The Experts below are selected from a list of 118173 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Christine Ecker - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the neuroanatomy of Autism Spectrum disorder an overview of structural neuroimaging findings and their translatability to the clinical setting
Autism, 2017Co-Authors: Christine EckerAbstract:Autism Spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, which is accompanied by differences in brain anatomy, functioning and brain connectivity. Due to its neurodevelopmental character, and the large phenotypic heterogeneity among individuals on the Autism Spectrum, the neurobiology of Autism Spectrum disorder is inherently difficult to describe. Nevertheless, significant progress has been made in characterizing the neuroanatomical underpinnings of Autism Spectrum disorder across the human life span, and in identifying the molecular pathways that may be affected in Autism Spectrum disorder. Moreover, novel methodological frameworks for analyzing neuroimaging data are emerging that make it possible to characterize the neuroanatomy of Autism Spectrum disorder on the case level, and to stratify individuals based on their individual phenotypic make up. While these approaches are increasingly more often employed in the research setting, their applicability in the clinical setting remains a vision f...
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the neuroanatomy of Autism Spectrum disorder an overview of structural neuroimaging findings and their translatability to the clinical setting
Autism, 2017Co-Authors: Christine EckerAbstract:Autism Spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, which is accompanied by differences in brain anatomy, functioning and brain connectivity. Due to its neurodevelopmental character, and the large phenotypic heterogeneity among individuals on the Autism Spectrum, the neurobiology of Autism Spectrum disorder is inherently difficult to describe. Nevertheless, significant progress has been made in characterizing the neuroanatomical underpinnings of Autism Spectrum disorder across the human life span, and in identifying the molecular pathways that may be affected in Autism Spectrum disorder. Moreover, novel methodological frameworks for analyzing neuroimaging data are emerging that make it possible to characterize the neuroanatomy of Autism Spectrum disorder on the case level, and to stratify individuals based on their individual phenotypic make up. While these approaches are increasingly more often employed in the research setting, their applicability in the clinical setting remains a vision for the future. The aim of the current review is to (1) provide a general overview of recent structural neuroimaging findings examining the neuroanatomy of Autism Spectrum disorder across the human life span, and in males and females with the condition, (2) highlight potential neuroimaging (bio)markers that may in the future be used for the stratification of Autism Spectrum disorder individuals into biologically homogeneous subgroups and (3) inform treatment and intervention strategies.
Lonnie Zwaigenbaum - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Evaluation of employment-support services for adults with Autism Spectrum disorder
Autism, 2017Co-Authors: David Nicholas, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Jennifer D. Zwicker, Margaret Clarke, Ramesh Lamsal, Kevin P. Stoddart, Cynthia Carroll, Barbara Muskat, Margaret Spoelstra, Katelyn LoweAbstract:The employment rate among persons with Autism Spectrum disorder has been noted as unacceptably low. Employment-support services are increasingly linked to the potential for favorable job outcomes, yet little is known about employment-support practices and the outcome of these interventions. This mixed-methods study examined employment-support resources for persons with Autism Spectrum disorder. An online survey was completed by 137 senior clinicians or administrators in employment-support programs in Canada. Additionally, 122 follow-up interviews were conducted with individuals with Autism Spectrum disorder (n = 71) and their parents/caregivers (n = 51). Findings indicate that the quality and beneficial impact of employment-support services for adults with Autism Spectrum disorder may be more favorably perceived by employment-support personnel than by individuals with Autism Spectrum disorder and their families. Furthermore, employment-support personnel were more disparaging about Autism Spectrum disorder...
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Autism Spectrum disorder advances in evidence based practice
Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2014Co-Authors: Evdokia Anagnostou, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Eric Fombonne, Bridget A Fernandez, Marc Woodburysmith, Jessica Brian, Susan E Bryson, Peter Szatmari, Isabel M SmithAbstract:Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses wide variation in symptom severity and functional impact. The core features of ASD include impairments in social communication, repetitive behaviours and restricted interests. Not all people with ASD identify their challenges as a disorder. Autism Spectrum
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clinical assessment and management of toddlers with suspected Autism Spectrum disorder insights from studies of high risk infants
Pediatrics, 2009Co-Authors: Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Susan E Bryson, Catherine Lord, Sally J Rogers, Alice S Carter, Leslie J Carver, Kasia Chawarska, John N Constantino, Geraldine DawsonAbstract:With increased public awareness of the early signs and recent American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations that all 18- and 24-month-olds be screened for Autism Spectrum disorders, there is an increasing need for diagnostic assessment of very young children. However, unique challenges exist in applying current diagnostic guidelines for Autism Spectrum disorders to children under the age of 2 years. In this article, we address challenges related to early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of Autism Spectrum disorders in this age group. We provide a comprehensive review of findings from recent studies on the early development of children with Autism Spectrum disorders, summarizing current knowledge on early signs of Autism Spectrum disorders, the screening properties of early detection tools, and current best practice for diagnostic assessment of Autism Spectrum disorders before 2 years of age. We also outline principles of effective intervention for children under the age of 2 with suspected/confirmed Autism Spectrum disorders. It is hoped that ongoing studies will provide an even stronger foundation for evidence-based diagnostic and intervention approaches for this critically important age group.
