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Changes in the brain's default mode network (DMN) in the resting state are closely related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Module segmentation can effectively elucidate the neural mechanism of ASD and explore intra- and inter-network connections by means of the participation coefficient (PC). We used that resting-state fMRI data from 269 ASD patients and 340 healthy controls (HCs) in the current study. From the results, ASD subjects showed a significantly higher PC of the DMN than HC subjects. This difference was related to lower intra-module connections within the DMN and higher inter-network connections between the DMN and other networks. When the subjects were split into age groups, the results were verified in the 7-12- and 12-18-year-old age groups but not in the young adult group (18-25 years). When the subjects were divided according to different subtypes of ASD, the results were also observed in the classic autism and pervasive developmental disorder groups, but not in the Asperger disorder group. In conclusions, less developed network segregation in the DMN could be a valid biomarker for ASD. This provides network scientists with new insights into the intermodular connectivity configurations of complex networks from different dimensions in a systematic and comprehensive manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nelson and Bauman (Pediatrics 111:674-679, 2003) previously hypothesized that pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) was not associated with mercury (Hg) exposure because the medical conditions associated with Hg exposure were not associated with PDD. A hypothesis-testing longitudinal case-control study evaluated the frequency of medically diagnosed conditions previously associated with Hg poisoning, including: epilepsy, dysarthria, failure to thrive, cerebral palsy, or contact dermatitis and other eczema among children preceding their eventual PDD diagnosis (cases) compared to controls. A retrospective examination of medical records within the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) was undertaken. Cases diagnosed with PDD (n = 534) were born from 1991 to 2000 and continuously enrolled until their PDD diagnosis. Controls (n = 26,367) were born from 1991 to 1993 and continuously enrolled from birth for 7.22 years. Within the first 5 years of life, cases compared to controls were significantly (p < 0.0001) more likely to be assigned a diagnosis of contact dermatitis and other eczema (odds ratio (OR) = 2.033), dysarthria (OR = 23.992), epilepsy (OR = 5.351), failure to thrive (OR = 25.3), and cerebral palsy (OR = 4.464). Similar results were observed when the data were separated by gender. Overall, the results of the present study and recently published studies provide direct evidence supporting a link in twelve of twelve categories (100%) of Hg poisoning associated symptoms as defined by Nelson and Bauman (Pediatrics 111:674-679, 2003) and symptoms observed in those with a PDD diagnosis. The results of this study support the biological plausibility of Hg poisoning to induce PDD diagnoses and rejection of the Nelson and Bauman (Pediatrics 111:674-679, 2003) hypothesis because those with a PDD diagnosis have an increased frequency of conditions previously associated with Hg poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: For the past two decades, researchers have been using various approaches to investigate the relationship, if any, between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and violence. The need to clarify that relationship was reinforced by the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, in December 2012 by an individual diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. The purpose of this article is (1) to provide an updated review of the literature on the association between ASD and violence, and (2) to examine implications for treating, and for preventing violence by, individuals with ASD. Method: A review of all published literature regarding ASD and violence from 1943 to 2014 was conducted using electronic and paper searches. Results: Although some case reports have suggested an increased violence risk in individuals with ASD compared to the general population, prevalence studies have provided no conclusive evidence to support this suggestion. Among individuals with ASD, however, generative (e.g., comorbid psychopathology, social-cognition deficits, emotion-regulation problems) and associational (e.g., younger age, Asperger's syndrome diagnosis, repetitive behavior) risk factors have been identified or proposed for violent behavior. Conclusions:While no conclusive evidence indicates that individuals with ASD aremore violent than those without ASD, specific generative and associational risk factors may increase violence risk among individuals with ASD. Further research would help to clarify or confirm these findings, suggest potential directions for evaluation, treatment, and prevention, and potentially provide compelling empirical support for forensic testimony regarding defendantswith ASDcharged with violent crimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. In this conceptual review, the authors discuss the promises and pitfalls in the use of mesenchymal stem cells as a potential experimental therapeutic for autism spectrum and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods. The relevant literature in autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders regarding immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation and relevant therapeutics with mesenchymal stem cell infusion is reviewed. The relevant literature pertaining to mesenchymal stem cells and their clinical applications is also reviewed. Results. It is proposed that immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation play a role in the aetiology of autism spectrum disorders. Mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to have immune-modulating capabilities and are neuroprotective. There are three international studies that have utilized mesenchymal stem cell infusions as a treatment for children with autism spectrum disorders, all of which demonstrated improvement in autism rating scale scores, although each study has limitations which are described. Conclusions. Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders is a novel approach that deserves further investigation, however substantial methodological and theoretical challenges and pitfalls remain before this can be considered a viable therapeutic option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess body composition of boys with autism and also to investigate the association of demographic factors, autism severity and drug therapy with their body composition. We recruited 85 boys aged 7-14 years by stratifi ed random sampling in autism-specifi c schools in Tehran. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. The study revealed that 9.4% of participants were underweight and 47.3% were suff ering from overweight and obesity. The mean total body fat percentage and fat mass index were 23.46% and 4.8, respectively. A high rate of obesity was found in Iranian children and adolescents with autism. Furthermore, boys whose mothers had higher educational levels may have less chance of being within the normal weight ranges in comparison with sons of lower-educated mothers (p=0.002), while father's educational level had no eff ect on the child's body mass index. In conclusion, a high prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed in Iranian male children and adolescents suff ering from autism according to their body mass index and body fat percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to describe a process of speech-language therapy focused on the adequacy of language skills, cognitive and social abilities with child with a language disorder as part of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) under the behavioral approach. The child in question was female and was diagnosed in a Clinic of Speech-Language Pathology in a university and referred to the neurological diagnosis at 2 years of age. Soon after the diagnosis, the individual language intervention begin based on a behaviorist perspective of more traditional base; however, throughout the process, being reported here the first two years of intervention and presented data from the revaluation speech-language at the beginning of the third year of intervention. As a result of the intervention, there was improvement in receptive and expressive language, and the child presented evolution as the behavioral aspect and the acquisition of communicative skills, involving verbal responses to actions. Additionally, increased eye contact and attention span and aspects related to the symbolism. The case was described with a concern to make it clear that it is not always easy to identify the best therapeutic approach for these children early in the process, and decisions about the appropriate approach should be constantly rethought not only because on the diagnosis itself but also the manifestations of general and specific symptoms – which vary according to children's development and progress of the intervention. These decisions should be guide by the experience of the professional, but also in the expectation and limit of each family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fifth edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5) (APA in diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, Author, Washington, ) has decided to merge the subtypes of pervasive developmental disorders into a single category of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the assumption that they cannot be reliably differentiated from one another. The purpose of this review is to analyze the basis of this assumption by examining the comparative studies between Asperger's disorder (AsD) and autistic disorder (AD), and between pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS) and AD. In all, 125 studies compared AsD with AD. Of these, 30 studies concluded that AsD and AD were similar conditions while 95 studies found quantitative and qualitative differences between them. Likewise, 37 studies compared PDDNOS with AD. Nine of these concluded that PDDNOS did not differ significantly from AD while 28 reported quantitative and qualitative differences between them. Taken together, these findings do not support the conceptualization of AD, AsD and PDDNOS as a single category of ASD. Irrespective of the changes proposed by the DSM-5, future research and clinical practice will continue to find ways to meaningfully subtype the ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: People with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have atypical visual perception of global and local information. Previous neuroimaging studies have examined the functional anatomy of locally directed attention during visual processing in ASD, but few have examined differences in both globally and locally directed attention. We performed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 17 adults with ASD and 16 typically developing (TD) subjects to examine the neurobiology of both global- and local-level information processing in ASD using an abstract hierarchical design task. TD subjects showed no regions of increased brain activation relative to subjects with ASD as assessed using whole brain analysis. Subjects with ASD exhibited greater activation in right superior frontal gyrus during locally directed attention. During globally directed attention, the ASD group showed greater right lateral occipital activation. Additionally, subjects with ASD showed less deactivation in medial prefrontal cortex (part of the default mode network) in the globally directed attention condition. Our findings help elucidate networks of brain activation related to atyipcal global and local feature processing in ASD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pervasive developmental disorders are now commonly referred to as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). ASDs present with a range of severity and impairments, and often are a cause of severe disability, representing a major public health concern. The diagnostic criteria require delays or abnormal functioning in social interaction, language, and/or imaginative play within the first 3 years of life, resulting in a deviation from the developmental pattern expected for the age. Because establishing a diagnosis of ASD is possible as early as 18-24 months of age, clinicians should strive to identify and begin intervention in children with ASD as soon as signs are manifest. Increasing efforts are underway to make ASD screening universal in pediatric healthcare. Given the crucial importance of early identification and multiple modalities of treatment for ASD, this review will summarize the diagnostic criteria, key areas for assessment by clinicians, specific scales and instruments for assessment, and discussion of evidence-based treatment programs and the role of specific drug therapies for symptom management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE. This retrospective study explored sensory processing characteristics in preschool-age children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); the relationships between sensory processing and problem behavior, adaptive behavior, and cognitive function; and the differences in sensory processing between two subgroups (autism and pervasive developmental disorder--not otherwise specified). METHOD. Study measures included the Short Sensory Profile (SSP), Aberrant Behavior Checklist--Community, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, and Mullen Scales of Early Learning. RESULTS. Most of the children with ASD had sensory