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Alasmari M, Alduais A, Qasem F. A thematic review of autism spectrum disorder research in Saudi Arabia: Insights into diagnosis, assessment, and language considerations. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. CHILD 2025; 14:236-250. [PMID: 37983315 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2023.2283718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
This study reviews the crucial role of language in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis and assessment in Saudi Arabia. Using tailored search strings, 206 relevant documents were retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. An increasing trend in ASD research in Saudi Arabia was observed through temporal analysis. Keyword analysis identified key themes including "autism," "language," "assessment," "diagnosis," "Saudi Arabia," and "children." The focus of research has shifted over the years, from pure clinical and diagnostic aspects to a more comprehensive approach that includes language and cultural factors in ASD evaluation. The findings underscore the need for culturally and linguistically sensitive assessment tools, acknowledging the impact of bilingualism on language development, and the importance of language difficulties in diagnostic decision-making. The study highlights the necessity for further research, especially longitudinal studies examining the influence of language and cultural factors on ASD outcomes. The findings are significant for clinical practice, emphasizing the need for linguistically sensitive approaches in ASD diagnosis and assessment. This research serves as a guide for future studies by identifying the gaps in existing literature and areas of focus. The study identifies crucial gaps in existing literature, particularly the need for longitudinal studies examining the influence of language and cultural factors on ASD outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of culturally and linguistically sensitive approaches in ASD diagnosis and assessment, providing a novel insight for future research and clinical practice in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Alasmari
- Department of English Language and Literature, College of Letters and Arts, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Alduais
- Department of Human Sciences (Psychology), University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of English and Communication, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fawaz Qasem
- Fawaz Ali Ahmed Qasem, College of Arts, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
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Lilja MM, Lichtenstein P, Serlachius E, Bhagia J, Malmberg K, Malm C, Lenhard F, Halldner L. Can response to ADHD medication be predicted? Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2025:10.1007/s00787-025-02650-8. [PMID: 39875602 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-025-02650-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2025] [Indexed: 01/30/2025]
Abstract
Predictors for the pharmacological effect of ADHD medication in children and adolescents are lacking. This study examined clinically relevant factors in a large (N = 638) prospective cohort reflecting real-world evidence. Children and adolescents aged 6-17 diagnosed with ADHD were evaluated at baseline and three months following ADHD medication initiation. The outcome was measured as a reduction in total SNAP-IV (Swanson Nolan and Pelham teacher and parent rating scale) score at three months compared to baseline. Outcome groups were defined as Responders (≥ 40% reduction), Intermediate Responders (≥ 20 to < 40% reduction), and Non-responders (< 20% reduction). Included independent variables were the Autism Spectrum Questionnaire (ASSQ), the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS), the Pediatric Side Effect Checklist (P-SEC), anthropometrics measures, geographical region, relative age, Children´s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS), Intelligence quotient (IQ), pharmacological treatment initiation month, ADHD symptom severity, ADHD presentation, and psychotic-like experiences. Multinomial logistic regression suggested that ADHD symptom severity, region, relative age, and stating ADHD medication at three-month follow-up were associated with the response outcome group. However, when validating the data with Bootstrap Forest, none of the variables were significant. Thus, in our large naturalistic cohort, we could not identify any clinically relevant factors that reliably predict pharmacological treatment outcomes.Trial registration: NCT02136147.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Lilja
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umea University, Umea, Sweden.
