scholarly journals Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Repetitive Behaviors and Adaptive Functioning

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 325
Author(s):  
Martina Siracusano ◽  
Valentina Postorino ◽  
Assia Riccioni ◽  
Leonardo Emberti Gialloreti ◽  
Monica Terribili ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Adaptive Functioning ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adaptive Skills

Sex differences in restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been explored with mixed findings. We aimed to investigate sex differences in RRBs through a specific measure—i.e., the Repetitive Behavior Scale Revised (RBS-R)—in a sample of preschool-age and school-age children with ASD. Additionally, we evaluated if RRBs were differently related to adaptive functioning within the male and the female age groups. A sample of 210 ASD individuals (3–18 years; 145 males, 65 females) underwent an in-depth assessment including a cognitive, adaptive functioning evaluation (i.e., the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Second Edition (ABAS-II)) and RRBs assessment (i.e., RBS-R). No significant sex differences on the RBS-R total score or any RBS-R subscale emerged. Within the group of older participants, RRBs were negatively associated with all adaptive skill domains independently from sex and age. Our results suggest a lack of sex differences in RRBs in our sample. Additionally, our findings highlight the possible negative impact of RRBs on adaptive skills in older individuals with autism, emphasizing the need for autistic individuals of both sexes to undergo an early intervention targeting RRBs, in order to improve their adaptive skills.

scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 on the Adaptive Functioning, Behavioral Problems, and Repetitive Behaviors of Italian Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Observational Study

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
Martina Siracusano ◽  
Eugenia Segatori ◽  
Assia Riccioni ◽  
Leonardo Emberti Gialloreti ◽  
Paolo Curatolo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Adaptive Functioning ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adaptive Skills ◽  
The Impact

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families have represented a fragile population on which the extreme circumstances of the COVID-19 outbreak may have doubly impaired. Interruption of therapeutical interventions delivered in-person and routine disruption constituted some of the main challenges they had to face. This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on adaptive functioning, behavioral problems, and repetitive behaviors of children with ASD. In a sample of 85 Italian ASD children (mean age 7 years old; 68 males, 17 females), through a comparison with a baseline evaluation performed during the months preceding COVID-19, we evaluated whether after the compulsory home confinement any improvement or worsening was reported by parents of ASD individuals using standardized instruments (Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (Second Edition), Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist, Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised). No significant worsening in the adaptive functioning, problematic, and repetitive behaviors emerged after the compulsory home confinement. Within the schooler children, clinical stability was found in reference to both adaptive skills and behavioral aspects, whereas within preschoolers, a significant improvement in adaptive skills emerged and was related to the subsistence of web-delivered intervention, parental work continuance, and online support during the lockdown.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on the adaptive functioning of Italian children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: role of the online intervention.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siracusano Martina ◽  
Segatori Eugenia ◽  
Riccioni Assia ◽  
Gialloreti Emberti Leonardo ◽  
Curatolo Paolo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adaptive Functioning ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adaptive Skills ◽  
Baseline Evaluation ◽  
Parental Work ◽  
Italian Children ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This study investigated the impact of lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic on the adaptive functioning, problematic and repetitive behaviors of an Italian sample of preschoolers and schoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We evaluated whether after the compulsory home confinement, in comparison to a baseline evaluation performed during the months preceding COVID-19, any improvement or worsening was reported by parents of ASD individuals using standardized instruments.No significant worsening in the areas explored emerged after the lockdown. Within the older participants, a clinical stability was found concerning both adaptive skills and behavioral aspects. Whereas, within preschoolers a significant improvement in adaptive skills emerged and was related to the subsistence of web delivered intervention, parental work persistency and online support during lockdown.

scholarly journals Sex differences in brain structure: An autism twin study on restricted and repetitive behaviors

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annelies van’t Westeinde ◽  
Élodie Cauvet ◽  
Roberto Toro ◽  
Ralf Kuja-Halkola ◽  
Janina Neufeld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Brain Anatomy ◽  
Social Responsiveness ◽  
Autism Symptoms ◽  
Twin Design ◽  
Restricted And Repetitive Behaviors

AbstractFemales with autism spectrum disorder have been reported to exhibit fewer and less severe restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests compared to males. This difference might indicate sex specific alterations of brain networks involved in autism symptom domains, especially within cortico-striatal and sensory integration networks. This study used a well-controlled twin design to examine sex differences in brain anatomy in relation to repetitive behaviors. In 75 twin pairs (n=150, 62 females, 88 males) enriched for autism spectrum disorder (n=32), and other neurodevelopmental disorders (n =32), we explored the association of restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests – operationalized by the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (C domain) and the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behavior subscale), with cortical volume, surface area and thickness of neocortical, sub-cortical and cerebellar networks. Cotwin control analyses revealed within-pair associations between RRBI symptoms and the right intraparietal sulcus and right orbital gyrus in females only. These findings endorse the importance of investigating sex differences in the neurobiology of autism symptoms, and indicate different etiological pathways underlying restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests in females and males.

Neurobiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesse Costales ◽  
Silvia De Rubeis ◽  
Jennifer Foss-Feig ◽  
Patrick R. Hof ◽  
Joseph D. Buxbaum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Adaptive Functioning ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Emerging Themes ◽  
Integrate Data

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by impairments in social communication, along with the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors. Approximately half of affected children also suffer from intellectual disability (ID), which is defined by cognitive and adaptive functioning at least two standard deviations below the mean (e.g., standard scores <70). It is now well established that genetic factors are major contributors to both ASD and ID. The following chapter will outline emerging themes and integrate data from human and animal studies using genetic, imaging, and histopathological methods. Emerging findings from studies of the immune system and the microbiome will also be briefly reviewed.

scholarly journals Sex differences in the relationship between social difficulties and executive dysfunction in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tonje Torske ◽  
Terje Nærland ◽  
Daniel S. Quintana ◽  
Ruth Elizabeth Hypher ◽  
Anett Kaale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Multiple Testing ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractThe prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in boys is nearly four times higher than in girls, and the causes of this sex difference are not fully known. Difficulties in executive function may be involved in development of autistic symptomatology. Here we investigated sex differences in the relationship between executive function in everyday life and social dysfunction symptoms in a sample of 116 children (25 girls) aged 5-19 years with IQ above 70 and with a diagnosis of ASD. They were assessed with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R). We found no significant differences in BRIEF or ADI-R scores between girls and boys after correcting for multiple testing. Nested linear regression models revealed significant sex differences in the relationship between executive function and both reciprocal social interaction (p<0.001) and communication (p=0.001) over and above the main effects of age, sex, IQ and comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis. We did not find sex differences in the relationship between executive dysfunction and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Altogether, our results provide a greater understanding of the sex-specific characteristics of ASD and may suggest that boys and girls can benefit from different intervention strategies.

scholarly journals The impact of atypical sensory processing on adaptive functioning within and beyond autism: The role of familial factors

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132110198
Author(s):  
Janina Neufeld ◽  
Lisa Hederos Eriksson ◽  
Richard Hammarsten ◽  
Karl Lundin Remnélius ◽  
Julian Tillmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
Adaptive Functioning ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adaptive Skills ◽  
Sensory Sensitivity ◽  
Familial Factors ◽  
Increased Sensitivity

Atypical sensory processing is prevalent across neurodevelopmental conditions and a key diagnostic criterion of autism spectrum disorder. It may have cascading effects on the development of adaptive functions. However, its unique contribution to adaptive functioning and the genetic/environmental influences on this link are unclear. In a clinically enriched twin sample ( n = 289, 60 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder), we investigated the associations between the quadrants of the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile (low registration, sensory sensitivity, sensation seeking, and sensation avoiding) and adaptive functioning. Associations were modeled across the cohort accounting for the effects of clinical diagnosis, IQ, sex and age, and within-twin pairs, additionally implicitly adjusting for familial factors. Furthermore, we explored interaction effects between atypical sensory processing and autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Sensory sensitivity and sensation avoiding were associated with reduced adaptive functioning across individuals, but not within-twin pairs. An interaction effect was found between sensation seeking and autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, showing a negative association between sensation seeking and adaptive functioning only in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The results suggest that atypical sensory processing is associated with reduced adaptive functioning and that familial factors influence this link. In addition, sensation seeking behaviors might interfere with adaptive functioning specifically in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Lay abstract Individuals diagnosed with autism tend to process sensory information differently than individuals without autism, resulting for instance in increased sensitivity to sounds or smells. This leads to challenges in everyday life and may restrict the individual’s daily functioning. How direct this link is, however, is currently unclear. We investigated this question in 289 twins of whom 60 were diagnosed with autism and further 61 were diagnosed with other neurodevelopmental disorders. We looked at the association between unusual sensory processing and adaptive skills, both across individuals and within-twin pairs, testing whether individuals with higher levels of atypical sensory processing showed reduced adaptive skills compared to their twins. Since twins share 50%–100% of their genes and part of their environment (e.g. family background), associations within-twin pairs are free from effects of these familial factors. We found that an increased sensitivity to, as well as the avoiding of, sensory input (hyper-responsiveness) was linked to reduced adaptive skills across individuals—but not within-twin pairs. We also found an association between the degree to which individuals seek for sensory input (sensation seeking) and reduced adaptive skills, but only in individuals diagnosed with autism. The results suggest that sensory hyper-responsiveness has negative effects on individuals’ general ability to function, but that this link is influenced by familial factors and hence not direct. In addition, sensation seeking behaviors might have a negative impact on adaptive skills specifically in autistic individuals.

