Effect of prednisolone on language function in children with autistic spectrum disorder: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective: To describe the effect of prednisolone on language in children with autism spectrum disorder. This study is based upon two hypotheses: autism etiology may be closely related to neuroinflammation; and, an effective treatment should restore the individual's language skills. Method: This is a prospective, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, carried out in a federal university hospital. The initial patient sample consisted of 40 subjects, which were randomized into two parallel groups. Inclusion criteria were: male gender, 3-7 years of age, and meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 4th edition (DSM-IV) diagnostic criteria. The final sample consisted of 38 patients, of whom 20 were randomized to the placebo group and 18 to the active group. The latter received prednisolone for 24 weeks, at an initial dose of 1 mg/kg/day and a tapering dose from the ninth week onward. Language was measured on four occasions over a 12-month period by applying two Brazilian tools: the Language Development Assessment (ADL) and the Child Language Test in Phonology, Vocabulary, Fluency, and Pragmatics (ABFW). Results: The side effects were mild: two patients had hypertension, five had hyperglycemia, and two had varicella. Prednisolone increased the global ADL score in children younger than 5 years of age who had developmental regression (p = 0.0057). The ABFW's total of communicative acts also responded favorably in those participants with regression (p = 0.054). The ABFW's total of vocal acts showed the most significant results, especially in children younger than 5 years (p = 0.004, power = 0.913). Conclusions: The benefit of prednisolone for language scores was more evident in participants who were younger than five years, with a history of developmental regression, but the trial's low dose may have limited this benefit. The observed side effects do not contraindicate corticosteroid use in autism.

Seleção de vocábulos para implementação do Picture Exchange Communication System – PECS em autistas não verbais / Selection of words for implementation of the Picture Exchange Communication System – PECS in non-verbal autistic children

RESUMO Objetivo Sabe-se que alguns autistas são considerados não verbais, uma vez que não são hábeis para utilizar o código linguístico. E tampouco usam gestos para compensar a ausência de fala. Sendo assim, a habilidade comunicativa desses indivíduos pode ser beneficiada pelo uso do sistema de comunicação alternativa Picture Exchange Communication System – PECS. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os vocábulos mais frequentemente utilizados na implementação do PECS em crianças autistas. E, de forma complementar, analisar a correlação entre a frequência destes vocábulos e o índice de comportamentos não adaptativos. Método Trata-se de um estudo transversal. A amostra foi constituída por 31 crianças autistas, sendo vinte e cinco meninos e seis meninas, na faixa etária de 5 a 10 anos. Para identificação dos vocábulos mais frequentemente utilizados no período inicial de implementação do PECS, utilizamos a Planilha de Seleção de Vocabulário. E, para obtermos o índice de comportamentos não adaptativos, aplicamos o Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). Resultados Houve predomínio significativo de itens na categoria alimentos, seguido de atividade e bebidas. Não houve correlação entre o total de itens identificados pelas famílias com o índice de comportamentos não adaptativos. Conclusão Foi possível identificar as categorias de vocábulos mais mencionados pelas famílias e verificar que o índice de comportamentos não adaptativos não interferiu diretamente na elaboração da planilha de seleção de vocábulos das crianças estudadas.

ABSTRACT Purpose It is known that some autistic individuals are considered non-verbal, since they are unable to use verbal language and barely use gestures to compensate for the absence of speech. Therefore, these individuals’ ability to communicate may benefit from the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System – PECS. The objective of this study was to verify the most frequently used words in the implementation of PECS in autistic children, and on a complementary basis, to analyze the correlation between the frequency of these words and the rate of maladaptive behaviors. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. The sample was composed of 31 autistic children, twenty-five boys and six girls, aged between 5 and 10 years old. To identify the most frequently used words in the initial period of implementation of PECS, the Vocabulary Selection Worksheet was used. And to measure the rate of maladaptive behaviors, we applied the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). Results There was a significant prevalence of items in the category “food”, followed by “activities” and “beverages”. There was no correlation between the total amount of items identified by the families and the rate of maladaptive behaviors. Conclusion The categories of words most mentioned by the families could be identified, and it was confirmed that the level of maladaptive behaviors did not interfere directly in the preparation of the vocabulary selection worksheet for the children studied.

