Study of ^(99m)Tc-TRODAT-1 Imaging on Human Brain with Children Autism by Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

Objective ： Evaluate the application values of ^99mTc-2 β [ N, N＇-bis （ 2-mercaptoethyl ） ethylenediamiino ] methyl, 3 β -（4-chlorophenyl） tropane （ TRODAT-1 ） dopamine transporter （DAT） SPECT imaging in children autism, and offer the academic foundation to etiology, mechanism and clinical therapy of autism. Methods：Ten autistic children and ten healthy controls were examined with ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 DAT SPECT imaging. Striatal specific uptake of ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 was calculated with region of interest analysis according to the ratios between striaturn and cerebellum [ （ STR-BKG）/BKG ]. Results ： There was no difference in semiquantitative dopamine transporter between bilateral striatum in autistic children （ P = 0. 562） and in normal controls （ P = 0. 573 ） ; dopamine transporter in brain of patients with autism increased more significantly than that in normal controls （ P = 0. 017）. Conclusion ： Dopaminergic nervous system is dysfunction in human brain with children autism, and DAT ^99mTc-TRODAT-1 SPECT imaging on human brain will help the imaging diagnosis of children autism.

Research on the Effect of Dance Therapy on Improving Social Communication Ability of Children with Autism

Research motivation:Through the 12 weeks dance therapy intervention for children with autism,the purpose is to explore the intervention model of dance therapy for children with autism and the changes in motor ability,social ability,and communication ability of children with autism after dance therapy intervention.The results of the research are expected to expand the intervention mode of dance therapy in my country and provide practical reference for rehabilitation intervention of children with autism.Research methods:24 autistic boys aged 6 to 12 with mild to moderate symptoms were recruited and screened through the Internet as the subjects of this study.We randomly divided them into experimental group(N=12)and control group(N=12).All children with autism have an autism diagnosis certificate issued by Children’s Hospital or a tertiary hospital,excluding other mental diseases(such as epilepsy,major physical disability,mental illness,no history of drugs and other interventions,etc.).We used the paired sample t-test to compare the score difference between the dance treatment group and the control group before and after the two groups,and used the observation method to record the basic communication behavior and the number of active communication behaviors in the experimental group during the intervention process.All data analysis is used in SPSS 20.0.Research results:After 12 weeks of dance therapy intervention,there were statistically significant differences in the gross movement,balance,and coordination abilities of the children in the experimental group compared with those before the intervention(p<0.01).There was no significant difference between the children in the control group(p>0.05).After 12 weeks of dance therapy intervention,there were statistically significant differences in the scores of the social response scale for children with autism in the experimental group(p<0.05).There was no significant change in the scores of each item of the SRS scale before and after intervention in the control group and the dance treatment group(p>0.05).

Role of gastrointestinal health in managing children with autism spectrum disorder

Children with autism spectrum disorders(ASD)or autism are more prone to gastrointestinal(GI)disorders than the general population.These disorders can significantly affect their health,learning,and development due to various factors such as genetics,environment,and behavior.The causes of GI disorders in children with ASD can include gut dysbiosis,immune dysfunction,food sensitivities,digestive enzyme deficiencies,and sensory processing differences.Many studies suggest that numerous children with ASD experience GI problems,and effective management is crucial.Diagnosing autism is typically done through genetic,neurological,functional,and behavioral assessments and observations,while GI tests are not consistently reliable.Some GI tests may increase the risk of developing ASD or exacerbating symptoms.Addressing GI issues in individuals with ASD can improve their overall well-being,leading to better behavior,cognitive function,and educational abilities.Proper management can improve digestion,nutrient absorption,and appetite by relieving physical discomfort and pain.Alleviating GI symptoms can improve sleep patterns,increase energy levels,and contribute to a general sense of well-being,ultimately leading to a better quality of life for the individual and improved family dynamics.The primary goal of GI interventions is to improve nutritional status,reduce symptom severity,promote a balanced mood,and increase patient independence.

