scholarly journals Enhancing Flexibility: A Biosocial Model for Resilience to Adversity in Youth With Autism

SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 215824402110379
Author(s):  
A. Scarpa ◽  
D. M. Swain ◽  
R. S. Factor ◽  
A. V. Dahiya ◽  
J. R. Bertollo
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Heuristic Model ◽  
Psychological Processes ◽  
Insistence On Sameness ◽  
Specific Mechanism ◽  
Social Reciprocity ◽  
Social Adversity ◽  
Stressful Experiences

Flexibility is often associated with resilience from adversity. Youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at risk of stress and trauma yet have inherent difficulties with flexibility, including rigid behaviors, routines, “insistence on sameness,” and lack of social reciprocity. This review highlights literature of physiological and psychological processes related to inflexibility in ASD and proposes a heuristic model to understand mechanisms of resilience in the aftermath of adversity. This article presents the Biosocial Model for Resilience, which posits that interventions that target changes in central, autonomic, and endocrine dysregulation may in turn enhance processes of psychological flexibility (i.e., executive cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal regulation) that increase the likelihood of resilient adjustment in response to stressful experiences. This model of resilience is optimistic in positing that, in addition to critical programs on the prevention of social adversity, future research on flexibility can inform intervention programs that target this specific mechanism to minimize harmful aftereffects in youngsters with ASD.

The Influence of Background Auditory Noise on P50 and N100 Suppression Elicited by the Paired-Click Paradigm

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-178
Author(s):  
Samantha Major ◽  
Kimberly Carpenter ◽  
Logan Beyer ◽  
Hannah Kwak ◽  
Geraldine Dawson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Gating ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Inhibitory Response ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Optimal Outcomes ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Auditory Sensory Gating ◽  
Auditory Noise ◽  
P50 Suppression

Abstract. Auditory sensory gating is commonly assessed using the Paired-Click Paradigm (PCP), an electroencephalography (EEG) task in which two identical sounds are presented sequentially and the brain’s inhibitory response to the second sound is measured. Many clinical populations demonstrate reduced P50 and/or N100 suppression. Testing sensory gating in children may help to identify individuals at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders earlier, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which could lead to more optimal outcomes. Minimal research has been done with children because of the difficulty of performing lengthy EEG experiments with young children, requiring them to sit still for long periods of time. We designed a modified, potentially child-friendly version of the PCP and evaluated it in typically developing adults. The PCP was administered twice, once in a traditional silent room (silent movie condition) and once with an audible movie playing (audible movie condition) to minimize boredom and enhance behavioral compliance. We tested whether P50 and N100 suppression were influenced by the presence of the auditory background noise from the movie. N100 suppression was observed in both hemispheres in the silent movie condition and in the left hemisphere only during the audible movie condition, though suppression was attenuated in the audible movie condition. P50 suppression was not observed in either condition. N100 sensory gating was successfully elicited with an audible movie playing during the PCP, supporting the use of the modified task for future research in both children and adults.

Aviation and the Microbiome

2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (8) ◽  
pp. 651-661
Author(s):  
Joshua T. Davis ◽  
Hilary A. Uyhelji
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Aviation Safety ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Aerospace Medicine ◽  
Medical Certification ◽  
Physical Disorders ◽  
The Impact

INTRODUCTION: Although the impact of microorganisms on their hosts has been investigated for decades, recent technological advances have permitted high-throughput studies of the collective microbial genomes colonizing a host or habitat, also known as the microbiome. This literature review presents an overview of microbiome research, with an emphasis on topics that have the potential for future applications to aviation safety. In humans, research is beginning to suggest relationships of the microbiome with physical disorders, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease. The microbiome also has been associated with psychological health, including depression, anxiety, and the social complications that arise in autism spectrum disorders. Pharmaceuticals can alter microbiome diversity, and may lead to unintended consequences both short and long-term. As research strengthens understanding of the connections between the microbiota and human health, several potential applications for aerospace medicine and aviation safety emerge. For example, information derived from tests of the microbiota has potential future relevance for medical certification of pilots, accident investigation, and evaluation of fitness for duty in aerospace operations. Moreover, air travel may impact the microbiome of passengers and crew, including potential impacts on the spread of disease nationally and internationally. Construction, maintenance, and cleaning regimens that consider the potential for microbial colonization in airports and cabin environments may promote the health of travelers. Altogether, the mounting knowledge of microbiome effects on health presents several opportunities for future research into how and whether microbiome-based insights could be used to improve aviation safety.Davis JT, Uyhelji HA. Aviation and the microbiome. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(8):651–661.

