Pervasive Developmental Disorder Research Papers (original) (raw)

A 10-year-old boy was referred for ongoing behavioral problems. These problems were reported as having occurred at home since preschool years and had become increasingly problematic outside of the home in latter years, resulting in frequent suspensions from school. A range of diagnoses had been made in the years prior to referral, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). The central intervention since age 6 had been pharmacotherapy, with intermittent support at school in the form of school counseling and teachers' aids. However, the situation appeared to only be worsening, and the need for a more integrated, multimodal approach was recognized. In addition to individual therapy for the client and his mother, the intervention also included engagement of the father, collaboration with other educational and professional service providers, and the development of an integrated plan with shared objectives and strategies. The case explores limitations inherent in taking a medical model diagnostic approach to child behavioral problems and highlights the need to utilize an idiographic approach taking a range of individual psychosocial circumstances into account, rather than taking a more nomothetic treatment approach based mainly on diagnostic assessment.

- by Juane Heflin
- •
- Therapy, Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Autism is associated with epilepsy in early childhood, with evidence suggesting that individuals with both autism and more severe cognitive impairment are at higher risk. However, the incidence of an abnormal electroencephalogram and/or epilepsy in the full range of pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) is not well defined. This naturalistic study addresses the incidence of epilepsy and electroencephalographic abnormalities in children

- by Lidia Gabis
- •
- Autism, Epilepsy, Electroencephalography, Adolescent
- by Jane McCarthy
- •
- Psychology, Autism, Mental Health, Psychopathology

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a pervasive developmental disorder that starts in early childhood and affects about one in every 100 children in the UK. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) has shown to be the most effective long-term treatment for these children. In this paper a parental programme evaluation of home-based ABA programmes is reported. Results show overwhelming support for ABA. Parents report feeling empowered by the training they receive and give evidence of positive treatment impact on the child and the family as a whole.

- by Karola Dillenburger
- •
- Social Work, Autism, Evidence Based Practice, Autism Spectrum Disorders

Recent functional imaging studies suggest deficits in connectivity between disparate and distant regions in the brains of autistic individuals. One possible explanation to these findings is the presence of modular abnormalities in the neocortex of autistic patients: a change in neuronal specialization within minicolumns that emphasizes short connecting fibers. In this study, we expand on previous findings by exploring the topography of minicolumnar abnormalities in autism. Our postmortem study included six patients with autism (DSM-IV-TR and ADI-R diagnosed) and six age-matched controls. Entire brain hemispheres were celloidin embedded, serially sectioned, and stained with gallocyanin. Digital photomicrographs of n = 9 cortical areas (including paralimbic, heteromodal association, unimodal association, and primary areas) obtained at high magnification were assembled into montages covering the entire cortical thickness. Stained cell somata were segmented from neuropil by thresholding. Computer image analysis clustered neurons into minicolumnar fragments. The full width of the image region nearest each fragment and the width of the cell-dense core of the fragment were estimated. The difference between these two quantities can be used as a measure of the peripheral neuropil space of minicolumns. We found an interaction of diagnosis and region for peripheral neuropil space (p = 0.041). Post hoc analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) for the frontopolar region (area 10) and the anterior cingulate gyrus (area 24). The frontopolar cortex is involved in executive functions by implementing control over internally generated thoughts and relational integration (combination of multiple cognitive rules). The anterior cingulate gyrus is involved in the analysis of socially salient information, including the processing of familiar faces. Pathological findings in these areas may provide a correlate to some of the more salient manifestations of autism.

- by Helmut Heinsen
- •
- Clinical Neuroscience, Anterior Cingulate, Image Analysis, Prefrontal Cortex

Objective: A consumer-oriented efficacy assessment in clinical trials should measure changes in chief complaint and consumer request (symptoms of most concern to patient/caregiver), which may be diluted in change scores of multisymptom scales. Method: In the Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology (RUPP) Autism Network 8-week double-blind trial of risperidone versus placebo, the chief concerns of parents were collected at 0, 4, and 8 weeks (endpoint), in addition to standardized primary measures. Blinded clinical judges rated change from baseline to 4 and 8 weeks on a 9-point scale (1 = normalized, 5 = unchanged, 9 = disastrous); 94 participants had usable data. Results:

- by Benedetto Vitiello
- •
- Assessment, Research Design, Autism, Clinical Trial

