berney ◽  
Ann Le Couteur ◽  
Barry Ingham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Mental Health Conditions ◽  
Diagnostic Measures ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

Accurately diagnosing autism spectrum disorders in adulthood can be challenging. Structured questionnaires and diagnostic measures are frequently used to assist case recognition and diagnosis. This study reviewed research evidence on structured questionnaires and diagnostic measures published since the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence evidence update. The Cochrane library, Medline, Embase and PsycINFO were searched. In all, 20 studies met inclusion criteria. Sensitivity and specificity of structured questionnaires were best for individuals with previously confirmed autism spectrum disorder diagnoses and reduced in participants referred for diagnostic assessments, with discrimination of autism spectrum disorder from mental health conditions especially limited. For adults with intellectual disability, diagnostic accuracy increased when a combination of structured questionnaires were used. Evidence suggests some utility of diagnostic measures in identifying autism spectrum disorder among clinic referrals, although specificity for diagnosis was relatively low. In mental health settings, the use of a single structured questionnaire is unlikely to accurately identify adults without autism spectrum disorder or differentiate autism spectrum disorder from mental health conditions. This is important as adults seeking an autism spectrum disorder diagnostic assessment are likely to have co-existing mental health conditions. Robust autism spectrum disorder assessment tools specifically for use in adult diagnostic health services in the presence of co-occurring mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders are a research priority.

Staff awareness training: improving knowledge and confidence of autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities in a locked rehabilitation unit

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 95-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Anne Hatton
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Rehabilitation Unit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a training package which was delivered to improve staff members’ knowledge and confidence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID). Design/methodology/approach The training was facilitated in a locked rehabilitation unit for adult males, many of whom had diagnoses of ASD and/or ID. With all staff receiving an invite, 25 attended which was the majority of the staff team. This included staff from housekeeping, nursing and catering. Findings To evaluate the effectiveness of the training, a survey and short assessment was administered before and after training. This revealed an improvement in both perceived knowledge and confidence of ASD and ID, as well as actual knowledge. Follow-up interviews also revealed some evidence of sustained learning and practice changes. Research limitations/implications Based on these findings, it is recommended that further face-to-face training is delivered at this locked rehabilitation unit to further improve professional practice. Originality/value This paper provides value to other inpatient settings as it highlights to practitioners how face-to-face training can significantly improve staff members knowledge and confidence of developmental disorders.

scholarly journals Parents’ and Professionals’ Perceptions on Causes and Treatment Options for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in a Multicultural Context on the Kenyan Coast

PLoS ONE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. e0132729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph K. Gona ◽  
Charles R. Newton ◽  
Kenneth Rimba ◽  
Rachel Mapenzi ◽  
Michael Kihara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Multicultural Context ◽  
Kenyan Coast ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

scholarly journals The importance of considering trauma in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: considerations and clinical recommendations

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-28
Author(s):  
Clare Sarah Allely ◽  
Lino Faccini
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clinical Recommendations ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The area of trauma in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is an important area given the substantial rates of abuse endured by these individuals. However, there are issues with the identification of trauma, understanding how it is perceived, and manifested. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach The limited research regarding trauma in ASD is reviewed and gaps are identified. Findings The key findings from the relevant literature are discussed. Practical implications Practical suggestions are outlined for more effective identification of trauma in individuals with ASD. Originality/value To date, there has been relatively little research on trauma and ASD. This paper emphasises the urgent need for attention in this area.

Screening tools for autism spectrum disorders

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Sappok ◽  
Manuel Heinrich ◽  
Lisa Underwood
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Diagnostic Validity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Many Instruments ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

Purpose – Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is important over the whole life span. Standardized instruments may support the assessment process. The purpose of this paper is to describe English- and German-screening tools for ASD. Design/methodology/approach – PubMed was used to search for published tools and evidence on their diagnostic validity. Findings – Searches identified 46 screening tools for ASD. Most are designed for children, while only few measures are available for adults, especially those with additional intellectual disabilities. Many instruments are under-researched, although a small number such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers and the SCQ have been widely examined in a variety of populations. Originality/value – The study identified and described a number of ASD screeners that can support clinicians or researchers when deciding whether to carry out a more comprehensive ASD assessment.

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