Abnormal Linguistic Lateralization and Sensory Processing in High Functioning Children with Autism Spectrum Conditions

Brain lateralization for language in high-functioning children with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) and sensory processing were explored as a part of a neuropsychological profile. A dichotic listening test and the Luria laterality subtest were administered to all participants (including controls) and the sensory profile test only to the ASC group. The usual right ear advantage was not exhibited by children with ASC and anomalies in auditory filtering were found. The sensory profile of 60% of the sample was characterized by hypersensitivity to auditory stimuli, hyposensitivity to vestibular information, high emotional reactions to sensory experiences, poor psychosocial coping strategies, high distractibility and inability to interpret body and facial language. Hyper-responsiveness to environmental auditory stimuli was significantly associated with impaired attention. Similarly, non-adaptive responses to sensory quotidian experiences were strongly connected to poor coping strategies. Our results, although preliminary, contribute to emphasizing the importance of including additional assessment methods such as the dichotic listening and the sensory profile questionnaire in the evaluation of cognitive profile in high-functioning children with ASC to plan an individualized psycho-educative intervention.

Efficacy of Children Neuropsychological and Behavioral Scale in Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorders through a Combination of Developmental Surveillance

Objective This study aimed to explore the clinical value of Children Neuropsychological and Behavioral Scale-Revision 2016(CNBS-R2016)for Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)screening in the presence of developmental surveillance.Methods All participants were evaluated by the CNBS-R2016 and Gesell Developmental Schedules(GDS).Spearman’s correlation coefficients and Kappa values were obtained.Taking GDS as a reference assessment,the performance of the CNBS-R2016 for detecting the developmental delays of children with ASD was analyzed with receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.The efficacy of the CNBS-R2016 to screen for ASD was explored by comparing Communication Warning Behavior with Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule,Second Edition(ADOS-2).Results In total,150 children aged 12–42 months with ASD were enrolled.The developmental quotients of the CNBS-R2016 were correlated with those of the GDS(r=0.62–0.94).The CNBS-R2016 and GDS had good diagnostic agreement for developmental delays(Kappa=0.73–0.89),except for Fine Motor.There was a significant difference between the proportions of Fine Motor,delays detected by the CNBS-R2016 and GDS(86.0%vs.77.3%).With GDS as a standard,the areas under the ROC curves of the CNBS-R2016 were above 0.95 for all the domains except Fine Motor,which was 0.70.In addition,the positive rate of ASD was 100.0%and 93.5%when the cut-off points of 7 and 12 in the Communication Warning Behavior subscale were used,respectively.Conclusion The CNBS-R2016 performed well in developmental assessment and screening for children with ASD,especially by Communication Warning Behaviors subscale.Therefore,the CNBS-R2016 is worthy of clinical application in children with ASD in China.

Research on the Intervention of Visual Cue Strategy on Self-Care Ability of Children with Autism

The formation of self-care ability is the first step for children with autism to enter the society,and it is also a prerequisite and guarantee for their independent survival.This study aimed to explore the impact of visual cue strategies on the self-care ability of children with autism.Based on the ABA design of a single case study,this research conducted a four-month intervention on a seven-year-old child with autism via visual cue strategy as independent variables and sock-wearing skills as dependent variables,in order to explore the effect of visual cue strategy on self-care ability of children with autism.It turned out that visual cue strategy exerts a positive immediate sustained effect and social validity on the self-care ability of children with autism.Lastly,suggestions were provided for future related research based on the research process,results,and limitations.

