Diagnostic Accuracy of International Epidemiology Network (INCLEN) Diagnostic Tool for Autism Spectrum Disorder (INDT-ASD) in Comparison with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Dis- orders-5 (DSM-5)

Objective: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of INCLEN Diagnostic Tool for AutismSpectrum Disorder (INDT-ASD) against Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of MentalDisorders – 5 (DSM-5) for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: 118children aged 2-9 years with symptoms suggestive of ASD were assessed by INDT-ASDand DSM-Vby trained personnel. ASD diagnosis by INDT-ASD was compared against theexpert’s DSM-5 diagnosis. Results: INDT-ASD had a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and75%, respectively against DSM-5 for the diagnosis of ASD; specificity for Autistic Disorderwas 87%. Conclusion: The INDT-ASD has a good sensitivity and specificity against DSM-5,and can continue to be used for the diagnosis of ASD even after the adoption of DSM-5criteria

Diagnostic Accuracy of Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA) in Chidren Aged 2-9 Years.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA) in children aged 2-9 year at high risk of autism, and to ascertain the level of agreement with Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Design: Diagnostic Accuracy study Setting: Tertiary-level hospital. Participants: Children aged between 2 and 9 year and considered to be at a high risk for autism (delayed development, and age-inappropriate cognition, speech, social interaction, behavior or play) were recruited. Those with diagnosed Hearing impairment, Cerebral palsy, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) were excluded. Methods: Eligible children underwent a comprehensive assessment by an expert. The study group comprising of PDD, Global developmental delay (GDD) or Intellectual disability was administered ISAA by an investigator after one week. Both evaluators were blinded. ISAA results were compared to the Expert’s diagnosis and CARS scores. Results: Out of 102 eligible children, 90 formed the study group (63 males, mean age 4.5y). ISAA had a sensitivity 93.3, specificity of 97.4, positive and negative likelihood ratios 85.7 and 98.7 and positive and negative predictive values of 35.5 and 0.08, respectively. Reliability was good and validity sub-optimal (r low, in 4/6 domains). The optimal threshold point demarcating Autism from ‘No autism’ according to Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was ISAA score of 70. Level of agreement with CARS measured by Kappa coefficient was low (0.14). Conclusions: The role of ISAA in 3-9 year old children at high risk for Autism is limited to identifying and certifying Autism at ISAA score of 70. It requires re-examination in 2-3 year olds.

Influence of aberrant behaviors on the mental health of caregivers for patients with pervasive developmen-tal disorders / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Objective To investigate the influence of hyperactivity, Stereotyped behaviors , self-injury and irritabili?ty on parenting stress and emotions of the caregivers for patients with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). Methods Abnormal behaviors during last month were assessed in 138 PDDs patients by using Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) and Conners Index of Hyperactivity (CIH). The parenting stress and the emotional state of the patients’parents were evalu?ated by the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire (CGSQ) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), respectively. Re?sults Anxiety, depression and combination of anxiety and depression were present in 6.2%, 17.8%and 29.5%of PDDs caregivers, respectively. The partial correlation analysis showed that CGSQ score of patients’parents positively correlated with CIH score (r=0.201, P=0.023) and stereotyped act (r=0.189, P=0.033) of the patients, and negatively correlated with stereotyped speech (r=-0.219, P=0.013). The anxious mood of parents positively correlated with stereotyped act (r=0.206, P=0.021). Conclusions Anxiety and depression are common in caregivers of PDDs. Except for stereotyped speech, aber?rant behaviors of the PDDs increase parenting stress and worsen anxious mood of caregivers.

Incidence of aberrant behaviors in children with pervasive developmental disorders / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To evaluate the incidence of four aberrant behaviors in patients with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs).Methods The abnormal behaviors during the last month in 138 PDDs patients were assessed with Aberrant Behavior Checklist and Conners Index of Hyperactivity.Results The incidence of aberrant behaviors was 61.6％ for hyperactivity,81.9％ for stereotyped behaviors,13.77％ for self-injury,and 58.70％ for irritability in PDDs patients.The occurance of irritability in autism patients was higher than that of asperger syndrome (AS) patients (x2 =5.623,P=0.018).Conclusion Stereotyped behaviors,hyperactivity and irritability are common in children with PDDs.Autism patients are more likely to exhibit irritability behaviors than AS patients.