Conditions for oral health in patients with autism / Condiciones de salud oral en pacientes con autismo

Autism is characterized as a behavioral disorder. The autistic patient has some difficulties with common life routines, such as oral hygiene and also improper diet. As a consequence the refusal of physical contact, the implementation of brushing and flossing by caregivers is difficult. The present study aimed to conduct an epidemiological study of autistic patients in treatment at the Rehabilitation Center and Neurological Organization in North of Brazil, adopting the CPO-D and ceo-d. The clinical examination has been performed with the patient sitting in chairs, at the Rehabilitation Centre itself, under artificial fluorescent light intended for room lighting. From 26 patients included in the study, 76.9 % of subjects were male with a mean age of 13 years. Fifty percent had caries, and 11.5% had lesions on the gums. The mean ceo-d of children 2­8 years was 0.67. In patients 10­15 years and 20­40 years, the mean CPO-D was 0.70, and 3.00, respectively. From the study, the most significant data, seen was that half of autistic patients had carious lesions. It is vital to improve oral health conditions in these patients and by using preventive dentistry, analyze their susceptibility to oral diseases.

El autismo se caracteriza como un trastorno conductual. El paciente autista tiene algunas dificultades en las rutinas ordinarias de la vida, tales como la higiene oral. Como consecuencia, la negativa al contacto físico, la implementación del cepillado y uso de hilo dental es difícil para los cuidadores. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo llevar a cabo un estudio epidemiológico de los pacientes autistas en el Centro de Rehabilitación y la organización neurológica en el norte de Brasil, adoptando el CPOD y ceod. El examen clínico se realizó con el paciente sentado en una silla en el propio Centro de Rehabilitación, bajo una luz fluorescente artificial para la iluminación de la habitación. Veintiseis pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio, el 76,9 % de los sujetos eran varones con una edad media de 13 años con un 50 % de caries, y en un 11,5 % se observaron lesiones gingivales. La media ceod de los niños de 2 a 8 años fue de 0,67. En los pacientes de 10­15 años y 20­40 años, el promedio CPOD fue de 0,70 y 3,00, respectivamente. A partir del estudio se pudo determinar que la mitad de los pacientes autistas tienen caries. Es importante la educación de estos pacientes para mejorar la salud oral y la aplicación de la odontología preventiva.

Frequency of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents with autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder / Frequência de sobrepeso e obesidade em crianças e adolescentes com autismo e transtorno do déficit de atenção/hiperatividade

To assess the frequency of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their parents, in comparison with children and adolescents without developmental disorders. Methods: Anthropometric measures were obtained in 69 outpatients with ASD (8.4±4.2 years old), 23 with ADHD (8.5±2.4) and 19 controls without developmental disorders (8.6±2.9) between August and November 2014. Parents of patients with ASD and ADHD also had their anthropometric parameters taken. Overweight was defined as a percentile ≥85; obesity as a percentile ≥95; and underweight as a percentile ≤5. For adults, overweight was defined as a BMI between 25 and 30kg/m2 and obesity as a BMI higher than 30kg/m2. Results: Children and adolescents with ASD and ADHD had higher BMI percentile (p<0.01) and z-score (p<0.01) than controls, and increased frequency of overweight and obesity (p=0.04). Patients with ASD and ADHD did not differ between them in these variables, nor regarding abdominal circumference. Parents of children with ASD and ADHD did not differ between themselves. Conclusions: Children and adolescents with ASD and ADHD are at a higher risk of overweight and obesity than children without developmental problems in the community.

Avaliar a frequência de sobrepeso e obesidade em crianças e adolescentes com transtorno do espectro do autismo (TEA) e transtorno do déficit de atenção/hiperatividade (TDAH) e em seus pais, em comparação com crianças e adolescentes da comunidade sem transtornos do desenvolvimento. Métodos Medidas antropométricas foram coletadas de 69 pacientes com TEA (8,4±4,2 anos), 23 com TDAH (8,5±2,4) e 19 controles sem transtornos desenvolvimentais (8,6±2,9) entre agosto e novembro de 2014. Os pais dos pacientes com TEA e TDAH também foram avaliados em relação aos parâmetros antropométricos. Sobrepeso foi definido como percentil ≥85; obesidade como percentil ≥95; e baixo peso como percentil ≤5. Para os adultos, sobrepeso foi definido como IMC entre 25 e 30kg/m2 e obesidade, IMC acima de 30kg/m2. Resultados Crianças e adolescentes com TEA e TDAH exibiram maior percentil (p<0,01) e escore-z (p<0,01) do IMC em relação aos controles, bem como frequência mais elevada de sobrepeso e obesidade (p=0,04). Os pacientes com TEA e TDHA não diferiram entre si quanto a essas variáveis ou quanto à circunferência abdominal. Os pais das crianças com TEA e TDAH também não diferiram entre si. Conclusões Crianças e adolescentes com TEA e TDAH estão em maior risco de ter sobrepeso e obesidade em relação a crianças da comunidade sem problemas do desenvolvimento.