| | - Paul Lichtenstein
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Serlachius
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jyoti Bhagia
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kerstin Malmberg
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Child and Adolescent Research Center, Affiliated to the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christer Malm
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Section of Sports Medicine, Umeå School of Sport Sciences, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Fabian Lenhard
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda Halldner
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Huda E, Hawker P, Cibralic S, John JR, Hussain A, Diaz AM, Eapen V. Screening tools for autism in culturally and linguistically diverse paediatric populations: a systematic review. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:610. [PMID: 39342198 PMCID: PMC11437884 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-05067-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has varying prevalence rates worldwide, often higher in culturally diverse populations. Cultural differences can affect autism symptom recognition. Language barriers and differing healthcare attitudes may delay diagnosis and intervention. Most autism screening tools were developed in Western, predominantly Caucasian populations, and their appropriateness in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) contexts remains uncertain. There is a lack of comprehensive data on the accuracy of these tools in identifying autism in culturally and linguistically diverse groups. Consequently, it is unclear whether current screening tools are culturally sensitive and appropriate. METHODS A research protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022367308). A comprehensive search of literature published from inception to October 2022 was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Medline Complete, Scopus, PsychInfo and CINAHL Complete. The articles were screened using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extracted included participant demographics, screening tool psychometric properties (validity, reliability, accuracy) and acceptability. A narrative synthesis approach was used. RESULTS From the initial retrieval of 2310 citations, 51 articles were included for analysis. The studies were conducted in 32 different countries with screening tools in the following languages: Chinese, Spanish, Korean, Turkish, Arabic, Kurdish, Persian, Serbian, Italian, French, Sinhala, Taiwanese, Finnish, Northern Soho, Albanian, German, Japanese, Vietnamese, Farsi, Greek and English. There was no data on acceptability of the screening tools in CALD populations. Validity, reliability, and accuracy ranged from poor to excellent with consistently high performance by screening tools devised within the populations they are intended for. CONCLUSIONS The review evaluated autism screening tools in culturally diverse populations, with a focus on validity, reliability, and acceptability. It highlighted variations in the effectiveness of these tools across different cultures, with high performance by tools devised specifically for the intended population, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive screening tools. Further research is needed to improve culturally specific, reliable autism screening tools for equitable assessment and intervention in diverse communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmee Huda
- Department of General Paediatrics, Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Patrick Hawker
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 1466, Australia
| | - Sara Cibralic
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 1466, Australia
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - James Rufus John
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 1466, Australia
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Aniqa Hussain
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Antonio Mendoza Diaz
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 1466, Australia
- Tasmanian Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation, Tasmanian Health Service, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 1466, Australia.
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District and Ingham Institute, Sydney, Australia.
- ICAMHS, L1 MHC,, Liverpool Hospital, Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2170, Australia.
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Kim SY, Lecavalier L. Stability and Validity of Self-Reported Depression and Anxiety in Autistic Youth. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06456-6. [PMID: 39001970 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06456-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess test-retest reliability and diagnostic validity of self-report instruments of depression and anxiety in autistic youth. Participants were 55 autistic youth aged 8-17 years presenting with depressive or anxiety symptoms. They were interviewed with the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children (K-SADS-PL) and completed the Children's Depression Inventory, Second Edition - Self Report Short (CDI 2:SR[S]) and the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) twice, separated by a two-week interval. Test-retest reliability was measured with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and diagnostic validity was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with the summary ratings on the K-SADS-PL as the criterion. The effect of participant characteristics was analyzed through a moderation analysis. Generalized anxiety (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SOC) were the two most prevalent disorders in the sample. Test-retest reliability for most of the subscales was good (ICC = 0.74 - 0.87), with the exception of the RCADS obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and GAD. The Adaptive Behavior conceptual score was a significant moderator of the reliability of the CDI 2:SR[S]. The ROC analysis suggested the RCADS SOC and the CDI 2:SR[S] to be good screening tools with inadequate specificity when appropriately sensitive cutoff scores are used. Optimal cutoff scores in this sample were lower than originally published. The findings suggest that autistic youth can provide stable reports of anxiety and depressive symptoms over time. Diagnostic validity varied according to the construct and instrument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Youn Kim
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Luc Lecavalier
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Junttila M, Kielinen M, Jussila K, Joskitt L, Mäntymaa M, Ebeling H, Mattila ML. The traits of Autism Spectrum Disorder and bullying victimization in an epidemiological population. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:1067-1080. [PMID: 37219644 PMCID: PMC11032281 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02228-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Autistic children (Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD) show an increased risk of bullying victimization and often face challenges in communication and peer relationships. However, it is unclear to what extent the amount and quality of ASD traits are associated with bullying victimization. This study examined the association of bullying victimization and ASD traits in an epidemiological population of 8-year-old children (n = 4408) using parent and teacher completed Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaires (ASSQs), both separately and combined. The ASSQ items relating to loneliness and social isolation, lack of co-operating skills, clumsiness and lack of common sense were associated with victimization in the study population. The higher the ASSQ scores, the more the children were victimized: the ASSQ scores increased in parallel with victimization from 0 (0% victimized) to 45 (64% victimized). The victimization rate was 46% in ASD sample, 2% in the total population sample and 2% in the non-ASD population sample. The results enable more targeted means for recognizing potential victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Junttila
- Clinic of Child Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 2000, 90014, Oulu, Finland.
