衡阳市学龄前儿童孤独症谱系患病情况调查

目的 探讨衡阳市3～6岁学龄前儿童孤独症谱系患病情况,为降低孤独症的发病率及其三级预防工作提供现实参考依据.方法 采用随机整群抽样的方法,抽取衡阳市区18所幼儿园,使用克氏孤独症行为量表（CABRS）、自拟影响因素问卷方式筛查出可疑孤独症谱系障碍（autism spectrum disorders,ASDs）患儿,继而采用DSM-Ⅳ诊断标准同时利用儿童孤独症评定量表（CARS）对其进行诊断评估,统计分析得出ASDs患病情况.结果 （1）本样本ASDs患病率为62.7/万,男童26例,女童4例,男女比例为6.5∶1; （2）ASDs组儿童性别、父母亲生育年龄、母亲人工流产史及孕期情绪波动、新生儿窒息和黄疸、父亲有害职业史的分布差异,具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.结论 衡阳市接受主流教育的3～6岁学龄前儿童ASDs患病率接近国外报道水平,分析出的相关因素可以为孕期保健工作提供建设性意见.     

Prevalence and Clinical Features of Celiac Disease in a Cohort of Italian Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental conditions whose etiopathogenesis derives from a complex interaction between genetic liability and environmental factors. In this framework, mounting evidence suggests that immune system dysfunction could be a risk factor contributing to the development of ASD in at least a subpopulation of individuals. In particular, some studies suggest an association between celiac disease (CD)—a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small intestine triggered by the ingestion of gluten—and ASD, while others hypothesized a random link. This investigation aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CD in a large sample of school-aged children with ASD and to characterize their clinical profile. Methods: Medical records of 405 children with ASD aged 5–11 years (mean age: 7.2 years; SD: 1.8 years) consecutively referred to a tertiary-care university hospital between January 2014 and December 2018 were reviewed; among them, 362 had carried out serological testing for CD. Results: Nine patients with positive CD serology were identified, eight of which satisfied the criteria for CD diagnosis. The estimated CD prevalence in ASD children was 2.18% (95% CI, 0.8–3.7), which was not statistically different (1.58%; p = 0.36) from that of an Italian population, matched for age range, considered as a control group (95% CI, 1.26–1.90). Three out of the eight ASD patients with CD did not have any symptoms suggestive of CD. Conclusions: Our findings did not show a higher prevalence of CD in ASD children than in the control population, but could suggest the utility of routine CD screening, given its frequent atypical clinical presentation in this population.     

Dietary Patterns,Eating Behavior,and Nutrient Intakes of Spanish Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Eating behavior problems are characteristic of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with a highly restricted range of food choices, which may pose an associated risk of nutritional problems. Hence, detailed knowledge of the dietary patterns (DPs) and nutrient intakes of ASD patients is necessary to carry out intervention strategies if required. The present study aimed to determine the DPs and macro-and micronutrient intakes in a sample of Spanish preschool children with ASD compared to typically developing control children. Fifty-four children with ASD (two to six years of age) diagnosed with ASD according to the Diagnostic Manual-5 criteria), and a control group of 57 typically developing children of similar ages were recruited. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used, and the intake of energy and nutrients was estimated through three non-consecutive 24-h dietary registrations. DPs were assessed using principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis. Children with ASD exhibited a DP characterized by high energy and fat intakes and a low intake of vegetables and fruits. Likewise, meat intake of any type, both lean and fatty, was associated with higher consumption of fish and dietary fat. Furthermore, the increased consumption of dairy products was associated with increased consumption of cereals and pasta. In addition, they had frequent consumption of manufactured products with poor nutritional quality, e.g., beverages, sweets, snacks and bakery products. The percentages of children with ASD complying with the adequacy of nutrient intakes were higher for energy, saturated fat, calcium, and vitamin C, and lower for iron, iodine, and vitamins of group B when compared with control children. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the need to assess the DPs and nutrient intakes of children with ASD to correct their alterations and discard some potential nutritional diseases.     