Caracterização dos usuários de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Infantojuvenil do município de Salvador (BA) / Characterization of users in a Psychosocial Care Center for Children and Youth of the municipality of Salvador (BA): contributions for construction of a medical device

Neste estudo objetivou-se caracterizar o perfil dos pacientes diagnosticados com Transtorno Global do Desenvolvimento, atendidos em um Capsi que visa ofertar cuidados em saúde mental para crianças e adolescentes com transtornos mentais severos e persistentes no Município de Salvador (BA). Realizou-se um estudo exploratório descritivo a partir de dados secundários de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Infantojuvenil localizado no Município supracitado. A análise foi realizada considerando dois conjuntos de variáveis, a saber: a) variável relativa à clientela: idade, sexo, diagnóstico, b) variável relativa ao cuidado oferecido: refere-se à modalidade de atendimento em que o paciente foi engajado. Verificou-se que o serviço em questão possui em seu quadro um total de 480 usuários, sendo 72% pertencente ao sexo masculino, com maior expressividade dos diagnósticos de: Transtorno Global do Desenvolvimento (31,25%); Transtornos do Comportamento e Transtornos Emocionais que Aparecem Habitualmente na Infância (8,5%); retardo mental (8,5%); Esquizofrenia, Transtornos Esquizotípicos e Transtornos delirantes (6,3%). No que diz respeito aos TGD, encontrou-se um quantitativo de 150 usuários, sendo 84% do sexo masculino. Os diagnósticos mais recorrentes foram os de Autismo Infantil (46%) e Autismo Infantil em comorbidade com Retardo Mental (24,7%). Dentre estes, um quantitativo considerável frequenta ou já frequentou simultaneamente outra instituição além do Capsi.

This study aimed to characterize the profile of patients diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, attended in a Capsi which aims to offer mental health care for children and adolescents with severe and persistent mental disorders in Salvador (BA). It was made a descriptive exploratory study from a secondary data center Psychosocial Care of Children and Youth located in the city above. The analysis was performed considering two sets of variables, namely: a) variable on the customer: age, sex, diagnosis, b) variable related to the care offered: refers to the type of care in which the patient was engaged. It was found that the service in question has on its staff a total of 480 users, 72% were male, with greater expressiveness of diagnoses: Pervasive Developmental Disorder (31.25%); Behavior Disorders and Emotional Disorders that usually appear in Childhood (8.5%), mental retardation (8.5%); Schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders (6.3%). With regard to the TGD, it was found a quantity of 150 users, 84% were male. The most frequent diagnoses were those of Infantile Autism (46%) and Autism Children with comorbid mental retardation (24.7%). Among these, an considerably amount where already attended or have attended another institution beyond Capsi.

Perfiles cognitivos en el Trastorno Autista de Alto Funcionamiento y el Síndrome de Asperger / Cognitive profiles on High Functioning Autistic Disorder and Asperger's Syndrome

El perfil neuropsicológico de los sujetos con trastornos del espectro autista (TEA) ha sido objeto de muchos debates y discusiones. El funcionamiento cognitivo de esta población es explicado a partir de modelos teóricos que abordan algunos de los aspectos que presentan estos individuos. Sin embargo, se ha encontrado resultados contradictorios que dificultan la comprensión general de todos los elementos que caracterizan el perfil intelectual observado en esta población. Basados en lo anterior, en el presente artículo se expone una revisión teórica reflexiva a partir de la evidencia empírica de investigaciones sobre el perfil cognitivo de los TEA de alto funcionamiento (Síndrome de Asperger y Autismo de Alto Funcionamiento).

The neuropsychological profile of individuals with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) has been the subject of many debates and discussions. The cognitive functioning of this population is explained from theoretical models that address some of the issues that occur in these individuals. However, conflicting results have been found that hinder the general understanding of all the elements that characterize the intellectual profile observed in this population. Based on the above, the present article presents a theoretical reflexive review from the empirical evidence from research on the cognitive profile of the TEA of high performance (High Functioning Autism and Aspergers Syndrome).

INCLEN Diagnostic Tool for Autism Spectrum Disorder (INDT-ASD): Development and Validation.

Objective: To develop and validate INCLEN Diagnostic Tool for Autism Spectrum Disorder (INDT-ASD). Design: Diagnostic test evaluation by cross sectional design Setting: Four tertiary pediatric neurology centers in Delhi and Thiruvanthapuram, India. Methods: Children aged 2-9 years were enrolled in the study. INDT-ASD and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) were administered in a randomly decided sequence by trained psychologist, followed by an expert evaluation by DSM-IV TR diagnostic criteria (gold standard). Main outcome measures: Psychometric parameters of diagnostic accuracy, validity (construct, criterion and convergent) and internal consistency. Results: 154 children (110 boys, mean age 64.2 mo) were enrolled. The overall diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.97, 95% CI 0.93, 0.99; P<0.001) and validity (sensitivity 98%, specificity 95%, positive predictive value 91%, negative predictive value 99%) of INDT-ASD for Autism spectrum disorder were high, taking expert diagnosis using DSM-IV-TR as gold standard. The concordance rate between the INDT-ASD and expert diagnosis for ‘ASD group’ was 82.52% [Cohen’s κ=0.89; 95% CI (0.82, 0.97); P=0.001]. The internal consistency of INDT-ASD was 0.96. The convergent validity with CARS (r = 0.73, P= 0.001) and divergent validity with Binet-Kamat Test of intelligence (r = -0.37; P=0.004) were significantly high. INDT-ASD has a 4-factor structure explaining 85.3% of the variance. Conclusion: INDT-ASD has high diagnostic accuracy, adequate content validity, good internal consistency high criterion validity and high to moderate convergent validity and 4-factor construct validity for diagnosis of Autistm spectrum disorder.