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Child Psychiatry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
| | | | - K Jussila
- Clinic of Child Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 2000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Child Psychiatry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Division of Psychology, VISE, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - L Joskitt
- Clinic of Child Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 2000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Child Psychiatry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - M Mäntymaa
- Clinic of Child Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 2000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Child Psychiatry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - H Ebeling
- Clinic of Child Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 2000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Child Psychiatry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - M-L Mattila
- Clinic of Child Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 2000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Child Psychiatry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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Junttila M, Jussila K, Joskitt L, Ebeling H, Kielinen M, Loukusa S, Miettunen J, Mäntymaa M, Mattila ML. Factor analysis of the autism spectrum screening questionnaire in a population-based child sample. Nord J Psychiatry 2023; 77:696-705. [PMID: 37355342 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2023.2225060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate several possible factor structures of the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ). MATERIALS AND METHODS We used the 27-item screening tool for school-aged children in a general population of 8-year-old children (n = 3,538) and compared the occurring solutions to previously published factor models. RESULTS A one-factor solution and a four-factor solution were identified in Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and confirmed with Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), while two-, three-, five- and six-factor solutions were rejected. In CFA, our four-factor solution showed the best goodness-of-fit indexes when compared with factor models previously presented by Posserud et al. and Ehlers et al. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate a strong underlying connection between all ASSQ items which is elicited by the one-factor solution. Although as a screening tool, ASSQ is functioning with the unifactorial solution, the four factors can help to identify certain clusters of autism spectrum traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Junttila
- Child Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Child Psychiatry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Katja Jussila
- Child Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Child Psychiatry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Division of Psychology, VISE, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Oulu, Finland
| | - Leena Joskitt
- Child Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Child Psychiatry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Hanna Ebeling
- Child Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Child Psychiatry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Soile Loukusa
- Research Unit of Logopedics, University of Oulu, Finland
| | - Jouko Miettunen
- Research Unit of Population Health, University of Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Finland
| | - Mirjami Mäntymaa
- Child Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Child Psychiatry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marja-Leena Mattila
- Child Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Child Psychiatry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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Zirakashvili M, Gabunia M, Mebonia N, Mikiashvili T, Lomidze G, Bishop S, Leventhal B, Kim YS. Adaptation of autism spectrum screening questionnaire (ASSQ) for use in Georgian school settings. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jpmh-03-2022-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Even though 95% of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), live in low- and middle-income countries, there is a dearth of studies from these countries, including the Republic of Georgia. Several ASD screening tools are available, but few are validated for use in Georgian or other smaller countries. This study aims to adapt and validate the autism spectrum screening questionnaire (ASSQ) for use in Georgia.
Design/methodology/approach
The ASSQ was administered for all third-grade students in 402 schools in the five main Georgian cities, n = 27,336. Prior to use, the 27-item ASSQ was translated, back-translated and adapted for use in Georgia. A total of 16,556 students (approximately 61%) were assessed by a parent and/or teacher. Optimal cutoff scores were estimated. Randomly chosen children who screened positive (n = 173) and negative (n = 127) were offered comprehensive assessment using standardized diagnostic procedures.
Findings
Data from 15,510 parents- and 13,517 teachers-administered ASSQ revealed statistically significant differences in median and cutoff scores between parents and teachers: 7 versus 4 and 9 versus 6, respectively. Cutoff score = 14, on either parent or teacher ASSQ, had sensitivity of 0.94, indicating that it can be used in school settings.
Originality/value
The Georgian adaptation of the ASSQ creates opportunity for further ASD research, while also providing a valid screening tool for clinicians. Data from Georgia will add to the growing understanding of the broader ASD phenotype.