Altered Gut Microbiota in Korean Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and behavioral impairments. Recent studies have suggested that gut microbiota play a critical role in ASD pathogenesis. Herein, we investigated the fecal microflora of Korean ASD children to determine gut microbiota profiles associated with ASD. Specifically, fecal samples were obtained from 54 children with ASD and 38 age-matched children exhibiting typical development. Systematic bioinformatic analysis revealed that the composition of gut microbiota differed between ASD and typically developing children (TDC). Moreover, the total amounts of short-chain fatty acids, metabolites produced by bacteria, were increased in ASD children. At the phylum level, we found a significant decrease in the relative Bacteroidetes abundance of the ASD group, whereas Actinobacteria abundance was significantly increased. Furthermore, we found significantly lower Bacteroides levels and higher Bifidobacterium levels in the ASD group than in the TDC group at the genus level. Functional analysis of the microbiota in ASD children predicted that several pathways, including genetic information processing and amino acid metabolism, can be associated with ASD pathogenesis. Although more research is needed to determine whether the differences between ASD and TDC are actually related to ASD pathogenesis, these results provide further evidence of altered gut microbiota in children with ASD, possibly providing new perspectives on the diagnosis and therapeutic approaches for ASD patients.     

情绪诱导对孤独症儿童公平决策的影响

研究通过视频诱导的方式,诱导出孤独症儿童悲伤的情绪,探讨被诱导的情绪对孤独症儿童在最后通牒任务中决策行为的影响。被试为13名情绪诱导组孤独症儿童及13名情绪控制组孤独症儿童参与实验。结果发现,孤独症儿童作为接受者时,诱导出悲伤情绪的孤独症儿童比控制组的孤独症儿童在面对2：8、3：7、4：6的不公平分配比例时,表现出更多的负性情绪,并倾向于做出拒绝的决策。但是面对极端的0：10、1：9不公平分配时,视频诱导的情绪对决策是没有作用的,两组被试之间不存在显著差异。通过呈现视频的方法诱导出与最后通牒任务无关的情绪也会影响孤独症儿童在最后通牒任务中的表现。     

孤独症谱系障碍儿童的早期诊断与识别

目的:在进行婴幼儿孤独症谱系障碍患病情况流行病学调查的同时早期诊断孤独症患儿,为早期干预做准备,并总结早期识别患儿的方法。方法:采用随机分层整群抽样方法,对连云港市8 532名0～3岁儿童进行横断面调查;应用婴幼儿孤独症筛查表(CHAT)筛查出可疑儿童,以儿童孤独症家长评定量表(ABC)、儿童期孤独症评定量表(CARS)及美国精神障碍诊断和统计手册(DSM-IV)的诊断依据进行确诊。结果:8 532名儿童中9名为孤独症阳性,阳性率为10.55/万,其中1岁内1例,1～2岁3例,2～3岁5例;男孩8例,女孩1例,男孩发病率高于女孩(P<0.05)。结论:加强对孤独症谱系障碍患儿的早期识别、早期诊断,对孤独症患儿的日后康复意义重大;总结出的早期识别孤独症谱系障碍儿童方法,为婴幼儿父母及医务工作者提供早期筛查孤独症患儿的依据。     

孤独症谱系障碍儿童睡眠障碍的评估和干预

睡眠障碍是孤独症谱系障碍(ASD)儿童最常见的共患障碍之一,不仅与ASD儿童核心症状存在显著相关,还会影响患儿的功能水平、生活质量以及干预康复效果,给父母造成巨大养育压力和经济负担。国际上已将睡眠障碍,特别是失眠纳入到ASD的综合诊治之中,但国内相关工作开展滞后,儿科专业人员对ASD儿童睡眠障碍的诊治能力有待提升。 因此,本研究将介绍ASD儿童睡眠障碍的评估和干预方法,为临床和研究工作提供依据。     

A Narrative Review about Autism Spectrum Disorders and Exclusion of Gluten and Casein from the Diet

Objective: Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) appear in the early stages of neurodevelopment, and they remain constant throughout life. Currently, due to limitations in ASDs treatment, alternative approaches, such as nutritional interventions, have frequently been implemented. The aim of this narrative review is to gather the most relevant and updated studies about dietary interventions related to ASDs etiopathogenesis. Results: Our literature search focused on the gluten- and casein-free (GFCF) diet. The literature found shows the inexistence of enough scientific evidence to support a general recommendation of dietary intervention in children with ASD. Protocols and procedures for assessing risk and safety are also needed. Future lines: Prospective and controlled research studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up times are scarce and needed. In addition, studies considering an assessment of intestinal permeability, bacterial population, enzymatic, and inflammatory gastrointestinal activity are interesting to identify possible responders. Besides brain imaging techniques, genetic tests can also contribute as markers to evaluate the comorbidity of gastrointestinal symptoms.     