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of The Listening Program (TLP) in treating a child with pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Using a single-subject case study design, one child with PDD-NOS was administered a 20-week TLP intervention focused on improving sensory processing and language function. Data collection included pre- and post-evaluations using video footage, and Sensory Profile and Listening Checklist questionnaires. Results of the study indicated improved behaviour and sensory tolerance in the post-intervention video footage, including active participation in singing and movements to song. Sensory Profile and Listening Checklist questionnaires indicated significant improvements in sensory processing, receptive/expressive listening and language, motor skills, and behavioural/social adjustment at the post-intervention assessment. Although small in scope, this study highlights the need for continued research by occupational therapists into sound-based interventions. Particularly, occupational therapists need to perform larger-scale studies utilizing TLP to verify the efficacy of this alternative treatment method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

- by Bryan Gee and +1
- •
- Occupational Therapy, Autism, Music Therapy, Case Study

ABSTRACT. Objective. Early diagnosis of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is critical but often delayed until school age. Few studies have identified factors that may delay diagnosis. This study attempted to identify these factors among a community sample of children with ASD. Methods. Survey data were collected in Pennsylvania from 969 caregivers of children who had ASD and were

- by Cynthia Zubritsky
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- Pediatrics, Adolescent, Child, Pervasive Developmental Disorder
- by Peter Beek and +1
- •
- Anxiety Disorders, Motor Development, Comorbidity, Child

These comments and recommendations are products of the authors' experiences within their centers and their past works in the area of environmental neurotoxicology and teratology. We present both missteps and achievements in the hope that... more

- by Abbey Alkon
- •
- Human Genetics, Child Development, Child Welfare, Environmental Health
- by Aderbal Sabra and +1
- •
- Child, Developmental disabilities, Hyperplasia, Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Language impairment is a common core feature in Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) and Specific Language Impairment (SLI). Many studies have tried to define the specific language profiles of these disorders, some claiming the existence of overlaps, and others conceiving of them as separate categories. Fewer have sought to determine whether and how PDD-NOS language profile, including prosody, differs from those

- by Josue Xavier
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- Psychology, Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Specific Language Impairment
- by Eugenia Kravariti
- •
- Psychology, Autism, Mental Health, Psychopathology

Objective: Repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) range from motor stereotypy to immersion in restricted interests. The modified Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale for children with autism spectrum disorder (CYBOCS-ASD) includes a Symptom Checklist (behavior present or absent) and 5 severity scales (Time Spent, Interference, Distress, Resistance and Control). Method: We assembled CYBOCS-ASD data from 3 Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology Autism Network trials to explore the component structure of repetitive behaviors in children with ASD. Raters trained to reliability conducted the CYBOCS-ASD in 272 medication-free subjects. Fifteen Symptom Checklist items were endorsed for less than 5% of the sample and were dropped. Principal component analysis was used to explore the clustering of 23 checklist items. Component scores computed for each subject were correlated with other measures. We also examined the distribution of severity scales. Results: The subjects (229 boys and 43 girls; mean age ¼ 7.8 AE 2.6 years) met criteria for an ASD; half were intellectually disabled. The PCA resulted in a 5-component solution to classify repetitive behaviors (34.4% of the variance): hoarding and ritualistic behavior; sensory and arranging behavior; sameness and self-injurious behavior; stereotypy; restricted interests. Sensory and arranging and stereotypy components were associated with lower adaptive functioning (Pearson r ¼ 0.2-0.3; p < .003). The resistance scale showed little variation, with more than 60% of the sample with the highest score. Conclusions: Rarely endorsed items can be dropped from the Checklist. The resistance item does not appear to be relevant for children with ASD. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 2014;53(1):97-107.

- by David Posey
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- Psychology, Anxiety Disorders, Assessment, Psychometrics

Subgroup analysis of children (5-12 years) with autism enrolled in an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of risperidone for pervasive developmental disorders. The primary efficacy measure was the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Irritability (ABC-I) subscale. Data were available for 55 children given risperidone (n = 27) or placebo (n = 28); mean baseline ABC-I ( ± SD) was 20.6 (8.1) and 21.6 (10.2). Risperidone [mean dose ( ± SD): 1.37 mg/day (0.7)] resulted in significantly greater reduction from baseline to endpoint in ABC-I versus placebo [mean change ( ± SD): -13.4 (1.5) vs. -7.2 (1.4), P < 0.05; ES = -0.7]. The most common adverse effect with risperidone was somnolence (74% vs. 7% with placebo). Risperidone treatment was well tolerated and significantly improved behavioral problems associated with autism.