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Lilja MM, Sandblom E, Lichtenstein P, Serlachius E, Hellner C, Bhagia J, Halldner L. The effect of autistic traits on response to and side-effects of pharmacological ADHD treatment in children with ADHD: results from a prospective clinical cohort. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:17. [PMID: 35249540 PMCID: PMC8903657 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09424-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood behavioral condition that globally affects an average of around 5% of children and is associated with several adverse life outcomes. Comorbidity with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly prevalent. Pharmacological treatment for ADHD symptoms has been shown to be effective. However, the prevailing perception is that children with ADHD and concomitant ASD symptoms report poorer efficacy and more side effects. This has been supported by studies on this population, but prospective studies directly comparing children with ADHD and different levels of ASD symptoms are lacking. We aimed to assess if children with ADHD and concomitant ASD symptoms differ regarding effects and side-effects of pharmacological ADHD treatment compared to children with ADHD without ASD traits. This is to our knowledge the second study to directly compare the effect of ADHD medication between ADHD patients with different levels of ASD symptoms. Methods In a non-randomized, observational, prospective cohort study, 323 patients aged 6 to 17 years who were diagnosed with ADHD and starting pharmacological treatment were divided into two groups: one with high level of ASD symptoms (ASD group, N=71) and one with low level of ASD symptoms (non-ASD group, N = 252). Treatment outcome was measured as ADHD symptoms, and evaluated using the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Teacher and Parent ADHD rating scale-version IV (SNAP-IV). Side-effects were evaluated using the Pediatric Side Effects Checklist (P-SEC), at 3 months follow-up. Results From baseline to 3 months, there was no significant difference in neither treatment effect nor number of clinically significant adverse events experienced between the ASD group and the non-ASD group. Conclusions Our results did not implicate that ADHD patients with concomitant ASD symptoms have decreased treatment effect of ADHD medication than patients with ADHD without concomitant ASD symptoms. Neither did the results support that ADHD patients with ASD symptoms experienced significantly more side-effects than ADHD patients without ASD symptoms. Although, we did not analyze different medications separately, this is in line with the only previous study directly comparing methylphenidate treatment in children with or without ASD. Trial registration NCT02136147, May 12, 2014.
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Sensory Abnormality and Quantitative Autism Traits in Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder in an Epidemiological Population. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:180-188. [PMID: 31583623 PMCID: PMC6946727 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04237-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sensory abnormalities (SAs) are recognized features in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and a relationship between SAs and ASD traits is also suggested in general population. Our aims were to estimate the prevalence of SAs in three different settings, and to study the association between SAs and quantitative autism traits (QAT) using the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) and a parental questionnaire. In an epidemiological population of 8-year-old children (n = 4397), the prevalence of SAs was 8.3%, in an ASD sample (n = 28), 53.6%, and in a non-ASD sample (n = 4369), 8.0%, respectively. Tactile and auditory hypersensitivity predicted an ASD diagnosis. The ASSQ was able to differentiate children with and without SA. In conclusion, QAT level and SAs were associated in all study samples.