Comparative study of the imitation ability in Specific Language Impairment and Autism Spectrum Impairment / Estudo comparativo da habilidade de imitação no Transtorno Específico de Linguagem e no Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo

Purpose: To compare abilities of imitating generic and sequential motion gesture schemes in family routines among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Specific Language Impairment (SLI) and to analyze the relation between imitation index and verbal production in the ASD group. Methods: The sample was constituted by 2:1 pairing of 36 children, according to gender and age. All of them were diagnosed by a multidisciplinary team as belonging to the ASD group (n=24) or SLI group (n=12) and were under direct and indirect intervention in a school clinic. We have used the stage of imitation of the Assessment of Symbolic Maturity, which entails the imitation of nine generic and three sequential motion gesture schemes. Results: There was a tendency to a better performance of the SLI group at imitating both generic and sequential gesture schemes. As we have related the ability of imitation to the verbal production in the ASD group, a direct relation between the production of phrases and the imitation of sequential schemes was detected. Conclusion: The ability to imitate gesture and sequential schemes could be compared, and a more prominent impairment was identified in children with autism. Among them, a direct significant relationship between the ability of imitating sequential gesture schemes in family routine and verbal production of words and sentences was verified. .

Objetivo: Comparar as habilidades de imitação de esquemas gestuais simples e de sequências de ações em rotinas familiares de crianças com Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo (TEA) e com Transtorno Específico de Linguagem e Fala (TEL) e analisar a relação entre o índice de imitação e a produção verbal das crianças do Grupo TEA. Métodos: A amostra foi constituída pelo pareamento 2:1 de 36 crianças, de acordo com gênero e faixa etária. Todas foram diagnosticadas por equipe multidisciplinar como pertencentes ao Grupo TEA (n=24) ou grupo TEL (n=12) e atendidas em intervenção direta e indireta em clínicaescola. Utilizamos a etapa de imitação da Avaliação da Maturidade Simbólica, que compreende a imitação de nove esquemas gestuais simples e de três esquemas gestuais sequenciais. Resultados: Observamos tendência de melhor desempenho do Grupo TEL na imitação de esquemas gestuais tanto simples como sequenciais. Ao relacionarmos a habilidade de imitação à produção verbal do Grupo TEA, verificamos relação direta entre produção de frases e imitação de esquemas sequenciais. Conclusão: Foi possível comparar a habilidade de imitação gestual e de esquema sequencial e verificar maior comprometimento de desempenho nas crianças com diagnóstico compatível com o Espectro do Autismo. Dentre estas, verificouse relação direta significativa entre a habilidade de imitação de sequências de rotinas familiares e a produção verbal de palavras e frases. .

Primary inoculation tuberculosis: a report of a rare entity

Primary inoculation tuberculosis is an exogenous infection resulting from direct inoculation of bacteria into individuals with no acquired immunity to the organism. We report a 63-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with primary inoculation tuberculosis on the basis of clinical appearance and histopathological examination. The findings from this case emphasize the importance of clinical and histopathological findings in this rarely seen form of skin tuberculosis if the organism cannot be shown to grow in culture.

Consciência sintática: correlações no espectro do autismo / Syntactic awareness: correlations on the autism spectrum

Este estudo avaliou a consciência sintática de dez sujeitos no espectro do autismo (com idades entre 5 anos e 7 meses e 14 anos e 8 meses) e investigou o papel que a consciência sintática desempenha nos padrões de linguagem desses sujeitos. Constatou-se a existência de diferentes perfis linguísticos por meio da Prova de Consciência Sintática (Adaptada). Foram detectados quatro subgrupos com: (a) desempenho inferior em correção de frases agramaticais e frases agramaticais e assemânticas; (b) desempenho inferior em correção de frases agramaticais e assemânticas; (c) desempenho mediano em todos os subtestes e acima da média em julgamento gramatical; e (d) desempenho superior nos quatro subtestes. Esses resultados não são generalizáveis para a população de sujeitos com autismo, mas revelaram evidências da interferência das falhas de habilidades presentes no espectro do autismo nas habilidades envolvidas na realização das tarefas. (AU)