Detección temprana en trastornos del espectro autista: una decisión responsable para un mejor pronóstico / Early detection of autism spectrum disorders: a responsible decision for a better prognosis

Introducción. La detección temprana del autismo es una variable determinante de un mejor pronóstico. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo del proceso de detección y diagnóstico de 42 niños con trastornos del espectro autista (TEA) por medio de una entrevista semiestructurada y a través de la revisión de historias clínicas. Resultados. Se encontró que los padres son las personas que inicialmente sospechan la presencia de algún trastorno, alrededor de un año diez meses de edad. Los signos de alarma más frecuentes son los comportamientos ausentes, la falta de lenguaje y el retraso motor. Para la detección y diagnóstico participan, en promedio, cinco profesionales. El neurólogo infantil y el psicólogo fueron quienes más diagnósticos de TEA realizaron, entre los tres y los cinco años de edad. Se recibieron diagnósticos de discapacidad intelectual, trastornos de déficit de atención e hiperactividad y retraso en el desarrollo. Conclusiones. Se resalta la importancia de formar y capacitar profesionales de la salud, para lograr que la detección e intervención de los TEA sea cada vez más oportuna.

Background. Early detection of autism is a decisive variable for a better prognosis. Methods. A study was conducted describing the process of detection and diagnosis of 42 children with autism spectrum disorders [ASD]. Results. Parents are those who initially suspect the presence of a disorder at about the age of 22 months. The most common warning signs include behavior described as appearing absent, lack of language, and motor delays. Five different health care professionals are involved in the detection process. The pediatric neurologist and psychologist are the professionals who most frequently diagnosed ASD between 3 and 5 years of age. Diagnoses given to the families include intellectual disability, attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, and developmental delay. Conclusions. The results of the study show the importance of training healthcare professionals, leading to the early detection and intervention of ASD.

Prevalencia de los factores de riesgo perinatales en los Trastornos Generalizados del Desarrollo / Prevalence of Perinatal Risk Factors in the Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Los Trastornos Generalizados del Desarrollo (TGD) son perturbaciones graves y generalizadas que afectan áreas centrales del desarrollo (DSM-IV-TR). Se propone que el período perigestacional aglutina una serie de factores de riesgo que influyen y condicionan el desarrollo normal del feto. El objetivo de este artículo fue estudiar la presencia de riesgos durante el desarrollo perinatal, considerando las respuestas de 93 madres con hijos que presentan un Trastorno Generalizado del Desarrollo a un autoinforme estructurado, tal como es el caso del trastorno autista, trastorno de Asperger y TGD-no especificado. Del análisis de las respuestas al autoinforme se han encontrado diferencias significativas entre los grupos de TGD en la dimensión pregestacional -malnutrición/anorexia e hipertensión-, en la perigestacional -malnutrición/anorexia y problemas con el líquido amniótico- y en la psicosocial -género no deseado del bebé-.

Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs) are severe and pervasive disturbances affecting central areas of development (DSM-IV-TR). It is proponed that the perigestational period encompasses a number of risk factors that influence and affect normal fetal development. The aim of this paper was to study the presence of risks during the perinatal development, considering the responses of 93 mothers of children with a pervasive developmental disorder -autistic disorder, Asperger disorder and PDD-NOS- to a structured self-report. We found significant differences among the PDD groups in the pregestational -malnutrition/anorexia and hypertension- , in the perigestational - malnutrition/anorexia and problems with the amniotic fluid-, and in the psychosocial -unwanted gender baby- dimensions from the analysis of the responses.

Déficit de atención e hiperactividad en los trastornos del espectro autista / Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder in autism spectrum disorders

De acuerdo al DSM-IV-TR los síntomas de falta de atención e hiperactividad son frecuentes entre los individuos con Trastornos del Espectro Autista (TEA). Estas aseveraciones están reflejadas en a observación clínica y la valoración formal. Sin embargo, el diagnóstico de TEA aún continúa dentro de los criterios de exclusión para el Trastorno por Déficit de Atención-Hiperactividad (TDAH). Dicha exclusión ha ocasionado controversia e interrogantes con respecto a la necesidad y el beneficio de mantener o no estas separaciones; tanto así, que los criterios propuestos para el DSM-V eliminan dicho criterio de exclusión. Es necesaria una clara comprensión de la comorbilidad entre ambas entidades para realizar una secuencia óptima y apropiada de los objetivos de la intervención. Es por esto, que si se considera la falta de atención e hiperactividad en individuos con un diagnóstico asociado de TEA como una representación de un diagnóstico comórbido de TDAH, los planes de tratamiento serán más apropiados y con mayor impacto en su funcionamiento adaptativo.