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Kuusikko-Gauffin S, Elsheikh S, Bölte S, Omar M, Riad G, Ebeling H, Rautio A, Moilanen I. Emotion recognition from the eye region in children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder in Arab and Scandinavian countries. Scand J Child Adolesc Psychiatr Psychol 2019; 6:159-169. [PMID: 33520762 PMCID: PMC7703843 DOI: 10.21307/sjcapp-2018-015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Difficulties in facial emotion recognition (ER) skills are linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in studies performed in Western and Eastern Asian countries. However, there is a paucity of research examining ER skills in Arab countries, where face-covering veils are more common than in Western countries. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to examine basic ER and ER error patterns in Egyptian and Finnish children with and without ASD. METHOD We employed the eye-submodule of the Frankfurt Test and Training of Facial Affect Recognition (FEFA) and the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ). RESULTS Arab children with ASD (n = 34, M age = 8.6 years, FSIQ = 96.7) recognized correctly fewer emotions than did Scandinavian children with ASD (n = 32, M age = 12.5 years, FSIQ = 102.8) and Arab typically developing (TD) children (n = 34, M age = 10.3 years, FSIQ = 123.4) in general and specifically on surprise, disgust and neutral scales as well as on a blended emotion scale. Scandinavian children with ASD demonstrated a lower ability to recognize emotions in general and specifically happiness than did Scandinavian TD children. There were no differences between Arab and Scandinavian (n = 28, M age = 13.9 years) TD children in ER accuracy. We found country specific differences in ER error patterns in happiness, sadness and anger: Arab children interpreted these emotions more often as another emotion (happiness = sadness, sadness = anger, anger = sadness and surprise), whereas Scandinavian children interpreted happiness and sadness as neutral expression and anger as disgust. Arab children with ASD labeled sadness and anger in their ER error patterns more negatively than did Arab TD children, but there were no differences between Scandinavian children with ASD and TD in ER error patterns. CONCLUSIONS The differences between the Arab and Scandinavian children may reflect cultural differences in ER and ER error patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanna Kuusikko-Gauffin
- PEDEGO Research Unit, Child Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Sherin Elsheikh
- PEDEGO Research Unit, Child Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Child Psychiatry Unit, Abbassia Mental Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Pediatric Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Center of Psychiatry Research, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Manal Omar
- Institute of Postgraduate Childhood Studies, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Geylan Riad
- Faculty of Arts, Psychology Department, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hanna Ebeling
- PEDEGO Research Unit, Child Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Clinic of Child Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Arja Rautio
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine and Thule Institute, University of Oulu, Finland
| | - Irma Moilanen
- PEDEGO Research Unit, Child Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Clinic of Child Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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Czornobay LFM, Munhoz EA, Lisboa ML, Rath IBS, de Camargo AR. Autism spectrum disorder: Review of literature and dental management. World J Stomatol 2018; 6:11-18. [DOI: 10.5321/wjs.v6.i2.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Fernando M Czornobay
- Department of Dentistry, Health Science Centre, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Etiene Andrade Munhoz
- Department of Dentistry, Health Science Centre, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Mariah L Lisboa
- University Hospital Professor Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88036-800, Brazil
| | - Inês Beatriz S Rath
- Department of Dentistry, Health Science Centre, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Alessandra R de Camargo
- Department of Dentistry, Health Science Centre, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
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Hirota T, So R, Kim YS, Leventhal B, Epstein RA. A systematic review of screening tools in non-young children and adults for autism spectrum disorder. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2018; 80:1-12. [PMID: 29879612 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2018.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing reviews of screening tools for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) focus on young children, and not all screening tools have been examined against validated diagnostic procedures. AIMS To examine the validity of screening tools for ASD in non-young children and adults to provide clinical recommendations about the use of these tools in a variety of clinical settings. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Cochrane Library and CINAHL, were searched through March 2017. Studies examining the validity of ASD screening tools against the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and/or the Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised in non-young children (age 4 or above) and adults were included. Three authors independently reviewed each article for data extraction and quality assessment. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 11 studies were with children (4-18 years of age) and 3 studies included adults only (19 years of age and above). Included studies were conducted in a general population/low-risk sample (N = 3) and a clinically referred/high-risk sample (N = 11). In total 11 tools were included. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Only three screening tools (the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, the Social Communication Questionnaire, and the Social Responsiveness Scale) were examined in more than 2 studies. These tools may assist in differentiating ASD from other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders or typically developed children. In young adult populations, the paucity of the existing research in this group limits definitive conclusion and recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Hirota
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute, University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Ryuhei So
- Department of Psychiatry, Okayama Psychiatric Medical Center, 3-16 Shikatahonmachi, Kita-ward, Okayama, Okayama, 700-0915, Japan; Department of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine/School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Young Shin Kim
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute, University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Bennett Leventhal
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute, University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Richard A Epstein
- Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago, 1313 E 60th St., Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
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Adaptation of the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) to preschool children. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199590. [PMID: 29990348 PMCID: PMC6038992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) is equipped with good properties for screening the broader phenotype of autistic traits, but it is standardized for a limited age range-from 7 to 16 years. To contribute to the early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly in high functioning children with ASD, likely to cause maladjustments during school age, the present study examined psychometric properties to apply the ASSQ to a younger age. We tested parents' ASSQ ratings for preschool children in clinical (N = 154, average age 60.77 months, range 55-72 months) and community settings (N = 1390, average age 60.53 months, range 57-68 months) in Japan. The results showed, just as in school-aged children, the ASSQ had reliability and validity as a screening instrument for preschool children in community settings. A cut-off of 7 with sensitivity of 0.93 and specificity of 0.84 is recommended for community screening. Still, based on the current study with a clinical group, an optimal cut-off score with high sensitivity and high specificity for parents' ASSQ ratings could not be established. The clinicians should be reminded that the ASSQ is a screening instrument, not a diagnosing instrument. Also, this result suggest multi-faceted evaluation is necessary in clinical settings, for example, the addition of teachers' ratings.
