Spectrum Newsletter - Issue 14

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Issue 14 - February 2014

Spectrum informs ADDRP Newsletter subscribers about the latest ADDRP activities, reviews recent studies in the field of autism and developmental disorders, and lists any available educational opportunities through Lucille Packard Children's Hospital and Stanford University.

EDITORIAL

Welcome! This, the fourteenth issue of our newsletter, Spectrum, is being sent to provide you with updated information on the activities of the Autism and Developmental Disorders Research Program at Stanford University. The research program is under the direction of Dr. Antonio Hardan. We appreciated the feedback that we received about our previous issues and look forward to hearing your input on this and future issues. We hope that you will find this newsletter helpful and informative. Please feel free to share this newsletter with family and friends.

 

SPECIAL EVENT - Autism Symposium

The 7th Annual Autism Spectrum Disorders Update

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford is here to help parents find answers. This special annual event gives members of the community a chance to learn about new autism research and therapies. Parents, teachers, pediatricians, psychologists, caregivers, media and anyone with an interest in autism are invited to attend.

Date: April 19, 2014

Time: 8:15AM - 4:30PM

Location: Stanford Child Psychiatry, 401 Quarry Rd, Stanford, CA

Registration/More Info: Online at the Symposium Home Page. For additional information, please contact the Stanford Autism Center at (650) 721-6327 or e-mail Maura Chatwell at chatwell@stanford.edu

 

Special Educational Activity

Autism Spectrum Disorders Parent Education Program

This program is designed to provide parents and caregivers with information about the various community services including Early Intervention, Special Education (IEP process), 504 Plans, Regional Centers and Medical/Mental Health Services. The program will be divided into two groups depending on child's age. Please come to learn about community services, ask questions and share experiences.

Date: March 15th, 2014

Time: 9:00AM - 12:30PM

Location: Stanford Child Psychiatry, 401 Quarry Rd, Stanford, CA

Cost: $30 per person

How to Register: Online at the Stanford/LPCH Parent Education Program Page or by contacting Maura Chatwell at (650) 721-6327 or chatwell@stanford.edu

Future Program Dates: June 7th, 2014

other events

Autism Parent Support Group

Parents of children with autism face a unique set of challenges. Connecting with other families can be a valuable form of support. Discussion topics include:
  • Advocating for your child
  • Dealing with impact on family
  • Navigating school and learning issues
  • Investigating treatment options and resources
    •
    Upcoming meetings:
  • March 13th, 2014
  • April 10th, 2014

    • Location: 401 Quarry Road, Room 2209, Stanford, CA

    RSVP: Maura Chatwell, (650) 721-6327 or chatwell@stanford.edu

    Walk-ins are welcome!

    For the latest information please go to http://childpsychiatry.stanford.edu/autism.html


    Web and facebook pages

    Visit our website and "like" us on facebook!

    autism.stanford.edu


    Announcements

    Issue 14, FEBRUARY 2014

    RECENT PUBLICATIONS

    The Association between Child Autism Symptomatology, Maternal Quality of Life, and Risk for Depression (Zablotsky et al., 2012; Johns Hopkins University).

    The current study explored the relationship between the severity of a child's autism symptomatology, the risk for maternal depression and a mother's quality of life. This investigation used one of the largest national clinical populations of ASD children and their mothers who were recruited from a web-based registry of families with children with an ASD. In this report, children with the most severe cases of autism and a greater number of co-occurring psychiatric disorders were the most likely to have a mother currently receiving treatment for depression. These same children were more likely to have a mother reporting a negative impact on several life domains whether or not she was receiving treatment for depression, although depressed mothers were likely to report a negative impact. It seems that mothers of children with ASD are unique given their notable high stress levels, increased daily burdens, and lower quality of life when compared to mothers of typically developing children and children with other developmental disabilities. By identifying child clinical characteristics that may be possible risk factors for maternal depression, it becomes possible to simultaneously screen for parental depression while gauging the clinical severity of a child's ASD. Screening for both autism symptomatology in the young child and depression in mothers is highly warranted given that the risk of maternal depression peaks in the first few years of a child's life, which mirrors the period during which autistic traits are most likely to be uncovered in the child. In summary, the results of this study highlight the importance of screening for depression, particularly in mothers of children with ASD and severe mental health and behavioral challenges.


    Validation of Proposed DSM-5 Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (Frazier et al., 2012; Cleveland Clinic).

