Repetitive Behavior

Frequency and Pattern of Documented Diagnostic Features and the Age of Autism Identification

Submitted by djohnson on April 10, 2013 - 09:09
Source: 
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Pediatric Psychiatry
Link: 
http://www.jaacap.com/article/S0890-8567(13)00076-2/abstract
Date Published: 
February 6, 2013
Abstract: 

The age at which a child with autism is diagnosed is related to the particular suite of behavioral symptoms he or she exhibits, according to this study led by an ASF Grantee. Certain diagnostic features, including poor nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors, were associated with earlier identification of an autism spectrum disorder. Displaying more behavioral features was also associated with earlier diagnosis.

For more information about this study, read the guest blog from the lead author here: http://autismsciencefoundation.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/identifying-asd-...

Elevated Repetitive Behaviors are Associated with Lower Diurnal Salivary Cortisol Levels in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Submitted by djohnson on March 11, 2013 - 13:47
Source: 
Biological Psychiatry
Link: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23466586
Date Published: 
March 1, 2013
Abstract: 

This pilot study examined the relationship between repetitive behaviors (RBs) and cortisol, a hormone that is released in response to stress, in individuals with ASD. Multiple salivary cortisol samples were taken over three days for 21 children with ASD with high and low levels of RBs. Children in both groups showed the same pattern of cortisol change throughout the day, but the overall cortisol levels in the high RB group were significantly lower, suggesting RBs may work to soothe and decrease stress.

Six Developmental Trajectories Characterize Children With Autism

Submitted by cgold on January 11, 2013 - 10:56
Source: 
Pediatrics
Link: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22473372
Date Published: 
May 2012
Abstract: 

"OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to describe the typical longitudinal developmental trajectories of social and communication functioning in children with autism and to determine the correlates of these trajectories.
RESULTS: Six typical patterns of social, communication, and repetitive behavior functioning were identified. These trajectories displayed significant heterogeneity in developmental pathways, and children whose symptoms were least severe at first diagnosis tended to improve more rapidly than those severely affected. "

Antioxidants For Autism

Submitted by dawnacrawford on May 31, 2012 - 09:36
Source: 
Biological Psychiatry
Link: 
http://www.science20.com/news_articles/antioxidants_autism-90568
Date Published: 
June 1, 2012
Abstract: 

A specific antioxidant supplement containing N-Acetylcysteine, or NAC may be an effective therapy for some features of autism, according to a pilot trial from the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital that involved 31 children with the disorder.

A specific antioxidant supplement containing N-Acetylcysteine, or NAC may be an effective therapy for some features of autism, according to a pilot trial from the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital that involved 31 children with the disorder.

Agent Reduces Autism-like Behaviors in Mice

Submitted by Anonymous on April 26, 2012 - 12:55
Source: 
NIMH
Link: 
Agent Reduces Autism-like Behaviors in Mice
Date Published: 
April 26, 2012
Abstract: 

National Institutes of Health researchers have reversed behaviors in mice resembling two of the three core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). An experimental compound, called GRN-529, increased social interactions and lessened repetitive self-grooming behavior in a strain of mice that normally display such autism-like behaviors, the researchers say.

Evidence behind autism drugs may be biased: study

Submitted by Anonymous on April 24, 2012 - 08:22
Source: 
Reuters
Link: 
Evidence behind autism drugs may be biased: study
Date Published: 
April 24, 2012
Abstract: 

Doctors' belief that certain antidepressants can help to treat repetitive behaviors in kids with autism may be based on incomplete information, according to a new review of published and unpublished research.

Training Parents Is Good Medicine for Children With Autism Behavior Problems, Study Suggests

Submitted by Anonymous on February 27, 2012 - 09:41
Source: 
Science Daily
Link: 
Training Parents Is Good Medicine for Children With Autism Behavior Problems, Study Suggests
Date Published: 
February 24, 2012
Abstract: 

Children with autism spectrum disorders who also have serious behavioral problems responded better to medication combined with training for their parents than to treatment with medication alone, Yale researchers and their colleagues report in the February issue of Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

Repetitive behaviors in adults with Autism Spectrum disorders significantly lessen with antidepressant treatment

Submitted by Anonymous on December 5, 2011 - 08:55
Source: 
MedicalXpress
Link: 
Repetitive behaviors in adults with Autism Spectrum disorders significantly lessen with antidepressant treatment
Date Published: 
December 5, 2011
Abstract: 

Restricted, repetitive behavior, such as compulsive arranging and rigid adherence to routines, is a defining symptom of autism spectrum disorders. A 12-week study showed that the antidepressant fluoxetine produced a greater decrease in repetitive behaviors and more overall improvement than placebo in adults with autism spectrum disorders.

Autistic Brains Grow More Slowly

Submitted by Anonymous on October 21, 2011 - 09:20
Source: 
Psych Central
Link: 
Article
Date Published: 
October 20, 2011
Abstract: 

UCLA researchers have found the connections between brain regions that are important for language and social skills grow much more slowly in boys with autism than in non-autistic children...

UCLA researchers have found the connections between brain regions that are important for language and social skills grow much more slowly in boys withautism than in non-autistic children.

A Systematic Review of Medical Treatments for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Submitted by admin on April 1, 2011 - 18:28
Source: 
Pediatrics, McPheeters et al.
Link: 
American Academy of Pediatrics
Date Published: 
April 2011
Year Published: 
2011

Researchers at Vanderbilt University reviewed evidence regarding medical treatment of children 12 years old and younger with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It was found that risperidone and aripiprazole for treatment of challenging and repetitive behaviors in children with ASDs. However, there are significant adverse effects of these medicines, including severe impairment or risk of injury, preventing their wider use. There is currently little evidence present to evaluate the use of other medical treatments for ASDs—neither their positive nor their negative effects.