- by Gahan Pandina
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- Education, Behavior Modification, Autism, Treatment

The quantity and quality of research into autism and related conditions have increased dramatically in recent years. Consequently we selectively review key accomplishments and highlight directions for future research. More consistent approaches to diagnosis and more rigorous assessment methods have significantly advanced research, although the boundaries of the 'broader phenotype' remain to be defined and the validity of Asperger's disorder as a discrete syndrome remains controversial. Recent epidemiological studies have shown that Autism Spectrum Disorders are common, but there continues to be debate about the causes of the increase in the frequency with which autism is diagnosed. Psychological research has helped to develop new developmental models for the disorder and there have also been significant advances in the molecular genetics of autism and understanding of the underlying neurobiological processes. Areas important for future research include the study of autism as it first develops, i.e., in infants and very young children, and of specific processes (psychological and neurobiological) which underlie the disorder. Significant challenges lie ahead in evaluating the growing number of treatments for autism and in integrating the results of research into treatment and educational settings.

- by Robert Schultz
- •
- Genetics, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuropsychology

The effectiveness of a social skills training group for adolescents with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism (AS/HFA) was evaluated. Parents of six groups of adolescents (n = 46, 61% male, mean age 14.6) completed questionnaires immediately before and after the 12-week group. Parents and adolescents were surveyed regarding their experience with the group. Significant pre-to post-treatment gains were found on measures of both social competence and problem behaviors associated with AS/HFA. Effect sizes ranged from .34 to .72. Adolescents reported more perceived skill improvements than did parents. Parent-reported improvement suggests that social skills learned in group sessions generalize to settings outside the treatment group. Larger, controlled studies of social skills training groups would be valuable.

- by Vicki Tagalakis
- •
- Education, Autism, Intelligence, Educational Psychology

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social behaviors and parent-child interaction. It has been associated with an increased risk of social victimization, and a recent rise in number of acts of filicide of developmentally disabled children has included several cases of autism. In this article, possible risk factors for filicidal behavior in families with autistic children and prevention strategies are reviewed.

- by mark tano palermo
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- Criminology, Psychology, Law, Homicide

This article describes a first attempt to investigate the reliability and validity of the TOM test, a new instrument for assessing theory of mind ability in normal children and children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). In Study 1, TOM test scores of normal children (n = 70) correlated positively with their performance on other theory of mind tasks. Furthermore, young children only succeeded on TOM items that tap the basic domains of theory of mind (e.g., emotion recognition), whereas older children also passed items that measure the more mature areas of theory of mind (e.g., understanding of humor, understanding of second-order beliefs). Taken together, the findings of Study 1 suggest that the TOM test is a valid measure. Study 2 showed for a separate sample of normal children (n = 12) that the TOM test possesses sufficient test-retest stability. Study 3 demonstrated for a sample of children with PDDs (n = 10) that the interrater reliability of the TOM test is good. St...

- by Cor Meesters
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- Education, Autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Psychometrics

This paper reviews the use of eye tracking measures (saccades, smooth-pursuit eye movements, fixations during scene and face perception, and pupillary dilation) to study typical and clinical populations of children and adolescents and evaluates the use of these measures. The studies are evaluated with a focus on points that may be of general interest to developmentalists (the contribution of contextual and temporal factors in performance, methods of analyzing age-related differences, and the role of the psychometric properties of the tests in interpretation of differences across age and clinical groups). Some limitations of eye tracking are pointed out (e.g., the nature of the relation between oculomotor and other motor systems, constraints in making inferences about the brain from psychophysiological data). Finally, the potential of eye tracking measures for probing normative and abnormal development is explored.

- by Canan Karatekin
- •
- Psychology, Cognitive Science, Eye tracking, Autism
- by Jessica Boisjoli
- •
- Psychology, Early Intervention, Assessment, Autism

Recent data points to glutamatergic dysfunction in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia. Memantine, a drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer&amp;#39;s disease that acts at the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor, has been used off-label for various psychiatric disorders. Although promising, the available data for the use of memantine in these disorders is limited. Given this data, the routine use of memantine for depression, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance abuse, pervasive developmental disorders, bipolar disorder, and binge eating disorder cannot be recommended at this time.