Ten subjects on the autism spectrum (ages ranging from 5 years and 7 months and 14 years and 8 months) were evaluated with the aim of detecting the existence of syntactic awareness and the role it plays in the patterns of language of these subjects. The existence of different language profiles was found through the Syntactic Awareness Test (adapted version). Four subgroups were detected: (a) inferior performance in the correction of ungrammatical sentences and of ungrammatical and non-semantic sentences; (b) inferior performance in the correction of ungrammatical and non-semantic sentences; (c) average performance in all subtests and above average in grammatical judgment; and (d) superior performance in all four subtests. These results are not generalizable for subjects with autism, but reveal evidence of failures in abilities that are present on the autism spectrum with the abilities required for the accomplishment of the tasks. (AU)

Sociocognitive performance in autism spectrum disorders and interference of the therapeutic environment / Desempenho sociocognitivo nos Transtornos do Espectro do Autismo e interferência do ambiente terapêutico

Purpose: To analyze the sociocognitive performance of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders in two environments of language therapy, which differ as to the physical structure. Methods: Ten children and adolescents with ages between 4 and 13 years, of both genders, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders took part in the study. For data collection, eight filming sessions were performed during individual language therapy lasting 30 minutes, being four in a room with conventional environmental organization (common room) and four in a room with specific ambiance [children's interaction core (CIC) room], interspersed during a month. For the analysis of filmed situations, the Sociocognitive Performance Protocol was used and obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: No statistical significance was found in sociocognitive performance of 10 subjects in the common and CIC rooms, although specific differences were observed in some cases. Conclusion: The creation of preestablished physical environments or specific materials is not and should not be considered essential for language therapy. It is noteworthy, however, that the absence of a large volume of statistically significant data does not indicate that the results are not expressive, reiterating the need for further research in the area.

Objetivo: Analisar o desempenho sociocognitivo de crianças e adolescentes com Transtornos do Espectro do Autismo em dois ambientes de terapia de linguagem, que se diferenciam quanto à estruturação do aspecto físico. Métodos: Participaram dez crianças e adolescentes com a faixa etária entre 4 e 13 anos, de ambos os gêneros, com diagnósticos estabelecidos entre os Transtornos do Espectro do Autismo. Para a coleta de dados, foram realizadas oito filmagens durante sessões de terapia de linguagem individual com duração de 30 minutos, sendo quatro em sala com organização ambiental convencional (sala comum) e quatro em sala com ambientação específica (sala NIC), intercaladamente, durante um mês. Para a análise das situações filmadas, foi utilizado o Protocolo de Desempenho Sociocognitivo e os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística. Resultados: Verificou-se que não houve significância estatística no desempenho sociocognitivo dos dez sujeitos na sala comum e na sala NIC, embora tenham sido observadas diferenças específicas em alguns casos. Conclusão: A criação de ambientes físicos preestabelecidos ou materiais específicos não são e não devem ser considerados imprescindíveis para a terapia de linguagem. Ressalta-se, no entanto, que a ausência de um grande volume de dados estatisticamente significativos não indica que os resultados não sejam expressivos, reiterando a necessidade de novas pesquisas na área.

Communication difficulties perceived by parents of children with developmental disorders / Dificuldades de comunicação percebidas pelos pais de crianças com distúrbio do desenvolvimento

INTRODUCTION: The child's inclusion in his/her social-cultural context is very important to his/her adaptation and well-being. The family has a major role as a facilitator of this process. Therefore the difficulties of these families in communicating with children with communication disorders are an important issue to be assessed in order to support orientations to families. PURPOSE: The present study aimed to identify and compare communication difficulties perceived by parents of children with Down Syndrome (DS), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Specific Language Impairment (SLI). METHODS: Information was gathered with the use of a questionnaire with 24 questions regarding the perception of parents about their child communication disorders and the difficulties they identify. The questions were divided into four domains: 1 - Parents' personal difficulties; 2 - Parents' impression about themselves regarding their child; 3 - Parents' impressions about other persons' reactions to their child and 4 - Parents' impression about their child. Sixty parents were the subjects of this study: 20 had children with DS, 20 with SLI and 20 with ASD. All children had ages between 6 and 12 years. RESULTS: It was possible to observe that there was significant difference between the parents of ASD children with those of DS and SLI on the second, third and fourth domains. CONCLUSION: The questionnaire is effective to the identification of the communication disorders of ASD children based on their parents' reports but not to other developmental disorders. .

