Adaptive and Behavioral Profiles in Down Syndrome and Co-Occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case-Control Study.

Down syndrome (DS) is the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID). Individuals with DS exhibit an elevated risk of other neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The primary objective of this study was to explore the clinical characteristics of co-occurring ASD in children and adolescents with DS using a case-control approach.

Stratification of Gut Microbiota Profiling Based on Autism Neuropsychological Assessments.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Investigations of gut microbiota (GM) play an important role in deciphering disease severity and symptoms. Overall, we stratified 70 ASD patients by neuropsychological assessment, based on Calibrated Severity Scores (CSSs) of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second edition (ADOS-2), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and intelligent quotient/developmental quotient (IQ/DQ) parameters.

Characterization of sleep difficulties in maltreated children and adolescents.

Numerous studies have identified connections between child maltreatment and sleep-related issues. However, poor is known on potential links between sleep patterns and day-to-day functioning, along with psychopathology in maltreated youths. Additionally, existing research on the relationship between sleep difficulties and maltreatment often lacks investigation into specific sleep difficulty profiles across different age ranges.

Characterising repetitive behaviours in children and adolescents with Down syndrome.

Background: Individuals with intellectual disability, including people with Down syndrome (DS), often exhibit restricted and repetitive behaviours (RRBs). However, RRBs have not been deeply characterised in children and adolescents with DS.

Method: The study encompassed a cohort of 151 participants aged 4 to 18 years with DS.

Celiac disease in children and adolescents with Down syndrome: behavioural, adaptive and sleep profiles.

Background: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit higher risk for celiac disease (CD) than general population. Although literature suggests CD could be associated with behavioural problems in both paediatric and adult age, such association has been poorly explored in children and adolescents DS. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate differences in emotional/behavioural difficulties, adaptive skills and sleep problems between children with DS with and without CD.