 Subjects -> PSYCHOLOGY (Total: 983 journals)
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- Autism: Two symptoms among many.
Abstract: Autism is diagnosed by the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): impairments in social interaction and communication and repetitive and restricted behaviors. Although for over seventy years autism has been viewed as one disorder, autism as ASD is currently understood to define an undetermined set of subgroups called “the ASDs.” This paper proposes that discovery of existing individual ASD subgroups useful for translational research requires studying ASD symptoms separately because three lines of evidence demonstrate that ASD diagnostic symptoms do not identify a bounded entity. These three lines of evidence are reviewed here. One, the extent and variety of neurodevelopmental symptoms found with ASD risk factors do not support the assumption that ASD diagnostic symptoms isolate a natural convergence of two of the many symptoms. Two, the ASD diagnosis lacks neurobiological validity: many varied brain dysfunctions have been found with the ASD diagnosis. Three, ASD diagnostic symptoms have no consistent empirical association with one another. This brief review of these three lines of evidence concludes that discovering subgroups of valid etiopathophysiologies requires exploring ASD diagnostic symptoms separately and forming study samples defined by an ASD risk factor, or an ASD brain dysfunction, or defined by a specific risk factor linked to a specific brain dysfunction.
PubDate: 04/09/2017 10:29:03 pm
- Epigenetics and autism: Insights for future research.
Abstract: Autism is approaching the numbers of an epidemic. Past efforts have focused on identifying the genetic basis of Autism Spectrum disorders with minimal success. Recently, a lot of work is being carried out in Epigenetics, Nutrigenetics in order to analyze the cause of Autism Spectrum Disorders. The present paper reviews the various studies being conducted in this domain and provide recommendations for further studies in this area.
PubDate: 04/09/2017 10:29:03 pm
- Relationship between Stereotyped Behaviors and Restricted Interests
(SBRIs) measured on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and
diagnostic results.
Abstract: This study investigated possible relationships between Stereotyped Behaviors and Restricted Interests (SBRIs) measured on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS) and diagnostic results in 119 children ages 16 months to 15 years of age. Sub-categories of SBRI symptoms, including sensory behaviors, complex motor mannerisms, and restricted interests and unusual behaviors on the ADOS were compared to diagnostic findings. Results indicated that mean SBRI scores varied across diagnostic categories with higher scores associated with more severe ADOS classifications and DSM-IV diagnoses. Furthermore, certain sub-categories of SBRI symptoms varied more significantly across diagnostic results. These results support diagnostic validity of the SBRI domain for use with the ADOS and DSM-IV, with particular significance due to recent revisions of both (ADOS-2 and DSM-5).
PubDate: 04/09/2017 10:29:03 pm
- Recent advances in genetic study of autism spectrum disorder.
Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction and the presence of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. The heritability of ASD is estimated to be more than 90%. The genetic basis of ASD is heterogeneous and complex and involves multiple genes, gene–gene interactions, and gene–environmental interactions. The genetic landscape of ASD has started to come to light, thanks to recent advances in molecular genetic technology. Conventional karyotyping analysis revealed aberrations in the chromosomal number and structure in 5%–10% of ASD cases, and a recent array-based comparative genomic hybridization assay found that an additional 10%–15% of ASD cases had submicroscopic copy number variations (CNVs) in DNA segments. Ongoing whole genome and exome sequencing studies have also started to reveal more novel genetic variants at the single-nucleotide level associated with ASD. These genomic and genetic variants are usually rare and present in individual families through inheritance or de novo mutations. In addition, genome-wide association studies discovered several common polymorphic variants associated with ASD.We summarize the current findings of these variants in this review article. The list of these variants is far from complete. However, their discovery enables researchers to begin investigating the neurobiology of ASD with the hope of finding new medicines for treating ASD.
PubDate: 04/09/2017 10:29:03 pm
- Letter to the editor re: Elliott and Morrison article on terbutaline and
other beta-agonist drugs and autism spectrum disorder.
Abstract: No abstract available for this type of article.
PubDate: 04/09/2017 10:29:03 pm
- The communicative benefits of cochlear implantation for children with
hearing loss and autism spectrum disorder: A review.
