Showing papers in "Autism in 2007"
TL;DR: These findings reconcile differences in previous reports by identifying the specific social and dynamic task components associated with autism-related face processing impairments.
Abstract: Recent eye tracking studies of face processing have produced differing accounts of how and whether children with autism differ from their typically developing peers. The two groups' gaze patterns appear to differ for dynamic videos of social scenes, but not for static photos of isolated individuals. The present study replicated and extended previous research by comparing the gaze patterns of individuals with and without autism for four types of stimuli: social dynamic, social static, isolated dynamic, and isolated static. Participants with autism differed from their typically developing peers only for social-dynamic stimuli; fixation durations were decreased for eye regions and increased for body regions. Further, these fixation durations predicted scores on a measure of social responsiveness. These findings reconcile differences in previous reports by identifying the specific social and dynamic task components associated with autism-related face processing impairments.
317 citations
TL;DR: All the main modalities and multisensory processing appear to be affected; sensory processing dysfunction in autism is global in nature; and sensory processing problems need to be considered part of the disorder.
Abstract: This study examined the relationship between auditory, visual, touch, and oral sensory dysfunction in autism and their relationship to multisensory dysfunction and severity of autism. The Sensory Profile was completed on 104 persons with a diagnosis of autism, 3 to 56 years of age. Analysis showed a significant correlation between the different processing modalities using total scores. Analysis also showed a significant correlation between processing modalities for both high and low thresholds, with the exception that auditory high threshold processing did not correlate with oral low threshold or touch low threshold processing. Examination of the different age groups suggests that sensory disturbance correlates with severity of autism in children, but not in adolescents and adults. Evidence from this study suggests that: all the main modalities and multisensory processing appear to be affected; sensory processing dysfunction in autism is global in nature; and sensory processing problems need to be considered part of the disorder.
248 citations
TL;DR: There was partial support in the ASD group for the link between repetitive behavior and executive performance (the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task), but there was no support for a link between repeat behavior and measures of central coherence.
Abstract: This study examined the relationship between everyday repetitive behavior (primary symptoms of autism) and performance on neuropsychological tests of executive function and central coherence (secondary symptoms). It was hypothesized that the frequency and intensity of repetitive behavior would be positively correlated with laboratory measures of cognitive rigidity and weak central coherence. Participants included 19 individuals (ages 10-19) with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASD group) and 18 age- and IQ-matched typically developing controls (TD group). There was partial support in the ASD group for the link between repetitive behavior and executive performance (the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task). There was no support for a link between repetitive behavior and measures of central coherence (a Gestalt Closure test and the Embedded Figures Test). Further research on repetitive behaviors in autism may benefit from a focus on narrow behavioral and cognitive constructs rather than general categories.
233 citations
TL;DR: This pilot study of The PLAY Project Home Consulting model suggests that the model has potential to be a cost-effective intervention for young children with autism.
Abstract: A B S T R A C T The PLAY Project Home Consultation (PPHC) program trains parents of children with autistic spectrum disorders using the DIR/Floortime model of Stanley Greenspan MD. Sixty-eight children completed the 8‐12 month program. Parents were encouraged to deliver 15 hours per week of 1:1 interaction. Pre/post ratings of videotapes by blind raters using the Functional Emotional Assessment Scale (FEAS) showed significant increases (p ! 0.0001) in child subscale scores. Translated clinically, 45.5 percent of children made good to very good functional developmental progress. There were no significant differences between parents in the FEAS subscale scores at either preor post-intervention and all parents scored at levels suggesting they would be effective in working with their children. Overall satisfaction with PPHC was 90 percent. Average cost of intervention was $2500/ year. Despite important limitations, this pilot study of The PLAY Project Home Consulting model suggests that the model has potential to be a cost-effective intervention for young children with autism.
200 citations
TL;DR: The results of this study suggest the importance of clinician referrals to groups, and the need to make groups available to under-served populations.
Abstract: This study identified factors associated with support group participation among families of children with autism. A survey was administered to 1005 caregivers of children with autism in Pennsylvania. Two-thirds of respondents (66.4%) had ever participated in an autism-specific support group. In adjusted analyses, demographic characteristics, including age and sex of the child, ethnicity and parental education and income, were associated with support group participation. Parents of children with self-injurious behavior, sleep problems or severe language deficits were more likely to belong, as were parents whose diagnosing clinician referred them to a support group. The results of this study suggest the importance of clinician referrals to groups, and the need to make groups available to under-served populations.
