scholarly journals Sleep Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Christine K. Syriopoulou-Delli ◽  
Grigorios Simos ◽  
Andreas Grigoriadis
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Typical Development ◽  
Northern Greece ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Falling Asleep ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

This study examines sleep problems of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as reported by their parents. To investigate this issue a total of 35 children with ASD and 35 children of Typical Development (TD) were selected from northern Greece. A structured questionnaire (Williams et al., 2004) was used, a modified version of the questionnaire study conducted by the Kosair Children’s Hospital Sleep Center (Gozal, 1998). Results show that children with ASD often experience sleep problems compared to TD individuals and also exhibit frequent awakenings during the night, difficulty in falling asleep, breathing concerns during sleep, morning headaches, sleepwalking, nightmares and fall asleep at school.

scholarly journals The contribution of platelets to peripheral BDNF elevation in children with autism spectrum disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristan A. Farmer ◽  
Audrey E. Thurm ◽  
Bianca Honnekeri ◽  
Paul Kim ◽  
Susan E. Swedo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Platelet Count ◽  
Developmental Delay ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Typical Development ◽  
Platelet Counts ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference ◽  
Serum Bdnf

AbstractBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key peptide in neurocognitive development, has been reported to be elevated in the serum of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In a few studies, however, no differences or the converse have been documented. As a secondary analysis of a natural history study, we examined differences in ELISA serum BDNF between a group of children aged 1 to 9 years (69% white) with ASD (n = 94) and those with typical development (n = 52) or non-ASD developmental delay (n = 21), while accounting for the potential confounding effects of platelet quantity. Platelet counts were measured within 4 h of blood draw using an automated cell counter. Taqman single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays were used to genotype 11 SNPs within the BDNF locus. Unadjusted mean BDNF concentration was higher in children with ASD than in children with typical development (standardized mean difference = 0.23; 95% CI 0.07, 0.38), but not children with non-ASD developmental delay. The magnitude of this difference was reduced after adjusting for platelet count (standardized mean difference = 0.18; 95% CI 0.02, 0.33). Although some BDNF SNPs were related to BDNF concentration, the distributions of these genotypes did not differ across diagnostic groups. This study replicates previous work suggesting that average serum BDNF concentration is higher in ASD compared to typical development, and extends that work by highlighting the potentially confounding role of platelet counts. The etiology of platelet count differences warrants further elucidation. Nonetheless, our results suggest that elevation in BDNF may be partially explained by higher platelet counts in children with ASD, an association that should be considered in future analysis and interpretation.Registration: NCT00298246

Relationships Between the Participation Levels of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Time They Spend in Resource Rooms in Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 7512510287p1-7512510287p1
Author(s):  
Chiao-Ju Fang
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Inclusive Settings ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Resource Rooms ◽  
Primary Author

Abstract Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. The aim of this study was to help educators and clinicians better understand how the amount of time children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) spend in resource rooms affects their participation levels in inclusive educational settings in Taiwan. No statistically significant relationships were found. This study provides professionals with a model for assessing how resource rooms impact the participation levels of children with ASD in inclusive settings. Primary Author and Speaker: Chiao-Ju Fang

scholarly journals Sleep Disturbances in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder at a Malaysian Tertiary Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ho Wai Koo ◽  
Juriza Ismail ◽  
Wai Wai Yang ◽  
Syed Zulkifli Syed Zakaria
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Sleep Latency ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Sleep Length