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PubDate: 07/28/2014 07:32:31 am
- Autism with epilepsy: A neurodevelopmental association.
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PubDate: 07/28/2014 07:32:31 am
- Genetic predominance of autism spectrum disorder and finding the risk
genes.
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PubDate: 07/28/2014 07:32:31 am
- Medical conditions in autism and events associated with the initial onset
of autism.
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PubDate: 07/28/2014 07:32:31 am
- Autism Spectrum Disorders through the lens of complex-dynamic systems
theory.
Abstract: The article has been forwarded to the production team. The processing may take few weeks. Then the proof will be forwarded to the corresponding author. The final PDF and HTML files will be uploaded when the corrections to the proof are returned by the corresponding author.
PubDate: 07/28/2014 07:32:31 am
- Etiology of autism spectrum disorders: Genes, environment, or both'
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PubDate: 07/28/2014 07:32:31 am
- Autism and propionic acid.
Abstract: The article has been forwarded to the production team. The processing may take few weeks. Then the proof will be forwarded to the corresponding author. The final PDF and HTML files will be uploaded when the corrections to the proof are returned by the corresponding author.
PubDate: 07/28/2014 07:32:31 am
- Autism spectrum conditions: the pathophysiological basis for inattention
and the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).
Abstract: The pathophysiological basis for repetitive and stereotyped interests in autism spectrum conditions (ASC) has been related to difficulties with shifting attention. For example,to engage socially depends upon being able to attend (note) the physical, cognitive, emotional and sensory aspects of ‘self’ and of ‘other’. Exchanging information from divided attention (broader interests), depends upon GAMMA connectivity. GAMMA connectivity is powered down in ASC, but, this can be remediated artificially or by using individual ‘interest’.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Adolescence, stress and cortisol in autism spectrum disorders.
Abstract: Adolescence, the transition between childhood and adulthood, is a period of remarkable physiological, psychological and social change. A variety of physiological changes coincide with the dynamic transition, which is evident in the regulation and responsivity of the limbic hypothalamic pituitary adrenocortical axis. Specifically, elevations in diurnal basal cortisol levels have been reported as well as higher cortisol in response to perceived stressors. Although this enhanced responsivity may help prepare the individual to adapt to increased demands and new challenges, it may also mark a time of increased vulnerability in populations already prone to enhanced physiological arousal and poor adaption to change, such as autism. To date, most studies investigating the integrity of the limbic hypothalamic pituitary adrenocortical axis in children with autism spectrum disorders have shown more variable diurnal regulation and a pattern of enhanced responsivity to stress. There is also evidence of more marked reactivity over development suggesting that adolescence may be a time of increased risk for enhanced physiological arousal and social stress. Conclusion The following critical review briefly summarizes the literature to date on autism, adolescence and salivary cortisol. The current summary suggests that enhanced study of the interplay between social functioning and stress during the adolescent period in autism spectrum disorders is warranted.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Sensory theory in autism makes sense: A brief review of the past and
present research.
Abstract: Introduction Unusual responses to sensory stimuli were noticed from the very beginning of the official history of autism, and the pioneering research started in the 1960s; since then for many decades, sensory hypotheses were not considered important because there were no empirical evidence for this assumption. At present, however, we witness an explosion of interest in sensory perceptual issues, and the sensory perceptual theory of autism is steadily taking shape, incorporating findings from other related fields and producing a framework for studying sensory differences in autism and their impact not only on behaviours but also on language, cognition and social impairments of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. As a review of all the available literature is beyond the scope of this paper, only a selection of research studies relevant to some methodological and conceptual problems of sensory perception in autism is included. This review challenges the conventional interpretation that gives primacy to social communication problems. The recognition of sensory perceptual differences in autism can assist in improving diagnostic instruments and provide information about appropriate support for each individual. Conclusion Current research has aimed to explain sensory perceptual processes and their mechanisms, but there is no real understanding regarding sensory processing. We call on more research to be done on sensory processing in autism to improve our understanding and to actually be able to help individuals with autism correctly.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- The relationship between the pattern of impairments in autism spectrum
disorder and maternal psychosocial burden of care.
