scholarly journals Attention capture by trains and faces in children with and without autism spectrum disorder

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0250763
Author(s):  
Nichole E. Scheerer ◽  
Elina Birmingham ◽  
Troy Q. Boucher ◽  
Grace Iarocci
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Attention Capture ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Attentional Biases ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Circumscribed Interests ◽  
Attentional Processes ◽  
Overt Attention ◽  
Face Stimuli

This study examined involuntary capture of attention, overt attention, and stimulus valence and arousal ratings, all factors that can contribute to potential attentional biases to face and train objects in children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the visual domain, faces are particularly captivating, and are thought to have a ‘special status’ in the attentional system. Research suggests that similar attentional biases may exist for other objects of expertise (e.g. birds for bird experts), providing support for the role of exposure in attention prioritization. Autistic individuals often have circumscribed interests around certain classes of objects, such as trains, that are related to vehicles and mechanical systems. This research aimed to determine whether this propensity in autistic individuals leads to stronger attention capture by trains, and perhaps weaker attention capture by faces, than what would be expected in non-autistic children. In Experiment 1, autistic children (6–14 years old) and age- and IQ-matched non-autistic children performed a visual search task where they manually indicated whether a target butterfly appeared amongst an array of face, train, and neutral distractors while their eye-movements were tracked. Autistic children were no less susceptible to attention capture by faces than non-autistic children. Overall, for both groups, trains captured attention more strongly than face stimuli and, trains had a larger effect on overt attention to the target stimuli, relative to face distractors. In Experiment 2, a new group of children (autistic and non-autistic) rated train stimuli as more interesting and exciting than the face stimuli, with no differences between groups. These results suggest that: (1) other objects (trains) can capture attention in a similar manner as faces, in both autistic and non-autistic children (2) attention capture is driven partly by voluntary attentional processes related to personal interest or affective responses to the stimuli.

Development of Neural Structure and Function in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Potential Implications for Learning Language

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 1783-1797
Author(s):  
Kelly L. Coburn ◽  
Diane L. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Language Development ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Language Intervention ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Neural Structure ◽  
Complex Information ◽  
And Function

Purpose Neurodevelopmental processes that begin during gestation and continue throughout childhood typically support language development. Understanding these processes can help us to understand the disruptions to language that occur in neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Method For this tutorial, we conducted a focused literature review on typical postnatal brain development and structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, magnetoencephalography, and electroencephalography studies of the neurodevelopmental differences that occur in ASD. We then integrated this knowledge with the literature on evidence-based speech-language intervention practices for autistic children. Results In ASD, structural differences include altered patterns of cortical growth and myelination. Functional differences occur at all brain levels, from lateralization of cortical functions to the rhythmic activations of single neurons. Neuronal oscillations, in particular, could help explain disrupted language development by elucidating the timing differences that contribute to altered functional connectivity, complex information processing, and speech parsing. Findings related to implicit statistical learning, explicit task learning, multisensory integration, and reinforcement in ASD are also discussed. Conclusions Consideration of the neural differences in autistic children provides additional scientific support for current recommended language intervention practices. Recommendations consistent with these neurological findings include the use of short, simple utterances; repetition of syntactic structures using varied vocabulary; pause time; visual supports; and individualized sensory modifications.

scholarly journals Alterations of the endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic potential in autism spectrum disorder

Open Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingyang Zou ◽  
Yu Liu ◽  
Shu Xie ◽  
Luxi Wang ◽  
Dexin Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Animal Model ◽  
Social Preference ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Hydrolytic Enzyme ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Novel Approach

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disabilities, the aetiology of which remains elusive. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system modulates neurotransmission and neuronal plasticity. Evidence points to the involvement of this neuromodulatory system in the pathophysiology of ASD. We investigated whether there is a disruption to the eCB system in ASD and whether pharmacological modulation of the eCB system might offer therapeutic potential. We examined three major components of the eCB system—endogenous cannabinoids, their receptors and associated enzymes—in ASD children as well as in the valproic acid (VPA) induced animal model in autism. Furthermore, we specifically increased 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels by administering JZL184, a selective inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase which is the hydrolytic enzyme for 2-AG, to examine ASD-like behaviours in VPA-induced rats. Results showed that autistic children and VPA-induced rats exhibited reduced eCB content, increased degradation of enzymes and upregulation of CBRs. We found that repetitive and stereotypical behaviours, hyperactivity, sociability, social preference and cognitive functioning improved after acute and chronic JZL184 treatment. The major efficacy of JZL184 was observed after administration of a dosage regimen of 3 mg kg −1 , which affected both the eCB system and ASD-like behaviours. In conclusion, a reduced eCB signalling was observed in autistic children and in the ASD animal model, and boosting 2-AG could ameliorate ASD-like phenotypes in animals. Collectively, the results suggested a novel approach to ASD treatment.