According to the DSM-IV-TR, symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity are frequent in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This statement is supported by clinical observation and formal assessment. However, ASD diagnosis is still among the exclusion criteria for the Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Such exclusion generates controversy and questions regarding the need and benefits of maintening or not these separations; so much so, that the proposed criteria for the DSM-V eliminate that exclusion condition. It is necessary a better understanding of the comorbidity between both entities in order to be able to have an appropriate sequence of the intervention goals. For that reason, if inattention and hyperactivity in individuals with ASD are considered as a representation of a comorbid diagnosis of ADHD, treatment plans for this group would be better adjusted and more likely to offer a real benefit in the outcome of their adaptive functioning.

Pervasive Developmental Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Are These Disorders One and the Same?

The concept of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) closely resemble each other. Both ICD-10 and DSM-IV use the term PDD. The authors surveyed the perception of PDD/ASD and attitudes toward terminology. The subjects of this study were 205 medical/social-welfare professionals working in fields relating to developmental disorders. Questionnaires were mailed to site investigators at the collaborating institutes. With regard to what the scope of ASD and PDD encompasses, the answers were almost equally divided among three views: ASD and PDD are the same, PDD is wider in scope and ASD is wider. The terms PDD and autism were used in slightly different ways depended upon the situation. Our results demonstrate that the parameters of PDD and ASD are unclear and that the terms related to PDD/ASD are often used differently. Further studies are required to develop more clear and reliable diagnostic criteria for PDD.

Detección de los riesgos maternos perinatales en los trastornos generalizados del desarrollo / Detection of the perinatal maternal risks in the pervasive developmental disorders

Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) refer to a group of severe neuropsychologic alterations. Symptoms affect three development components: social-interaction skills, language and communication skills and a set of behaviours and activities that become restricted and stereotyped. PDDs include the following disorders: Autistic, Rett's, Infantile Disintegrative, Asperger's and Generalized Non-specific Development Disorder. Regarding to its unknown causes, several explanations have been gathered as a challenging task. They highlight the idea of generalised alterations in the Central Nervous System (CNS). However, the strongest thesis defines a multicausal etiology, with different factors associated to PDDs. Never the less, over the past few years, the review of problems associated with pregnancy and labour have been stressed. This perspective is complemented by other elements that point towards genetic alterations and CNS deficits as causes behind PDD. It has been suggested that pregnancy, labour and even neonatal complications can act on different fronts: increasing the risk of autism or any other PDD, or interacting along with genetic determinants to increase the potential risk at a critical moment in the perinatal development process. The goal of this paper is to study the presence of perinatal risk in mothers of children with and without PDD. A total of 259 mothers took part in the study; 95 were used as an experimental group: they all had a PDD-diagnosed child, according to DSM-IV-TR criteria (68 had autistic disorder, six had Asperger's disorder, one had Rett's disorder and 19 had non-specific PDD). The remaining 165 women had children with a normal evolutive development and were selected as a control group. In order to collect information about perinatal risk, a Maternal Perinatal Risk Questionnaire (MPRQ) was used. This is a structured and specifically-designed autoreport that evaluates the presence or absence of 40 pregestational and perigestational risk factors annalysed from six perspectives: pregestational, perigestational, intrapartum, neonatal, psychosocial and sociodemographic. For every factor evaluated in the MPRQ, an analysis of the average scores and typical deviations was made, along with a frequency and percentage study. Furthermore, a comparative of the frequencies in the control and experimental groups was carried out for every MPRQ item. By means of descriptive analysis, both groups were classified according to the children's age and birth order, the mother's age during pregnancy, current parent's age and their educational and professional levels. When comparing the experimental group's frequencies to those of the control group in the pregestational stage, two significative items were found in Chi-square: the number of previous spontaneous abortions and the use of contraceptive methods. As a result, the control group had fewer spontaneous abortions than the experimental group (10.9% and 22.4% respectively). The use of contraceptive methods previous to pregnancy described the control group's superiority both for hormonal methods and intrauterine devices (IUD). The experimental group was defined by the absence of IUD and the scarce use of hormonal contraceptives (4.3%). In the perigestational dimension, the three significative items in Chi-square were: pharmacological consumption and presence of edema during pregnancy, and premature rupture of amniotic sac. Pharmacological consumption during pregnancy stresses the consumption of medicine or vitamines and iron in control group (81.2%), compared to the group of mothers of children with PDD (60.6%). The presence of gestational edema has been conclusively linked to the control group. As for the premature rupture of waters, a significantly higher presence of amniotic rupture was found in the experimental group compared to the control group. In the intrapartum dimension, the experimental group confirmed higher frequencies in situations that imply a higher perinatal risk such as: a very quick labour or one lasting over 12 hours. In the neonatal dimension, the control group showed with higher percentages (87.9%), the absence of blue coloration -which would be indicative of cyanosis-, when compared to the experimental group (79.8%). The psycho-social dimension included two significant items: the desired gender for the newborn and the desired pregnancy. The desired gender item confirmed that situations of happiness about finding out the baby's gender were higher in the control group (68.4%) than in the experimental group. The desired pregnancy item proved that situations of desired pregnancy were higher in the control group (91.5%) compared to the experimental group (84.0%). Finally, in the socio-demographic dimension, two siginificative items were identified when comparing both groups: the mother's profession and the baby's gender. In one hand, regarding the mother's profession, it was observed that mothers of PDD children were mainly found within home enviroment (37.2%) or unqualfied worker categories (18.1%). On the other hand, in the control group, the mothers who adscribed to the qualified professional category was notably higher (33.3%). Regarding the child's gender, a higher risk is detected in males, at a proportion of 1 to 3. The results of this study showed that there are significative differences between PDD children who developed perinatal risks, compared to children who have a regular evolutive development. Children with PDD will thus show significant differences compared to non-PDD children: they have an unequal perinatal development and developed perinatal risks. Therefore, many risks are present in a higher measure in PDD children when compared to the control group. An innovative contribution is also made, by strongly suggesting that physical risks define the presence of perinatal risks in PDD. However, the psychosocial and sociodemographic dimensions must also be taken into account.