Abstract: Introduction Compared with several other chronic childhood disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious and disabling group of neurodevelopmental disorders. Relatively little attention has been given to its early identification and the pattern and impact of impairments’ on the primary caregiver of children with autism in sub-Saharan Africa. This study determines the relationship between the type and pattern of autistic impairments found in children with autism and the psychosocial burden on their mothers. Methods Children (n = 60) with ASD and their mothers (n = 60) attending a child neurodevelopmental clinic in Lagos were recruited for the study over a 6-month period. Diagnosis of autism was made using the DSM-IV criteria. A symptom checklist was used to determine the pattern of impairments found in each child with a diagnosis of autism. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire and the Zarit Burden Interview were used to assess psychological distress and social burden, respectively, in the mothers of affected children. Results Children with ASD had impairments in social, communication and behavioural areas. On bivariate analysis, the presence of social type of impairments and a large number of impairments were significantly associated with psychological distress and burden in mothers. Following multiple linear regression, only a large number of impairments (β = 0.484, 95% CI = 0.090–0.877, P = 0.017) remained significantly and independently associated with psychological distress in the mothers. Conclusion The number and type of impairments found in children with autism affect the psychological health and social burden of their mothers. Clinicians assessing children can use this information to determine the degree of support to be given to carers. Implementation of early intervention programmes is critical for early detection of autism as well as for the reduction of burden on mothers of such children in the West African region.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Mitochondrial physiology and autism spectrum disorder.
Abstract: Introduction Recent studies have suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction is relatively common in many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and appears to be the most prevalent metabolic disorder associated with ASD. However, the exact prevalence of mitochondrial disease in ASD is not clear as the classic criteria for diagnosing mitochondrial disease in ASD appear to underestimate the true prevalence. Indeed, the prevalence of biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormal electron transport chain function appears to be high in ASD. In addition, recent studies have uncovered novel forms of mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD that may not be readily recognized by classic diagnostic criteria. This critical review provides a brief overview of mitochondrial function and its influence on other cellular systems in the context of ASD. The mitochondria’s role in producing energy is complex and linked to other metabolic systems. Mitochondrial energy production is a result of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, fatty-acid oxidation and the electron transport chain working in concert. The unique architecture of the mitochondria facilitates the function of these systems. The function and architecture of the mitochondria for producing energy with a special reference to the source of biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction is reviewed. Non-energy functions of the mitochondria including calcium buffering, heat production and apoptosis are outlined. Interactions with other systems, including the porphyrin pathway, urea cycle and glutathione metabolism, are also outlined, followed by a discussion of mitochondrial control and regulation. Finally, the recommended algorithm for the diagnosis of mitochondrial disorders in children with ASD is discussed. Conclusion The mitochondrial is critically important in understanding the physiological abnormalities associated with ASD. By providing details regarding mitochondrial function, this critical review aims to provide a better understanding of the importance of mitochondria as it is related to ASD.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Gene-environment interaction and autism spectrum disorder.
Abstract: The abstract will be provided by the corresponding author in due course.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Review of current evidence and future directions in animal-assisted
intervention for children with autism.
Abstract: Autism has been highlighted as a pressing public health issue that may be ameliorated through the inclusion of animals in autism treatment services, also known as Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI). Over the past 20 years, only a few studies have empirically examined the impact of therapeutic interactions with animals for individuals with autism. A review of the existing literature indicates that incorporating animals into autism treatment practices may provide a motivating stimulus for individuals with autism to enhance social functioning. However, more rigorous investigation is critical before widespread implementation can be adopted. In this review, I explore the current literature on AAI for autism, synthesize relevant findings for clinical practice, and present targeted directions for future research.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Scientific challenges in developing biological markers for autism.