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14
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Li C, Zhou H, Wang T, Long S, Du X, Xu X, Yan W, Wang Y. Performance of the Autism Spectrum Rating Scale and Social Responsiveness Scale in Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Cases of Intellectual Disability. Neurosci Bull 2018; 34:972-980. [PMID: 29808467 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-018-0237-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (ASRS) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) have been widely used for screening autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the general population during epidemiological studies, but studies of individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are quite limited. Therefore, we recruited the parents/caregivers of 204 ASD cases, 71 ID cases aged 6-18 years from special education schools, and 402 typically developing (TD) children in the same age span from a community-based population to complete the ASRS and SRS. The results showed that the ID group scored significantly lower on total and subscale scores than the ASD group on both scales (P < 0.05) but higher than TD children (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic analyses demonstrated a similar fair performance in discriminating ASD from ID with the ASRS (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.709, sensitivity = 77.0%, specificity = 52.1%, positive predictive value (PPV) = 82.2%) and the SRS (AUC = 0.742, sensitivity = 59.8%, specificity = 77.5%, PPV = 88.4%). The results showed that individuals with ID had clear autistic traits and discriminating ASD from ID cases was quite challenging, while assessment tools such as ASRS and SRS, help to some degree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunpei Li
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 558200, China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Shasha Long
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Xiaonan Du
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Xiu Xu
- Department of Child Health, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Weili Yan
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 201102, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201132, China.
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15
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Systematic review: cultural adaptation and feasibility of screening for autism in non-English speaking countries. Int J Ment Health Syst 2018; 12:22. [PMID: 29760771 PMCID: PMC5941599 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-018-0200-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Screening children for autism has gained wider acceptance within clinical practice, and early intervention has improved outcomes. Increasingly, adapting an existing screening instrument is a common, fast method to create a usable screening tool, especially for countries with limited resources and/or expertise. However, concerns have been raised regarding adaptation adequacy and the feasibility of screening across cultural groups. This study systematically examined the levels of cultural adaptation and feasibility aspects considered when screening for autism in non-English speaking countries to build upon the sparse knowledge that exists on this topic in the literature. Methods Nineteen studies, obtained from five electronic databases, were examined. PRISMA guidance was used for this review. The Ecological Validity Framework model, and Bowen Recommendations for Feasibility were adopted to extract relevant data, which was synthesised narratively. Results Cultural adaptation within the included studies mostly involved language translation with little information offered to enable conclusions on how the processes were guided and maintained. Few cultural adjustments involved modifying screening methods; clarifying difficult concepts and changing instrument content were employed to address the core values, competence, beliefs, and norms of the adapted culture. However, less attention was given to adapt the screening goals within the context of cultural values, and customs or to consider interactional match between the clients and assessors. The review also highlighted an acceptable level of practicality to screen for autism but did not encourage integrating autism screening within routine practice or beyond the study context for different cultures. Conclusion Concurring with previous literature, we agree that knowledge on cultural adaptation for autism screening instruments is limited and not sufficiently documented to establish adaptation levels (process and/or contents), and prove adequacy. However, this review provides an infrastructure to improve future adaptation processes. Integrating autism screening as routine medical practice is not encouraged and warrants further feasibility studies to minimize wasted resources and improve screening effectiveness in various health care systems.
