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Executive functions (EFs) inefficiencies in anorexia nervosa (AN), especially in set-shifting and central coherence, suggest a link between AN and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This study aimed at comparing EF profiles in AN and ASD, and investigating clinical variables associated with the identified EF difficulties.One hundred and sixty-two adolescents with AN or ASD completed self-report questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety and autism symptoms. Parents completed the behaviour rating of executive functions parent-form (BRIEF-P). Besides comparing EFs in AN and ASD, we also analysed clinical variables scoring below and above the mean age score across the all sample. We additionally examined the relationship between clinical variables and the BRIEF-P indexes in AN.Participants with ASD had greater EF difficulties than participants with AN on all BRIEF-P scales. In the whole sample, higher autistic features were related to poorer EF. In AN, lower body mass index and particularly higher autism-spectrum quotient (BRI: Beta = 0.55; p 0.001 and GEC: Beta = 0.50; p 0.001) were most strongly associated with poorer EF.Although participants with ASD showed greater difficulties, autistic traits were related to alter EFs in AN. Exploring further this dimension can undeniably allow better adaptive cognitive remediation programs.

To identify quantitative indicators of social communication dysfunctions, we explored the oculomotor performances in subjects with autism spectrum disorders. Discordant findings in the literature have been reported for oculomotor behavior in subjects with autism spectrum disorders. This study aimed to explore reflexive and voluntary saccadic performance in a group of 32 children with autism spectrum disorders (mean age: 12.1 ± 0.5 years) compared to 32 age-, sex-, and IQ-matched typically developing children (control group). We used different types of reflexive and voluntary saccades: gap, step, overlap, and anti-saccades. Eye movements were recorded using an eye tracker (Mobile EBT®) and we measured latency, percentage of anticipatory and express saccades, errors of anti-saccades and gain. Children with autism spectrum disorders reported similar latency values with respect to typically developing children for reflexive and voluntary saccades; in contrast, they made more express and anticipatory saccades overall, as shown in paradigm testing (gap, step, overlap, and anti-saccades). Our findings support previous evidence of the atypicality of the cortical network, which is involved in saccade triggering and attentional processes in children with autism spectrum disorders.

Autism Spectrum Disorders subjects (ASD) is characterized by postural control deficits. This study aimed to explore the effect of a short postural rehabilitation training program on postural capabilities in children with ASD. Two groups (G1 and G2) of twenty children with ASD of IQ-, sex- and age- matched (mean age 11.7 ± 2.4 years) were included in this study. Posture was recorded by using the Balance Quest from Framiral on unstable platform in three different viewing conditions. The rehabilitation program consisted in two distinct postural control training exercises. Postural recordings were performed twice at T1 and T2 for both groups of children. Between T1 and T2 a 6-minute postural training was performed by the G1 group only, while the G2 group had a 6-minute of rest. Children were allocated randomly to the G1 or G2 groups. At T1, postural instability was similar for both groups of ASD children (G1 and G2) desp+\ite viewing conditions. At T2, we observed an improvement of postural control related to a mixed effect of training rehabilitation but also of test-retest. Knowing the potential of new rehabilitation strategies, the impact of postural control deficit in ASD children needs to be reconsidered. Well design case-control studies are requested to ensure scientific validity of postural rehabilitation training program.

The objective of this study was to evaluate predictors of long-term adherence to treatment with methylphenidate (MPH).A total of 134 children (ages 4-16) with a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) determined by specific protocols, including a semistructured parent interview, Conners' Teacher/Parent Rating Scales, cognitive and learning evaluation, and child self-reports for anxiety and depression, were assessed monthly for up to 36 months. At the end of the study (36 months), three outcomes were evaluated (continuing medication, medication withdrawn due to functional remission, and medication withdrawn for other reasons including poor compliance). Outcomes were first analyzed by mean of the chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney-U test, or t-test, and predictive models were subsequently generated using Cox proportional hazards model analysis. Age, ADHD subtype, co-morbidity, cognitive functioning, side effects, and family and social characteristics were considered as independent variables.Thirty-six months after starting MPH, 62 children (46%) were still on treatment, 32 (24%) had stopped MPH due to functional remission, and 40 (30%) had suspended MPH for other reasons. Within the last group, 20 suspended for poor compliance, 10 for decrease of efficacy, 5 for side effects, and 5 because they entered in an atomoxetine clinical trial. The presence of associated disorders, younger age, female gender, and not living with both parents were predictors for continuing medication until end of the study (36 months); absence of associated disorders and older age were predictors of discontinuation medication due to functional remission before the end of study, older age, and hyperactive subtype were predictors of discontinuing medication for other reasons.Clinical outcome of ADHD treatment is heterogeneous: Specific clinical and social predictive parameters for long-term MPH use and compliance can be identified. An accurate tailoring of clinical intervention to the individual child appears crucial for good outcome.