Dimensional Characteristics of Children and Adolescents with Mood Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Objective: We sought to identify clinical discriminators between predominantly mood disordered and predominantly autism spectrum disordered research subjects that may reflect phenotypic state and treatment response characteristics. Method: Participants were 26 boys and 4 girls aged 2 to 18 years (Mean Age = 7.70). Subjects with DSM-IV diagnoses of Major depression (N = 2), Bipolar Disorder (N = 4) and Mood Disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) (N = 11) represented the mood disorder group (MD) (N = 17, Mean Age = 8.2) and those with diagnoses of Autistic Disorder (N = 1), Asperger’s Disorder (7) or Pervasive Developmental Disorder (NOS) (N = 3) comprised the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) group (N = 9, Mean Age = 6.8). Primary outcome measurements were continuous actigraphic measurements collected over one to three week periods. Secondary outcomes included personality and observational measurements. Personality characteristics reflected significant cross-group impairments related to self-control and self-discipline and differed relative to intellectual measures. Observational measurements reflected greater general impairments among the ASD group. Results: Predominantly mood disordered children demonstrated greater impairments related to sleep (P = 0.000) and sleep onset latency (P = 0.000) and were more active than ASD children during evening periods (P = 0.000). ASD children had lower verbal functioning and greater deviations from the norm on measures of cognitive development (P = 0.003) and psychosis (P = 0.047). Conclusions: Sleep disturbances, evening activity levels and phase delayed sleep appear to differentiate predominant mood and autism spectrum disordered children suggesting future areas for further exploration of neurological and phenotypic treatment response characteristics.

Exploring the Lives of Mothers Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Japan

Background: Examining the lives that mothers experience and build will allow us to deepen our understanding of children with ASD and their mothers and facilitate developing support methods. The study aimed to examine the lives of mothers raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and investigate their sources of support. Method: We conducted a qualitative inductive study using semi-structured interviews to identify characteristics of the lives that mothers have created. Results: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 mothers having children with ASD. The analysis comprised three stages of coding and yielded eight categories. The lives of these mothers contained three themes: preoccupation with parenting children with ASD and their siblings;evolving mother;and using social resources. Mothers engaged in “assessing the characteristics, growth, and changes in the child with ASD”, had a “preoccupation with parenting children with ASD”, and were “thinking about the future of the child with ASD”, and “having goals and plans for parenting” while having “consideration toward the child’s siblings”. During this process, mothers experienced “changes in perspective or approach” and created lifestyles while “receiving help from people around them” and engaged in the “use of social resources”. Conclusions: To avoid becoming preoccupied with parenting and being burdened by their lifestyle, mothers require social support to monitor their perceptions. Furthermore, the utilization of social resources requires the supporting individuals to understand the characteristics of children with ASD, provide appropriate information, and assist in decision-making.

象似性手势和指示性手势对自闭症儿童动作相关词汇学习的影响

本研究考察了自闭症儿童在象似性手势、指示性手势和无手势条件下的动作相关词汇的学习情况。选取三组语言水平匹配的高功能自闭症儿童,分别在象似性手势、指示性手势和无手势条件下进行动作相关词汇的学习。在第一次学习结束(T1)和最后一次学习结束2~3天后(T2)分别进行词汇理解和词汇命名测试。结果发现:(1)与其他手势类型相比,象似性手势对自闭症儿童的词汇理解有明显的促进作用;(2)无论哪个组别,学习次数的增加均有助于词汇学习成绩的提高;(3)对词汇命名,所有组别在短期学习条件下的表现都较差,但随着学习次数的增加,象似性手势对词汇命名的促进作用逐渐凸显。研究表明,象似性手势对自闭症儿童动作相关词汇的学习有一定的促进作用;命名任务下象似性手势的促进作用受到学习次数的调节,当学习次数足够多时,象似性手势的优势才得以体现;指示性手势对自闭症儿童动作相关词汇的学习并未表现出促进作用。

The Teaspoon Method;A Simple Training Program for Feeding Disorders in High Functioning Autistic Children

Objective: About 90% of autistic children are known to have a selective feeding disorder. In particular, methods are lacking for stimulating self feeding and treating selective eating amongst school-aged and adolescent autistic children. We developed a simple training programme for paediatricians in a general hospital to improve the eating pattern of autistic children and decrease selectivity. Methods: The study is an experimental patient series. The instructions for the training were given in 15-minute sessions by a paediatrician with the use of social positive and negative reinforcements. The negative reinforcement was an avoidance situation. The training was performed with parental participation in the home environment of the child. Results and conclusion: In the before and after measurement, the quantitative intake of fruit, potatoes and vegetables increased significantly (p < 0.05). Food selectivity decreased, expressed by an increase in variation of consumed fruit, meat, potatoes and sandwich filling (p < 0.01). The costs of the training are low, and the children stay in their home environment.