- by Rajesh Tampi
- •
- Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa

This study examined the differences in the frequency and type of injury for children with autism and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) compared with typically developing peers, when both groups are insured by Medicaid. The relative rate (RR) of emergency/hospital treatment of injury for children with autism or PDD compared to controls was 1.20 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.04-1.39] after controlling for age and gender. Children with autism or PDD had a higher rate for head, face, and neck injuries (RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.13-1.90) and lower rate for sprains and strains (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32-0.91). Treatment for poisoning was 7.6 times as frequent, and self-inflicted injury was also 7.6 times as frequent for children with autism or PDD.

- by Suzanne McDermott
- •
- Education, Emergency Medical Services, Child, Poisoning

The PDD Behavior Inventory (PDDBI) is a rating scale filled out by caregivers or teachers that was designed to assess children having a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD; autism, Asperger disorder, PDD-NOS, or childhood disintegrative disorder). Both adaptive and maladaptive behaviors are assessed in the scale, making it useful for treatment studies in which decreases in maladaptive behaviors and improvements in adaptive social and language skills relevant to PDD are expected. The adaptive behaviors assessed include core features of the disorder such as joint attention skills, pretend play, and referential gesture. The maladaptive behaviors sample a wide variety of behaviors observed in both lower- and higher-functioning individuals and include stereotyped behaviors, fears, aggression, social interaction deficits, and aberrant language. The inventory was found to have a high degree of internal consistency. Inter-rater reliability was better for adaptive behaviors than for malada...

- by Raymond Romanczyk
- •
- Education, Autism, Psychometrics, Social Interaction

The effectiveness of a social skills training group for adolescents with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism (AS/HFA) was evaluated. Parents of six groups of adolescents (n = 46, 61% male, mean age 14.6) completed questionnaires immediately before and after the 12-week group. Parents and adolescents were surveyed regarding their experience with the group. Significant pre- to post-treatment gains were found on measures of both social competence and problem behaviors associated with AS/HFA. Effect sizes ranged from .34 to .72. Adolescents reported more perceived skill improvements than did parents. Parent-reported improvement suggests that social skills learned in group sessions generalize to settings outside the treatment group. Larger, controlled studies of social skills training groups would be valuable.

- by Jack Lubis
- •
- Education, Autism, Intelligence, Educational Psychology

Background-Interventions for pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) aim to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning. To measure global functioning in treatment studies, the Children's Global Assessment Scale was modified and... more

- by Michael Aman
- •
- Psychometrics, Biological Sciences, Biological Psychiatry, Child

The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was factor analyzed. Three factors emerged: Social Impairment (SI), Negative Emotionality (NE), and Distorted Sensory Response (DSR). Unit-weight factor scales showed moderateto-good internal consistency. Cross-sectional analyses demonstrated that autistic (A UT) subjects were distinguished from subjects with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) and nonpervasive developmental disorders (NPDD) by higher scores on SI. An SI cutoff score of 26 classified individuals as autistic vs. nonautistic with 78% accuracy. Longitudinal analyses showed that DSR was stable over 6 months of treatment, with little indication of symptom reduction. SI decreased over time across the diagnostic groups, but still showed significant continuity over the period_ NE was most malleable and apparently sensitive to the effects of treatment.

- by David Dilalla
- •
- Education, Special Education, Psychometrics, Personality Assessment

This study compared the effects of circumscribed interests (CI) to less preferred (LP) tangible stimuli on the social behaviors of three children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Based on single subject design methodology, the CI experimental sessions resulted in longer durations of target-child initiated social interactions in comparison to LP sessions. In addition, latency of participant's initial social bids to peers was decreased when CI were present. The results suggest that embedding CI into dyadic play situations with typical peers can be used to increase the social behavior children with ASD direct toward typical peers. Future research should examine the specific environmental conditions that must be present in naturalistic settings to facilitate generalization of social behavior.

- by Peter Alter and +1
- •
- Communication, Education, Autism, Intelligence

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic (ADOS-G) is a semistructured, standardized assessment of social interaction, communication, play, and imaginative use of materials for individuals suspected of having autism spectrum disorders. The observational schedule consists of four 30-minute modules, each designed to be administered to different individuals according to their level of expressive language. Psychometric data are presented for 223 children and adults with Autistic Disorder (autism), Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDDNOS) or nonspectrum diagnoses. Within each module, diagnostic groups were equivalent on expressive language level. Results indicate substantial interrater and test-retest reliability for individual items, excellent interrater reliability within domains and excellent internal consistency. Comparisons of means indicated consistent differentiation of autism and PDDNOS from nonspectrum individuals, with some, but less consistent...

