Bidirectional relationship between internalizing symptoms and gastrointestinal problems in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Many youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience co-occurring conditions, such as gastrointestinal (GI) problems and internalizing symptoms. However, the relationship among these co-occurring problems is not well-understood. We analyzed parent reports of GI problems and internalizing symptoms of 621 youth with ASD using path models in a structural equation modeling framework.

Brief report: The impact of the broad autism phenotype on parent perception of autism symptoms in their children with and without autism spectrum disorder compared to teachers.

Background: Evaluation of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes caregiver-reported rating scales of symptom presentation. The extent to which a broad autism phenotype (BAP) in parents of children with ASD might impact their endorsement of autism symptoms in their children with and without ASD has not been well evaluated.

Aims: This study analyzed whether varying degrees of parental BAP were associated with reported autism symptoms in offspring with and without ASD.

Longitudinal Examination of Sleep Problems and Symptom Severity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Up to 80% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience sleep problems, which have been associated with more severe presentations of ASD symptoms. We examined the bidirectional link between sleep problems and specific ASD symptoms at two time points within 5 years in a well-characterized sample (659 children with ASD). Using cross-lagged panel analyses, we found evidence for a unidirectional link between baseline ASD symptoms (specifically repetitive behaviors, atypical behaviors, communication, and peer interactions) and future sleep problems, but did not find evidence of a bidirectional relationship.

The Prevalence of Broad Autism Phenotype in Young Adults: The Roles of Genetic Relationship to Autism, Gender, and Academic Major.

Subclinical levels of autism traits are known as the Broad Autism Phenotype (BAP) and include a rigid personality, aloof personality, and pragmatic language difficulties. Genetic relatives of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), males, and those in math- or science-oriented careers may be more likely to exhibit BAP. This study examined the prevalence of BAP in young adults to assess the influence of genetic relationship to ASD, gender, and academic field.

Dog Phobia Intervention: A Case Study in Improvement of Physiological and Behavioral Symptoms in A Child with Intellectual Disability.

: Children with intellectual disability are at risk for anxiety disorders involving intense physiological reactions and risky behavioral responses. Interventions have been identified in this field; however, assessment of underlying anxiety is limited and flawed.: We implemented a single-subject case study using differential reinforcement to treat dog phobia in a boy with intellectual disability.

Lack of Associations Between Dietary Intake and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have significant gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, but their etiology is currently unknown. Dietary interventions are common in children and adolescents with ASD, including diets with increased omega-3 fatty acids or diets free of gluten and/or casein, which may also impact GI symptoms and nutrition. However, little is known about the relationship between nutritional intake and GI symptomatology in ASD.

The Relationship Among Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Problem Behaviors, and Internalizing Symptoms in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have co-occurring gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, but the etiology is poorly understood. These GI symptoms often coincide with problem behaviors and internalizing symptoms, which reduces the quality of life for these individuals. This study examined the relationships among GI problems, problem behaviors, and internalizing symptoms in a sample of 340 children and adolescents with ASD who are patients at the University of Missouri Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Impact of multiple co-occurring emotional and behavioural conditions on children with autism and their families.

Background: Comorbid conditions are very common in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can affect school performance, adaptive skills and peer relationships. Comorbid conditions place strain on the family as well as the individual with ASD. This project aimed to determine the affect of comorbid conditions over and above child and family characteristics.

Course and Predictors of Sleep and Co-occurring Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The chronicity of sleep disturbance and its relation to co-occurring symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not well understood. The current study examined longitudinal relations among sleep and co-occurring symptoms in a large well-characterized sample of 437 children with ASD assessed at baseline and follow-up (M = 3.8 years later).

Relations among activity participation, friendship, and internalizing problems in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Social interaction difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorder can be challenging, especially during adolescence. In addition, high rates of comorbid internalizing disorders in autism spectrum disorder can lead to social isolation. With limited social activity participation, social deficits and internalizing problems in autism spectrum disorder may be related to participation, exposure, and practice with friends.