Environmental Exposure to Lead, Vanadium, Copper and Selenium: Possible Implications in the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Human exposure to toxic metals is on the increase especially in the developing world;this is compounded by the almost unavoidable application of the metals domestically and industrially and their implication in several genetic defects, aging and some chronic illnesses including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This study investigated the concentration of toxic metals (Pb and V) and micro-essential elements (Cu and Se) in children with ASD and controls in Nigeria towards establishing their possible associations with the aetiopathogenesis of ASD. Eight children clinically diagnosed by Paediatric Neurologist and Child Psychiatrist for ASD using DMS-IV and fifteen apparently healthy children (age range 2 - 12 years) were recruited as cases and controls respectively. Plasma levels of Pb, V, Cu and Se were analyzed using Induction ICP-MS. Results were analyzed using students t-test. The mean plasma lead and vanadium levels were (7.92 ± 1.30 μg/dl;1.07 ± 0.22 μg/dl) and (6.83 ± 0.72 μg/dl;2.59 ± 0.48 μg/dl) in children with ASD and in controls respectively. The result showed that blood lead level in ASD was slightly increased but not significant when compared with control (p < 0.433). On the other hand, plasma vanadium concentration in ASD was significantly reduced (1.07 ± 0.22 μg/dl) when compared with control (2.59 ± 0.48 μg/dl) (P < 0.038). Mean plasma copper was similar in all participants (1.98 ± 0.13, 2.23 ± 0.12) but selenium concentrations were significantly reduced (0.37 ± 0.05 mg/L;0.57 ± 0.02 mg/L) in ASD relative to controls respectively. Given the physiological functions of vanadium and selenium, the observed reduced levels of the two elements in children with ASD may account for the speech and other neurological dysfunctions of the brain in ASD.

Viruses and autism: A Bi-mutual cause and effect

Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a group of heterogeneous,multi-factorial,neurodevelopmental disorders resulting from genetic and environmental factors interplay.Infection is a significant trigger of autism,especially during the critical developmental period.There is a strong interplay between the viral infection as a trigger and a result of ASD.We aim to highlight the mutual relationship between autism and viruses.We performed a thorough literature review and included 158 research in this review.Most of the literature agreed on the possible effects of the viral infection during the critical period of development on the risk of developing autism,especially for specific viral infections such as Rubella,Cytomegalovirus,Herpes Simplex virus,Varicella Zoster Virus,Influenza virus,Zika virus,and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.Viral infection directly infects the brain,triggers immune activation,induces epigenetic changes,and raises the risks of having a child with autism.At the same time,there is some evidence of increased risk of infection,including viral infections in children with autism,due to lots of factors.There is an increased risk of developing autism with a specific viral infection during the early developmental period and an increased risk of viral infections in children with autism.In addition,children with autism are at increased risk of infection,including viruses.Every effort should be made to prevent maternal and early-life infections and reduce the risk of autism.Immune modulation of children with autism should be considered to reduce the risk of infection.

儿童孤独症谱系障碍发生预测模型构建研究

目的:探讨儿童孤独症谱系障碍发生危险因素并构建预测模型,旨在为疾病防治方案制定提供更多参考。方法:纳入孤独症谱系障碍患儿131例,并以同期体检健康儿童107名设为对照;对儿童孤独症谱系障碍发生危险因素进行单因素以及多因素分析,后构建儿童孤独症谱系障碍发生预测模型,并进行效能分析。结果:孤独症谱系障碍组与对照组接受民主接纳教养情况、父亲年龄、父亲受教育水平情况、每天累计频繁接触时间比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。多因素分析显示,父亲年龄更大、每天累计频繁接触时间更长、非民主接纳教养、父亲大专以下受教育水平均是儿童孤独症谱系障碍发生的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。利用父亲年龄,每天累计频繁接触时间,民主接纳教养,父亲大专及以上文化对于儿童孤独症谱系障碍发生情况进行预测,约登指数为31.15%、97.71%、38.85%、38.89%。结论:儿童孤独症谱系障碍发生与父亲年龄、每天累计频繁接触时间、教养方式及父亲受教育水平等有关;基于上述危险因素构建预测模型能够准确预测儿童孤独症谱系障碍发生。