Los trastornos generalizados del desarrollo (TGD), hacen referencia a un conjunto de alteraciones neuropsicológicas graves. Sus síntomas afectan a tres componentes del desarrollo: interacción social, lenguaje y comunicación e intereses, comportamientos y actividades restringidas y estereotipadas. Los TGD incluyen los siguientes trastornos: autismo, Rett, desintegrativo infantil, Asperger y el Trastorno generalizado del desarrollo no especificado. Su etiología resulta poco conocida y es un reto para la investigación actual. En los últimos años se ha acentuado la revisión de los problemas asociados con el embarazo y el parto. Diversas hipótesis sugieren que el embarazo, el parto e incluso las complicaciones neonatales, pueden actuar desde diversos frentes e incrementar el riesgo de autismo y de los demás TGD. El objetivo de esta investigación es estudiar la presencia de riesgos perinatales entre madres de hijos con TGD y madres de hijos sin TGD. En la investigación participaron un total de 259 madres. De ellas, 94 participaron como grupo experimental: todas tenían un hijo con un diagnóstico de TGD, según criterios del DSM-IV-TR (68 con trastorno autista, seis con trastorno de Asperger, uno con trastorno de Rett y 19 con TGD no especificado). Las mujeres restantes (165) fueron seleccionadas como grupo control y eran madres de infantes/niños con un desarrollo evolutivo normal. Para recoger la información sobre la presencia de riesgos perinatales, se utilizó el Cuestionario Materno de Riesgo Perinatal (CMRP). Este cuestionario es un autoinforme estructurado diseñado ad hoc que contempla, desde seis dimensiones -pregestacional, perigestacional, intraparto, neonatal, psicosocial y sociodemo-gráfica-la presencia o ausencia de 40 factores de riesgo pregestacionales y perigestacionales. Para cada factor valorado con el CMRP, se realizó un análisis de las puntuaciones medias y las desviaciones típicas, junto con un estudio de las frecuencias y los porcentajes resultantes. Asimismo, se efectuó una comparativa de las frecuencias y se utilizó el estadístico Chi-cuadrado de Pearson (χ²), de los grupos experimental y control en cada uno de los reactivos del CMRP. En la dimensión pregestacional, se encontraron dos reactivos significativos en Chi-cuadrado: el número de abortos espontáneos anteriores y el uso de métodos anticonceptivos. En la dimensión perigestacional tres reactivos resultaron significativos: el consumo de fármacos y la presencia de edema durante el embarazo, así como también la ruptura prematura de la fuente. En la dimensión intraparto el grupo experimental mostró frecuencias más altas en aquellas situaciones que implican un mayor riesgo perinatal; un parto muy rápido o la tardanza de más de 12 horas en el mismo. En la dimensión neonatal la coloración azulada del neonato, indicativa de cianosis, fue superior en el grupo experimental. Por otra parte, la dimensión psicosocial ofreció dos reactivos significativos: el sexo deseado del bebé y el embarazo deseado. Por último, en la dimensión sociodemográfica, se identificaron dos reactivos importantes al comparar el grupo experimental con el grupo control, que fueron: la profesión de la madre y el sexo del bebé. Los resultados de esta investigación indican que existen diferencias significativas en niños con TGD que presentaron riesgos perinatales frente a otros con desarrollo evolutivo sin dificultades. Los niños con TGD muestran diferencias significativas comparados con otros niños sin TGD: tienen un desarrollo perinatal desigual, con una presencia significativamente distinta de riesgos perinatales. De esta forma, los riesgos físicos definen la presencia de riesgos perinatales en los TGD. Ahora bien, las dimensiones psicosocial y sociodemográfica deben también ser tomadas en cuenta.

