Language Networks in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A systematic review of connectivity-based fMRI studies
AbstractAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous condition associated with differences in functional neural connectivity relative to neurotypical (NT) peers. Language-based functional connectivity represents an ideal context in which to characterize connectivity because language is heterogeneous and linked to core features in ASD, and NT language networks are well-defined. We conducted a systematic review of language-related functional connectivity literature on individuals with ASD using PubMed, PsychInfo, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, yielding 96 studies. Language-task studies indicated local over-connec...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - May 30, 2023 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Differences Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Individuals During Visual Information Processing —A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Focusing on Visual Event-Related Potentials
AbstractPeople with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show deficits in the processing of visual stimuli. This systematic review summarized the differences in visual event-related potential (ERP) components among ASD and typically developing individuals. Major databases were searched for finding eligible studies that investigated differences in visual ERP components between ASD and typically developing individuals. Sixty-three eligible studies were found. Analyses showed that the mean differences were significant between ASD and typically developing subjects for N100 amplitude at the anterior brain region for non-face stimuli,...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - May 24, 2023 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Gamified Environments and Serious Games for Students With Autistic Spectrum Disorder: Review of Research
AbstractThe aim of this study is to review the available research (N = 70) derived from the use of Gamified Environments and Serious Games with people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), identifying: authorship, nationality, publication period, topic, and design of the investigation. After that, the advantages and limitations observed are identified. Results indicate that most of them are focused on the design and testing of prototypes, (mostly) linked to the increase of social and emotional skills. The revision highlights that the game ’s mechanics and dynamics (feedback, rewards, missions, etc.) involve students fro...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - May 11, 2023 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Autism Spectrum Disorders in Offspring Exposed to Maternal Gestational Diabetes: a Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
AbstractThe association between maternal diabetes and risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring was not completely consistent. We performed an updated and systematic review and meta-analysis with relevant studies published until 6 August 2020. We included 17 publications, describing 15 studies, including 1,751,537 participants. Exposure to maternal diabetes in utero was correlated to an increased risk of ASD (effect estimate 1.30 [95% CI: 1.16 –1.46]). Offspring exposure to maternal diabetes with antidiabetic medication has a heightened risk of ASD by 48% than offspring with a non-diabetic mother, and 42% than offspr...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - May 9, 2023 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Immersive VR Assessment and Intervention Research of Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders Is Dominated by ASD and ADHD: a Scoping Review
AbstractIn this scoping review on 34 studies, we examined the use of immersive virtual reality (IVR) in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). IVR was mostly used in connection with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for assessment of and intervention in social skills, and in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for assessment of executive performance. Diagnostic measures varied or were not available, and the level of evidence was generally observational/descriptive. Furthermore, few studies reported on feasibility and user experience and even fewer on human guidance and the generalization of intervention to everyday l...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - May 6, 2023 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Measures Used to Assess Treatment Outcomes in Children with Autism Receiving Early and Intensive Behavioral Interventions: A Review
AbstractThis review is aimed at identifying assessment instruments used to measure treatment outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder who received early and intensive behavioral interventions. Forty three articles were included and appraised using the Council for Exceptional Children ’s Standards for Evidence Based Practice quality index rater. Ninety-two outcome measures were discovered. Measures of adaptive functioning (91%), intellectual functioning (86%), and core symptoms (67%) of autism were represented with the highest frequencies. Measures of challenging behavior and p arent or caregiver wellbeing were ...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - May 6, 2023 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Correction to: The UAE and Gulf Countries ’ Cultural Characteristics and Their Influence on Autism
(Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - May 6, 2023 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Autistic People, Gelotophobia, Gelotophilia and Katagelasticism: a Narrative Review
AbstractGelotophobia (fear of being laughed at) is an under-researched phenomenon in autistic people, yet can have a significant impact on autistic people ’s quality of life. A narrative review was undertaken to explore if gelotophobia and being autistic are related and what is currently known in the academic literature regarding gelotophilia (joy of being laughed at) and katagelasticism (excessively enjoying laughing at other) in autistic people. O nly five studies were found, and the small evidence base describes autistic people as more likely to be gelotophobes. Most studies used theory of mind as an explanation for g...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - May 3, 2023 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Informing Conceptual Issues Related to Autistic Children ’s Right to Education Through a Literature Review of Their Lived Experience
AbstractThis paper aims at reviewing autistic children ’s lived educational experience to inform ongoing legal and conceptual debates about their right to education. The results showed that autistic children display a great diversity of educational needs and preferences, which should be met with personalized solutions respectful of their individual an d collective identity. Mainstream inclusion, while sometimes positive, also appeared at times to hinder the delivery of a quality and inclusive education, if nothing else due to sensory issues and overwhelming anxiety. This underlines the necessity to adopt a more neurodive...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - May 2, 2023 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Correction to: Non ‑Verbal Social Skills Assessment in Rett Syndrome: a Systematic Review
(Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - April 27, 2023 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Gender Dysphoria, Autism and Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review
ConclusionsGD does affect this population and can cause significant distress; two cases reported subsequent self-harm or suicidality. Further conclusions were limited by the paucity of relevant literature and further research is required. (Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - April 26, 2023 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Etiopathogenic Theories in Savant Syndrome: Scoping Review
This study aimed to review the scientific literature on etiopathogenic factors of savant syndrome associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Searches were performed in the following databases: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Embase, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Latin America and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information, and Google Scholar, as well as gray literature and indirect search. A total of 42 studies were included in the present review, and the etiopathogenic theories of each study were assessed. Despite more than 100  years of reports on savant syndrome, most stud...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - April 25, 2023 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

The UAE and Gulf Countries ’ Cultural Characteristics and Their Influence on Autism
AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) can affect individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and heritages. Many cultural factors may change the individuals ’ ASD experience in daily life. It also impacts how autism is tackled, interpreted, and acknowledged in various communities. Cultural perceptions about ASD and other disabilities may prevent people from seeking the help they need. Factors like gender, language, religion, economic status, nationali ty, beliefs, and values can lead to cultural differences even within the same ethnic group. The Gulf region has unique characteristics, such as religious beliefs, cu...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - April 13, 2023 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Non-Verbal Social Skills Assessment in Rett Syndrome: a Systematic Review
AbstractRett syndrome (OMIM #312750) is a progressive neurodevelopmental disease with clinical manifestations including loss of spoken language and apraxia. We summarized per PRISMA guidelines findings on their non-verbal social skills. Twelve studies (n = 479 females, 1.6–52 years) were sorted into a (non-)interventional design including video-coding, eye-tracking, and questionnaire studies. Across methodology, poor non-verbal social functioning was found, with eye gaze function being the most examined modality. Findings showed similar resp onsiveness to social stimuli as typically developing subjects but with diff...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - April 12, 2023 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Transition to Adulthood for Women on the Spectrum: A Brief Narrative Review
The objective of this concise narrative review is to discuss the current literature on autistic women with a focus on transitioning to adulthood, specifically in the areas of quality of life, post-secondary education and employment. Given that the evidence so far suggests widely inconsistent findings, we conclude that future research is needed to more carefully elucidate the unique needs of women on the spectrum during the process of transitioning to adulthood, and to identify evidence-based practices that could better support this population. (Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - April 10, 2023 Category: Child Development Source Type: research