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16
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Attention and Working Memory in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Functional MRI Study. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2016; 47:503-17. [PMID: 26323584 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-015-0583-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined attention and memory load-dependent differences in the brain activation and deactivation patterns between adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and typically developing (TD) controls using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Attentional (0-back) and working memory (WM; 2-back) processing and load differences (0 vs. 2-back) were analysed. WM-related areas activated and default mode network deactivated normally in ASDs as a function of task load. ASDs performed the attentional 0-back task similarly to TD controls but showed increased deactivation in cerebellum and right temporal cortical areas and weaker activation in other cerebellar areas. Increasing task load resulted in multiple responses in ASDs compared to TD and in inadequate modulation of brain activity in right insula, primary somatosensory, motor and auditory cortices. The changes during attentional task may reflect compensatory mechanisms enabling normal behavioral performance. The inadequate memory load-dependent modulation of activity suggests diminished compensatory potential in ASD.
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Pantelis PC, Kennedy DP. Estimation of the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in South Korea, revisited. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2015; 20:517-27. [DOI: 10.1177/1362361315592378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Two-phase designs in epidemiological studies of autism prevalence introduce methodological complications that can severely limit the precision of resulting estimates. If the assumptions used to derive the prevalence estimate are invalid or if the uncertainty surrounding these assumptions is not properly accounted for in the statistical inference procedure, then the point estimate may be inaccurate and the confidence interval may not be a true reflection of the precision of the estimate. We examine these potential pitfalls in the context of a recent high-profile finding by Kim et al. (2011, Prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in a total population sample. American Journal of Psychiatry 168: 904–912), who estimated that autism spectrum disorder affects 2.64% of children in a South Korean community. We reconstructed the study’s methodology and used Monte Carlo simulations to analyze whether their point estimate and 95% confidence interval (1.91%, 3.37%) were reasonable, given what was known about their screening instrument and sample. We find the original point estimate to be highly assumption-dependent, and after accounting for sources of uncertainty unaccounted for in the original article, we demonstrate that a more reasonable confidence interval would be approximately twice as large as originally reported. We argue that future studies should give serious consideration to the additional sources of uncertainty introduced by a two-phase design, which may easily outstrip any expected gains in efficiency.
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18
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Features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in childhood epilepsy: a population-based study. Epilepsy Behav 2015; 42:86-92. [PMID: 25529303 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In a defined geographical area in the south of the UK, 115 children with active epilepsy (i.e., children who had seizures in the last year and/or children who were taking antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)) were identified via a computerized database and liaison with local pediatricians. Eighty-five (74%) of the children (5-15years of age) underwent a comprehensive psychological assessment. Twenty-one percent of the children met the DSM-IV-TR criteria for ASD, and 61% of those with ASD had another DSM-IV-TR behavioral or motor disorder. The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) was completed by parents (n=69) and by teachers (n=67) of children with an IQ>34. Only 9% of children on parent ratings and 15% of children on teacher ratings had no features of ASD. Parents reported significantly (p<.05) more features of ASD on the ASSQ compared with teachers. Factors significantly associated with responses on the ASSQ included respondent (parents reported more features), school placement (more features in specialized settings), and respondent by school placement interaction. Effective screening for ASD in children with epilepsy will need a consideration of the impact of informant and school placement on ratings. In conclusion, features of ASD were common in children with epilepsy regardless of cognitive ability. The ASSQ was a useful screening instrument in this population, and combining parent and teacher forms was optimal in terms of screening properties.
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Jussila K, Lyall K, Kuusikko-Gauffin S, Mattila ML, Pollock-Wurman R, Hurtig T, Joskitt L, Bloigu R, Ebeling H, Moilanen I, Pauls D. Familiality of Quantitative Autism Traits. Scand J Child Adolesc Psychiatr Psychol 2014. [DOI: 10.21307/sjcapp-2015-013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background:
Autistic traits exist along a continuum that extends into social functioning in the general population, and they aggregate in the family members of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Quantitative measures are therefore essential when investigating the patterns of familiality of these traits. Prior studies have suggested differential inheritance patterns of autistic traits that depend on the cognitive level of the child with ASD as well as the family type.
