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Seminars in Speech and Language Aug 2019Difficulties with both executive functions and language skills are common but variable in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Executive functions and language skills are... (Review)
Review
Difficulties with both executive functions and language skills are common but variable in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Executive functions and language skills are related to one another, such that vocabulary, syntax, and pragmatics are related to domains of working memory, shifting, and inhibition in ASD, although the directionality of these relationships remains unclear. Moreover, interventions that target pragmatic ability have been found to improve executive function skills, and conversely, executive function interventions are linked with improvements in social skills in children with ASD. We review the literature on executive functions, language skills, and their relationship in ASD; discuss factors that may be driving inconsistent findings; and explore clinical applications from the research thus far.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child; Child, Preschool; Comorbidity; Executive Function; Female; Humans; Inhibition, Psychological; Language Development Disorders; Male; Memory, Short-Term; Reference Values; Verbal Learning; Vocabulary
PubMed: 31311054
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1692964 -
Journal of Autism and Developmental... Aug 2023The suggested overlap between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gender dysphoria/incongruence (GD/GI) has been much disputed. This review showed a relationship between... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The suggested overlap between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gender dysphoria/incongruence (GD/GI) has been much disputed. This review showed a relationship between ASD traits and GD feelings in the general population and a high prevalence of GD/GI in ASD. Our meta-analyses revealed that the pooled estimate of the prevalence of ASD diagnoses in GD/GI people was 11% (p < .001) and the overall effect size of the difference in ASD traits between GD/GI and control people was significant (g = 0.67, p < .001). Heterogeneity was high in both meta-analyses. We demonstrated that the chances that there is not a link between ASD and GD/GI are negligible, yet the size of it needs further investigation.
Topics: Humans; Gender Dysphoria; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Prevalence
PubMed: 35596023
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05517-y -
Psychiatria Polska Dec 2021Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders that can affect up to 2.6% of the population. Most of these people will have at... (Review)
Review
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders that can affect up to 2.6% of the population. Most of these people will have at least one other psychiatric disorder, often diagnosed with a delay or not recognized at all. This study describes the epidemiology, diagnostic difficulties and potential treatment of patients with ASD and comorbid bipolar disorder (BD). The prevalence of bipolar disorder in ASD is estimated at 5-8%. The study with the most numerous group included 700,000 children out of which 9,062 fulfilled ASD criteria at 16 - BD was found to be 6 times more prevalent in this group compared to the control group. Many factors affect the diagnosis. Patients with ASD often have limited insight into understanding the complex emotional states and difficulty in expressing them due to their impairment. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are in their case unspecific and differ from those occurring in the general population, which makes it difficult to make proper diagnosis. Despite the lack of research on the group of patients with ASD, psychometric tools designed to evaluate the general population are used to examine patients. This work aims to show the current state of knowledge and highlight areas that require further investigation.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Bipolar Disorder; Child; Comorbidity; Humans; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Prevalence
PubMed: 35472236
DOI: 10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/122350 -
Journal of Autism and Developmental... Jan 2019Since Hans Asperger's first description (Arch Psych Nervenkrankh 117:76-136, 1944), through Lorna Wing's translation and definition (Psychol Med 11:115-129, 1981), to... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Since Hans Asperger's first description (Arch Psych Nervenkrankh 117:76-136, 1944), through Lorna Wing's translation and definition (Psychol Med 11:115-129, 1981), to its introduction in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM, 1994), Asperger Syndrome has always aroused huge interest and debate, until vanishing in the DSM fifth edition (2013). The debate regarded its diagnostic validity and its differentiation from high functioning autism (HFA). The present study aimed to examine whether AS differed from HFA in clinical profiles and to analyze the impact of DSM-5's innovation. Differences in cognitive, language, school functioning and comorbidities, were revealed when 80 AS and 70 HFA patients (3-18 years) were compared. Results suggested that an AS empirical distinction within autism spectrum disorder should be clinically useful.
Topics: Academic Success; Adolescent; Asperger Syndrome; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder; Child; Child, Preschool; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 30043350
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3689-4 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2023Autisms Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by core symptoms (social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors) and related comorbidities, including... (Review)
Review
Autisms Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by core symptoms (social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors) and related comorbidities, including sensory anomalies, feeding issues, and challenging behaviors. Children with ASD experience significantly more feeding problems than their peers. In fact, parents and clinicians have to manage daily the burden of various dysfunctional behaviors of children at mealtimes (food refusal, limited variety of food, single food intake, or liquid diet). These dysfunctional behaviors at mealtime depend on different factors that are either medical/sensorial or behavioral. Consequently, a correct assessment is necessary in order to program an effective clinical intervention. The aim of this study is to provide clinicians with a guideline regarding food selectivity concerning possible explanations of the phenomenon, along with a direct/indirect assessment gathering detailed and useful information about target feeding behaviors. Finally, a description of evidence-based sensorial and behavioral strategies useful also for parent-mediated intervention is reported addressing food selectivity in children with ASD.