Introduction: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a variety of co-morbid medical problems, including sleep disturbances. Prevalence of sleep disorders has been reported to be higher in this group as compared to the general population. Identifying sleep problems in children with ASD may help increase awareness and improve the overall quality of care for them. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sleep problems and associated factors in a group of Malaysian children aged 6–16 years, with ASD.Method: This is a cross-sectional study at the Child Development Centre of UKM Medical Centre (UKM MC) on ASD children aged 6–16 years. Demographic data was obtained and the Sleep Disturbances Scale for Children (SDSC) questionnaire was completed by the main caregiver. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors related to higher total SDSC scores.Results: A total of 128 patients were recruited (111 boys) with a median age of 8 years 3 months (IQR: 2 years 10 months). Forty-seven (36.7%) of them obtained total SDSC scores in the pathological range with 19 (14.8%) scoring high for overall disturbances and 28 (21.9%) for at least one subtype of sleep disorders: 25 (19.5%) DIMS, 18 (14.1%) SBD, 10 (7.8%) DOES, 5 (3.9%) DOA, 6 (4.7%) SWTD, and 3 (2.3%) SHY. More than half of the children (57.8%) were reported to have sufficient sleep duration of 8–11 h, but longer sleep latency of at least 15 min (82.8%). Half of the ASD children also had co-morbidities in which one-third (34.4%) had attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using logistic regression analysis, four factors were significantly associated with higher total SDSC scores; female gender (p = 0.016), older age group (11–16 years old) (p = 0.039), shorter sleep length (p = 0.043), and longer sleep latency (p < 0.001).Conclusion: The prevalence of sleep disturbances is high among Malaysian children with ASD, especially DIMS. Female gender, older age group, shorter sleep length, and longer sleep latency were found to be associated with the sleep disturbances. Evaluation of sleep problems should form part of the comprehensive care of children with ASD.

scholarly journals Variations in Genes Related to Sleep Patterns in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann E. E. Johansson ◽  
Janice S. Dorman ◽  
Eileen R. Chasens ◽  
Christine A. Feeley ◽  
Bernie Devlin
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sleep Patterns ◽  
Large Sample ◽  
Melatonin Synthesis ◽  
Children With Asd

Background: Sleep disturbance is a frequent comorbidity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting an estimated 40–80% of cases. Previous reports have shown relationships between several circadian rhythm–related genes and sleep problems in ASD. The purpose of the present study was to relate variation in and around melatonin synthesis and suprachiasmatic nucleus genes to sleep problems in a large sample of children with ASD. Method: This secondary analysis used existing genotypic and phenotypic data for 2,065 children, aged 4–18 years, from the Simons Simplex Collection (SSC). Sleep problems were measured with the SSC Sleep Interview. Expression quantitative trait loci and single nucleotide polymorphisms in 25 circadian genes were chosen primarily for their impact on expression levels of target genes in the brain. Associations between variants and composite sleep problems, nighttime problems, daytime problems, and sleep duration problems were calculated using logistic regression analysis. Age, sex, nonverbal IQ, ASD severity, gastrointestinal distress, seizures, and ancestry were included as covariates. Transmission disequilibrium tests were performed to test for overtransmission of alleles in the same variants. Results: No significant associations or transmission disequilibrium were found between gene variants and sleep problems in this sample of children with ASD. Conclusion: Variation in expression of investigated genes in the melatonin synthesis and suprachiasmatic nucleus pathways did not have notable impacts on sleep problems in this large sample of children with ASD. Future research could explore translational and posttranslational effects of these genes or the effects of genes in other sleep-homeostasis pathways on sleep patterns.

scholarly journals Minor physical anomalies in children with autism spectrum disorders

Autism ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 746-760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Angkustsiri ◽  
Paula Krakowiak ◽  
Billur Moghaddam ◽  
Terrance Wardinsky ◽  
Jerald Gardner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Genetic Disorders ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Diagnostic Group ◽  
Typical Development ◽  
Clinical Heterogeneity ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Minor Physical Anomalies