Objective:
Our goal was to examine the family patterns of quantitative autism traits (QAT) in a group of simplex autism families of high-functioning children with ASD.
Method:
We used the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) to evaluate QAT in 47 ASD families and 46 control families. SRS assessments (parental/spousal evaluations) were collected for the children with ASD, their siblings, and their parents as well as for the control children and their parents.
Results:
The SRS was able to distinguish individuals with ASD from the control children and from their unaffected siblings. Significant group differences were also found when comparing the fathers of ASD families to control fathers and when comparing the brothers of individuals with ASD to control boys, with male members of ASD families having higher SRS scores. Gender differences were observed in the group of siblings of children with ASD and the group of parents of children with ASD, with males having higher scores than females. In ASD families, a positive trend between child and father QAT was found, whereas mothers’ scores were not associated with child outcomes. By contrast, in control families, mothers’ QAT correlated more strongly with child QAT.
Conclusions:
Autistic traits aggregate in the fathers and brothers of children with ASD in simplex autism families. The QAT levels of the family members should be taken into consideration when planning the rehabilitation of the child or adolescent with ASD and when designing family interventions.
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Soto S, Linas K, Jacobstein D, Biel M, Migdal T, Anthony BJ. A review of cultural adaptations of screening tools for autism spectrum disorders. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2014; 19:646-61. [PMID: 25008216 DOI: 10.1177/1362361314541012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Screening children to determine risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders has become more common, although some question the advisability of such a strategy. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify autism screening tools that have been adapted for use in cultures different from that in which they were developed, evaluate the cultural adaptation process, report on the psychometric properties of the adapted instruments, and describe the implications for further research and clinical practice. A total of 21 articles met criteria for inclusion, reporting on the cultural adaptation of autism screening in 19 countries and in 10 languages. The cultural adaptation process was not always clearly outlined and often did not include the recommended guidelines. Cultural/linguistic modifications to the translated tools tended to increase with the rigor of the adaptation process. Differences between the psychometric properties of the original and adapted versions were common, indicating the need to obtain normative data on populations to increase the utility of the translated tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Soto
- San Diego State University/University of California, USA
| | - Keri Linas
- Georgetown Center for Child and Human Development, USA
| | | | | | - Talia Migdal
- Georgetown Center for Child and Human Development, USA
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Starck T, Nikkinen J, Rahko J, Remes J, Hurtig T, Haapsamo H, Jussila K, Kuusikko-Gauffin S, Mattila ML, Jansson-Verkasalo E, Pauls DL, Ebeling H, Moilanen I, Tervonen O, Kiviniemi VJ. Resting state fMRI reveals a default mode dissociation between retrosplenial and medial prefrontal subnetworks in ASD despite motion scrubbing. Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:802. [PMID: 24319422 PMCID: PMC3837226 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) decreased frontal-posterior functional connectivity is a persistent finding. However, the picture of the default mode network (DMN) hypoconnectivity remains incomplete. In addition, the functional connectivity analyses have been shown to be susceptible even to subtle motion. DMN hypoconnectivity in ASD has been specifically called for re-evaluation with stringent motion correction, which we aimed to conduct by so-called scrubbing. A rich set of default mode subnetworks can be obtained with high dimensional group independent component analysis (ICA) which can potentially provide more detailed view of the connectivity alterations. We compared the DMN connectivity in high-functioning adolescents with ASDs to typically developing controls using ICA dual-regression with decompositions from typical to high dimensionality. Dual-regression analysis within DMN subnetworks did not reveal alterations but connectivity between anterior and posterior DMN subnetworks was decreased in ASD. The results were very similar with and without motion scrubbing thus indicating the efficacy of the conventional motion correction methods combined with ICA dual-regression. Specific dissociation between DMN subnetworks was revealed on high ICA dimensionality, where networks centered at the medial prefrontal cortex and retrosplenial cortex showed weakened coupling in adolescents with ASDs compared to typically developing control participants. Generally the results speak for disruption in the anterior-posterior DMN interplay on the network level whereas local functional connectivity in DMN seems relatively unaltered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuomo Starck
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital Oulu, Finland ; Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Oulu, Finland
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