INTRODUÇÃO: A inserção da criança no contexto sociocultural é de grande importância para a sua adaptação e bem-estar, e a família desempenha um papel primordial como mediadora desse processo, tornando as dificuldades familiares com a comunicação da criança com distúrbios de linguagem um importante aspecto a ser estudado para basear as orientações familiares frequentemente oferecidas a essa população. OBJETIVO: O presente estudo visou identificar e comparar as dificuldades na comunicação percebidas por pais de crianças com Síndrome de Down (SD), com Distúrbio do Espectro do Autismo (DEA) e com Distúrbio Específico de Linguagem (DEL). MÉTODOS: As informações foram colhidas a partir da aplicação de um questionário com 24 questões fechadas envolvendo a percepção dos pais a respeito da comunicação de seu(a) filho(a) e das dificuldades identificadas. Essas 24 questões foram divididas em quatro domínios: 1 - Dificuldades pessoais dos pais; 2 - Impressão dos pais sobre eles próprios em relação aos seus filhos; 3 - Impressões a respeito das atitudes dos outros em relação à criança e 4 - Impressão dos pais em relação aos seus filhos. Participaram desta pesquisa 60 pais, sendo 20 de crianças com SD, 20 de crianças com DEA e 20 de crianças com DEL; todos com idade entre 6 e 12 anos. RESULTADOS: Foi possível observar que houve diferença significativa entre o grupo de pais de crianças com DEA com SD e DEL nos domínios 2, 3 e 4. CONCLUSÃO: O questionário é efetivo para a identificação das dificuldades de comunicação das crianças portadoras de DEA a partir de dados colhidos com seus pais e/ou cuidadores, mas não ...

Dental caries experience, oral health status and treatment needs of dental patients with autism

OBJECTIVES: Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. The aims of this study were to investigate whether children with autism have higher caries prevalence, higher periodontal problems, or more treatment needs than children of a control group of non-autistic patients, and to provide baseline data to enable comparison and future planning of dental services to autistic children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 61 patients with autism aged 6-16 years (45 males and 16 females) attending Dubai and Sharjah Autism Centers were selected for the study. The control group consisted of 61 non-autistic patients chosen from relatives or friends of autistic patients in an attempt to have matched age, sex and socioeconomic status. Each patient received a complete oral and periodontal examination, assessment of caries prevalence, and caries severity. Other conditions assessed were dental plaque, gingivitis, restorations and treatment needs. Chi-square and Fisher's exact test of significance were used to compare groups. RESULTS: The autism group had a male-to-female ratio of 2.8:1. Compared to controls, children with autism had significantly higher decayed, missing or filled teeth than unaffected patients and significantly needed more restorative dental treatment. The restorative index (RI) and Met Need Index (MNI) for the autistic children were 0.02 and 0.3, respectively. The majority of the autistic children either having poor 59.0 percent (36/61) or fair 37.8 percent (23/61) oral hygiene compared with healthy control subjects. Likewise, 97.0 percent (59/61) of the autistic children had gingivitis. CONCLUSIONS: Children with autism exhibited a higher caries prevalence, poor oral hygiene and extensive unmet needs for dental treatment than non-autistic healthy control group. Thus oral health program that emphasizes prevention should be considered of particular importance for children and young people with autism.

Estudo dos potenciais evocados auditivos em autismo / Study of auditory evoked potentials in autism

Background: electrophysiological assessment of hearing in autistic individuals. AIM: to characterize the findings obtained in the electrophysiological assessments of autistic individuals, as well as to compare these to the results obtained for individuals of the same age who present typical development. Method: 16 individuals with autism (study group) and 25 normal individuals (control group), ranging in age from eight to 20 years underwent anamnesis, pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, acoustic immitance measures, brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP), middle latency response (MLR) and cognitive potential (P300). Results: the study group presented altered results in all auditory evoked potentials, showing statistically significant differences when compared to the control group. Concerning the types of alterations found in the study group the following results were observed: higher occurrence of lower brainstem alteration in the BAEP, both (electrode and ear effects occurring simultaneously) in the MLR, and absence of response in the P300. In the quantitative data analysis, statistically significant differences between the groups were found only for the BAEP regarding the latencies of waves III and V and interpeaks I-III and I-V. Conclusion: autistic individuals present altered BAEP and P300, suggesting impairment in the brainstem auditory pathway and corticals / subcorticals areas.

