Sleep Disorders in Autism Spectrum Disorder Pre-School Children: An Evaluation Using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children

Background and Objectives: Sleep disorders are common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The aims of this study were to describe the incidence and characteristics of sleep disorders using a questionnaire completed by the caregiver in a sample of preschool-aged children with ASD and to identify possible differences in a control group of peers. Materials and Methods: Sleep disorders were investigated with the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) in a population of pre-school-aged (3–5 years) ASD children and in a control group. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule—second ed. (ADOS-2) was further used to assess autism symptom severity. A total of 84 children (69 males; mean age 3.9 ± 0.8 years) with a diagnosis of ASD and 84 healthy controls (65 males; mean age of 3.7 ± 0.8 years) that were matched for age and sex were enrolled. Results: ASD children reported significantly higher (pathological) scores than the control group on the SDSC total scores and in some of the factor scores, such as Difficulty in Initiating and Maintaining Sleep (DIMS), disorders of excessive somnolence (DOES), and sleep hyperhidrosis. A total of 18% of ASD children had a pathological SDSC total T-score, and 46% had an abnormal score on at least one sleep factor; DIMS, parasomnias, and DOES showed the highest rates among the sleep factors. Younger children (3 years) reported higher scores in DIMS and sleep hyperhidrosis than older ones (4 and 5 years). No specific correlation was found between ADOS-2 and SDSC scores. Conclusions: Pre-school children with ASD showed a high incidence of sleep disorders with different distributions of specific sleep factors according to their age. We suggest a screening assessment of sleep disorders using the SDSC in these children with a more in-depth evaluation for those reporting pathological scores on the questionnaire.

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Investigation of the Relation Between Epithelial Barrier Function and Autism Symptom Severity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

10.21203/rs.3.rs-270289/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kevser Nalbant ◽

Semih Erden ◽

Abdullah Yazar ◽

İbrahim Kılınç

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Barrier Function ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Epithelial Barrier ◽

Control Group ◽

Epithelial Barrier Function ◽

Children With Asd

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by limitations in mutual communication and social interaction as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities. A number of biological abnormalities have been reported in ASD. Therefore the possible role of biological abnormalities in etiopathogenesis arouses research interest in this area. This is a case-control design study evaluating epithelial barrier function by comparing serum concentrations of occludin and zonulin in children with ASD (n = 60) and controls (n = 30). The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was used to evaluate autistic symptom levels of all children. Serum occludin and zonulin levels were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum occludin was significantly lower in children with ASD than in control subjects. In children with ASD, a decrease in occludin level was significantly associated with the disorder symptom levels item mean score (CARS total scores). Our findings showed that children with ASD had alterations in epithelial barrier function compared to the control group. The investigation of the mechanism underlying the different levels of occludin between ASD and controls may be of importance in clarifying the etiopathogenesis of ASD, as well as its follow-up and treatment.

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The Influence of Parent-Child Relationships on the Communication Development of Primary School Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Scientific Research and Development Socio-Humanitarian Research and Technology ◽

10.12737/article_5bffb801180598.16957633 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 53-60

Author(s):

Е. Черенева ◽

E. Chereneva ◽

Н. Елтышева ◽

N. Eltysheva ◽

О. Беляева ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Primary School ◽

School Children ◽

Children With Autism ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Parent Child Relationships ◽

Parent Child

The problem of providing psychological and pedagogical assistance to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families has recently been extremely urgent. ASDs are a group of pervasive developmental disorders, the main manifestations of then are the lack of ability to social interaction, communication disorders and stereotyped behavior. With the recognized practical and theoretical significance of the study of the communicative sphere and the abundance of serious studies devoted to this topic, the problem of studying the communicative characteristics of children with autism, as is well known, still remains poorly understood. The article presents the results of scientific research in the field of developmental and clinical psychology: the mechanisms of formation of communication in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a comprehensive study of the influence of parent-child relationships on the communication's development of primary school children with autism spectrum disorders. According to the results of studies of the influence of parent-child relations on the development of communication in primary school children with ASD, the diagnostic complex for the study of communication in primary school children with ASD and styles of parent-child relationships in families raising children of this category was offered. Practical psychologists can use the results of the study during work with children with ASD and their families. The purpose of the article is to present the results of the study of the influence of parent-child relationships on the communication's development of primary school children with autism spectrum disorder.

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Characterizing Olfactory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Children with Sensory Processing Dysfunction

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci10060362 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 362 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Julia R. Sweigert ◽

Tanya St. John ◽

Kristin Kawena Begay ◽

Greg E. Davis ◽

Jeffrey Munson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Sensory Processing ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Olfactory Function ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Odor Identification ◽

Control Group ◽

Autism Symptoms ◽

Odor Detection ◽

Children With Asd

Abnormalities in olfactory function have been identified in a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. However, little is known about olfactory function in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present study aims to assess the olfactory profiles of children with ASD, compared to an age- and sex-matched comparison group of typically developing children and a second clinical control group consisting of non-ASD children with sensory processing dysfunction (SPD). Participants completed a battery of sensory and behavioral assessments including olfactory tasks (Sniffin’ Sticks Threshold Test and self-reported valence ratings for two target odorants (phenylethyl alcohol and vanillin) and the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test), and an autism evaluation (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2). Children with ASD showed intact odor detection with reduced odor identification ability. Poor odor identification was significantly correlated with autism symptom severity. Children with SPD demonstrated reduced odor detection and identification ability. These findings provide evidence for differential patterns of smell processing among ASD and non-ASD neurodevelopmental disorders. Future studies are needed to determine whether the association of impaired olfaction and increased autism symptoms is due to shared etiology.