Topics: Humans; Child; Autistic Disorder; Food Preferences; Feeding Behavior; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Feeding and Eating Disorders
PubMed: 36982001
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065092 -
Current Psychiatry Reports Oct 2017This review aims to synthesize the most recent research on anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review aims to synthesize the most recent research on anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and discuss the relationship between these conditions and challenges for assessment. Furthermore, implications for treatment and future directions are discussed.
RECENT FINDINGS
Research suggests that anxiety disorders and OCD are highly prevalent in individuals with ASD. However, the significant overlap of ASD features with anxiety and OCD symptomology makes differential diagnosis of these disorders particularly challenging. Though several treatments for anxiety have been adapted for youth with ASD (e.g., cognitive behavior therapy), pharmacological treatments and treatments for adults are still marked undeveloped. Despite the high prevalence of anxiety disorders and OCD in ASD and some recent advances in assessment and treatment, research is needed to clarify the multifaceted relationship of these conditions and develop tailored assessment and treatment approaches appropriate for a full range of individuals with ASD.
Topics: Adult; Anxiety Disorders; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Behavioral Symptoms; Diagnosis, Differential; Disease Management; Humans; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
PubMed: 29082426
DOI: 10.1007/s11920-017-0846-y -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Jan 2016The hypothesis of an important role of gut microbiota in the maintenance of physiological state into the gastrointestinal (GI) system is supported by several studies... (Review)
Review
The hypothesis of an important role of gut microbiota in the maintenance of physiological state into the gastrointestinal (GI) system is supported by several studies that have shown a qualitative and quantitative alteration of the intestinal flora in a number of gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal diseases. In the last few years, the importance of gut microbiota impairment in the etiopathogenesis of pathology such as autism, dementia and mood disorder, has been raised. The evidence of the inflammatory state alteration, highlighted in disorders such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, strongly recalls the microbiota alteration, highly suggesting an important role of the alteration of GI system also in neuropsychiatric disorders. Up to now, available evidences display that the impairment of gut microbiota plays a key role in the development of autism and mood disorders. The application of therapeutic modulators of gut microbiota to autism and mood disorders has been experienced only in experimental settings to date, with few but promising results. A deeper assessment of the role of gut microbiota in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as the advancement of the therapeutic armamentarium for the modulation of gut microbiota is warranted for a better management of ASD and mood disorders.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Mood Disorders; Probiotics
PubMed: 26755882
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i1.361 -
Annual Review of Public Health Mar 2017Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with lifelong impacts. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to ASD etiology, which... (Review)
Review
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with lifelong impacts. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to ASD etiology, which remains incompletely understood. Research on ASD epidemiology has made significant advances in the past decade. Current prevalence is estimated to be at least 1.5% in developed countries, with recent increases primarily among those without comorbid intellectual disability. Genetic studies have identified a number of rare de novo mutations and gained footing in the areas of polygenic risk, epigenetics, and gene-by-environment interaction. Epidemiologic investigations focused on nongenetic factors have established advanced parental age and preterm birth as ASD risk factors, indicated that prenatal exposure to air pollution and short interpregnancy interval are potential risk factors, and suggested the need for further exploration of certain prenatal nutrients, metabolic conditions, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We discuss future challenges and goals for ASD epidemiology as well as public health implications.
Topics: Air Pollution; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Environment; Epigenesis, Genetic; Humans; Risk Factors
PubMed: 28068486
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-031816-044318 -
Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences Aug 2019Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition in which affected individuals have difficulties while interacting and communicating socially, and repetitive... (Review)
Review
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition in which affected individuals have difficulties while interacting and communicating socially, and repetitive behaviors. It has a multifactorial etiology. Various risk factors, including genetic and environmental influences, have been explored while trying to understand its causation. As older evidence was suggestive of a high heritability, a majority of research focused on finding the underlying genetic causes of autism. Due to these efforts, there have been advances in the knowledge of some of the genetic factors associated with autism. But a recent trend also shows an increasing interest in exploration of various potential environmental triggers. These efforts have brought us closer to understanding the elusive disorder more so than ever before. The current review discusses the recent trends in research exploring the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Biomedical Research; Gene-Environment Interaction; Humans
PubMed: 31077508
DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12860 -
Medicina 2019Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by commitment to social interaction and communication, associated with interests restricted and stereotyped...
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by commitment to social interaction and communication, associated with interests restricted and stereotyped behaviors with a high population prevalence, neurobiological bases and high heritability. Its etiology is heterogeneous, numerous genetic bases, environmental factors and epigenetic mechanisms have been recognized. Advances in molecular genetics, as well as epidemiological studies of large cohorts, have made it possible to identify specific medical entities, as well as genes and environmental factors partially or totally linked in their pathogenesis. This knowledge, according to the clinical characteristics, allows to guide the complementary studies, the therapeutic conducts, to infer a clinical prognosis and to propitiate the familiar genetic advice. In this work, the most prevalent clinical characteristics identified are described; the specific medical entities that are strongly related to autism are stated, as well as the recognized genes, the possible environmental factors and the epidemiological results that allow family counseling.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder; Environment; Epigenesis, Genetic; Genetic Counseling; Humans
PubMed: 30776274
DOI: No ID Found