Objective: There is clinical heterogeneity among the autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The presence of dysmorphology (minor physical anomalies; MPAs) is one possible tool for defining a clinically relevant subset in ASD. This study employs an adaptation of Miles and Hillman’s (2000) classifications by using photographs to identify a subgroup with significant dysmorphology among children with ASD, typical development (TYP), and developmental delay (DD). Method: Children with ASD, DD, and TYP between 2 and 5 years old were part of the CHARGE Study. Pediatric specialists blinded to diagnostic group classified photographs based on the number of MPAs present: ‘dysmorphic’ if >3 and ‘nondysmorphic’ if <3 MPAs. Results: Photographs for 324 children were included. Significantly more children with ASD were classified as dysmorphic compared to TYP children ( p = .007). In children with ASD, seizures were more prevalent in those rated dysmorphic ( p = .005). Frequencies were similar between ASD versus DD ( p = .19) after removing those with known syndromes. Conclusion: Photographic assessment can be used to detect generalized dysmorphology in children who are often difficult to examine. This has clinical relevance, as children with multiple MPAs can be identified through the use of photographs and prioritized for investigation of brain abnormalities and underlying genetic disorders.

scholarly journals A Combined Study on the Use of the Child Behavior Checklist 1½–5 for Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorders at 18 Months

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha Chericoni ◽  
◽  
Giulia Balboni ◽  
Valeria Costanzo ◽  
Alice Mancini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Child Behavior ◽  
Child Behavior Checklist ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Typical Development ◽  
Cognitive Level ◽  
Developmental Problems ◽  
Clinically Referred ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

AbstractThe capacity of the Child Behavior Checklist 1½–5 (CBCL 1½–5) to identify children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at 18 months was tested on 37 children clinically referred for ASD and 46 children at elevated likelihood of developing ASD due to having an affected brother/sister. At 30 months the clinically referred children all received a confirmatory diagnosis, and 10 out of 46 siblings received a diagnosis of ASD. CBCL 1½-5 profiles were compared with a group of matched children with typical development (effect of cognitive level controlled for). The capacity of the CBCL 1½-5 DSM Oriented-Pervasive Developmental Problems scale to differentiate correctly between children diagnosed with ASD and children with typical development appeared dependent on group ascertainment methodology.

scholarly journals Exploring the use of a humanoid robot to engage children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Desideri
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Humanoid Robot ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Goal Achievement ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

We present a study aimed at exploring whether a humanoid robot may improve the effectiveness of educational interventions targeting children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Preliminary results with three preschool children with ASD indicate that interacting with a humanoid robot facilitate engagement and goal achievement in educational activities.

scholarly journals Effect of Daily Physical Activity on Sleep Characteristics in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Sports ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Thai Duy Nguyen ◽  
Michel Guinot ◽  
Véronique-Aurélie Bricout
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Large Individual ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Children With Asd

Background. Sleep problems have been reported in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One of the methods proposed to improve sleep characteristics is based on physical activity (PA). Objective. To assess characteristics of sleep and the effect of PA level on sleep quality in children with ASD compared to controls. Methods. Fifty boys with ASD (ASD; 10.8 ± 2.6 years) and 18 controls (CONT, 10.1 ± 2.2 years) wore an accelerometer device for five consecutive days to obtain measures of activity and sleep characteristics. Results. Some significant differences were reported between ASD and CONT groups. Wake-up time resistance was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in ASD. Total time for PA, and daily steps number were significantly lower in the ASD group (p < 0.05). Time for sedentary behavior was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the ASD group. Using a principal component analysis and an agglomerative hierarchical analysis, we observed three clusters. Two showed the same poor-quality indices of sleep but two opposing profiles of PA, either an insufficient PA volume (cluster 1, Total time PA = 75.1 min; Daily steps: 7704) or an important PA volume (cluster 3, Total time PA = 222.1 min; Daily steps: 17,164). Cluster 2 was characterized by moderate participation in PA and children with the best sleep indices (Total time PA = 166.8 min; Daily steps: 12,718). Conclusion. The dose–response effect of exercise on sleep may indicate large individual differences but the present findings are important to prevent sedentary behaviors or to correct over-activity that could be detrimental to the sleep quality in children with ASD.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document