Dificultades en la evaluación y diagnóstico del autismo: Una discusión / Difficulties in assessing and measuring autism: A discussion

The detection of autism is very important because the lack of recognition of this disorder has elevated costs for the families, health care and education providers. Diagnosis is made frequently four or five years after parents notice the first signs. The reasons for this delay are many, but a common one is the lack of recognition of key symptoms that can lead to a more complex diagnosis assessment. Another reason is that screening and diagnostic instruments are not well known by primary caregivers in health and education systems, as these professionals are the first to hear parents' concerns. Moreover the instruments are not well known because the cost of acquiring them and receiving formal training is very high. The need to make comparable assumptions of this complex disorder makes it important to use the same instruments as other countries. Growing efforts for an early recognition have been made in recent years because early intervention programs benefit children with autism. In the last decade, important advances in the design of diagnostic and screening instruments have been made. These tools have primarily been used for clinical, epidemiological or research uses. In some countries their use has become routine in schools, leading to better detection and increasing prevalence rates of autism. Misdiagnosis is not uncommon in autism. Almost 60% of children with Asperger disorder first receive an erroneous diagnosis of attention deficit disorder, oppositionistic or bipolar disorder. Autism presents with a bizarre clinical picture during the years in which many thought it was untestable. Gradual characterization of behaviors and studying different aspects of the symptomatology had led to a better comprehension and descriptions. Most authors have incorporated this knowledge to design reliable instruments. The most common behaviors explored are: protodeclarative pointing, joint attention, repetitive/ stereotyped movements and absence of characteristic symbolic play. This target behavior can be explored through the diverse rating scales and interviews. The instruments are very diverse and varing form. There are rating scales for parents to record their children symptoms and observation schedules to be completed by a clinician or trained professional for that purpose. The best approach is to combine modalities to include as much information as possible. CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) is a brief screening instrument intended to detect autism in toddlers. The first part consists of nine questions for parents to complete, while the second part is an observation schedule with five brief age-appropriate interactions with the children. This instrument is an important antecedent of more sophisticated and expanded play observation schedules. Checklist for Autism in Toddlers Modified (CHAT M) is a modified version which consists of an expansion of the parent questionnaire by eliminating the observational section. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) is another instrument which assesses the severity of autism. This instrument is rated by clinicians or by trained observers. CARS was designed before DSM IV criteria were published so it does not contain an algorithm to distinguish between different developmental problems. In spite of this limitation, it is the most used rating scale for autism diagnosis. The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL/1.5-5) is a broad band rating scale which evaluates psychopathology of children between 18 months and five years old. It has a DSM oriented subscale to evaluate developmental problems such as autism or Asperger disorder. It also contains a withdrawn subscale which has proven to be useful as demonstrated by some studies done with the CBCL/4-18. This instrument also allows assessing other associated problems common in autistic children such as attention problems, depression and anxiety. The Language Developmental Survey (LDS) associated to this rating scale, gives the opportunity to screen vocabulary for the identification of language delays, which are common in children with pervasive developmental disorders. It was necessary to have more structured instruments to diagnose autism and not only for screening purposes, so in 1989 the first diagnostic interview was published. The instrument has gone through an extensive review and creative process which has led to the most important tools for diagnosing autism in adults and children. The Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI) was published in 1989 and correlated to the ICD-10 definition of autism. The original ADI was intended primarily for research purposes, providing behavioral assessment for subjects with a chronological age of at least five years and a mental age of at least two years. The ADI explores three key domains defining autism: (1) reciprocal social interaction, (2) communication and language, and (3) repetitive, stereotyped behaviors. The Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised ADI-R is a semi/ standardizer interview shorter than the ADI, which has been developed for clinical use. It is more appropriate for younger children than the ADI. The ADI-R takes from 2 to 3 hours to administer and can be used with children as young as two years of age (with a mental age greater than 18 months). It explores information about the child functioning in the present and the past. It contains an algorithm based on DSM criteria for autistic disorder, and allows for distinguishing between autistic disorder and non autistic disorder. Pre Linguistic Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-PL) is a modified version of the ADOS used to diagnose young children (under the age of six years) who are not yet using phrase speech. It is a semi-structured assessment of play, interaction, and social communication and takes about 30 minutes for a trained clinician to administer. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic (ADOS-G) is a standardized play observation schedule. Through structured play materials and activities promoted by the examiner, social interactions are rated for common autistic features like joint attention, protodeclarative pointing, quality of reciprocal social interaction and symbolic play. Different modules are available from one to four, with specified criteria to match the participants' developmental and language level. It contains an algorithm related to the DSM IV domains of an Autistic Disorder or PDD-NOS. The ADI, ADI/R, ADOS PL, and ADOS G are considered the gold standards for autism diagnosis. There are important reliable instruments for diagnosing autism but extensive training is needed to obtain useful diagnostic information. Since these instruments are very recent, they have not been validated in some countries and neither their cultural bias has been investigated. It is not enough to assess autistic symptoms only for diagnostic purposes; patients need further evaluation to determine their psychosocial functioning, cognitive abilities, and language delay or deviations. The information from these assessments is very important for planning well designed interventions. Even though there is a growing interest in perfecting these modern instruments, diagnosis cannot rely exclusively on them. They are important tools to facilitate the diagnosis, but broader assessment should be pursued. It is important to validate and culturally adapt these instruments so different countries can utilize the same tools and research results can be comparable. In the future more rating scales, observation schedules and diagnostic interviews will be developed for assessing Asperger disorder, to be used in genetic studies, for assessing broad band syndromes. Better cognitive measures will be necessary to evaluate psychosocial impact. But this growing specialization will increase costs so it is important to develop briefer and more cost-effective methods to evaluate persons with autism. The availability of these tools will guarantee early diagnosis and treatment not only for research purposes but for identification in the community.