孤独症谱系障碍患儿父母心理适应与心理弹性及自我效能的关系

目的探讨孤独症谱系障碍(ASD)患儿父母心理适应与心理弹性及自我效能的关系。方法通过随机取样法选取2021年10月至2022年4月期间在郑州大学第三附属医院接受治疗的316例ASD患儿及其父亲或母亲316名作为研究对象。采用一般资料调查问卷、心理适应量表(PAS)、心理弹性量表(CD-RISC)以及一般自我效能感量表(GSES)对所有ASD患儿父亲或母亲进行调查,应用Spearman相关性分析法评价ASD患儿父亲或母亲心理适应与心理弹性及自我效能的关系,采用多元线性回归分析ASD患儿父亲或母亲心理适应的影响因素。结果ASD患儿父亲或母亲PAS量表总分为(59.71±6.38)分、CD-RISC量表总分为(62.44±5.87)分、GSES量表总分为(20.45±4.16)分;Spearman相关性分析法分析结果显示,ASD患儿父亲或母亲PAS量表各维度得分及总分与CD-RISC量表各维度得分及总分、GSES量表总分均呈正相关(P<0.05);多元线性回归分析结果显示,心理弹性、自我效能、与患儿关系、父亲或母亲年龄均是ASD患儿父亲或母亲心理适应的影响因素(P<0.05)。结论ASD患儿父亲或母亲心理适应、心理弹性、自我效能处于中等水平,心理弹性、自我效能、与患儿关系、父亲或母亲年龄是ASD患儿父亲或母亲心理适应的影响因素,临床应加强对影响因素的关注并采取有效干预,提升ASD患儿父亲或母亲心理适应水平。

Efficacy of Static and Intermittent Gravity Inverted Therapy Techniques in Improvement of Motor Apraxia and Cognitive Abilities in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

This work was carried out to investigate the efficacy of static and intermittent gravity inverted therapy techniques in improvement of motor apraxia and cognitive abilities in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 30 children were randomly joined in this study into two groups;Group A (sensory integration therapy approach plus static and intermittent inversion therapy techniques) and Group B (sensory integration therapy approach only). Block design test was used to locate and follow constructional apraxia, computerized information processing speed test to locate and follow cognitive processing and grooved pegboard test was used to locate and follow fine motor skills. The variance between pre- and post-treatment results was highly significant in the study group in all variables. By comparison of the two groups in constructional apraxia variables test at post-treatment, there was a highly representative elevation in favour to study groups (p < 0.05). By comparison of the two groups in cognitive processing variable at post-treatment, there was a highly representative elevation in favour to study group (p < 0.05). By comparison of the two groups in fine motor skills variable at post-treatment, there was a highly representative elevation in favor to study group (p < 0.05). According to the outcomes of this study, it can be terminated that the sensory integration therapy approach plus static and intermittent inversion therapy techniques can be recommended in improvement constructional apraxia and cognitive processing abilities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children.

Siblings with Autism, Mental Retardation, and Convulsions in Tuberous Sclerosis: A Case Report

A 3-year-old female patient born of consanguineous parents presented to the (development and behavioral clinic) in Taif children hospital, Western Saudai Arabia, her mother complained that her daughter had speech delay, no eye to eye contact, and was performing stereotyped behaviors (hand flapping). The girl developed convulsions at the age of 3 months and was on anticonvulsant medication since that age;her convulsions were controlled on anti-epileptic treatment. Family history revealed that the girl had a 6-year-old male sibling who developed convulsions at the age of 4 months and is on antiepileptic medications;the boy suffered also from speech delay, absent social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. On examination the girl had characteristic features of angio-fibromas, hypo-pigmented macules on the trunk and legs, and moreover the boy had similar skin features plus hypo-pigmented tufts of hair. Both cases were diagnosed as Autistic spectrum disorder, tuberous sclerosis, and mental retardation. The family needed genetic counseling, while both cases needed as soon as possible behavioral and educational strategies.

