scholarly journals Social behavior in RASopathies and idiopathic autism

2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison M. H. Foy ◽  
Rebekah L. Hudock ◽  
Ryan Shanley ◽  
Elizabeth I. Pierpont
Keyword(s):  
Social Behavior ◽  
Social Competence ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Neurofibromatosis Type ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Distinct Pattern ◽  
Genetic Syndromes ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Challenges

Abstract Background RASopathies are genetic syndromes that result from pathogenic variants in the RAS-MAPK cellular signaling pathway. These syndromes, which include neurofibromatosis type 1, Noonan syndrome, cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, and Costello syndrome, are associated with a complex array of medical and behavioral health complications. Despite a heightened risk for social challenges and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), few studies have compared different aspects of social behavior across these conditions. It is also unknown whether the underlying neuropsychological characteristics that contribute to social competence and socially empathetic (“prosocial”) behaviors differ in children with RASopathies as compared to children with nonsyndromic (i.e., idiopathic) ASD. Methods In this cross-sectional, survey-based investigation, caregivers of preschool and school-aged children with RASopathies (n = 202) or with idiopathic ASD (n = 109) provided demographic, medical, and developmental information about their child, including psychiatric comorbidities. For children who were able to communicate verbally, caregivers also completed standardized rating scales to assess social competence and empathetic behavior as well as symptoms of hyperactivity/inattention and emotional problems. Results As compared to children with idiopathic ASD, children with RASopathies were rated as demonstrating more resilience in the domain of empathy relative to their overall social competence. Similarities and differences emerged in the psychological factors that predicted social behavior in these two groups. Stronger communication skills and fewer hyperactive-impulsive behaviors were associated with increased empathy and social competence for both groups. Greater emotional challenges were associated with lower social competence for children with RASopathies and stronger empathy for children with idiopathic ASD. Among children with RASopathy and a co-occurring ASD diagnosis, socially empathetic behaviors were observed more often as compared to children with idiopathic ASD. Conclusions Findings suggest that the development of social behavior among children with RASopathies involves a distinct pattern of strengths and weaknesses as compared to a behaviorally defined disorder (idiopathic ASD). Identification of areas of resilience as well as behavioral and social challenges will support more targeted intervention.

scholarly journals Risks of Major Mental Disorders and Irritable Bowel Syndrome among the Offspring of Parents with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Nationwide Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4679
Author(s):  
Ta-Chuan Yeh ◽  
Ya-Mei Bai ◽  
Shih-Jen Tsai ◽  
Tzeng-Ji Chen ◽  
Chih-Sung Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Early Implementation ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Irritable Bowel

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder that is highly comorbid with mental disorders. However, few studies have examined the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), and schizophrenia in the offspring of parents with IBS. We used nationally representative cross-sectional survey data to analyze cross-generational transmission patterns of both IBS and major mental disorders. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated by using logistic regression models with adjustment for potential confounding factors. Offspring of parents with IBS were more likely to develop IBS themselves (OR = 2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.09–2.78), ADHD (OR = 1.33, 95% CI, 1.08–1.62), and MDD (OR = 1.32, 95% CI, 1.04–1.68) than the controls. Data stratification by parental sex revealed that paternal IBS increased risk of ADHD (OR = 1.34, 95% CI, 1.01–1.77) in the offspring, while maternal IBS increased the risk of MDD (OR = 1.51, 95% CI, 1.11–2.06). This is the first study to reveal parental IBS is associated with IBS, ADHD, and MDD among offspring, suggesting the necessity for early implementation of prevention strategies for at-risk children.

scholarly journals Parental evaluation of a revised autism spectrum disorder diagnostic process for children under 36 months of age

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-François Lemay ◽  
Shauna Langenberger ◽  
Scott McLeod
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Parent Education ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background The Alberta Children’s Hospital-Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic (ACH-ASDC) was restructured due to long wait times and unsustainable clinic workflow. Major changes included the initiation of pre- and post-ASD parent education sessions and distinct ASD screening appointments before the ASD diagnostic appointment. Methods We conducted a parental program evaluation in summer 2018 of the ACH-ASDC. We used a cross-sectional survey to evaluate key outcomes including parental satisfaction, and the percentage of families obtaining access to government supports and early intervention programs. Results For the 101 eligible patients diagnosed with ASD under 36 months of age 70 (69.3%) parents agreed to participate. The mean diagnostic age of the children diagnosed with ASD was 30.6 months (SD=4.1 months). There were no statistically significant age differences between biological sexes. Ninety-three per cent of parents felt that ASD educational sessions were useful, and 92% of parents were satisfied to very satisfied with the overall ASD diagnostic process. Ninety per cent of parents had access to at least one of the key resources available for ASD early intervention in our province following diagnosis. Parents reported a positive impact on intervention provided to their child in the areas of communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Conclusion Parents of children diagnosed with ASD expressed a high level of satisfaction with the restructured ACH-ASDC process. Implementing parent education sessions was well received and met parents’ needs. Parents were able to access intervention services following diagnosis and reported positive impacts for their child. Re-envisioning program approaches to incorporate novel strategies to support families should be encouraged.