Connie Kasari - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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examining playground engagement between elementary school children with and without Autism Spectrum disorder
Autism, 2016Co-Authors: Jill Locke, Wendy Shih, Mark Kretzmann, Connie KasariAbstract:Little is known about the social behavior of children with and without Autism Spectrum disorder during recess. This study documented the naturally occurring recess engagement and peer interaction behaviors of children with and without Autism Spectrum disorder in inclusive school settings. Participants included 51 children with Autism Spectrum disorder and 51 classmates without Autism Spectrum disorder who served as peer models matched on gender, classroom, grade, age, and ethnicity. Using a timed-interval behavior-coding system, children with Autism Spectrum disorder spent approximately 30% of their recess time engaged in solitary activities, whereas their classmates only spent approximately 9% of recess unengaged. In addition, children with Autism Spectrum disorder spent about 40% of the recess period jointly engaged with peers in a reciprocal activity, conversation, or game as compared to 70% for matched classmates. These findings provide a context for which to interpret intervention outcomes and gains for children with Autism Spectrum disorder in inclusive settings.
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social network analysis of children with Autism Spectrum disorder predictors of fragmentation and connectivity in elementary school classrooms
Autism, 2016Co-Authors: Ariana Anderson, Jill Locke, Mark Kretzmann, Connie KasariAbstract:Although children with Autism Spectrum disorder are frequently included in mainstream classrooms, it is not known how their social networks change compared to typically developing children and whether the factors predictive of this change may be unique. This study identified and compared predictors of social connectivity of children with and without Autism Spectrum disorder using a social network analysis. Participants included 182 children with Autism Spectrum disorder and 152 children without Autism Spectrum disorder, aged 5-12 years in 152 general education K-5 classrooms. General linear models were used to compare how age, classroom size, gender, baseline connectivity, diagnosis, and intelligence quotient predicted changes in social connectivity (closeness). Gender and classroom size had a unique interaction in predicting final social connectivity and the change in connectivity for children with Autism Spectrum disorder; boys who were placed in larger classrooms showed increased social network fragmentation. This increased fragmentation for boys when placed in larger classrooms was not seen in typically developing boys. These results have implications regarding placement, intervention objectives, and ongoing school support that aimed to increase the social success of children with Autism Spectrum disorder in public schools.
Simon Baroncohen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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sensory over responsivity in adults with Autism Spectrum conditions
Autism, 2014Co-Authors: Teresa Tavassoli, Lucy Jane Miller, Sarah A Schoen, Darci M Nielsen, Simon BaroncohenAbstract:Anecdotal reports and empirical evidence suggest that sensory processing issues are a key feature of Autism Spectrum conditions. This study set out to investigate whether adults with Autism Spectrum conditions report more sensory over-responsivity than adults without Autism Spectrum conditions. Another goal of the study was to identify whether autistic traits in adults with and without Autism Spectrum conditions were associated with sensory over-responsivity. Adults with (n = 221) and without (n = 181) Autism Spectrum conditions participated in an online survey. The Autism Spectrum Quotient, the Raven Matrices and the Sensory Processing Scale were used to characterize the sample. Adults with Autism Spectrum conditions reported more sensory over-responsivity than control participants across various sensory domains (visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory and proprioceptive). Sensory over-responsivity correlated positively with autistic traits (Autism Spectrum Quotient) at a significant level across groups and within groups. Adults with Autism Spectrum conditions experience sensory over-responsivity to daily sensory stimuli to a high degree. A positive relationship exists between sensory over-responsivity and autistic traits. Understanding sensory over-responsivity and ways of measuring it in adults with Autism Spectrum conditions has implications for research and clinical settings.
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prevalence of Autism Spectrum conditions uk school based population study
British Journal of Psychiatry, 2009Co-Authors: Simon Baroncohen, Fiona Scott, Carrie Allison, Joanna G Williams, Patrick Bolton, Fiona E Matthews, Carol BrayneAbstract:Background Recent reports estimate the prevalence of Autism-Spectrum conditions in the UK to be 1%. Aims To use different methods to estimate the prevalence of Autism-Spectrum conditions, including previously undiagnosed cases, in Cambridgeshire. Method We carried out a survey of Autism-Spectrum conditions using the Special Educational Needs (SEN) register. A diagnosis survey was distributed to participating schools to be handed out to parents of all children aged 5–9 years. The mainstream primary school population was screened for unknown cases. Results The prevalence estimates generated from the SEN register and diagnosis survey were 94 per 10 000 and 99 per 10 000 respectively. A total of 11 children received a research diagnosis of an Autism-Spectrum condition following screening and assessment. The ratio of known:unknown cases is about 3:2 (following statistical weighting procedures). Taken together, we estimate the prevalence to be 157 per 10 000, including previously undiagnosed cases. Conclusions This study has implications for planning diagnostic, social and health services.