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Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder of All Ages, Levels of Symptom Severity and General Cognitive Ability Display Low Processing Speed Index Scores Warranting Special Educational Assistance

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders ◽

10.1007/s10803-021-05249-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

M. Linnenbank ◽

R. Feldmann ◽

G. Schulte-Körne ◽

S. Beimdiek ◽

E. Strittmatter

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Cognitive Ability ◽

School Children ◽

Processing Speed ◽

Symptom Severity ◽

Children With Autism ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

General Cognitive Ability ◽

Children With Asd

AbstractThe processing speed index (PSI) of the Wechsler intelligence scale for children (WISC-IV) has been found to predict a child's level of academic functioning. The consistently reported PSI weakness in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) therefore warrants special assistance and attempts at compensation for the disadvantages associated with these children's low PSI. We investigated the association of PSI scores with age, general cognitive ability [as measured by full-scale IQ (FSIQ)], symptom severity and discrepancy between the WISC-IV indices verbal comprehension (VCI) and perceptual reasoning (PRI) in 101 school children with ASD. The PSI weakness in children with ASD was not related to age, FSIQ, VCI-PRI discrepancy or any of the symptom measures. These findings suggest that school children with ASD independent of their age, level of cognitive ability, VCI-PRI profile and most notably independent of their symptom severity should be entitled to special assistance and compensation in educational settings.

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VISUAL SUPPORT REDUCES ANXIETY IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND ENHANCE THEIR VISUAL PERCEPTUAL SKILLS

Pakistan Journal of Rehabilitation ◽

10.36283/pjr.zu.8.1/007 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 31-36

Author(s):

Ramsha Ghous ◽

Hina Naz

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Occupational Therapy ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Control Group ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Anxiety Levels ◽

Therapy Sessions ◽

Experimental Group

BACKGROUND Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulties with sensory processing that result in anxiety in certain situations. Aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of visual supports in reduction of anxiety levels and tolerance of transitions or switch over in children with ASD. STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled trial METHODS With a sample size of 57, comparison was made between two groups i.e.; the experimental and the control group to see the efficacy of the visual inputs in reducing anxiety in children with ASD of age bracket 8-12 years old. Experimental group was given visual aids with occupational therapy sessions, while control group was only given conventional Occupational Therapy sessions. Pre and post analysis of visual perceptual ages and the anxiety levels of children were compared by anxiety scale for children-spectrum disorder and motor-free visual perception test. RESULT Significant increase in the visual perceptual ages with reduction in anxiety level was observed in experimental; no significant difference was found in control group. CONCLUSION Reduction in the anxiety levels was achieved after 4 weeks of intervention with improvement in the visual perceptual ages in the experimental group.

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The urinary biopterin in autism spectrum disorder

Pteridines ◽

10.1515/pteridines-2020-0023 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 17-22

Author(s):

Aleksandra Waligóra ◽

Aleksandra Damasiewicz-Bodzek ◽

Piotr Gorczyca ◽

Sławomir Waligóra ◽

Krystyna Tyrpień-Golder

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

The Other ◽

Urine Samples ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Healthy Individuals ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to determine whether biopterin is present in significantly lower quantities in urine samples of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to healthy individuals. Methods The concentration of biopterin in urine samples was measured by ELISA using commercially available kit. The study involved 53 children aged 3–16 years with ASD and 60 healthy children aged 2–14 years. Results Significantly lower biopterin concentration was observed in autistic patients compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was observed between mild, moderate, and severe ASD. Conclusion One of the potential causes of decrease in urinary biopterin levels may be tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency, which has extensive and serious health consequences for the nervous system. The results of measuring biopterin as a fully oxidized form of BH4 may suggest that biosynthesis or regeneration of BH4 may be decreased in children with ASD. On the other hand, decreased urinary biopterin levels in children with ASD may be due to BH4 overuse, a good regeneration process, and decreased urinary excretion; and abnormalities in BH4 metabolism appear to be related to the aetiology of ASD or may be due to ASD.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder: Correlation between aberrant behaviors, EEG abnormalities and seizures

Neurology International ◽

10.4081/ni.2010.e10 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 10 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Michelle Elena Hartley-McAndrew ◽

Arie Weinstock

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Epileptiform Activity ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Control Group ◽

Epileptiform Discharges ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Eeg Abnormalities ◽