158 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that the occurrence of tics in ASDs should not be overlooked and should be carefully evaluated.
Abstract: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are more frequently associated with tic disorders than expected by chance. Variable rates of comorbidity have been reported and common genetic and neurobiological factors are probably involved. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of tic disorders in a clinical sample (n = 105) of children and adolescents with ASDs and to describe the clinical characteristics of a group with comorbid ASDs and tics (n = 24). The overlap between tics and other repetitive movements and behaviors in ASDs was carefully assessed. Among individuals with ASDs, 22 percent presented tic disorders: 11 percent with Tourette disorder (TD), and 11 percent with chronic motor tics. All had various degrees of cognitive impairment. An association between the level of mental retardation and tic severity was found. It is concluded that the occurrence of tics in ASDs should not be overlooked and should be carefully evaluated.
152 citations
TL;DR: The notion that mainly perceptual-motor impairment, and not a cognitive weakness of symbolic representation, causes imitation problems in autism is supported.
Abstract: This case-control study explores the underlying mechanisms of imitation problems in boys with autism by manipulating imitation task variables and by correlating imitation performance with competence on general motor tests (Movement Assessment Battery for Children and Peabody Developmental Motor Scales). Fifty-five boys participated in this study: eight low-functioning with autism (LFA), 13 with mental retardation (MR), 17 high-functioning with autism (HFA) and 17 typically developing (TD). LFA performed significantly worse than MR on the motor test and on all imitation tasks. HFA performed significantly worse than TD on the motor test, but not on imitation tasks, with the exception of non-meaningful gestures. This study supports the notion that mainly perceptual-motor impairment, and not a cognitive weakness of symbolic representation, causes imitation problems in autism. In addition, in boys with autism, general motor as well as imitation abilities were impaired. We suggest that imitation ability has to be assessed in conjunction with motor competence.
119 citations
TL;DR: Levels of parental stress, depression and anxiety were compared and the mediational role of locus of control was examined to suggest help for parents of a child with a disorder may be effective if focused on the sources of stress rather than perceived control over events.
Abstract: Stress, anxiety and depression are raised amongst parents of children with a developmental disorder. However, the processes by which stress leads to depression and anxiety are poorly understood. In a cross-sectional survey, levels of parental stress, depression and anxiety were compared between parents of children with an autistic disorder, children with Down's syndrome and children with no disorder (N = 619) and the mediational role of locus of control was examined. Anxiety and depression were higher in parents of children with a disorder, and highest in parents of children with autism. Locus of control was more external in parents of children with autism. Locus of control failed to mediate the relationship between stress and both anxiety and depression in parents of children with a disorder. This suggests that help for parents of a child with a disorder may be effective if focused on the sources of stress rather than perceived control over events.
118 citations
TL;DR: While all children met ADOS/ADI—R criteria for autism prior to treatment, no child met criteria at follow-up, and positive results were found in relation to flexibility and educational placement.
Abstract: This study is the second in a series evaluating the effectiveness of Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) to address unique deficits inherent in autism spectrum disorders. RDI is a parent-based, cognitive-developmental approach, in which primary caregivers are trained to provide daily opportunities for successful functioning in increasingly challenging dynamic systems. This study reviewed the progress of 16 children who participated in RDI between 2000 and 2005. Changes in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), flexibility, and school placement were compared prior to treatment and at a minimum 30 month follow-up period. While all children met ADOS/ADI-R criteria for autism prior to treatment, no child met criteria at follow-up. Similar positive results were found in relation to flexibility and educational placement. Generalizability of current findings is limited by the lack of a control or comparison group, constraints on age and IQ of treated children, parent self-selection, and parent education conducted through a single clinic setting.
118 citations
TL;DR: The majority of individuals with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism have average mathematical ability, but the majority have a significant but clinically modest math weakness and some individuals with AS/HFA have mathematical giftedness.
Abstract: This article reviews studies investigating cognitive ability and academic achievement of students with Asperger syndrome (AS) and high-functioning autism (HFA). Particular emphasis is placed on the mathematical ability of people with AS/HFA. A preliminary analysis of empirical data is presented. Findings indicate that: (1) the majority of individuals with AS/HFA have average mathematical ability; (2) the majority of individuals with AS/HFA have a significant but clinically modest math weakness; (3) some individuals with AS/HFA have mathematical giftedness.
