Jina Jang

Rates of comorbid symptoms in children with ASD, ADHD, and comorbid ASD and ADHD

The current diagnostic criteria do not allow co-diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As a result, there has been little research on how these two disorders co-occur in the ASD population. The current study aimed to extend the literature in this area by examining comorbid rates in three different diagnostic groups (ASD, ADHD, and comorbid ASD+ADHD) using the Autism Spectrum Disorders-Comorbidity for Children (ASD-CC). Children with comorbid ASD and ADHD evinced higher rates of comorbid symptoms than children with ASD or ADHD alone. Additionally, children with comorbid ASD and ADHD endorsed more severe comorbid symptoms. Implications regarding these findings are discussed.

A comparison of tantrum behavior profiles in children with ASD, ADHD and comorbid ASD and ADHD.

The present study was conducted to compare rates of tantrum behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) (n=255), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (n=40) and children with comorbid ASD and ADHD (n=47). Parents/guardians of children aged 3-16 years were surveyed about their childrens behaviors using the Autism Spectrum Disorders-Comorbidity for Children (ASD-C-C). Children with ADHD alone differed from children with ASD alone and children with comorbid ASD and ADHD on rates of tantrum behaviors. Examination of individual tantrum behavior items indicated that children with comorbid ASD and ADHD have a more similar symptom presentation to children with ASD than children with ADHD. This study adds to the literature on the presentation of common co-occurring behaviors of ASD when there is comorbid ADHD. The implications of these findings may aid in the assessment and treatment of tantrum behaviors in children with comorbid ASD and ADHD.

Comparing challenging behavior in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders according to the DSM-IV-TR and the proposed DSM-5

Objective: The aim of the current study is to investigate challenging behavior in children who may no longer meet criteria for an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis according to the proposed fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5). Method: Children and adolescents (n = 459) were separated into three groups including those who met criteria for ASD according to the DSM-5 criteria (n = 219); those who will no longer qualify for an ASD diagnosis according to the DSM-5 but met criteria according to the DSM-IV-TR (n = 109); and a control group (n = 131). Scores on the Autism Spectrum Disorders – Problem Behaviors for Children (ASD-PB-C) were compared among groups. Results: The DSM-5 captured a slightly more impaired population in terms of problem behavior. Conclusion: Implications regarding access to treatment for those no longer meeting criteria need to be taken into consideration in the coming months.

Treating aggression in persons with autism spectrum disorders: A review

Aggression is one of the most frequent and debilitating problems observed among persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is common and can be more problematic than many core symptoms of ASD. Thus, treating the behavior is a high priority. A surprisingly limited number of studies have addressed treatment when taken in the context of the vast ASD literature. This paper reviews many of these papers and describes the types of interventions that have been used and the characteristics of the people who have been studied.

Comorbid psychopathology rates in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders according to the DSM-IV-TR and the proposed DSM-5

Abstract Objective: To investigate differences in comorbid psychopathology rates between individuals who meet criteria of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) according to DSM-5 or the DSM-IV-TR. Methods: Comorbid psychopathology was measured using the Autism Spectrum Disorders- Comorbid for Children. 424 individuals between the ages of 2 and 18 years of age; including children who met criteria for an ASD according to the DSM-5, the DSM-IV-TR only, and a control group that did not meet either set of criteria. Results: Of the ASD participants, 36% would no longer meet criteria according to proposed DSM-5. Comorbidity rates for the ASD groups were significantly different from the control group; however, ASD groups were not significantly different in terms of total comorbid psychopathology. Conclusion: The results elucidate the need for further research regarding services and treatments for those individuals that will no longer meet criteria for an ASD but still have significant rates of comorbid psychopathology.

Autism spectrum disorder severity as a predictor of Battelle Developmental Inventory – Second Edition (BDI-2) scores in toddlers

Abstract Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptomology and scores on the Battelle Developmental Inventory, Second Edition (BDI-2) in toddlers (n = 325). Methods: Total scores on the BDI-2 and individual domain scores were examined to explore the relationship between severity of ASD and developmental quotient, impairment in personal-social skills, adaptive functioning, cognition, and communication. Results: Regression analyses controlled for the impact of age and IQ on results, indicating that higher autism severity scores were associated with overall greater impairment and in the total scores and the individual domains of the BDI-2. The domains were found to be differentially affected by severity of ASD. Conclusion: These findings suggest severity of ASD may influence symptom presentation. Clinical implications of study findings are discussed.

The relationship between premature birth and caregiver first concern in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder: A brief report

ABSTRACT The current study examines the relationship between premature birth and the age at which caregivers first become concerned with their child’s development in a sample of 84 toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The participants were split into two groups: those born prematurely and those born full term. The results indicate that the age of caregiver first concern is significantly younger for those born prematurely than those born full term. The average age caregivers reported first becoming concerned about their child’s development was around 7 months for participants born prematurely and around 13 months for participants born full term. Possible explanations for the results and their implications are discussed.

Economics of Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Overview of Treatment and Research Funding

Without question, autism research and treatment are big business. Autism impacts multiple aspects of the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), their families, and the communities in which they live, attend school, and engage socially and vocationally. With no easy cure or preventative measures on the horizon, the field of autism treatment has attracted a plethora of questionable industries, promoting everything from dolphin therapy to fad diets. While researchers around the globe endeavor to determine the etiology of ASD, the reality is that intervention based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) remains the only evidenced-based treatment for children with ASD. While fidelity and reliability are critical to its effectiveness, bad purveyors of ABA are ubiquitous, triggering government task forces and certificate programs as local, state, and federal governments struggle to regulate a growing multibillion-dollar business.

Multicultural and Minority Issues

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders (Newschaffer et al., Annual Review of Public Health, 28:235–258, 2007). More children are diagnosed with ASD than with pediatric AIDS, juvenile diabetes, and childhood cancer combined (Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Surveillance Summary, 61:1–19, 2012). The core features of ASD include social skill impairment, communication deficits, and repetitive and restrictive behaviors (Fodstad et al., Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 12:152–157, 2009; Matson and Boisjoli, Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 1:75–84, 2007; Matson et al., Research in Developmental Disabilities, 29:341–350, 2008; Matson and Wilkins, Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 2:288–300, 2008). Although ASD has long been considered a “universal” disorder, affecting people of all ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds, most research conducted in the past 60 years has considered primarily Caucasian samples (Dyches et al., Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 34:211–222, 2004; Sun and Allison, Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4, 156–167, 2010). This trend in sampling means that prior research findings are not necessarily generalizable to populations that have developmental disabilities and are from other cultural backgrounds.

Methods and Procedures for Measuring Comorbid Disorders: Medical

A variety of medical problems have been identified which covary at high rates with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Among the most common of these are gastrointestinal problems, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities. This chapter will provide an overview of methods and procedures used to measure these problems.