scholarly journals Psychological Stress Among Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome in the City of Kufra

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-41
Author(s):  
Mansour Mohammed Ali Bopaeda
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Psychological Stress ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Children With Down Syndrome ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
The City

Having a baby is a huge responsibility. It often happens that mothers, especially when they are having their first baby, feel stressed and incompetent in their role as mothers even as their children normally grows. The purpose of this article is to identify the general features of psychological stress among mothers of autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome and to identify the differences and relationship in psychological stress between mothers of autism and down syndrome. In this study participated a group of mothers with children who have autism (n = 44) and mothers of children with Down syndrome (n = 44). The findings made proved that the general features of psychological stress are high Among mothers of autistic children, while it was low among mothers of Down syndrome, there were also statistically significant differences in the level of psychological stress between mothers of autism and Down syndrome, and a correlation was found between mothers of autism and Down syndrome at the level of significance (0.01).

Effect of physical therapy on 7- to 10-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder: A retrospective study in a university day hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 85 (4) ◽  
pp. 385-404
Author(s):  
Jokthan Guivarch ◽  
Elisabeth Jouve ◽  
Elodie Avenel ◽  
François Poinso ◽  
Laura Conforti-Roussel
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Motor Impairment ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
The Body ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Dance Movement ◽  
Cascading Effect

More than half of children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suffer from motor impairment. In a retrospective study, the authors investigated the effect of a body-mediated workshop with dance movement therapy (DMT) on the motor skills and social skills of children with ASD by comparing 10 autistic children aged 7 to 10 years who benefited from DMT with 10 autistic children in a control group. Scores on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale were compared. The body-mediated workshop had significant benefits for motricity, especially manual dexterity, and for relational skills. A body-mediated workshop may have a multimodal effect and requires transmodal training. Regarding the mechanisms that explain the benefits and the cascading effect, the roles of imitation and multimodal connections are important.

The effectiveness of physical activity interventions on communication and social functioning in autistic children and adolescents: A meta-analysis of controlled trials

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 136236132097764
Author(s):  
John SY Chan ◽  
Kanfeng Deng ◽  
Jin H Yan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions

Difficulty with communication and social functioning are two outstanding core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, and physical activity has long been suggested to improve autism spectrum disorder symptoms. In this meta-analysis of controlled trials, we examined the effects of physical activity interventions compared to controls on communication and social functioning in autistic children and adolescents. Included studies are published articles in English with autism spectrum disorder participants younger than 18 years. Literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and related databases through 6 May 2020. Quality of study was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool regarding randomization, allocation concealment, blinding, attrition, and selective reporting. We included 12 controlled trials ( N = 350) with communication outcomes ( k = 8) and/or social functioning outcomes ( k = 11). Results show small to moderate intervention benefits on communication (standardized mean change = 0.27, 95% confidence interval (0.06, 0.48)) and social functioning (standardized mean change = 0.39, 95% confidence interval (0.15, 0.63)), but the result for social functioning may be susceptible to publication bias. Better intervention outcomes are observed in younger participants, suggesting the importance of early participation. This study shows the benefits of physical activity interventions, and they could be considered a cost-effective means for autism spectrum disorder management in the future. Lay abstract Difficulty with communication and social functioning are two outstanding core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, while there is no efficacious pharmacologic treatment available to deal with them. Traditional behavioral therapies usually require specialist therapist and be conducted in specific settings, increasing burdens on families and individuals with autism. Physical activity has long been found to promote physical and mental well-beings, and it is more affordable and versatile than traditional therapies. There is preliminary support for the use of physical activity interventions to improve communication and social functioning in individuals with autism. In this study, we quantitatively aggregate data from existing controlled trials to provide an up-to-date inquiry into the effectiveness of physical activity interventions on communication and social functioning in autistic children and adolescents. We included 12 trials involving 350 participants (8 trials reported communication outcomes and 11 trials reported social functioning outcomes) and found small to moderate benefits on communication and social functioning. Further analyses showed that the benefit of physical activity interventions is greater in younger participants. Results of this study suggest that physical activity interventions are effective to improve communication and social functioning in autistic children and adolescents, and early participation in the interventions can be more beneficial. Given their affordability, versatility, and efficacy, physical activity interventions could be considered a cost-effective option for autism spectrum disorder management in the future.