Consumer Behavior in Emerging Markets

2018 ◽  
pp. 218-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Castaño ◽  
David Flores
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Behavior ◽  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
High Income ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Psychological Processes ◽  
Developed Markets ◽  
Contextual Characteristics ◽  
Initial Framework

Emerging markets are substantially different from markets in high-income, industrialized societies. While many aspects of consumer behavior are the result of inherent psychological processes and are, thus, generalizable across countries and cultures, the specific contextual characteristics of emerging markets can significantly influence other aspects of consumer behavior. In this chapter, we explore the behavior of emerging market consumers. This chapter reviews the existing literature and proposes an initial framework delineating the main differences between emerging markets and developed markets consumers that describe how consumers in these societies recognize a need for, select, evaluate, buy, and use products. The chapter discusses the issues and contributions of the research on emerging consumers and presents implications of extant research for international managers. Finally, the chapter elaborates on an agenda for future research in this area.

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.

Synthesis

2020 ◽  
pp. 421-428
Author(s):  
Lauren Brookman-Frazee ◽  
Amy Drahota ◽  
Colby Chlebowski ◽  
Yael Koenig ◽  
Katherine Nguyen Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Course Assessment ◽  
Academic Partnerships ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Important Field ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Psychiatric Conditions

Recent research and clinical attention devoted to co-occurring psychiatric conditions within autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has led to significant advances in the understanding of and ability to assess and treat co-occurring problems effectively. This chapter summarizes those advances while also highlighting the substantial gaps that remain in the understanding of co-occurring problems in people with ASD. The chapter provides recommendations for future research directions in the areas of etiology, developmental course, assessment, and treatment. It also offers suggestions for improving the representativeness of research participants and strengthening community–academic partnerships in this important field of study.

scholarly journals Sensory over-responsivity is related to GABAergic inhibition in thalamocortical circuits

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily T. Wood ◽  
Kaitlin K. Cummings ◽  
Jiwon Jung ◽  
Genevieve Patterson ◽  
Nana Okada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Network Connectivity ◽  
Sensory Stimulation ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Sensory Stimuli ◽  
Brain Responses

AbstractSensory over-responsivity (SOR), extreme sensitivity to or avoidance of sensory stimuli (e.g., scratchy fabrics, loud sounds), is a highly prevalent and impairing feature of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), anxiety, and ADHD. Previous studies have found overactive brain responses and reduced modulation of thalamocortical connectivity in response to mildly aversive sensory stimulation in ASD. These findings suggest altered thalamic sensory gating which could be associated with an excitatory/inhibitory neurochemical imbalance, but such thalamic neurochemistry has never been examined in relation to SOR. Here we utilized magnetic resonance spectroscopy and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the relationship between thalamic and somatosensory cortex inhibitory (gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA) and excitatory (glutamate) neurochemicals with the intrinsic functional connectivity of those regions in 35 ASD and 35 typically developing pediatric subjects. Although there were no diagnostic group differences in neurochemical concentrations in either region, within the ASD group, SOR severity correlated negatively with thalamic GABA (r = −0.48, p < 0.05) and positively with somatosensory glutamate (r = 0.68, p < 0.01). Further, in the ASD group, thalamic GABA concentration predicted altered connectivity with regions previously implicated in SOR. These variations in GABA and associated network connectivity in the ASD group highlight the potential role of GABA as a mechanism underlying individual differences in SOR, a major source of phenotypic heterogeneity in ASD. In ASD, abnormalities of the thalamic neurochemical balance could interfere with the thalamic role in integrating, relaying, and inhibiting attention to sensory information. These results have implications for future research and GABA-modulating pharmacologic interventions.