Abstract: Autism is a highly heterogeneous disorder, with a strong genetic basis and many associated medical and behavioral comorbidities. Current diagnostic methods and screening tools are somewhat subjective and are difficult to assess in younger children, which often results in missed opportunities for early intervention. A biological marker that could predict autism risk, assist in early diagnosis or even identify potential therapeutic targets would have great clinical utility. Additionally, biomarkers could provide targets for therapeutic intervention. While research in this field has greatly increased in recent years, progress has been limited and no biological markers for autism have been found to be universal. In this review, the major scientific challenges associated with the identification of biological markers for autism are described. Factors that may play a role in impeding progress in autism biomarker research, including the heterogeneity of autism, the presence of comorbid conditions, gender bias, and the availability of appropriate research samples will be carefully reviewed. The search for autism biomarkers in the laboratory is an importantresearch endeavor that is fraught with many challenges, yet the translation of such findings into theclinic may be the real challenge and requires the investigation of large, well-characterized sample cohorts with appropriate controls. Only when these issues are addressed prior to implementing new studies, will robust and reliable biomarkers for autism be identified.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- The origins of de novo gene mutations in genetic syndromes with high
autism spectrum disorder risk.
Abstract: The advanced technological achievement of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) has allowed evolutionary biology to directly examine the locations and frequency of specific sperm mutations in male donors with a minimum of 10,000 sperm per donor. Reviews of the literature suggest that all males produce sperm mutations associated with genetic syndromes with high ASD risk throughout their lives. The frequency of sperm mutations increases with advancing age and the production of sperm mutations may be operating via environmental risk factors. ASD is a complex multifactorial condition. Rutter has proposed the existence of broader autism phenotype candidate genes. Reviewed is the interplay between proposed broader autism phenotype genetic influences and a de novo gene mutation, Down syndrome. When both independent mechanisms are present a developmental trajectory towards an ASD diagnosis is followed.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Cell-based therapy proposals for the treatment of autism: Sertoli cells
included in the ‘tool box’'
Abstract: Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by severe abnormalities in communication, social awareness and skills, and the presence of restrictive as well as stereotyped patterns of behaviours. Its aetiology is not exactly known to date. Without any definitive cure and just few effective biomedical interventions, cell-based therapy approaches seems to be gaining interest by researchers in the topic. In this critical review, we summarized the current proposals and speculated whether testis-derived Sertoli cells could be used as an additional tool for cell therapy in such a context, considering their immune privileged characteristics, safety, and efficacy already reported when transplanted into the mammalian brain.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Behaviour profiles of children with attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder and autism spectrum disorder on the parent pervasive
developmental disorder Behaviour Inventory.
Abstract: Parent ratings of children with ASD (with and without ADHD behaviors) were compared with parent ratings of children with ADHD behaviors who did not have ASD (the ADHD group) using the PDD Behavior Inventory (PDDBI), a rating instrument that is age-standardized on children with ASD and which assess both maladaptive behaviors and adaptive skills. The ADHD group’s maladaptive behaviors were rated as more severe than the ASD group, especially on those domains assessing fears and aggression. Further, the ADHD group was rated as having greater severity of fears and aggression when compared with those in the ASD group who also had comorbid ADHD behaviors. By contrast, the ADHD group was rated as having better expressive language ability than the ASD group (especially when compared with those in the ASD group with comorbid ADHD behaviors). It is hypothesized that the increased severity of fears and aggression in the ADHD group may reflect their relatively increased ability to communicate these problems to others. These data extend findings from previous studies and suggest that a unique ADHD profile may exist for children with ADHD on the PDDBI.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- The background genetic effect of the genes underlying the broad autism
phenotype as a unifying feature in gene x gene and gene x environment
causal mechanisms in autism.
Abstract: The model examines the role of proposed broader autism phenotype (BAP) candidate genes and unfavorable pre-, peri- and neonatal factors and environmental hazards associated with risk for early disruption of brain development, organization of neural circuitry and increased risk for autism. A number of designated autism susceptibility genes may be more robustly characterized as BAP candidate genes. This review proposes five BAP candidate genes (SLC6A4, COMT, CNTNAP2, MET, FOXP2) for further review. Phenotypesresult from the expressionof an organism's genesas well as the influence of environmental factors and the interactions between the two. BAP candidate genes are pleotropic and include common heritable polymorphisms associated with general population risk for variable genotype - phenotype expressions that are frequently seen in autism, unaffected family members and in the general population. General population BAP candidate genes and genotype-phenotype expressions include social cognition and personality features, immune deficiencies, fine and gross motor incoordination, developmental language impairment, eating disorders, depression, anxiety and panic disorders, sensory processing impairments, obsessive compulsive behaviors, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, irritable bowel syndrome and repetitive behaviors that cluster within affected and unaffected family members and that are continuously and variably distributed throughout the general population. The independent BAP component part is always reliant on other gene mutations inherited and/or de novo, environmental risk factors and epigenetic events acting alone or in concert that are involved in the transition to strictly defined autism. The general population risk for autism in developmentally compromised or at risk individuals associated with a specific pre-, peri- or neonatal insult is calculated at about 7%.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Metamemory in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.