    The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the validity of proposed DSM-5 criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Symptoms from 14,744 siblings (8,911 ASD; 5,863 non-ASD) included in a national registry, the Interactive Autism Network were analyzed. Youth aged 2–18 were included if at least one child in the family was diagnosed with ASD. Caregivers reported symptoms using the Social Responsiveness Scale and the Social Communication Questionnaire. Results supported the validity of proposed DSM-5 criteria for ASD as provided in Phase I field trials criteria. High specificity is a desirable trait for the new DSM-5 ASD diagnoses, reducing the likelihood that individuals without ASD are inappropriately given the diagnoses. However, the improved specificity of DSM-5 criteria to ASD raises the possibility that some individuals meeting criteria for DSM-IV-TR may not meet full DSM-5 criteria. This investigation suggested that studies examining youth with autism symptoms who do not meet full Phase I Field Trials and current DSM-5 criteria are needed to determine whether the new Social Communication Disorder captures all of these youth or whether some individuals with high functioning ASD might be misclassified. Revision and Phase II testing of DSM-5 criteria should continue to include sensory sensitivities/unusual sensory interests and subtler social and communication symptoms to maximize sensitivity to high functioning ASD. Phase II testing should consider a relaxed algorithm by requiring one less symptom criterion, without which as many as 12% of ASD-affected individuals, particularly females, will be missed. Relaxed DSM-5 criteria may improve identification of ASD, decreasing societal costs through appropriate early diagnosis and maximizing intervention resources.

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    RECRUITING FOR RESEARCH STUDIES (STANFORD/LPCH)

    Below we have highlighted just a few of our studies that we are recruiting for. For a complete list of all currently recruiting research studies please visit our new website at autism.stanford.edu


    Vasopressin research treatment trial for social deficits in children with autism

    Stanford University researchers are currently recruiting children with autism spectrum disorders to participate in a research study which tests the effects of intranasal vasopressin on social functioning.
    In order to participate in this research study your child must:
    • Be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder
    • Be between the ages of 6 and 12 years
    • Be willing to take an vasopressin nasal spray for at least 4 weeks and provide blood samples
    • Be willing to participate in behavioral and cognitive testing
    • Have no serious medical problems

    You will also receive generalized results regarding your child's cognitive and behavioral assessments. Please contact us at (650) 736-1235 if you are interested.

    For additional information, please refer to the following press release for the study.

    ICATS - Imaging California Autism Twins Study

    This study compares twins with Autism Spectrum Disorder to typically developing twins
    Subjects must be a same-sex twin pair:
    • Where one or both have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
      or
    • Where both are typically developing and in good medical health
    • Between ages 5-14 years old
    • Willing to complete behavioral testing and a brain-imaging scan

    Each twin will receive $100 for completion. Please contact us at (650) 723-7809 if you are interested.

    Treatment in targeting language skills in young children with autism

    Researchers at Stanford University are currently recruiting children with Autism Spectrum Disorders to participate in a research study examining the effectiveness of pivotal response treatment in targeting language skills in young children with autism.
    In order to participate in this research study your child must:
    • Be between the ages of 18-months and 5 years
    • Have a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder
    • Meet inclusion based on behavioral screening assessment
    • Be willing to complete a 24 week research treatment program including visits at Stanford University and in-home treatment

    There is no cost to participate in this research study. For more information, call (650)736-1235

    Oxytocin treatment trial for social deficits in children with autism

    Stanford University researchers are currently recruiting children with autism to participate in a research study which tests the effects of intranasal oxytocin on social functioning.
    In order to participate in this research study your child must:
    • Be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder
    • Be between the ages of 6 and 12 years
    • Be willing to take an oxytocin nasal spray for at least 4 weeks and provide blood samples
    • Be willing to participate in behavioral and cognitive testing
    • Have no serious medical problems

    You will also receive generalized results regarding your child's cognitive and behavioral assessments. Please contact us at (650) 736-1235 if you are interested.

    Children and Adolescents are Needed to Participate in Research Studies

    We are actively recruiting children who are typically developing or who have one of several neuropsychiatric diagnoses for many of our studies. We are looking for individuals who are or who have one of the following:

    • Typically Developing
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis
    • Developmental Disability diagnosis
    • ADHD diagnosis
    • Same-Sex Twins
    • Born Prematurely

    Please contact us at (650) 736-1235 if you are interested.

    Emotional Reactivity and Regulation in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

    This study looks at how youth with autism experience their emotions, and to what extent they use emotion regulation strategies to change specific emotions and thus alter the way they feel about a given situation. We hope that our research will lead to changes in increasing the effectiveness of current autism therapies.

    In order to participate in this research study your child must:

    • Between the ages of 8-21 years old in good medical health with or without an ASD diagnosis
    • Be willing to participate in psycholophysiological and neuroimaging experiments
    • Be willing to come to Stanford Hospital and Psychophysiology Lab up to four times

    Each participant will be paid $30 for each completed session. For more information please call (650) 353-5777

    Editorial Staff:
    Sean Berquist, MS
    Estefania Millan, PhD
    Antonio Hardan, MD

    Let us know what you think!
    Comments and suggestions are welcome. 

    Send feedback to autismdd@stanford.edu.


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    Autism & Developmental Disorders
    Research Program
    Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
    401 Quarry Rd., Stanford, CA | 94305-5719
    Website: autism.stanford.edu Email: autismdd@stanford.edu
    Research: 650-736-1235 | Clinical Services: 650-723-5511