118 citations
TL;DR: The possibility that autism spectrum disorder in its milder forms may be clinically important among a substantial proportion of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is focused on, and OCD subtypes based on this proposition are discussed.
Abstract: This article focuses on the possibility that autism spectrum disorder (ASD: Asperger syndrome, autism and atypical autism) in its milder forms may be clinically important among a substantial proportion of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and discusses OCD subtypes based on this proposition. The hypothesis derives from extensive clinical experience of OCD and ASD, and literature searches on MEDLINE. Neuropsychological deficits are more common in OCD than in panic disorder and depression. Moreover, obsessive-compulsive and schizotypal personality disorders are over-represented in OCD. These may constitute mis-perceived clinical manifestations of ASD. Furthermore, repetitive behaviours and hoarding are common in Asperger syndrome. It is suggested that the comorbidity results in a more severe and treatment resistant form of OCD. OCD with comorbid ASD should be recognized as a valid OCD subtype, analogous to OCD with comorbid tics. An odd personality, with paranoid, schizotypal, avoidant or obsessive-compulsive traits, may indicate these autistic dimensions in OCD patients.
TL;DR: The study indicates that the major cost drivers for autistic spectrum disorder among children can be found within the community for support and schooling, while the major impact on relatives is on time spent and thereby quality of life rather than a financial burden.
Abstract: In this study, the societal economic consequences of autistic spectrum disorder were investigated using a sample of parents of children identified with the disorder and living in a Swedish municipality. Cost information was collected using a postal questionnaire that was developed through experiences gained from an earlier study. Using conservative assumptions, the additional societal cost due to the disorder was estimated to be approximately 50,000 annually per child. Parents of children with the disorder spent an average of about 1000 hours per year additionally caring for and supporting their child. The study indicates that the major cost drivers for autistic spectrum disorder among children can be found within the community for support and schooling, while the major impact on relatives is on time spent and thereby quality of life rather than a financial burden.
TL;DR: The construct validity of this measure of restricted object use was supported by the statistically significant correlations in the predicted direction of all expected associations.
Abstract: There are currently no measures of restricted object use in young children with autism. In this study the object play of 27 young children with autism was measured in a semi-structured context to quantify restricted object use. It was hypothesized that children who engaged in less restricted object use would show better responding, joint attention, motor imitation, and intentional communication. Partial correlation coefficients were calculated between restricted object use measured at time 1 and response to joint attention, motor imitation, and coordinated attention to object and person, at time 1 and time 2 (6 months later), controlling for developmental play level. The construct validity of this measure of restricted object use was supported by the statistically significant correlations in the predicted direction of all expected associations.
TL;DR: There was only preliminary evidence about the short-term effectiveness of a few drug treatments for this age group, and there was also a lack of reliable data reported on drug safety profiles.
Abstract: The variable expression of autism over the lifespan is likely to lead to different symptoms and support requirements, and to distinct responses to pharmacotherapy treatment, in older patients compared to children. This systematic review considers the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment in managing autism spectrum disorder in adolescents and adults. Following a comprehensive search of literature published in English from 1980, methodological criteria were applied to identify studies designed to reliably assess treatment effectiveness. Only five double-blind, randomized controlled trials were eligible for appraisal. All had small sample sizes (mean = 30) and brief treatment duration of no more than 12 weeks. The paucity of trials and their methodological limitations means that there is only preliminary evidence about the short-term effectiveness of a few drug treatments for this age group. There was also a lack of reliable data reported on drug safety profiles. Methodological challenges and directions for future research are discussed.
TL;DR: The aim was to evaluate hearing objectively by using transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) and it was found that hearing loss may be more common in children with autism than in typically developing children.
Abstract: Assessment of auditory abilities is important in the diagnosis and treatment of children with autism. The aim was to evaluate hearing objectively by using transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR). Tests were performed on 30 children with autism and 15 typically developing children, following otomicroscopy and tympanometry. The children with autism were sedated before the tests. Positive emissions and normal hearing level at ABR were obtained in both ears of all children in the control group and of 25 children with autism. TEOAE and ABR results varied in the remaining five children with autism. The mean III-V interpeak latencies (IPLs) in both ears of children with autism were longer than those in the control group. Hearing loss may be more common in children with autism than in typically developing children.