Association of Breastfeeding for the First Six Months of Life and Autism Spectrum Disorders: A National Multi-Center Study in China

Previous studies have shown that exclusive breastfeeding is associated with lower odds of having autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children, but data are lacking in Asian countries, especially China. This cross-sectional study of seven cities in China collected data from August 2016 to March 2017 from 6049 toddlers aged 16–30 months and their parents who responded to questionnaires. The breastfeeding status was collected via questionnaires based on recommendations from the World Health Organization. The standard procedure for screening and diagnosis was applied to identify toddlers with ASD. Among the 6049 toddlers (3364 boys [55.6%]; mean [SD] age, 22.7 [4.1] months), 71 toddlers (1.2%) were identified as ASD. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding, partial breastfeeding, and not breastfeeding was 48.8%, 42.2%, and 9.1%, respectively. Compared to toddlers with exclusive breastfeeding, toddlers with partial breastfeeding or without breastfeeding had higher odds of having ASD (odd ratios [OR]: 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90–2.74; OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.10–4.82). We did not find significant modification of demographic characteristics on the associations. The results remained robust in multiple sensitivity analyses. Toddlers without breastfeeding for the first six months of life had higher odds of having ASD, and our findings shed light on the necessity of strengthening public health efforts to increase exclusive breastfeeding in China.     

Family-Centered Occupational Therapy and Telerehabilitation for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this pilot project was to explore the use of telerehabilitation for collaborative occupational therapy sessions with parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim was to improve carryover of therapeutic strategies by parents to address children's sensory modulation in their natural environments. Four families participated in clinic-based sessions with the therapist followed by online sessions for six weeks. Data consisted of family schedules, sensory diets, archived webcam sessions, and Sensory Processing Measure Home Form scores before and after initiation of the telerehabilitation sessions. Results demonstrated the potential for using telerehabilitation as a tool to provide collaborative occupational therapy in order to improve carryover of home programs for children with ASD by providing opportunities for parents to ask questions, review sensory techniques, and understand the therapist's clinical reasoning     

A New Disability-related Health Care Needs Assessment Tool for Persons With Brain Disorders

Objectives

This study aimed to develop a health needs assessment (HNA) tool for persons with brain disorders and to assess the unmet needs of persons with brain disorders using the developed tool.

Methods

The authors used consensus methods to develop a HNA tool. Using a randomized stratified systematic sampling method adjusted for sex, age, and districts, 57 registered persons (27 severe and 30 mild cases) with brain disorders dwelling in Seoul, South Korea were chosen and medical specialists investigated all of the subjects with the developed tools.

Results

The HNA tool for brain disorders we developed included four categories: 1) medical interventions and operations, 2) assistive devices, 3) rehabilitation therapy, and 4) regular follow-up. This study also found that 71.9% of the subjects did not receive appropriate medical care, which implies that the severity of their disability is likely to be exacerbated and permanent, and the loss irrecoverable.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the HNA tool for persons with brain disorders based on unmet needs defined by physicians can be a useful method for evaluating the appropriateness and necessity of medical services offered to the disabled, and it can serve as the norm for providing health care services for disabled persons. Further studies should be undertaken to increase validity and reliability of the tool. Fundamental research investigating the factors generating or affecting the unmet needs is necessary; its results could serve as basis for developing policies to eliminate or alleviate these factors.     

The Knowledge of Rehabilitation Professionals Concerning Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

The purpose of this study was to explore rehabilitation professionals’ knowledge regarding signs and symptoms, prevention, and intervention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Participants were 111 rehabilitation practitioners (e.g., occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology practitioners) recruited through email using a quantitative online survey design with purposive, snowball sampling. Results showed the majority of participants’ demonstrated accurate knowledge of the signs and symptoms of FASD. Since professionals who received formal education on FASD reported significantly higher feelings of preparedness to identify children with FASD and manage/coordinate intervention plans, this study suggests rehabilitation professionals may be better prepared to treat individuals with FASD if they participate in formal training.     

Preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: The Role of Protection Motivation Theory

This article examines health communication campaigns aimed at preventing alcohol consumption among women who are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant. Relevant communication materials were gathered and a qualitative review was conducted. A majority of the campaigns followed the tenets of protection motivation theory by focusing on the threat variables of severity and vulnerability, as well as emphasizing response efficacy. Few campaigns focused on costs or self-efficacy. Future fetal alcohol spectrum disorders prevention initiatives should attempt to reduce perceived costs, as well as include self-efficacy messages in order to increase women's confidence that they can carry out the recommended actions.     

Fussy Eating among Children and Their Parents: Associations in Parent-Child Dyads,in a Sample of Children with and without Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Parents are important agents in shaping children’s eating habits. However, the associations between children’s and parents’ eating behaviors are complex and may be convoluted for various reasons, such as parenting feeding styles, stressful mealtimes, and children’s neurodevelopmental disorders (ND), such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The purpose of this study was to analyze associations between parents and their children’s fussy eating, in a cross-sectional sample of children, with and without ND. Ninety-seven parents answered screening questionnaires prior to an intervention study. Associations were investigated using two-way ANOVAs and chi-square analyses. Overall, children with ND accepted fewer food items and consumed unhealthier foods more frequently than children without ND. Fussy eating parents had children who accepted fewer food items and consumed unhealthier foods more frequently than children whose parents were not fussy eaters. Interaction effects were not significant. A higher proportion of fussy eating parents, than non-fussy eating parents, had children who had difficulties with combined foods and hidden ingredients. The findings highlight the need for further investigation into the relationships between parents’ influence on their children’s eating behavior and food consumption, as well as possible reciprocal impacts.     

Food Selectivity and Its Implications Associated with Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Food selectivity (FS) in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is common, and its impact on a nutritional level is known. However, the etiology of gastrointestinal disorders (GID) related to alterations in the intestinal microbiota in children with ASD remains unclear. This article provides a narrative review of the literature on FS from the last 15 years, and its relationship with GID in children with ASD. Sensory aversion in ASD leads to food elimination, based on consistencies, preferences, and other sensory issues. The restriction of food groups that modulate the gut microbiota, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as the fibers of some cereals, triggers an intestinal dysbiosis with increased abundance in Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella Escherichia/Shigella, and Clostridium XIVa, which, together with an aberrant immune response and a leaky gut, may trigger GID. It is observed that FS can be the product of previous GID. GID could provide information to generate a hypothesis of the bidirectional relationship between FS and GID. Emphasis is placed on the need for more studies with methodological rigor in selecting children with ASD, the need for homogeneous criteria in the evaluation of GID, and the adequate classification of FS in children with ASD.     

儿童青少年焦虑障碍的临床研究

目的:分析73例儿童青少年焦虑障碍相关因素,临床症状特点。方法:使用自制的儿童青少年焦虑障碍调查表对2001~2005年住院的患者进行登记。结果:12~18岁以广泛性焦虑为主,9~11岁以恐怖症为主。临床症状以紧张、睡眠困难、无原因的头痛、腹痛、心慌、出冷汗、害怕、坐立不安为主要特征。相关因素:性格内向、害羞胆小占80%,有遗传史占12%,学习困难50%,老师家长期望值过高48%。结论:由于儿童青少年焦虑障碍临床症状特点及其相关因素的危害,应更加重视儿童青少年焦虑障碍。     

Food Selectivity and Sensory Sensitivity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorders comprise a complex set of related developmental disorders that are characterized by impairments in communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Impairments in sensory processing are also extremely common. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders is increasing and is currently estimated to affect 1 in 150 children. Autism spectrum disorders are considered to be a major health and educational problem, affecting many areas of daily living, including eating. Children with autism spectrum disorders are often described as picky or selective eaters. This article provides a comprehensive narrative review of the empirical literature over the last 25 years on food selectivity and nutritional adequacy in children with autism spectrum disorders. The possible contributions of sensory factors, such as sensory sensitivity, to food selectivity are discussed. The need for an interdisciplinary approach to managing atypical eating patterns in children with autism spectrum disorders is highlighted.