Abstract: Introduction - Autism is a neurodevelopmental disordercharacterized by a change in connectivity between different brain regions resulting in behavioural changes and - to an extent - memory deficits.This review presents a summary of the first studies (mostly our own) exploring metamemory in Autism. Metamemory concerns how proficiently people can monitor and control their memory system. Does a metamemory deficit contribute to the memory deficit observed in Autism' Conclusion - We report that most studies suggest people with High Functioning Autism or Asperger syndrome can estimate accurately their memory performance, and can also use these evaluations to adapt their memory strategy. This is an important finding in terms of the education of people with Autism; proficient metamemory is thought to be critical for academic achievement.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Response to and initiation of joint attention: Overlapping but distinct
roots of development in autism'
Abstract: Joint attention, or coordinated attention between social partners to share interest in objects or events, is a core difficulty in autism. Reduced joint attention in infancy is predictive of an autism diagnosis while variations in joint attention among people on the spectrum predict development across a range of domains. Joint attention may arise from understanding of others’ intentions (the social cognitive theory of joint attention) or develop with increasing representational skills (the parallel and distributed processing model of joint attention). Joint attention is comprised of two types of behaviors, initiation of joint attention and response to joint attention, which may exhibit orthogonal but related patterns of development and associations with other domains. Theorists speculate that initiation of joint attention is more of a core difficulty in autism than response to joint attention, partially because it is more consistently impaired across the lifespan. New evidence suggests that response to joint attention may also be impaired later in development when assessed with appropriate measures. Both response to joint attention and initiation of joint attention may be core difficulties in autism though they are likely subserved by unique but overlapping mechanisms. The lack of clear evidence that joint attention impairments arise from face-to-face difficulties, coupled with associations between joint attention and developmental level, provide more support for the parallel and distributed processing than the social-cognitive theory of joint attention. Future research should examine potential bidirectional associations between response to and initiation of joint attention, non-social attention, reward sensitivity, and social, cognitive and linguistic development.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Autism genes keep turning up chromatin.
Abstract: Autism-spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex genetic disorders collectively characterized by impaired social interactions and language as well as repetitive and restrictive behaviors. Of the hundreds of genes implicated in ASD, those encoding proteins acting at neuronal synapses have been most characterized by candidate gene studies. However, recent unbiased genome-wide analyses have turned up a multitude of novel candidate genes encoding nuclear factors implicated in chromatin remodeling, histone demethylation, histone variants, and the recognition of DNA methylation. Furthermore, the chromatin landscape of the human genome has been shown to influence the location of de novo mutations observed in ASD as well as the landscape of DNA methylation underlying neurodevelopmental and synaptic processes. Understanding the interactions of nuclear chromatin proteins and DNA with signal transduction pathways and environmental influences in the developing brain will be critical to understanding the relevance of these ASD candidate genes and continued uncovering of the “roots” of autism etiology.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Smell of autism: Synthetic fragrances and cause for allergies, asthma,
cancer and autism.
Abstract: The widely believed notion that autism is genetically conveyed to the next generation has been seriously disputed. And the recent sequencing of the exomes of autistic children and each of their biological parents, as part of recent trio investigations, cast serious doubt on this paradigm. Rather, environmental causation seems to have greater explanatory power. The link between ASD and exposure to toxic ingredients in perfumes, even at minute (femtomolar) levels has been suggested by recent scholarship. Scents are known to have the capacity to reach the brain, including the brain of a fetus whose mother uses perfume that derives from synthetic scents made from mutagenic chemicals
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Terbutaline and other beta-agonist drugs do not cause autism spectrum
disorders.