La detección del autismo en México es muy importante ya que la falta de reconocimiento de este trastorno tiene costos muy elevados para las familias y los prestadores de servicios de salud y educación. Muy a menudo el diagnóstico de autismo se realiza cuatro o cinco años después de que los padres observan los primeros síntomas. Las razones para este reconocimiento tardío son diversas; pero una de las principales es la falta de identificación de síntomas clave que obliguen a una evaluación diagnóstica en forma. Otro motivo es que en nuestro país son poco conocidos los instrumentos de tamizaje y diagnóstico por parte de los profesionistas primarios como maestros y médicos familiares, quienes son los primeros en escuchar las quejas y preocupaciones de los padres. Aun en contextos más especializados, estas herramientas son poco conocidas pues su adquisición y aplicación es un proceso complejo y costoso que a menudo debe realizar el profesionista por su cuenta. A pesar de estos inconvenientes, en años recientes se han realizado grandes esfuerzos para el reconocimiento del autismo puesto que hay evidencias de que las intervenciones tempranas mejoran el pronóstico en estos niños. En la última década se han realizado avances muy importantes en el diseño de instrumentos de diagnóstico y tamizaje, a los que se han utilizado con propósitos de investigación clínica y epidemiológica. En algunos países su uso se ha vuelto una rutina en las escuelas y se ha logrado una mayor detección de autismo por lo que se han elevado las tasas de prevalencia. Los instrumentos son muy diversos, pueden ser listas de autoinforme dirigidos a los padres para que registren los síntomas de los niños, o cédulas de observación para ser completadas por el clínico o el personal entrenado para tal propósito. Lo mejor es el uso mixto de instrumentos para obtener la mayor cantidad de información posible como es el caso del CHAT que incluye una sección de interrogatorio y otra sección de observación con actividades que el niño debe desarrollar. Este instrumento es precursor de actividades sencillas y creativas con un componente lúdico, diseñadas con el propósito de evaluar al niño preescolar. Hoy este es un importante antecedente de otros instrumentos más elaborados. El cuestionario para el autismo en niños preescolares modificado CHAT M es una versión modificada del el cuestionario para el autismo en niños preescolares (CHAT) que consiste en una expansión de la sección de interrogatorio para el padre, con un formato de autoinforme que parte de la eliminación de la sección de observación. Otros instrumentos miden la gravedad del autismo como la Escala de Evaluación de Autismo Infantil (CARS), dirigida al clínico que evalúa la intensidad del autismo. La lista de síntomas del niño de 1.5-5 (CBCL/1.5-5) es un instrumento de banda ancha que evalúa la psicopatología general en niños con edad entre 18 meses y cinco años; contiene una subescala de problemas del desarrollo que sirve como tamizaje para evaluar el autismo y el trastorno por Asperger con base en los criterios del DSM. Se han diseñado y se han perfeccionando paulatinamente varias entrevistas de diagnóstico. La entrevista de diagnóstico de autismo (ADI), la entrevista de diagnostico para el autismo revisada (ADI-R), la cédula prelingüística genérica de observación para el autismo (ADOS PL), y la cédula de observación genérica para el autismo (ADOS G) son escalas consideradas standard de oro para el diagnóstico del autismo. Conforme se han mejorado las propiedades psicométricas, de los instrumentos, éstos también se han ajustado para cubrir las necesidades de evaluación de los pacientes autistas con un amplio rango de edad, destreza verbal y cognitiva. Como resultado, podemos contar con instrumentos confiables y adecuados para una población con necesidades muy diversas; estas herramientas nos han demostrado que un constructo tan complejo y amplio como el autismo se puede medir. En este artículo se presenta una breve revisión de la evolución histórica de la clasificación acorde a los criterios del DSM y a la descripción de los principales instrumentos de diagnóstico, y los datos de su validez y confiabilidad.

Normal Infancy, Toddlerhood, and Preschool Development and Pervasive Developmental Disorders / 신경정신의학

To understand developmental abnormalities including pervasive developmental disorders, it is essential to understand normal developmental process of children, especially from infancy to preschool years. Infancy refers to the time before the beginning of extensive verbal communication that occurs at about 18 months. Toddlerhood, from 18 months to 3 years, encompasses the most rapid and contextually transactional period of developmental change throughout the postpartum life. Preschool years are characterized by extensive development of language, cognition, and social ability including the blooming of theory of mind. Multiple areas of development are affected in pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and assessments of various aspects of behavior and development are essential for diagnosis. This review provides the areas of assessment of core features of PDD, including abnormalities in communication, social interaction, and repetitive and stereotyped behavior in the context of deviation from the normal behavioral development from infancy to preschool years.