Tema: avaliação eletrofisiológica da audição em indivíduos com autismo. Objetivo: caracterizar os achados das avaliações eletrofisiológicas da audição em indivíduos com autismo, bem como comparar seus resultados aos obtidos em indivíduos com desenvolvimento típico da mesma faixa etária. Método: foram realizadas anamnese, audiometria tonal, logoaudiometria, medidas de imitância acústica, potenciais evocados auditivos de tronco encefálico (PEATE) e de média latência (PEAML), e potencial cognitivo (P300), em 16 indivíduos com autismo (grupo pesquisa) e 25 normais (grupo controle), com idades entre oito e 20 anos. Resultados: o grupo pesquisa apresentou resultados alterados em todos os potenciais evocados auditivos, havendo diferença estatisticamente significante quando comparado ao grupo controle. Foi observada uma maior ocorrência de alteração do tipo tronco encefálico baixo no PEATE, do tipo Ambas no PEAML, e ausência de resposta no P300, para o grupo pesquisa. Na análise dos dados quantitativos, verificou-se que apenas para o PEATE ocorreu diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos, com relação às latências das ondas III e V e interpicos I-III e I-V. Conclusão: indivíduos com autismo apresentam alterações no PEATE e P300, sugerindo comprometimento da via auditiva em tronco encefálico, áreas subcorticais e corticais.

Cerebral Perfusion Abnormalities in Children with Autism and Mental Retardation A Segmental Quantitative SPECT Study.

Autism is a severe developmental disorder, the biological mechanisms of which remain unknown. Hence we conducted this study to assess the cerebral perfusion in 10 children with autism and mental retardation. Five age matched normal children served as controls. These cases were evaluated by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using Tc-99m HMPAO, followed by segmental quantitative evaluation. Generalized hypoperfusion of brain was observed in all 10 cases as compared to controls. Frontal and prefrontal regions revealed maximum hypoperfusion. Subcortical areas also indicated hypoperfusion. We conclude that children with autism have varying levels of perfusion abnormities in brain causing neurophysiologic dysfunction that presents with cognitive and neuropsychological defects.

Hipersensibilidade auditiva no transtorno do espectro autístico: [revisão] / Auditory hypersensitivity in the autistic spectrum disorder: [review]

TEMA: a hipersensibilidade auditiva no transtorno do espectro autístico é citada na literatura desde os primeiros relatos, contudo ainda é pouco explorada, principalmente em relação às causas, diagnóstico e conseqüências da mesma. OBJETIVO: abordar as anormalidades sensório-perceptuais no transtorno do espectro autístico, enfatizando a hipersensibilidade auditiva, e discutir as repercussões no âmbito fonoaudiológico, baseando-se em artigos indexados nas bases de dados Scielo, Lilacs, Web of Science e Medline até setembro de 2007. CONCLUSÃO: as anormalidades sensório-perceptuais acometem em torno de 90 por cento dos autistas, entretanto não há uma única teoria que as expliquem. Do mesmo modo, não se conhece a causa da hipersensibilidade auditiva que é a mais comum delas, com uma prevalência que varia de 15 por cento até 100 por cento. Raros são os estudos sobre a avaliação comportamental, eletroacústica e eletrofisiológica da audição dos autistas que abordam a hipersensibilidade auditiva. Considera-se relevante o diagnóstico precoce dessa alteração, pois assim poder-se-á identificar os marcadores sensoriais atípicos, em especial no âmbito auditivo, e compreender melhor as relações do mesmo com o desenvolvimento da comunicação dos autistas.

BACKGROUND: auditory hypersensitivity in the autistic spectrum disorder has been described in the literature since the very first reports. However, this symptom has not been sufficiently explored, especially regarding possible causes, diagnosis and consequences. AIM: to study sensory-perceptual abnormalities in the autistic spectrum disorder, emphasizing auditory hypersensitivity and to discuss their effects in speech therapy based on the literature found until September 2007 in the following database: Scielo, Lilacs, Web of Science, and Medline. CONCLUSION: sensory-perceptual abnormalities are present in approximately 90 percent of individuals with autism; no theory has been found to explain this fact. Although the cause of auditory hypersensitivity remains unknown, it is the most common sensory-perceptual abnormality - its prevalence ranges between 15 percent to 100 percent. A few rare studies exist on behavioral, electroacoustic and electrophysiological hearing evaluation of autistic children; these studies discuss auditory hypersensitivity. The early diagnosis of this alteration is considered relevant for the possible identification of atypical sensorial markers, especially in hearing and for the better understanding of their impact on the development of communication in autistic individuals.