Parent training for Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Shamaila Ijaz ◽  
Farwa Rafaq ◽  
Sonia Haider
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Behavior Therapy ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Therapy Training ◽  
Knowledge Scale ◽  
Vineland Adaptive Behavior

Abstract Objective: The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of behavior therapy training to mothers of autistic children on verbal and non-verbal improvement of their children. Materials and Methods: A total of 33 mothers of autistic children were selected for training based on non-probability purposive sampling procedure.  Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Knowledge Scale was used to assess mothers’ knowledge about autism and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale was used for assessment of the communication skill in autistic children. Results: This study revealed that behavior therapy training significantly improved communication skills of children with autism by training mothers. The results of paired t-test revealed that trained mothers developed improved communication skills. Conclusion: These results showed improvement in communication skills of autistic children whose mothers were trained in behavior therapy. Keywords: Behavior therapy, autism, training mothers. Continuous...

scholarly journals The effect of psychological stress on academic achievement among siblings of autistic children spectrum disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 1776-1787
Author(s):  
Saad Yahya Athbah
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Psychological Stress ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Normal Brother

The current study aims to identify the impact of psychological stress among siblings of autistic children on their academic achievement, as well as identifying differences in the level of their academic achievement according to the variables of the normal brother: gender, age, educational level, and the variables of the autistic siblings: gender and age of autistic children in Jeddah. The quantitative approach was followed, depending on the questionnaire. The results revealed that the level of psychological stress and academic achievement were moderate. The results also showed that there were no significant differences due to the variable gender of the respondent, the gender of the autistic child, the age of the autistic children, the educational level, and the age of the sibling in relation to academic achievement. The results also showed that no relationship between psychological stress and academic achievement.   Keywords: psychological stress, academic achievement, siblings, autism spectrum disorder

scholarly journals A preliminary investigation of the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on facial morphology in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Weiting Tan ◽  
Yong Zhi Foo ◽  
Jenny Downs ◽  
Amy Finlay-Jones ◽  
Helen Leonard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Facial Morphology ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Facial Shape ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol

Alcohol exposure during pregnancy has been associated with altered brain development and facial dysmorphology. While autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not specifically related to distinct facial phenotypes, recent studies have suggested certain facial characteristics—increased facial masculinity and asymmetry—may be associated with ASD and its clinical presentations. In the present study, we conducted a preliminary investigation to examine the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on facial morphology in autistic children with (n = 37; mean age = 8.21 years, SD = 2.72) and without (n = 100; mean age = 8.37 years, SD = 2.47) prenatal alcohol exposure. Using three-dimensional facial scans and principal component analysis, we identified a facial shape associated with prenatal alcohol exposure in autistic children. However, variations in the alcohol-related facial shape were generally not associated with behavioural and cognitive measures. These findings suggest that while early exposure to alcohol may influence the development of facial structures, it is does not appear to be associated with ASD phenotypic variability. Importantly, although these findings do not implicate a role for prenatal alcohol exposure in the etiology of ASD, further research is warranted to investigate the link between prenatal alcohol exposure and facial morphology differences among neurodevelopmental conditions.

scholarly journals Mid-gestation cytokine profiles in mothers of children affected by autism spectrum disorder: a case–control study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Carter ◽  
Sophie Casey ◽  
Gerard W. O’Keeffe ◽  
Louise Gibson ◽  
Deirdre M. Murray
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Birth Cohort ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Maternal Serum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Intrauterine Environment ◽  
Cytokine Profiles ◽  
Early Markers ◽  
Ultrasensitive Assay

AbstractAutism Spectrum disorder is one of the commonest and most important neurodevelopmental conditions affecting children today. With an increasing prevalence and an unclear aetiology, it is imperative we find early markers of autism, which may facilitate early identification and intervention. Alterations of gestational cytokine profiles have been reported in mothers of autistic children. Increasing evidence suggests that the intrauterine environment is an important determinant of autism risk. This study aims to examine the mid-gestational serum cytokine profiles of the mothers of autistic children from a well-characterised birth cohort. A nested sub-cohort within a large mother–child birth cohort were identified based on a confirmed multi-disciplinary diagnosis of autism before the age 10 years and neuro-typical matched controls in a 2:1 ratio. IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, GMCSF and TNFα were measured in archived maternal 20-week serum using MesoScale Diagnostics multiplex technology and validation of our IL-17A measurements was performed using an ultrasensitive assay. From a cohort of 2137 children, 25 had confirmed autism before 10 years and stored maternal serum from mid-gestation. We examined the sera of these 25 cases and 50 matched controls. The sex ratio was 4:1 males to females in each group, and the mean age at diagnosis was 5.09 years (SD 2.13). We found that concentrations of IL-4 were significantly altered between groups. The other analytes did not differ significantly using either multiplex or ultra-sensitive assays. In our well-characterised prospective cohort of autistic children, we confirmed mid-gestational alterations in maternal IL-4 concentrations in autism affected pregnancies versus matched controls. These findings add to promising evidence from animal models and retrospective screening programmes and adds to the knowledge in this field.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document