Abstract: Introduction To describe the relationship or lack thereof, between Beta-agonist drugs such as terbutaline and autism. Relevant scientific publications regarding autism spectrum disorders were reviewed. The data in both human and animal studies regarding Beta-agonist drugs used for treatment of asthma as well as preterm labor were interrogated for potential association with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The likelihood of causality was tested using the appropriate epidemiologic criteria. Discussion The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders has increased substantially over past decades. Genetics plays a predominant role in causation, being involved in nearly 90% of known cases. In a minority of patients there is a causal relationship between drugs such as thalidomide or valproic acid, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The vast preponderance of the literature confirms that the use of beta-agonist drugs, particularly during pregnancy as treatment for preterm labor and asthma are not related in any scientific way to autism spectrum disorders. Conclusion It can now be stated conclusively that exposure to beta-agonist drugs during pregnancy does not increase the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Terbutaline and other beta-agonist drugs should be used during the prenatal period based on the physician’s perceived need for the medication because asthma and prematurity issues are of the utmost importance.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Relevant issues in the pharmacological treatment of autism spectrum
disorders: A critical review.
Abstract: Introduction:Autism Spectrum Disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders, with a multifactorial etiology, characterized by severe abnormalities in communications, social awareness and skills, and the presence of restrictive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors. There is no specific treatment for ASD and pharmacological treatment aims to control the behavioural symptoms such as aggressiveness, self-harm, fits of anger, hyperactivity, stereotyped behaviors. Aim of the review is to describe the state of art in pharmacological treatment for ASD of the past 5 years, also including clinical considerations about the effectiveness and side effects of the drugs generally prescribed. Conclusion:There is no consensus on the use of psychopharmacological treatments in autism. Although there are many clinical observations, only few controlled studies have validated the efficiency and safety of these treatments.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Socio-emotional development evaluated by Behaviour Output analysis for
Quantitative Emotional State Translation (BOUQUET): Towards early
diagnosis of individuals with developmental disorders.
Abstract: Introduction The main symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are difficulties in social communication. The complexity in defining the quality and extent of these social communication difficulties in terms of behaviour hampers the precision of diagnostic comprehension and early treatment intervention. This research attempts to understand emotional alteration through social communication behaviours. This is done through an approach using active and interventional observation. The study analyzes how animal and human participants produce social-context dependent behaviours allowing researchers to interpret the socio-emotional valence of behaviours. The comprehension algorithms are explored through the visualization of behaviour features in a statistically constructed space using a method called the ‘Behaviour output analysis for Quantitative Emotional State Translation (BOUQUET)’. This is based on principal component analysis in two model animals: domestic fowl chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus) and common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). This is also a preliminary study of the BOUQUET application with a premature infant inside an incubator of NICU at high risk for developmental disorders. Conclusion BOUQUET is a graphic presentation of a time-dependent multivariate correlation. It visualized a trajectory of socio-emotional development, brain region-specific molecular dynamics, and nutritive effects in peripheral molecules and physiology on socio-emotional behaviour. Further application of BOUQUET on a preterm infant preliminarily suggested the behavioural diversification different from other primitive reflexes. The aim of the research is to make BOUQUET contributory towards quantitative early diagnosis.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Detoxification mechanisms in autism spectrum disorders.
Abstract: Introduction: Xenobiotics are neurotoxins that dramatically alter the health of the child. A three phase efficient mechanism is involved in detoxifying these toxins. Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders result from a combination of genetic/biochemical susceptibilities in the form of a reduced ability to excrete heavy metals and/or increased environmental exposure at early developmental times. This review is an attempt to understand and highlight the impaired detoxification pathways in autistic individuals. Role of glutathione redox imbalance, bacterial toxins, impaired heavy metal detoxification, abnormal levels of metallothionein, thioredoxins, glutaredoxins and peroxriedoxins in the aetiology of autism will be clarified and discussed in details. Conclusion: The sulphur redox- related abnormalities indicate that mercury and lead intoxication was associated with increased oxidative stress and decreased detoxification capacity. These mechanisms are circulating with autism-associated abnormal gut microbiota. Understanding these aspects could help in tailoring a combined treatment strategy which could help to reduce the increased prevalence of the disorder.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- The proposed role of insulin-like growth factor-1 in autism: A review.