孤独症儿童综合康复治疗实践教学基地建设的临床实践分析

目的分析建设孤独症儿童综合康复治疗实践教学基地的意义和临床实践价值。方法选取2022年1—6月60名佳木斯大学2019级康复治疗学专业学生作为研究对象,以随机数字表法将学生分成对照组与观察组,各30名。对照组学生采用理论授课与实践操作相结合的培训方式,观察组学生通过在孤独症儿童综合康复治疗实践教学基地进行培训。比较2组学生综合成绩(理论知识与技能操作考核成绩)、培训效果(学生学习能力、批判思考能力、逻辑思维能力、信息运用能力与实践操作能力)以及对培训的满意度。结果对照组理论成绩和技能操作成绩分别为(88.25±5.47)分、(87.59±4.27)分,观察组分别为(93.77±5.42)分、(92.24±4.20)分。对观察组学生理论成绩与技能操作成绩均高于对照组(P<0.05)。对照组学生学习能力、批判思考能力、逻辑思维能力、信息运用能力与实践操作能力得分分别为(14.35±2.04)分、(13.98±1.87)分、(13.59±1.82)分、(13.55±1.74)分、(12.78±2.02)分,观察组分别为(16.23±1.98)分、(15.24±1.74)分、(15.18±1.77)分、(15.23±1.72)分、(14.56±1.87)分,观察组学生得分均较对照组高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。对照组学生培训总满意度为73.33%、观察组学生培训总满意度为96.67%,观察组学生培训满意度高于对照组,2组学生培训满意度,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论建设孤独症儿童综合康复治疗实践教学基地可提高康复治疗专业学生的培训效果,丰富理论知识获得并提高操作技能水平,也有利于增强理论知识与实践技能相结合的能力,为广大孤独症儿童提供更加优质的医疗服务。

Start of the “China Autism Service Platform”

On April 1,themed with＂Different Colours,Same Beauty＂,the China Women＇s Development Foundation,together with No.6 Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University,the CCTV tower,Beijing Anding Hospital,and Beijing Association for Rehabilitation of Autistic Children,

汉语高功能自闭症儿童词汇语义加工中的空间象似效应——兼与图片知觉加工的比较

研究考察了5~7岁汉语高功能自闭症儿童词汇语义加工中空间经验的激活情况。实验选取了隐含典型方位特征的物体,要求儿童将写有物体名称的词卡和画有物体图形的图卡放置在垂直空间的上方或下方。结果显示,在摆放词卡时,正常发展儿童表现出空间象似效应,倾向于将词卡放在与隐含方位信息一致的位置,而高功能自闭症儿童则随机放置词卡;在摆放图卡时,虽然两组儿童的表现均好于摆放词卡,但是高功能自闭症儿童表现出的空间象似效应仍差于正常发展儿童。研究结果表明高功能自闭症儿童在符号加工和知觉加工中利用空间经验的能力均存在缺陷。

社会融入量表的汉化及其在孤独症儿童父母中的信度和效度检验

目的:对社会融入量表进行汉化,并在孤独症儿童父母中检验其信度和效度,以期为评估我国孤独症儿童父母的社会融入水平提供有效测量工具。方法:基于Brislin模型对社会融入量表进行正译、回译,通过专家咨询和预调查对中文版社会融入量表进行文化调试。于2023年7月至2024年1月对湖南省14个市州33所特殊儿童康复机构内共计679例3~14岁的孤独症儿童父母进行调查,评价量表的信度和效度。结果:中文版社会融入量表共有19个条目,条目水平内容效度指数为0.83~1.00,全体一致量表水平内容效度指数为0.8,平均量表水平内容效度指数为0.908;探索性因子分析的结果显示量表为四因子结构,共解释了总变异的57.973%;验证性因子分析的结果显示,χ^(2)/df=2.456,RMSEA=0.066,GFI=0.904,AGFI=0.873,PNFI=0.727,PGFI=0.682,IFI=0.913,CFI=0.912,各项指标拟合程度均较好。结论:中文版社会融入量表具有良好的信度和效度,可用于评价我国孤独症儿童父母的社会融入水平。