Pattern of patients recovered in psychiatric rehabilitation services: defining homogeneous groups. Multivariate analysis of a sample

1999 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-46
Author(s):  
Alessandra Marinoni ◽  
Adriana Carolei ◽  
Marcello Paglione ◽  
Carlo Di Pietrantonj ◽  
Giovanni Foresti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scales ◽  
Psychiatric Rehabilitation ◽  
Rehabilitation Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Homogeneous Groups ◽  
The People ◽  
Economic State ◽  
Psychiatric Rating ◽  
And Cluster Analysis

SummaryObjective – To provide a multidimensional description about the pattern of patients recovered in some Psychiatric Rehabilitation Sevices, as emerging from identification of similar groups regarded the total severity. Design and Setting – A cross-sectional survey has been conducted on patients recovered in 4 Northern-Italy Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services. A statistical bottom-up analysis (Principal Components and Cluster Analysis) has been performed. Main outcome measures – Any patient has been evaluated using a questionnaire with well-known rating scales (BPRS-psychiatric rating, Katx index and IADL index, IDS index of comorbidity) together with informations on sex, age, social and economic state, psychiatic history, therapeutic devices and staff involvement. Results – We analyzed 455 patients. 267 (58.7%) male and the mean age is 58.517.9. After statistical analysis, 4 clusters of patients has been found: the first group (106 patients) is younger, descrided as not seriuosly compromised, mostly with psychotic problems; the second (96 patients, most of them woman with diagnosis of demetia) is much older, with serious problems of indipendency and comorbidity. The third (82 patients) and fourth (171 patients) group show intermediate patterns. The level of care requested by these groups has been provided. Conclusions – Our results show the usefulness of sophisticated statistical methods to describe patients recovered in psychiatric rehabilitation services. Moreover, our findings could be useful as good proposal to the people involved in this field, planning an active intervention in this area.

The Roles of Stress and Support on Student-Teacher Relationships in Educators of Children with ASD

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle Rawn ◽  
Sarah Lang
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Student Teacher ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Teacher Relationships ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Student Teacher Relationships

The current study examined the associations of teachers' stress with the quality of their relationships with young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and if teachers' organizational and social support were also associated with aspects of these relationships. A sample of educators (N=42) of children with ASD were examined utilizing a cross-sectional survey that assessed stress, closeness (i.e., warmth and support) and conflict (i.e., tension and negative affect) in student-teacher relationships, and varying support systems. All participants worked in either a specialized institute or a specialized classroom predominantly serving young children with ASD. Regression revealed that higher stress, controlling for education level, was associated with higher conflict in student-teacher relationships but was not related to closeness. Controlling for stress and education, social support was positively associated with closeness. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Food Selectivity and Food Preferences of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
pp. 152-159
Author(s):  
Amna Rashid ◽  
Nayab Iftikhar ◽  
Syeda Asfara Badar ◽  
Fahad Masood ◽  
Iqra Rehman
Keyword(s):  
Food Preferences ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Food Selectivity ◽  
Junk Food ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rehabilitation Centers ◽  
Factors Influencing

Aims: To determine the Food Preferences and factors influencing food selectivity for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Study Design: It was a cross-sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: Data was collected within the time frame of six months from February 2019 to July 2019. Data was collected from different educational centers, rehabilitation centers, clinics and special education schools in Lahore, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using convenient sampling technique. Data was collected from parents of children with Autism by using a questionnaire. Data was collected within the time frame of six months from February 2019 to July 2019. Data was collected from different educational centers, rehabilitation centers, clinics and special education schools in Lahore, Pakistan. Results: In sample of 68 children 22 (32.4%) were female and 46 (67.6%) were male. Out of 68 children, 55(80.8%) liked rice ,40(58.8%) liked junk food, 41(60.2%) liked bread, 38(55.8%) liked crunchy food and 36(53%) liked fruits. Out of 68 children 32(47%) didn’t need certain silverware or temperature to eat food, 33(48%) didn’t prefer to sit with specific person or chair at meals, 31(.5%) didn’t show any behavior like crying and screaming, 30(44.1%) didn’t refuse food if not in a presentable way and 30(44.1%) disagreed to eat single food three times. Conclusion: This study significantly shows that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder has some food preferences. They like to eat soft food like rice and bread rather than churchy one, they like fruits, vegetable, junk food. They show behaviors like throw food while eating and refuses to self-feed. They prefer to watch TV or any electronic device at mealtime. Due to their sensory issues they refuse to taste new food. The result indicates that autistic child has food preferences and they show limited acceptance towards food.

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