The clinician perspective on sex differences in autism spectrum disorders

Autism ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 772-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rene Jamison ◽  
Somer L Bishop ◽  
Marisela Huerta ◽  
Alycia K Halladay
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
School Age ◽  
Symptom Presentation ◽  
Females With Autism ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

Research studies using existing samples of individuals with autism spectrum disorders have identified differences in symptoms between males and females. Differences are typically reported in school age and adolescence, with similarities in symptom presentation at earlier ages. However, existing studies on sex differences are significantly limited, making it challenging to discern if, how, and at what point in development females with autism spectrum disorder actually exhibit a different behavioral presentation than males. The purpose of this study was to gather impressions from a large group of clinicians to isolate specific areas for future study of sex differences. Clinicians were surveyed about their opinions and perceptions of symptom severity in females, as compared to males, at different points during development. They were also asked to provide open-ended responses about female symptom presentation. Consistent with previous literature, clinicians noted more sex-related differences in restricted and repetitive behaviors and fewer differences for social communication features. Differences were most commonly observed in school age and adolescence, suggesting this time period as a critical and particularly vulnerable window for females with autism spectrum disorder. The results are discussed in the context of other male/female differences across development so that more targeted investigations of autism spectrum disorder sex differences across development.

scholarly journals Sex differences in restricted repetitive behaviors and interests in children with autism spectrum disorder: An Autism Treatment Network study

Autism ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 858-868 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Knutsen ◽  
Morgan Crossman ◽  
James Perrin ◽  
Amy Shui ◽  
Karen Kuhlthau
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Repetitive Behavior ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Restricted And Repetitive Behavior ◽  
Autism Diagnostic Observation

Compared to the social communication domain, considerably less is known about the cause, development, and impact of restricted, repetitive behaviors interests and activities in children with autism spectrum disorder, including possible sex differences. This study examined sex differences in clinically identified (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) restricted and repetitive behavior symptoms using the largest known sample (N = 1024) of age-matched and intelligence quotient–matched female and male children with autism spectrum disorder. More similarities than differences were observed; however, younger higher functioning and older lower functioning females presented reduced rates on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule restricted and repetitive behavior subcategory unusually repetitive/excessive, stereotyped behaviors compared to similar males. These findings identify key restricted and repetitive behavior similarities and differences among young females and males with autism spectrum disorder and emphasize the need for a deeper understanding of the female autism phenotype.

scholarly journals Observed emotional reactivity in response to frustration tasks in psychiatrically hospitalized youth with autism spectrum disorder

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 968-982 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessie B Northrup ◽  
Matthew Goodwin ◽  
Joshua Montrenes ◽  
Jessica Vezzoli ◽  
Josh Golt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Emotional Reactivity ◽  
Adaptive Functioning ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adaptive Skills ◽  
Behavioral Difficulties ◽  
Functional Abilities ◽  
Psychiatrically Hospitalized

Emotional reactivity (e.g. explosive outbursts, tantrums) is a common but understudied challenge for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Prior research has relied primarily on questionnaire data or observations of very young children. The current study coded emotional reactivity and recovery during a series of standardized frustration tasks in a sample of psychiatrically hospitalized youth with autism spectrum disorder ( N = 150; mean age: 12.76) inclusive of the full spectrum of intellectual and functional abilities and explored relationships between emotional reactivity and participant characteristics. The amount, intensity, and duration of negative affect and total range of affect significantly increased from a baseline period to frustration tasks and significantly decreased during recovery. Younger children displayed more negative affect overall; however, age did not moderate change in affect from baseline to frustration tasks or recovery. Adaptive functioning and verbal ability both moderated change in affect, with individuals with lower adaptive functioning and minimally verbal individuals displaying greater reactivity and less recovery. Reactivity was unrelated to non-verbal IQ, overall autism symptom severity, and parent-reported psychiatric/behavioral problems. The results highlight the feasibility and importance of examining emotional reactivity in more severely affected individuals and suggest the need to develop more targeted interventions for emotional reactivity in this group. Lay Abstract Large emotional reactions (e.g. outbursts, tantrums) can be common and distressing in the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Most previous research that has examined these types of emotional responses have used questionnaire data or focused only on young children. In addition, very little research has included individuals across a large range of intellectual and functional abilities or individuals with more severe emotional and/or behavioral difficulties. This study examined emotional reactions to frustrating tasks in 6–21-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder who were psychiatrically hospitalized due to emotional and/or behavioral difficulties. We describe change in the amount, intensity, duration, and range of emotional reactions that the participants displayed from a neutral activity to the frustrating tasks and then to a neutral recovery period. We also examined associations between characteristics of the participants and these emotional reactions. We found that younger children displayed more negative emotions across the neutral and frustrating tasks; however, age did not relate to how big their reactions to frustration were. Furthermore, we found that individuals with fewer adaptive skills (i.e. age-appropriate life skills) and minimally verbal individuals had bigger reactions and recovered less following the frustration tasks. The results highlight the importance of examining emotional reactions in individuals with lower verbal and adaptive abilities and for interventions to consider the connection between verbal and adaptive skills and emotional reactions.

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