Increasing the Number Sense Understanding of Preschool Students With ASD

2021 ◽  
pp. 027112142110061
Author(s):  
Bonnie L. Ingelin ◽  
Seyma Intepe-Tingir ◽  
Nanette C. Hammons
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Number Sense ◽  
Functional Relation ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Preschool Students ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Early Number ◽  
Mathematical Success ◽  
Number Talks

Teaching children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) academic skills supports their future opportunities. For example, early number sense skills are predictive of future mathematical success for all children including children with ASD. Yet, research on foundational early childhood mathematics skills of children with ASD is limited. This study used an adapted version of Number Talks to increase the number sense skills of preschool children with ASD. Number Talks is a constructivist approach that was combined with systematic instruction (i.e., system of least prompts and modeling) in this study. A multiple probe across participants design established a functional relation between using an adapted version of Number Talks and the early number sense skills of preschool children with ASD. Findings suggest using an adapted version of Number Talks can increase the early number sense skills of preschool children with ASD. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

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 Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Developmental Disorders

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina M. Schoemaker ◽  
Suzanne Houwen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Developmental Coordination Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Lower Hrqol

Abstract Purpose of Review (1) To give an overview of what is currently known about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in three common and co-occurring developmental disorders: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and (2) to provide directions for future research. Recent Findings HRQoL is compromised in all three developmental disorders, affecting various domains of HRQoL. However, some domains are more affected than others depending on the nature of the core deficits of the disorder. Overall, parents’ rate HRQoL of their children lower than the children themselves. Children with ASD and ADHD with co-occurring disorders have lower HRQoL compared to those with singular disorders. Future studies in DCD are needed to investigate the effect of co-occurring disorder in this population. Summary Children with developmental disorders have lower HRQoL than typically developing children. Future research should focus on the effects of co-occurring disorders on HRQoL and on protective factors that may increase HRQoL. HRQoL should be a part of clinical assessment, as it reveals the areas in life children are struggling with that could be targeted during intervention.

scholarly journals “Include me if you can”—reasons for low enrollment of pediatric patients in a psychopharmacological trial

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Larissa Niemeyer ◽  
Konstantin Mechler ◽  
Jan Buitelaar ◽  
Sarah Durston ◽  
Bram Gooskens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Current Therapy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Clinical Patient ◽  
Compulsive Disorder

Abstract Background Low recruitment in clinical trials is a common and costly problem which undermines medical research. This study aimed to investigate the challenges faced in recruiting children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder and autism spectrum disorder for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial and to analyze reasons for non-participation. The trial was part of the EU FP7 project TACTICS (Translational Adolescent and Childhood Therapeutic Interventions in Compulsive Syndromes). Methods Demographic data on pre-screening patients were collected systematically, including documented reasons for non-participation. Findings were grouped according to content, and descriptive statistical analyses of the data were performed. Results In total, n = 173 patients were pre-screened for potential participation in the clinical trial. Of these, only five (2.9%) were eventually enrolled. The main reasons for non-inclusion were as follows: failure to meet all inclusion criteria/meeting one or more of the exclusion criteria (n = 73; 42.2%), no interest in the trial or trials in general (n = 40; 23.1%), and not wanting changes to current therapy/medication (n = 14; 8.1%). Conclusions The findings from this study add valuable information to the existing knowledge on reasons for low clinical trial recruitment rates in pediatric psychiatric populations. Low enrollment and high exclusion rates raise the question of whether such selective study populations are representative of clinical patient cohorts. Consequently, the generalizability of the results of such trials may be limited. The present findings will be useful in the development of improved recruitment strategies and may guide future research in establishing the measurement of representativeness to ensure enhanced external validity in psychopharmacological clinical trials in pediatric populations. Trial registration EudraCT 2014-003080-38. Registered on 14 July 2014.

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