Significant Difference

The relationship between epilepsy, epileptiform discharges, cognitive, language and behavioral symptoms is not clearly understood. Since difficulties with socialization and maladaptive behaviors are found in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we inquired whether epileptiform activity and seizures are associated with adverse behavioral manifestations in this population. We reviewed our EEG database between 1999-2006, and identified 123 children with ASD. EEG abnormalities were found in 39 children (31%). A control group of age and gender matched ASD children with normal EEG’s was obtained. Packets of questionnaires including the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale II (VABS), Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) were sent by mail. Out of 21 packets received, 11 had normal and 10 had abnormal EEG’s. There were no statistically significant differences in behavior between the two groups. Statistical analysis of discharge location and frequency did not reveal a significant trend. However, children with ASD and seizures had statistically significant lower scores in VABS daily living (P=0.009) and socialization (P=0.007) as compared to those without seizures. ASD children with seizures had higher ABC levels of hyperactivity and irritability. Differences in irritability scores nearly reached statistical significance (P=0.058). There was no significant difference in the degree of CARS autism rating between the groups. Our study did not reveal statistically significant differences in behaviors between ASD children with and without EEG abnormalities. However, ASD children with seizures revealed significantly worse behaviors as compared to counterparts without seizures.

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Developmental trends of hot and cool executive function in school-aged children with and without autism spectrum disorder: Links with theory of mind

Development and Psychopathology ◽

10.1017/s0954579418000081 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 31 (02) ◽

pp. 541-556 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Evangelia-Chrysanthi Kouklari ◽

Stella Tsermentseli ◽

Claire P. Monks

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Working Memory ◽

Executive Function ◽

Theory Of Mind ◽

Longitudinal Design ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Control Group ◽

Children With Asd ◽

The Impact

AbstractThe development of executive function (EF) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been investigated using only “cool”-cognitive EF tasks while there is limited knowledge regarding the development of “hot”-affective EF. Although cool EF development and its links to theory of mind (ToM) have been widely examined, understanding of the influence of hot EF to ToM mechanisms is minimal. The present study introduced a longitudinal design to examine the developmental changes in cool and hot EF of children with ASD (n = 45) and matched (to age and IQ) controls (n = 37) as well as the impact of EF on ToM development over a school year. For children with ASD, although selective cool (working memory and inhibition) and hot (affective decision making) EF domains presented age-related improvements, they never reached the performance level of the control group. Early cool working memory predicted later ToM in both groups but early hot delay discounting predicted later ToM only in the ASD group. No evidence was found for the reverse pattern (early ToM predicting later EF). These findings suggest that improvements in some EF aspects are evident in school age in ASD and highlight the crucial role that both cool and hot EF play in ToM development.

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Sleep Disorders in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights From Animal Models, Especially Non-human Primate Model

Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience ◽

10.3389/fnbeh.2021.673372 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 ◽

Author(s):

Shufei Feng ◽

Haoyu Huang ◽

Na Wang ◽

Yuanyuan Wei ◽

Yun Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Animal Models ◽

Sleep Disorders ◽

Sleep Problems ◽

Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Repetitive Behaviors ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Human Primate

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with deficient social skills, communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. The prevalence of ASD has increased among children in recent years. Children with ASD experience more sleep problems, and sleep appears to be essential for the survival and integrity of most living organisms, especially for typical synaptic development and brain plasticity. Many methods have been used to assess sleep problems over past decades such as sleep diaries and parent-reported questionnaires, electroencephalography, actigraphy and videosomnography. A substantial number of rodent and non-human primate models of ASD have been generated. Many of these animal models exhibited sleep disorders at an early age. The aim of this review is to examine and discuss sleep disorders in children with ASD. Toward this aim, we evaluated the prevalence, clinical characteristics, phenotypic analyses, and pathophysiological brain mechanisms of ASD. We highlight the current state of animal models for ASD and explore their implications and prospects for investigating sleep disorders associated with ASD.

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Inclusion Strategies: A Trampoline Program For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

10.21203/rs.3.rs-798851/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Carla Lourenço ◽

Dulce Esteves

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Control Group ◽

Motor Proficiency ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Standing Long Jump ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Long Jump ◽

Experimental Group

Abstract Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that is characterized by deficits in social, communication, and motor function. Trampoline-based interventions reported to promote motor proficiency in children with ASD to foster the development of coordination, balance and muscle strengthen.Methods: This study examined the effects of two trampoline interventions on the motor skill proficiency, muscle strength of the lower limbs, and body mass index (BMI) of 25 children (aged 6.9 ± 2.3 years) with ASD. The 20-weeks intervention participants (n=6) are in the experimental group A, whereas the 32-week intervention participants (n=8) are in experimental group B. The control group consists of 11 participants who did not receive any intervention constituting.The Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2), the Standing long jump, and BMI assessment were conducted three times for each participant at baseline (T1), middle time of the intervention (T2), and post-intervention (T3).Results: The findings suggest that children in both experimental groups exhibited significant improvements in BOT-2 and the standing long jump after the 20-weekand 32-week of trampoline-based physical activity intervention when compared to the children in the control group. No significant difference was found on BMI before and after the interventions in all three groups. Conclusion: The findings provide supporting evidence that a minimum 20-week trampoline training may be a viable therapeutic option for training children with ASD to improve their motor proficiency.

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