The Korean Practice Parameter for the Treatment of Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Development and Implications

The new research data and rapid development of psychotropic drugs over the past few years have warranted the development of clinical practice guidelines for managing pervasive developmental disorder(PDD). These guidelines are urgently needed due to the recent changes in social circumstances and clinical situations in Korea. Despite the many limitations and problems surrounding the development of these guidelines, the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry(KACAP) has decided to develop the Korean Practice Parameters for the Treatment of PDD. The goal, basic principles, organization, and implications of this development project are introduced in this special paper. We expect these practice parameters to be a useful reference not only for child psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals in clinical practice, but also for the autistic patients themselves and their caregivers. The practice parameters shall be revised and improved in the near future.

The Korean Practice Parameter for the Treatment of Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Clinical Manifestation, Epidemiology, Course, Causes, and Comorbidity

Pervasive developmental disorders are characterized by lifelong impairments in fundamental social and/or communication skills and by the presence of seemingly purposeless and repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities. A number of possible biological etiologies, including genetic, structural and functional brain abnormalities, have been identified in patients with pervasive developmental disorders. In addition, clinicians should take the possibility of comorbid psychiatric conditions into consideration when making the differential diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorders.

The Korean Practice Parameter for the Treatment of Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Diagnosis and Assessment

Multiple areas of development are affected in pervasive developmental disorders(PDD), and assessments of various aspects of behavior and development are essential for diagnosis. The object of this review is to provide the practical guidelines for the assessment of core features of PDD, including abnormalities in communication, social interaction, and repetitive and stereotyped behavior. It covers the issues of differential diagnosis within and outside the PDD category, standardized diagnostic tools, assessment of intellectual and language functions, and the early diagnosis of PDD in infancy. This guideline also stresses the process of medical and neurological evaluation for proper diagnosis of PDD.

The Korean Practice Parameter for the Treatment of Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Pharmacological Treatment

The objective of this review is to establish practice parameters for pharmacological treatment of children and adolescents with pervasive developmental disorders. We performed a detailed review of the literature, including a wide range of controlled clinical trials, open trials, case reports, and side-effect profiles of related drugs. Few medications have a treatment indication for pervasive developmental disorders, and few studies with well-controlled methodology are available for evaluating treatment results. Pharmacological treatments focus on associated target symptoms because symptom reduction may improve educational and social ability and enhance quality of life. Well-controlled trials have been conducted for some SSRI(selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants, risperidone, and methylphenidate, and showed reduction of some target symptoms. Since the medications are not specific to autism and do not treat core symptoms of the disorder, their potential side effects should be carefully considered. Family education is necessary to give proper information on target symptoms, limitation of drug treatments, and risks.

The Korean Practice Parameter for the Treatment of Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Non-Pharmacological Treatment

Practice parameters for non-pharmacological treatment of children and adolescents with pervasive developmental disorders are based on the scientific literature for evidence-based practices. Appropriate educational and behavioral interventions are important in improving the long-term outcome in pervasive developmental disorders. Early and sustained intervention appears to be particularly important. The goal for interventions is to gain pragmatic skills for verbal communication, playing with peers, daily living routines, self-management, and social adaptation. Appropriate involvement and collaboration with parents and family are essential for well-functioning intervention programs. The life-long nature of autism implies that the clinician should maintain an active role in long-term treatment planning and family support. Vocational training and training for more independent living are important for adolescents with autism. Professionals should be knowledgeable about local and national resources and opportunities for family support as well as support of the individual.

Comparisons of Temperamental and Sociodemographic Characteristics in Three Groups of Preschool Children with Delayed Language Development / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: Temperamental and sociodemographic characteristics of developmentally delayed preschool children have not been adequately studied. This research compares temperamental and sociodemographic characteristics in 3 groups of preschool children: those with communication disorder (CD), those with mental retardation (MR), and those with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). METHODS: One hundred ninety eight preschool children (160 males, 38 females, average age 37.8 months) with delayed language development were included in this study. Developmental status of children was assessed by Bayley scales of infant development II, and temperamental characteristics were assessed by PTQ (Parental Temperamental Questionnaire). Sociodemographic characteristics of children were assessed with a questionnaire developed by us. Subjects were divided into three groups according to Bayley scale and Childhood autism rating scale (CARS). RESULTS: CD groups showed higher scores on rhythmicity and persistence than MR and PDD groups. CD group showed lower scores on threshold of reaction than MR group. On intensity of reaction and quality of mood, CD group showed higher scores than the PDD group. Sociodemographic characteristics were not different among the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: There are differences in temperamental characteristics but not in sociodemographic characteristics among CD, MR, and PDD.