processing challenges, and a significant relationship was found between SSP total scores and problem behavior scores; however, no significant relationships were found between SSP total scores and adaptive behavior and cognitive functioning. Although all the children had low Vineland scores, approximately one-quarter of the children had typical SSP scores. No significant differences in SSP scores were found between the subgroups. CONCLUSION. The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive evaluations for children with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs) are severe and pervasive disturbances affecting central areas of development (DSM-IV-TR). It is proponed that the perigestational period encompasses a number of risk factors that influence and affect normal fetal development. The aim of this paper was to study the presence of risks during the perinatal development, considering the responses of 93 mothers of children with a pervasive developmental disorder --autistic disorder, Asperger disorder and PDD-NOS-- to a structured self-report. We found significant differences among the PDD groups in the pregestational --malnutrition/anorexia and hypertension--, in the perigestational -- malnutrition/anorexia and problems with the amniotic fluid--, and in the psychosocial --unwanted gender baby-- dimensions from the analysis of the responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has found that individuals with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and those with greater symptom severity within these diagnoses, show higher rates of aggressive/destructive behavior, stereotypic behavior, and self-injurious behavior. In this exploratory cross-sectional study, toddlers at-risk for a developmental disorder (n =1509) ranging from 17 to 36 months fell into one of three diagnostic categories: Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified [PDD-NOS], and atypically developing – no ASD diagnosis. Mental health professionals from EarlySteps, Louisiana''s Early Intervention System, interviewed parents and guardians using the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT) –Part 3 () to obtain measures of challenging behaviors and the Battelle Developmental Inventory, 2nd Edition (BDI-2) () to obtain developmental quotients (DQ). Toddlers diagnosed with Autistic Disorder or PDD-NOS showed a positive relationship between total DQ and challenging behavior; whereas, atypically developing toddlers with no ASD diagnosis showed a more adaptive, negative relationship. The DQ domains that were most influential on challenging behaviors varied by diagnosis, with communication and motor domains playing greater roles for toddlers with Autistic Disorder or PDD-NOS, and personal–social and cognitive domains playing greater roles for atypically developing toddlers with no ASD diagnosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Early identification of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is important, since earlier exposure to behavioural intervention programs may result in better outcomes for the child. Moreover, it allows families timely access to other treatments and supports. Methods: Using generalized linear modeling, we examined the association between child and family characteristics and the age at which 2180 children were diagnosed with ASD between 1997 and 2005 in six Canadian regions. Results: A diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) or Asperger syndrome, rural residence, diagnosis in more recent years, and foreign birthplace were associated with a later age at diagnosis. Children who are visible minorities or who have siblings with ASD were more likely to be diagnosed earlier. Collectively, these factors explained little of the variation in age at diagnosis, however. Conclusion: While it is encouraging that ethnocultural identity, neighbourhood income, urban or rural residence, and sex of the child were not major contributors to disparities in the age when children were identified with ASD, more work is needed to determine what does account for the differences observed. Regional variations in the impact of several factors suggest that aggregating data may not be an optimal strategy if the findings are meant to inform policy and clinical practice at the local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are childhood onset developmental disorders characterized by impairment of social skills and repetitive behavior, and also for classic autistic disorder, a significant impairment of communication. In addition to these core symptom domains, persons with ASDs frequently exhibit interfering behavioral symptoms, including irritability marked by aggression, self-injurious behavior, and severe tantrums. Aripiprazole is an atypical or newer generation antipsychotic with a unique mechanism of action impacting dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. The drug has been found efficacious for several indications, including most recently for use targeting irritability associated with autistic disorder in youth. Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited cause of developmental disability and the most common known single gene cause of ASDs. As in idiopathic ASDs, irritable behavior is often exhibited by persons with fragile X syndrome. However, research to date in this disorder has not focused on this target symptom cluster. An initial pilot study has begun to assess the impact of aripiprazole on irritability in youth with fragile X syndrome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Are excessively high reading levels creating a barrier for parents seeking information about autism on the Internet? Although the average American reads at the eighth grade level, medical information is frequently written above the twelfth grade level. Readability of 14 autism consumer health Web sites was determined. The average reading score on the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level Index was grade 11.9 and 41.6 (Difficult/High School to College) on the Flesh Reading Scale. All of the Web sites had average reading levels above the eighth grade. Physician-sponsored organizations and government Web sites intended for consumer health audiences had the lowest reading levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many parents of children with autism search the Internet to learn more about the condition. Unfortunately, variability in Web site quality, low literacy levels, and language barriers may prevent them from finding reliable information. To assist parents in locating high quality resources, this article provides an annotated list of Web sites on health aspects of autism. Both a health sciences librarian and a parent of a child with autism present their perspectives and discuss the broader issue about how parents of children with medical conditions use the Internet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]