Control of psychomotor agitation and aggressive behavior in patients with autistic disorder: a retrospective chart review / Controle da agitação psicomotora e agressividade em pacientes com autismo: estudo retrospectivo de revisão de prontuário

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of pharmacotherapy on the symptoms of psychomotor agitation and aggressive behavior in a sample of patients with autistic spectrum disorder. METHOD: The charts of all patients with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder, receiving care for psychomotor agitation and/or aggressive behavior in two psychiatric outpatient departments between 2001 and 2006, were reviewed. The Clinical Global Impression-Severity and -Improvement scales (CGI-S and CGI-I) were applied to the data retrieved from the charts. RESULTS: The majority of the 26 patients included were treated with second-generation antipsychotics. A positive, statistically significant correlation was found between the implementation of pharmacotherapy and a reduction in CGI-S scores (p<0.05). Treatment response in patients with no mental retardation was better than in those mentally retarded (p<0.05). The majority of patients in whom clinical improvement was found following implementation of treatment had participated in at least one form of intervention therapy in addition to the principal treatment (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Second-generation antipsychotics seem to reduce psychomotor agitation and aggressive behavior in patients with autistic spectrum disorder; however, further studies are required to evaluate the side effects of these drugs in relation to their beneficial effects.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do tratamento farmacológico dos sintomas de agitação psicomotora e agressividade em amostra de pacientes com transtorno do espectro autista. MÉTODO: Foram revisados os prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico de transtorno do espectro autista que procuraram atendimento por apresentarem agitação psicomotora e/ou heteroagressividade, atendidos entre 2001 e 2006, em dois ambulatórios de psiquiatria. Para avaliação da evolução dos pacientes aplicou-se às informações do prontuário a escala de Impressão Clínica Global Sintomas (ICG-S) e a Impressão Clínica Global Melhora (ICG-M). RESULTADOS: A maioria dos 26 pacientes estava em tratamento com antipsicóticos de segunda geração. Houve correlação positiva e estatisticamente significativa entre a introdução do tratamento farmacológico e a redução nos escores da ICG-S (p<0,05). A evolução do tratamento farmacológico foi melhor para os pacientes sem retardo mental do que para aqueles com retardo mental (p<0,05). A maioria dos pacientes que obteve melhora clínica com o tratamento participava de ao menos uma intervenção auxiliar ao tratamento principal (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Os antipsicóticos de segunda geração parecem reduzir a agitação psicomotora e agressividade em pacientes com transtorno do espectro autista no Brasil. É necessário que se avaliem os efeitos colaterais em relação aos efeitos benéficos dessas drogas.

Behavior in children with Down syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To highlight the differences in behaviors in children with diagnosis of Down syndrome. METHOD: Eight children with Down syndrome who displayed autistic features were compared with eight Down syndrome children without autistic features. These children were randomly selected and were matched for age and level of retardation. Standardized Psychological tests were administered to tap the behavioral differences. Mann-Whitney U test was used for significance of difference between both the groups. RESULTS: Down syndrome children without Autism Spectrum Disorder had better communication and socialization skills than children with Down syndrome with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Down syndrome children with Autism Spectrum Disorder displayed more restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors, interests and activities. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that Autism Spectrum Disorder manifests as a distinct behavioral phenomenon in Down syndrome. Hence it is important for professionals to consider the possibility of a dual diagnosis which will entitle the child to a more specialized and effective educational and intervention services.