TL;DR: In this article, the diagnostic trends in autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) for children aged under 17 years in the Rhondda and Taff Ely districts of South Wales were analyzed.
Abstract: This study provides an analysis of the diagnostic trends in autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) for children aged under 17 years in the Rhondda and Taff Ely districts of South Wales. In the period 1988-2004, 336 children received a diagnosis of ASD and represent the case registry data of one community paediatric team. For the period 1994-2003, the caseload of 267 comprised Asperger (58%), Kanner (20%) and ;other forms' of autism (22%). In comparison to the previous 5 year period, diagnosis of ASD in 1999-2003 increased for Asperger (2.9 fold) and ;other forms' (4.4) but decreased for Kanner autism (0.69). Male:female gender ratios and age at diagnosis fell for all subcategories of ASD. Prevalences per 10,000 children born in Rhondda Taff Ely are ASD 61.2, Asperger 35.4, Kanner autism 12.7, and 'other forms' 13.0. Detected prevalences and trends for ASD are in line with national standards and do not show an increase for Kanner autism.
TL;DR: Earlier findings suggesting that individuals with autism spectrum disorders solve non-social cognitive tasks faster than typically developing control persons were not replicated, with special reference to the hypothesis of weak central coherence.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to assess the findings, reported in earlier studies, that individuals with autism spectrum disorders process visuo-spatial tasks faster than typically developing control persons. The participants in the present study were children and adolescents with Asperger syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism (HFA) (N = 13), and a matched group of typically developing children and adolescents (N = 13). The results showed that the participants in the clinical group performed marginally less well than those in the control group on both the Block Design Test and the Embedded Figures Test, but the differences were not statistically significant. Thus, earlier findings suggesting that individuals with autism spectrum disorders solve non-social cognitive tasks faster than typically developing control persons were not replicated. The results are discussed with special reference to the hypothesis of weak central coherence.
TL;DR: The CAST shows moderate test–retest reliability in a high scoring sample, further evidence that it is a relatively robust screening tool for epidemiological research.
Abstract: The Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test (CAST) is a 37-item parental self-completion questionnaire designed to screen for high-functioning autism spectrum conditions in epidemiological research. The CAST has previously demonstrated good accuracy for use as a screening test, with high sensitivity in studies with primary school aged children in mainstream schools. This study aimed to investigate test-retest reliability of the CAST in a high scoring sample. To this end, 73 parents filled in the second CAST (CAST-2) within approximately 2 months of the first administration of the CAST (CAST-1). Agreement above and below the cut-point of 15 was investigated. The kappa statistic for agreement ( or =15) was 0.41. It was found that 70 percent (95% CI: 58, 80) of children did not move across the cut-point of 15. The correlation between the two test scores was 0.67 (Spearman's rho). The CAST shows moderate test-retest reliability in a high scoring sample, further evidence that it is a relatively robust screening tool for epidemiological research.
TL;DR: It is suggested that generalization of joint attention skills to a novel probe did occur for the group targeting joint attention and provides further evidence of the effectiveness of the joint attention intervention.
Abstract: Thirty-five children diagnosed with autism were randomly assigned to either a joint attention or a symbolic play intervention. During the 5-8 week treatment, three novel probes were administered to determine mastery of joint attention skills. The probes consisted of auditory and visual stimuli, such as a loud spider crawling or a musical ball bouncing. The current study examined affect, gaze, joint attention behaviors, and verbalizations at three different time points of intervention. Results revealed that children randomized to the joint attention group were more likely to acknowledge the probe and engage in shared interactions between intervener and probe upon termination of intervention. Additionally, the joint attention group improved in the proportion of time spent sharing coordinated joint looks between intervener and probe. These results suggest that generalization of joint attention skills to a novel probe did occur for the group targeting joint attention and provides further evidence of the effectiveness of the joint attention intervention.
TL;DR: The findings showed less burnout at the end of the program, significant improvement in the quality of mediation and more positive attitudes towards pupils with autism.
Abstract: An intervention program aimed at the improvement of the quality of inclusion of pupils with autism in a regular fourth grade classroom (average age of 9 years) was applied with 23 pupils. Two pupils with autism were included from first grade. The regular pupils displayed signs of burnout stemming from the inclusion. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of a specially designed intervention program on the regular pupils' level of burnout, attitude to the pupils with autism, and the quality of their mediation. Three questionnaires covering these variables were administered twice, at the beginning and at the end of the intervention program. The findings showed less burnout at the end of the program, significant improvement in the quality of mediation and more positive attitudes towards pupils with autism. Significant correlations were found between burnout, quality of tutoring and positive attitudes towards pupils with autism.
