Neural correlates of schema-dependent episodic memory and association with behavioral flexibility in autism spectrum disorders and typical development
ConclusionOur findings provide the first preliminary evidence for the association of schema-based episodic memory formation and behavioral flexibility, an executive function impaired in multiple developmental disorders. Upon replication, this line of research holds promise for memory-based interventions addressing executive problems of behavioral rigidity. (Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders)
Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - September 15, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder: opportunities for magnetoencephalography (MEG)
AbstractThis paper reviews a candidate biomarker for ASD, the M50 auditory evoked response component, detected by magnetoencephalography (MEG) and presents a position on the roles and opportunities for such a biomarker, as well as converging evidence from allied imaging techniques (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI and spectroscopy, MRS). Data is presented on prolonged M50 latencies in ASD as well as extension to include children with ASD with significant language and cognitive impairments in whom M50 latency delays are exacerbated. Modeling of the M50 latency by consideration of the properties of auditory pathway white matt...
Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - September 15, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

The gut-microbiota-brain axis in autism: what Drosophila models can offer?
AbstractThe idea that alterations in gut-microbiome-brain axis (GUMBA)-mediated communication play a crucial role in human brain disorders like autism remains a topic of intensive research in various labs. Gastrointestinal issues are a common comorbidity in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although gut microbiome and microbial metabolites have been implicated in the etiology of ASD, the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. In this review, we have summarized recent findings in human and animal models highlighting the role of the gut-brain axis in ASD. We have discussed genetic and neurobehavi...
Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - September 15, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Utilization of telemedicine to support caregivers of young children with ASD and their Part C service providers: a comparison of intervention outcomes across three models of service delivery
ConclusionsBoth caregivers and behavioral consultants reported positive outcomes following a brief behavioral intervention and support model targeted at families of young children with concern for ASD. Stakeholders reported improvement in child behavior and satisfaction with services across in-person, telemedicine-only, and hybrid models of service delivery. These results suggest that telemedicine presents a promising opportunity for increasing service access. Additional research is needed to continue optimizing the experience of telemedicine-based service delivery for both families and intervention providers. (Source: Jou...
Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - September 15, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Resting state EEG in youth with ASD: age, sex, and relation to phenotype
ConclusionsResearch using EEG as a possible ASD biomarker must consider individual differences among participants, as these features influence baseline EEG measures and moderate associations between EEG and important behavioral outcomes. Failure to consider factors such as biological sex in such research risks defining biomarkers that misrepresent females with ASD, hindering understanding of the neurobiology, development, and intervention response of this important population. (Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders)
Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - September 13, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Visual and somatosensory feedback mechanisms of precision manual motor control in autism spectrum disorder
ConclusionsOur findings that disrupting somatosensory feedback did not contribute to changes in force variability or regularity among individuals with ASD suggests a reduced ability to integrate somatosensory feedback information to guide ongoing precision manual motor behavior. We also document stronger age-associated gains in force control in ASD relative to TD suggesting delayed development of multisensory feedback control of motor behavior. (Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders)
Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - September 8, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

SARS-CoV-2 screening testing in schools for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities
ConclusionsDuring 24  weeks that included the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in winter 2020-21, we found lower rates of SARS-CoV-2 screening test positivity among staff and students of six schools for children with IDD compared to community rates. In-school transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was low among those quarantined for in-school exposure. However, the impact of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant on the effectiveness of these proven mitigation strategies remains unknown.Trial registrationPrior to enrollment, this study was registered atClinicalTrials.gov on September 25, 2020, identifierNCT04565509, titled Supporting th...
Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - September 1, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Cerebral cortex and blood transcriptome changes in mouse neonates prenatally exposed to air pollution particulate matter
ConclusionsOur findings suggest that prenatal nPM exposure induces transcriptional changes in the cerebral cortex, some of which are also observed in blood. Further research is needed to replicate nPM-induced transcriptional changes with additional biologically relevant time points for brain development. (Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders)
Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - August 24, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Neurodevelopmental profiles of preschool-age children in Flint, Michigan: a latent profile analysis
ConclusionsChildren in Flint demonstrated diverse patterns of development in the face of sociodemographic and environmental adversities. Comprehensive screening and neurodevelopmental profiling of children in this at-risk population are needed to identify areas of needs and inform appropriate service delivery. (Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders)
Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - August 19, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Autism spectrum disorder in females with fragile X syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence
AbstractBackgroundWhilst up to 60% of males with fragile X syndrome (FXS) meet criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the prevalence and nature of ASD in females with FXS remains unclear.MethodA systematic literature search identified papers reporting ASD prevalence and/or symptomatology in females with FXS.Results and conclusionMeta-analysis suggested that rates of ASD for females with FXS are reliably higher than for females in the general population (a random effects model estimated weighted average prevalence at 14%, 95% CI 13 –18%). Whilst papers highlighted a number of social and repetitive difficulties for f...
Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - July 23, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Behavioural and physiological response to frustration in autistic youth: associations with irritability
ConclusionsResults suggest that the current experimental task may be a useful objective measure of frustration response for use with autistic populations, and that a non-adaptive response to frustration may be one biological mechanism underpinning irritability in autistic youth. This may represent an important target for future intervention studies. (Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders)
Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - July 19, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Characterisation of the clinical phenotype in Phelan-McDermid syndrome
ConclusionsThis study adds to previous research on the clinical descriptions of PMS and supports results suggesting wide variability of symptom severity and its association with deletion size. It makes the case for suitable psychotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches, for longitudinal studies to strengthen our understanding of possible clinical courses and for more precise genomic analysis. (Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders)
Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - July 10, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Reflections on the genetics-first approach to advancements in molecular genetic and neurobiological research on neurodevelopmental disorders
ConclusionsThe genetics-first approach to research on NDDs has advanced the identification of critical protein function pathways and temporospatial expression patterns, expanding the impact of this research beyond individuals with single-gene mutations to the broader population of patients with NDDs. (Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders)
Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - June 21, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Behavioral features in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS): consensus paper from the International PWS Clinical Trial Consortium
AbstractPrader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare neurodevelopmental genetic disorder associated with a characteristic behavioral phenotype that includes severe hyperphagia and a variety of other behavioral challenges such as temper outbursts and anxiety. These behaviors have a significant and dramatic impact on the daily functioning and quality of life for the person with PWS and their families. To date, effective therapies addressing these behavioral challenges have proven elusive, but several potential treatments are on the horizon. However, a limiting factor for treatment studies in PWS is the lack of consensus in the fiel...
Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - June 21, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Inter-rater reliability of subthreshold psychotic symptoms in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
ConclusionsOur results show that trained clinicians can reliably screen for subthreshold psychotic symptoms in individuals with 22q11.2DS. To increase assessment reliability, we suggest specific clarifications and simplifications to the standard SIPS interview for future studies. (Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders)
Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - June 14, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research