Reconhecimento olfativo nos transtornos invasivos do desenvolvimento / Smell recognition in pervasive developmental disorders

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o reconhecimento olfativo nos transtornos invasivos do desenvolvimento (TID). MÉTODO: Vinte e um adolescentes do sexo masculino com TID (grupo experimental) e 21 controles pareados (grupo controle) foram submetidos a um teste olfativo padronizado, consistindo em doze estímulos, em três momentos distintos: sem nenhuma sugestão quanto à identificação; associados a quatro alternativas lingüísticas para cada estímulo; e reapresentados, 25 dias após, sem alternativas lingüísticas. Avaliaram-se os resultados obtidos através de teste t e análise de variância (p=0,05). RESULTADOS: O grupo experimental apresentou pior desempenho que o controle. Em ambos os grupos, os acertos aumentaram após estímulo e, após 25 dias, os acertos diminuíram, mas mantiveram um nível maior que aquele observado ao momento inicial, sem estímulo (p<0,001). A diferença foi maior após 25 dias, com o grupo experimental apresentando pior memória olfativa do momento anterior (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: O grupo experimental apresentou menores taxas de reconhecimento, independente das pistas anteriormente fornecidas, o que sugere uma dificuldade na associação do fenômeno e seu significado semântico. Mesmo com a nomeação dos odores controlada, a diferença nas taxas de reconhecimento permanece entre os dois grupos, não apenas com padrão deficitário, mas qualitativamente alterado.

AIM: To evaluate smell recognition in pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). METHOD: Twenty-one PDD (experimental group) and 21 matched controls (control group) male adolescents were submitted to a standardized, 12-stimuli, smell battery in three moments: with no identification suggestion; associated to four linguistic alternatives for each stimulus, and submitted again, 25 days after, with no linguistic alternatives. Data was analyzed by t test and variance analysis (p=0,05). RESULTS: The experimental group scored worse than control group. Both groups scored better after stimuli and, after 25 days, scores lowered, but stayed higher than initially, without any stimuli (p<0,001). The gap was higher after 25 days, when the experimental group showed poorer smell memory from initial presentation (p<0,001). CONCLUSION: The experimental group showed lower recognition scores, unrelated to clues previously offered, which suggests a difficulty in phenomena and semantic meaning association. Even after matching odors nomination, the gap of recognition scores remains between groups, not only in a deficitary pattern, but also qualitatively disturbed.

Syndromes and disorders associated with mental retardation.

This article reviews selective comments on the concept of Mental Retardation (MR) in adolescents. Issues covered include the definition, prevalence, and differential diagnosis of MR. Some of the syndromes and disorders associated with MR in the adolescents are also considered with emphasis on the behavioral concerns that may be present in this age group. Finally, concepts of management by the clinician are reviewed. It is recommended that health care professionals caring for adolescents with MR should help these youths maximize their potential as human beings, helping them achieve meaningful functioning in adulthood.

Autistic spectrum disorders.

Autistic spectrum disorders is a complex developmental disorder with social and communication dysfunction at its core. It has a wide clinical spectrum with a common triad of impairments -- social communication, social interaction and social imagination. Even mild or subtle difficulties can have a profound and devastating impact on the child. To be able to provide suitable treatments and interventions the distinctive way of thinking and learning of autistic children has to be understood. The core areas of social, emotional, communication and language deficits have to be addressed at all levels of functioning. The important goals of assessment include a categorical diagnosis of autism that looks at differential diagnosis, a refined precise documentation of the child's functioning in various developmental domains and ascertaining presence of co-morbid conditions. The interventions have to be adapted to the individual's chronological age, developmental phase and level of functioning. The strategies of curriculum delivery and teaching the child with autism is distinctive and includes presence of structure to increase predictability and strategies to reduce arousal of anxiety.

Prevalência de cárie em pacientes autistas / Caries prevalence in autistic patients

Os autistas, no tocante aos aspectos odontológicos, são pacientes de difícil abordagem e características definidas descritas na literatura, como altos índices de placa e má condição periodontal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de cárie nestes pacientes. Foram avaliados 17 pacientes autistas com idade entre 9 e 26 anos (média=15,9 anos), quanto ao índice de cárie (CPO-D) e os resultados obtidos comparados a um grupo controle composto por 17 pacientes com atrasos cognitivos. Para análise dos resultados, foram utilizados testes não paramétricos (Qui-quadrado-X2 e Mann-Whitney). Os resultados mostraram associação significante para o número de pacientes livres de cárie do grupo estudo (p=0,00723) e diferença significantemente maior para o índice de cárie do grupo controle (p=0,0001). Os pacientes autistas, mesmo frente às dificuldades na realização de higiene oral e tratamento odontológico, apresentam baixo índice de cáries. É de fundamental importância melhorar as condições bucais nesses pacientes, quer pela aplicação da Odontologia Preventiva, ou por análises de susceptibilidade a doenças bucais, reduzindo o número de intervenções odontológicas e eliminando fatores potenciais de dor e agitação, melhorando a qualidade de vida.