TL;DR: This pilot study investigated the effects of the Stronger Families Project, a social-pragmatic intervention, on the communication and symbolic abilities of 16 children aged 2–4 years with autism.
Abstract: The acquisition of social communication skills is a major challenge faced by children with autism. This pilot study investigated the effects of the Stronger Families Project, a social-pragmatic intervention, on the communication and symbolic abilities of 16 children aged 2-4 years with autism. Standardized measures of the child's communication and symbolic behaviour were conducted by independent observers at a university clinic pre and post-intervention, and parents were interviewed to determine the impact of variables such as maternal stress and competence on the child's social communication. Changes in some communication and symbolic behaviours occurred following the Stronger Families Project intervention according to parent report. However, improvements based on ratings by independent observers were not significant. Results are discussed in relation to the assessment of changes in the social communication and symbolic play of children with autism following intervention using clinical observation and parent report.
TL;DR: Whether there were differences in familial loading of ASD among families of male versus female probands among relatives of affected males versus females was examined.
Abstract: Both the broad and narrow phenotypes of autism have been consistently observed in family members of affected individuals. Additionally, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) present four times more often in males than in females, for reasons that are currently unknown. In this study, we examined whether there were differences in familial loading of ASD among families of male versus female probands. Analyses were conducted with existing data from two distinct samples. The first sample contained 417 individuals with autism and Asperger's disorder and included information on the ASD diagnoses of their first- and second-degree relatives. The second sample consisted of 405 sibships participating in the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange, of which one or more siblings had an ASD diagnosis. Results from both samples did not suggest significant differences in the prevalence of ASD among relatives of affected males versus females.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the most effective behavioural interventions have been those which have built on children's existing abilities or have relied on the motivating nature of activities themselves rather than on external rewards.
Abstract: Play is, by definition, internally motivated, flexible, spontaneous and voluntary. Yet some researchers claim to have taught children with autism to play using behavioural interventions that are heavily structured, repetitive and make use of external reinforcements. In the current systematic review, we examine the extent to which these claims are supported by the evidence presented by the researchers themselves. We conclude that the most effective behavioural interventions have been those which have built on children's existing abilities or have relied on the motivating nature of activities themselves rather than on external rewards. We discuss the problems inherent in distinguishing between behavioural and cognitive change in children's play and highlight generalization as a poorly understood but focal process. Finally, we discuss the value of teaching children with autism play behaviours when these are not characterized by the defining qualities of play as a disposition.
TL;DR: The suggestion that difficulties with joint attention behaviours commonly found among children with autism are linked to language and social relating, beyond what might be expected simply due to their co-occurrence as symptoms, is supported.
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between abilities to initiate and respond to joint attention and symptoms of autism that have, and have not, been theoretically linked to joint attention. Participants were 51 boys and five girls with autistic disorder, aged between 2 years and 6 years 5 months. Measures of joint attention behaviours, language, social relating, and stereotypical behaviour were administered during a single assessment. As predicted, the correlations between joint attention and the two behaviours theoretically linked to joint attention (i.e. social relating and language) were significantly stronger than those between joint attention and the behaviour not theoretically linked (i.e. stereotypical behaviour). While causation cannot be inferred from this study, these results support the suggestion that difficulties with joint attention behaviours commonly found among children with autism are linked to language and social relating, beyond what might be expected simply due to their co-occurrence as symptoms.
TL;DR: A minicolumnar phenotype that provides for discrimination and/or focused attention may help explain the savant abilities observed in some autistic people and the intellectually gifted.
Abstract: It has been suggested that the cell minicolumn is the smallest module capable of information processing within the brain. In this case series, photomicrographs of six regions of interests (Brodmann areas 4, 9, 17, 21, 22, and 40) were analyzed by computerized image analysis for minicolumnar morphometry in the brains of three distinguished scientists and six normative controls. Overall, there were significant differences (p < 0.001) between the comparison groups in both minicolumnar width (CW) and mean cell spacing (MCS). Although our scientists did not exhibit deficits in communication or interpersonal skills, the resultant minicolumnar phenotype bears similarity to that described for both autism and Asperger's syndrome. Computer modeling has shown that smaller columns account for discrimination among signals during information processing. A minicolumnar phenotype that provides for discrimination and/or focused attention may help explain the savant abilities observed in some autistic people and the intellectually gifted.