Abstract: Several lines of research support the hypothesized connection between the level of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF) in the fetus and neonate, and the potential of autistic characteristics appearing in the first two or three years of life. This model could account for the dominance of male-over-female occurrence, the relationship to maternal antepartum infection, and the potential benefit of breast-feeding in preventing or reducing the psycho-neurologic manifestations of autism.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- The methodology and efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy,
occupational therapy, and speech/language therapy: A critical review.
Abstract: Introduction: While no “cure” for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) currently exists, individuals with the diagnosis must depend on an individualised treatment strategy to ameliorate symptoms commonly associated with the disorder, such as deficits in social, behavioural, and language skills. Neuropharmacalogical options have been proposed as means to ameliorate these symptoms, although their effectiveness is currently unclear, and such agents often induce a variety of side-effects. At the same time, psychosocial interventions have recently shown a great potential to enhance cognitive and behavioural abilities in autistic children without any costs to their health. Conclusion: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to improve overall cognitive performance while controlling challenging behaviour, and occupational therapy (OT) has been demonstrated to be an effective intervention for providing autistic children with the appropriate day-to-day behavioural and social skills that they will need for adulthood. And certain speech/language therapies can be effective ways of generating socially appropriate speech in verbal autistics, while eliciting basic language in nonverbal autistics. As the three interventions discussed in this review appear to have positive effects on the majority of autistic symptoms, there is an urgent need to conduct more randomized controlled trials to convince clinicians and parents of their validity and effectiveness, and to develop approaches to standardize such interventions to make them more feasible to implement in the clinic.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- The relationship between autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder: A critical review of the effects of DSM 5 criteria
and the implications for treatment.
Abstract: Introduction Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are both severely impairing neurodevelopmental disorders. Interest in the co-occurance of Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)-like symptoms and Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has grown in the last decade. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are frequently found to manifest symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsiveness, which are the cardinal symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The porpouse of the present work is to review and critically discuss the studies reporting the co-occurrence of ADHD-like symptoms in individuals with formal diagnosis of ASD and the effectiveness of medications for ADHD symptoms in the ASD. Materials and methods We carried out a literature research and study selection by searching for published biomedical literature in PubMed. Results From a pool of 321 potentially relevant references we selected only reviews published during the past five years, focusing on co-occurrence of ASD and ADHD and their treatment. Our search yielded a total of 64 reviews that matched our search criteria. Conclusion DSM 5 currently permits co-diagnosis of ASD and ADHD. This option will facilitate new research approaches and will also have therapeutic implications. As shown in our review further research is needed to understand about developmental trajectories of the co-occurring disorders and to understand how severity of symptoms in one disorder may influence the emergence of symptoms in the other disorder. Individuals with ASD plus ADHD are more impaired than individuals with only ASD. This finding suggests that individuals with co-occurrence of the two disorders may need different treatment methods or intensities than those with only ASD. There is no consensus on the use drugs for individuals with ASD plus ADHD. The limited number of studies and the heterogeneity of results require further and larger RCTs for the assessment of the efficacy and tolerability of psychostimulants.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Changing the course of autism: The science and intervention.