- by L. Lambrecht
- •
- Communication, Education, Communication Disorders, Autism

Although Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are generally assumed to be lifelong, we review evidence that between 3% and 25% of children reportedly lose their ASD diagnosis and enter the normal range of cognitive, adaptive and social skills. Predictors of recovery include relatively high intelligence, receptive language, verbal and motor imitation, and motor development, but not overall symptom severity. Earlier age of diagnosis and treatment, and a diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified are also favorable signs. The presence of seizures, mental retardation and genetic syndromes are unfavorable signs, whereas head growth does not predict outcome. Controlled studies that report the most recovery came about after the use of behavioral techniques. Residual vulnerabilities affect higher-order communication and attention. Tics, depression and phobias are frequent residual co-morbidities after recovery. Possible mechanisms of recovery include: normalizing input by forcing attention outward or enriching the environment; promoting the reinforcement value of social stimuli; preventing interfering behaviors; mass practice of weak skills; reducing stress and stabilizing arousal. Improving nutrition and sleep quality is non-specifically beneficial.

- by Martha Herbert and +2
- •
- Genetics, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuropsychology

Background: Children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), such as children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), often show auditory processing deficits related to their overarching language impairment. Auditory training programs such as Fast ForWord Language may potentially alleviate these deficits through training-induced improvements in auditory processing. Methods: To assess the impact of auditory training on auditory function in children with ASD, brainstem and cortical responses to speech sounds presented in quiet and noise were collected from five children with ASD who completed Fast ForWord training.

- by Nicole Russo
- •
- Psychology, Cognitive Science, Language Impairment, Child

- by Susan Risi
- •
- Education, Communication Disorders, Autism, Social Interaction

Anxiety and poor stress management are common concerns in clinical samples of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Anxiety may worsen during adolescence, as young people face an increasingly complex social milieu and often become more aware of their differences and interpersonal difficulties. This review summarizes the state of research on the prevalence, phenomenology, and treatment of anxiety in youth with autism and related conditions such as Asperger's disorder. Using search words autism, asperger(s), or pervasive developmental disorder and anxiety or anxious to find reports published between 1990 and 2008, this review identified 40 papers. The results of the review suggest that anxiety, whether measured categorically or dimensionally, is indeed common in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and may be a source of additional morbidity. The assessment of anxiety disorders in ASD should be conducted using multiple informants and modalities, as children with ASD often do not display agetypical symptoms of anxiety. To date, relatively few controlled intervention studies using wellcharacterized samples have been conducted despite preliminary evidence for efficacy of select pharmacological and psychosocial approaches. Recommendations for future applied research are presented and clinical implications are explored.

- by Thomas Ollendick
- •
- Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Anxiety Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders
- by Helen Tager-Flusberg
- •
- Language Disorder, Child, Infant, Pervasive Developmental Disorder

The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), formerly known as the Autism Screening Questionnaire, is a forty item questionnaire completed by caregivers and was developed as a screening tool for autistic spectrum disorder in children.

- by Aisling Mulligan
- •
- Communication, Psychometrics, Adolescent, Ireland

To provide an overview of the history, evolution, and nosology of the diagnostic constructs for "borderline syndrome of childhood," also known as "multiple complex developmental disorder." The authors synthesized information found via electronic searches of databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Current Contents, Humanities Abstracts, and Social Sciences Abstracts) and bibliographic directed searches. Although early publications (prior to 1980) were either highly anecdotal or lacking in scientific rigor, they were nonetheless noted for their historic value and influence on research trends. The recent publications (1990s) were characterized by more rigorous methodology and greater generalizability. Current classifications, proposals for diagnostic criteria, epidemiological data, and nosological suggestions were summarized. The literature supports the creation of a new diagnostic label to describe a population of children whose symptoms are currently subsumed under the labels "borderline" or "multiple complex developmental disorder." A full characterization of the syndrome, including its evolution, would require prospective studies and may differ from the known evolution for personality disorders and/or pervasive developmental disorders. The authors propose a process by which a new nomenclature is derived.