TL;DR: The pilot findings suggest that the Playground Observation Checklist has potential as a simple and clinically useful component of a comprehensive evaluation for possible autism.
Abstract: Elementary school children with normal intelligence and autism (n = 20), mental retardation and no autism (n = 24), and typical development (n = 37) were observed for 15 minutes during recess at school. Ten behaviors were scored as present or absent using the Playground Observation Checklist. Children with autism were distinguished from children with mental retardation and typical development by their social problems, whereas children with typical development and mental retardation did not differ significantly in social competency. The four social behaviors on the checklist correctly identified 94 percent of the children as having or not having autism. All of the children with autism and all of the typical children were correctly classified. Our pilot findings suggest that the Playground Observation Checklist has potential as a simple and clinically useful component of a comprehensive evaluation for possible autism.
TL;DR: There was a significant change in the rate of referrals, an increase in the diagnosable psychiatric disorders over time and a significant reduction of medication at time of referral.
Abstract: Researchers have paid increasing attention to mental health issues in adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) over the last decades. However, little is known about how rates of clinical referrals, types of mental health diagnoses and treatment in adults with ASDs and intellectual disability have changed. We examined patterns of change in referral trends to specialist mental health services in south London from 1983 to 2000 (N = 137). The majority of the cases (58.4%) did not have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder. Schizophrenia was the most frequent psychiatric diagnosis followed by depression, adjustment reaction and anxiety. There was a significant change in the rate of referrals, an increase in the diagnosable psychiatric disorders over time and a significant reduction of medication at time of referral. There were no significant changes in the use of other therapeutic interventions. The proportion of participants living independently increased. Implications for services and future research are discussed.
TL;DR: An AQS criterion sort for children with autism was defined and it was concluded that with minor amendments the original Attachment Q-Sort is applicable in observing the attachment behaviour of children with Autism.
Abstract: Children with autism are able to show secure attachment behaviours to their parents/caregivers. Most studies on attachment in children with autism used a (modified) Strange Situation Procedure (SSP) to examine attachment security. An advantage of the Attachment Q-Sort (AQS) over the SSP is that it can be attuned to the secure-base behaviour of children from special populations. In this study experts in the field of autism (both clinicians and researchers: N = 59) defined an AQS criterion sort for children with autism and tested its content validity. Separate criterion sorts were defined for the social subtypes aloof and active-but-odd, but the two criterion sorts could be combined into one AQS criterion sort for children with autism. It is concluded that with minor amendments the original Attachment Q-Sort is applicable in observing the attachment behaviour of children with autism.
TL;DR: This study investigated the frequency and latency of naturally occurring social interaction with typically developing children and those with autism in inclusive kindergarten settings and found significant differences in IQ and adaptive functioning between the children with autism who showed interaction and those who did not.
Abstract: This study investigated the frequency and latency of naturally occurring social interaction with typically developing children and those with autism in inclusive kindergarten settings. The children with autism were also subdivided into two groups according to intellectual functioning in order to analyze frequency and latency of social interaction in relation to degree of disability. The results showed a significant difference in frequency of social interaction between the typical children and those with autism. There was no difference between the groups on latency to initiate interaction. However, shorter latency was associated with higher frequency in the typical group but not in the group of children with autism. Significant differences in IQ and adaptive functioning were found between the children with autism who showed interaction and those who did not. The results for the typical children may be used as benchmark values for the assessment of treatment outcome for children with autism.
TL;DR: A subgroup of such families is described, selected from a large clinical experience, illustrating specific features of major affective disorder, special talents or intellectual ability, and familial patterns of trait transmission, with the additional feature of oculocutaneous albinism in some cases.
Abstract: Our earlier family history studies of individuals with autism found a high incidence of major affective disorder, especially bipolar disorder, and unusual talents or intellectual abilities among family members. We now describe a subgroup of such families, selected from a large clinical experience, illustrating specific features of major affective disorder, special talents or intellectual ability, and familial patterns of trait transmission, with the additional feature of oculocutaneous albinism in some cases. These observations, suggesting parent-of-origin and gain-of-function effects, considered together with recent genetic findings in the literature, suggest a genetic hypothesis possibly unifying disparate observations found in families of individuals with autism.