Abstract: Introduction The international conference, “Changing the Course of Autism: the Science and Intervention”, organised by the UK charities Autism Treatment Trust (ATT) and Treating Autism (TA), provided a platform for a panel of international autism researchers and clinicians to present their latest research, current understanding of the pathologies associated with autism and interventions targeting these pathologies. The conference was held at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, in Scotland, on the 12th and 13th of June 2013. Meeting Report The central topics discussed were: dysfunction of the immune and gastrointestinal systems, the role played by the environment, importance of diet and nutrition, the health-comorbidity issues associated with the condition and the impact of environment and medical problems on brain. Implications for diagnosis and intervention were also discussed. Conclusion Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition now affecting 1 child in 50 in the USA and 1 child in 66 in the UK. For the last two decades, the numbers of affected children have continued to rise world-wide, without any sign of reducing. Identifying the environmental and genetic factors at play is essential to develop effective remedial and preventive intervention strategies. The condition is commonly associated with a range of health problems with the most commonly encountered affecting the immune and digestive systems as well as metabolism. These can be identified through appropriate biomedical testing and clinical investigations. Treating these abnormalities can lead to significant improvements in the child’s health, development, social communication skills and behaviour. The current state of scientific and medical understanding of the condition enables to propose a convincing paradigm to explain the pathologies and developmental features of the condition.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Is cortisol the underlying mediator of prenatal risk factors associated
with autism spectrum disorders'
Abstract: Autism Spectrun Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that exhibits itself in children with impaired communication, sensory and learning problems. It is established that ASD is an inheritable disorder with rates of autism varying with gender in a ratio of approximately four males to every one female. The debate over the genetic causes of autism continues with the variations in autistic phenotype being due to a combination of genetics and a range of environmental factors. Many of the risk factors for ASD occur prenatally and include a plethora of conditions including but not limited to the following; age of parents, infections, asthma and autoimmune conditions, gestational diabetes, iron deficiency, obesity, anxiety, stress and depression. This review investigates the possible role of excess prenatal cortisol in the development of ASD in children who may be genetically predisposed to the detrimental effects of excess corticol and appraises many of the reported prenatal risk factors which are either caused by excess cortisol or contribute to elevated cortisol during gestation.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Protective and risk factors of health in caregivers of people with autism
spectrum disorders.
Abstract: Caring for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has been related to several consequences for caregiver´s health. Informal caregiving is recognized to lead to chronic stress, in which there is often alteration of physiological systems, in particular, the endocrine, immune and autonomic nervous systems. However, several variables have been shown to modulate these effects and can therefore be considered protective or risk factors for caregivers’ health. Risk factors have been investigated in multiple studies, but there has been less research on protective factors of health. The main aim of the present critical review is to analyze and integrate research about health disruption in caregivers of people with ASDs, considering protective and risk factors that have been found to be health modulators. Caregivers of people with ASDs have poorer health outcomes than the general population. Higher levels of resilience, emotional intelligence, and social and institutional support have shown to be protective factors, while maladaptive coping, more severe autistic symptoms and behavioral problems of the care recipient and emotional contagion of caregivers have been found to be risk factors for health disruption in this population. Although various interventions have considered some of these variables, there is no integrative model for interventions in this population, including both protective and risk factors. To fill this gap, we suggest an integrative model based on the available evidence. This model could guide clinicians when implementing preventive and treatment intervention programs for reducing health complaints in caregivers of people with ASDs.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
- Clinically relevant candidate and known genes for autism spectrum
disorders (ASD) with representation on high resolution chromosome
ideograms.
Abstract: In recent years, there has been an over-whelming interest in autism research relating to causation and generation of data linking various genes and pathways to the genetically heterogeneous group of disorders referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The list of autism related genes have significantly increased recently due to better awareness and advances in genetic technology along with expanding searchable genomic databases. Therefore, we have compiled the latest list of highly validated and clinically relevant ASD genes from the medical literature and autism related public access websites dedicated to gene discovery and characterization. One of the important sources with description of ASD genes utilized in our study along with pertinent medical literature was the Simons Foundation Autism Research Institute (SFARI) autism database. SFARI is an updated, publicly available, searchable curated website for use as an autism gene registry. Our list consisted of the most clinically relevant 629 genes with their symbols placed on high resolution ideograms of human chromosomes enabling clinical geneticists, diagnostic laboratory geneticists, and genetic counselors to have a convenient visual image of the location of a particular ASD gene and the flanking ASD genes therein. Meaningful correlations of the observed phenotype with the suspected/detected ASD gene(s) at the chromosome region/breakpoint defect can be used to inform diagnosis, treatment and improve outcomes with gene-based personalized genetic counseling risk assessments and information for families. This ideogram is combined with a table that includes the gene symbol and description along with the precise chromosome band/sub-band location for each gene.
PubDate: 04/14/2014 12:15:05 pm
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