- by Jill Hollway
- •
- Psychology, Child, Sleep disorders, Developmental disabilities

- by Robert Schultz
- •
- Genetics, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Education

- by Robert Schultz
- •
- Genetics, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuropsychology

"Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. Several studies have suggested a disturbance in the copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) metabolism in ASDs. Zinc deficiency, excess Cu levels, and low Zn/Cu ratio are common in children diagnosed with an ASD. The literature also suggests that mercury accumulation may occur as a cause or consequence of metallothionein (MT) dysfunction in children diagnosed with an ASD, which may be one of the causes of Zn deficiency. MTs are proteins with important functions in metal metabolism and protection. Zinc and Cu bind to and participate in the control of the synthesis of MT proteins. Studies indicate that the GABAergic system may be involved in ASDs, and that Zn and Cu may play a role in this system."

- by Geir Bjørklund
- •
- Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Neurodevelopment, Asperger's Syndrome
- by Robin CORDELLA-GÉNIN
- •
- Actor Network Theory, DSM-V, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Autisme

Les performances dans le domaine des compétences sociales dans la vie quotidienne ont été examinées sur une population d'enfants normaux. L'objectif était d'établir des valeurs normatives pour l'échelle EASE. 327 enfants normaux de différentes tranches d'âge ont été testés. Les résultats montrent un effet significatif de l'âge dans le développement de la mentalisation et les résultats confirment que cette capacité s'acquiert entre 3 et 5 ans. Des valeurs normatives ont ainsi pu être établies. À l'issue de ce travail, on pourrait proposer l'échelle EASE comme un outil d'aide au diagnostic différentiel des pathologies avec des troubles du langage et de la personnalité chez le jeune enfant que sont les TED (autisme atypique notamment) et les TSDL.

- by Gerard Poussin
- •
- Psychometrics, Intelligence, Social Cognition, Theory of Mind

The present study examines co-occurring psychiatric syndromes in a well-characterized sample of youths with autism spectrum disorders (ASD; n = 177) and their siblings (n = 148), reported independently by parents and teachers. In ASD, parents reported substantial comorbidity with affective (26%), anxiety (25%), attentional (25%), conduct (16%), oppositional (15%), and somatic problems (6%). Teachers reported a much lower prevalence. Autistic severity scores for children with ASD exhibited moderate correlations with general psychopathology within-but not acrossinformants, whereas sibling correlations were significant both within-and across-informants. Results support the role of environmental context in psychiatric symptom expression in children affected by autism and suggest that informant discrepancies may more provide critical cues for these children via specific environmental modifications.

- by Stephen Kanne
- •
- Education, Autism, Adolescent, Comorbidity

Objective: To study the clinical profile of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) presenting to tertiary care referral
center.
Method: Chart-review methodology over a 10-year-period; descriptive analysis.
Results: 46 cases of PDD were identified. Majority were of typical autism (TA, n=22) and childhood disintegrative
disorder (CDD, n=12) with rest combined (i.e. other PDD) being 12. On comparison the three groups differed on socioeconomic
status, age at presentation, age and type of onset, delay/regression in milestones and IQ. Clinical features
were broadly comparable.
Conclusions: Results support the clinical validity of various types of PDD, give credence to subtyping of PDD as in
current classificatory systems, and generate a database on PDD from India

- by subho chakrabarti
- •
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Os primeiros estudos envolvendo o autismo infantil atribuíam
à família participação no comprometimento do desenvolvimento psicoafetivo
da criança. A proposta deste estudo foi revisar a literatura relacionada ao
autismo e família em duas bases de dados nacionais (Banco de Teses e
Dissertações da Capes e Scientific Electronic Library Online), sem delimitação
de período específico, bem como identificar as principais temáticas focadas.
Foram localizados 29 estudos no Banco de Teses e Dissertações da Capes,
sendo o primeiro registro em 1990 e 12 na Scientific Electronic Library Online,
sendo a primeira publicação de 2001. Os resultados foram agrupados em
sete categorias. As categorias “Qualidade de vida” e “Relações familiares”
concentram a maioria das publicações no Banco de Teses e Dissertações da
Capes. Já na Scientific Electronic Library, a maioria refere-se as “Relações
familiares” e “Revisão bibliográfica”. Identificou-se que nenhuma das teses
ou dissertações foi publicada em formato de artigo científico, prejudicando
a divulgação das pesquisas na área.

- by Vera Lucia M . F . Fialho Capellini
- •
- Autism, Child Development, Family, Literature reviewing
- by esther de bruin
- •
- Psychology, Autism, Psychometrics, Intelligence
- by esther de bruin
- •
- Education, Anxiety Disorders, Autism, Comorbidity