Geraldine Dawson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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priorities for Autism Spectrum disorder risk communication and ethics
Autism, 2013Co-Authors: Michael Yudell, Geraldine Dawson, Holly K Tabor, John Rossi, Craig J NewschafferAbstract:Autism Spectrum disorders are an issue of increasing public health significance. The incidence of Autism Spectrum disorders has been increasing in recent years, and they are associated with significant personal and financial impacts for affected persons and their families. In recent years, a large number of scientific studies have been undertaken, which investigate genetic and environmental risk factors for Autism, with more studies underway. At present, much remains unknown regarding Autism Spectrum disorder risk factors, but the emerging picture of causation is in many cases complex, with multiple genes and gene-environment interactions being at play. The complexity and uncertainty surrounding Autism Spectrum disorder risk factors raise a number of questions regarding the ethical considerations that should be taken into account when undertaking Autism Spectrum disorder risk communication. At present, however, little has been written regarding Autism Spectrum disorder risk communication and ethics. This article summarizes the findings of a recent conference investigating ethical considerations and policy recommendations in Autism Spectrum disorder risk communication, which to the authors' knowledge is the first of its kind. Here, the authors discuss a number of issues, including uncertainty; comprehension; inadvertent harm; justice; and the appropriate roles of clinicians, scientists, and the media in Autism Spectrum disorder risk communication.
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clinical assessment and management of toddlers with suspected Autism Spectrum disorder insights from studies of high risk infants
Pediatrics, 2009Co-Authors: Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Susan E Bryson, Catherine Lord, Sally J Rogers, Alice S Carter, Leslie J Carver, Kasia Chawarska, John N Constantino, Geraldine DawsonAbstract:With increased public awareness of the early signs and recent American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations that all 18- and 24-month-olds be screened for Autism Spectrum disorders, there is an increasing need for diagnostic assessment of very young children. However, unique challenges exist in applying current diagnostic guidelines for Autism Spectrum disorders to children under the age of 2 years. In this article, we address challenges related to early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of Autism Spectrum disorders in this age group. We provide a comprehensive review of findings from recent studies on the early development of children with Autism Spectrum disorders, summarizing current knowledge on early signs of Autism Spectrum disorders, the screening properties of early detection tools, and current best practice for diagnostic assessment of Autism Spectrum disorders before 2 years of age. We also outline principles of effective intervention for children under the age of 2 with suspected/confirmed Autism Spectrum disorders. It is hoped that ongoing studies will provide an even stronger foundation for evidence-based diagnostic and intervention approaches for this critically important age group.
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reduced neural habituation in the amygdala and social impairments in Autism Spectrum disorders
American Journal of Psychiatry, 2009Co-Authors: Natalia M Kleinhans, Jessica Greenson, Clark L Johnson, Todd L Richards, Roderick K Mahurin, Geraldine Dawson, Elizabeth H. AylwardAbstract:Objective: Amygdala dysfunction has been proposed as a critical component in social impairment in Autism Spectrum disorders. This study was designed to investigate whether abnormal habituation characterizes amygdala dysfunction in Autism Spectrum disorders and whether the rate of amygdala habituation is related to social impairment. Method: Using functional MRI, the authors measured change over time in activation of the amygdala and fusiform gyrus to neutral facial stimuli in adults with Autism Spectrum disorders and healthy comparison adults. Results: The comparison group evidenced significantly greater amygdala habituation bilaterally than the Autism Spectrum group. There were no group differences in overall fusiform habituation. For the Autism Spectrum group, lower levels of habituation of the amygdala to the face stimuli were associated with more severe social impairment. Conclusions: These results suggest amygdala hyperarousal in Autism Spectrum disorders in response to socially relevant stimuli. Fur...
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early recognition of 1 year old infants with Autism Spectrum disorder versus mental retardation
Development and Psychopathology, 2002Co-Authors: Julie Osterling, Geraldine Dawson, Jeffrey MunsonAbstract:Previous work based on observations of home videotapes indicates that differences can be detected between infants with Autism Spectrum disorder and infants with typical development at 1 year of age. The present study addresses the question of whether Autism can be distinguished from mental retardation by 1 year of age. Home videotapes of first birthday parties from 20 infants later diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder, 14 infants later diagnosed with mental retardation (without Autism), and 20 typically developing infants were coded by blind raters with respect to the frequencies of specific social and communicative behaviors and repetitive motor actions. Results indicated that 1-year-olds with Autism Spectrum disorder can be distinguished from 1-year-olds with typical development and those with mental retardation. The infants with Autism Spectrum disorder looked at others and oriented to their names less frequently than infants with mental retardation. The infants with Autism Spectrum disorder and those with mental retardation used gestures and looked to objects held by others less frequently and engaged in repetitive motor actions more frequently than typically developing infants. These results indicate that Autism can be distinguished from mental retardation and typical development by 1 year of age.
