ABSTRACT
The current dissertation includes seven chapters. Chapter 1 includes my professional background and describes the experiences that led me to study restricted and repetitive behaviors. It also briefly describes my personal journey as an international graduate student. Chapter 2 is devoted to the rich literature that this dissertation is based on. The literature review covers both the foundational and most recent findings in the fields of sensory reactivity, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and autonomic activity, as well as the known relationships between these areas in autistic and non-autistic individuals. In Chapter 3, I describe in detail the methodology used in the current dissertation, including a description of the participants and the study design and analysis choices. Chapters 4 through 6 describe three experimental studies examining different aspects of the relationships between sensory reactivity, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and autonomic activity. Chapter 4 presents findings from a study conducted with both children and adults examining the pupil light reflex as it relates to levels of autistic traits in both age groups. Chapter 5 presents findings from a remote questionnaire study using caregiver-report measures that examines the relationships among sensory reactivity, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and adaptive behaviors in non-autistic children. Chapter 6 extends the questionnaire study of Chapter 5, presenting findings from an in-person study with a subset of children (limited due to restrictions related to COVID-19) that aimed to examine the role of autonomic activity in the relationship between sensory reactivity and restricted and repetitive behaviors in order to begin uncovering the potential mechanisms underlying this relationship. Finally, Chapter 7 is devoted to an overarching conclusion, potential implications, and a description of future plans for my own line of research, which include examining new questions in autistic populations and then extending these questions into the general, broader, population. The motivation behind the research presented in this dissertation is to better understand behaviors that are associated with and prevalent in autism and are also highly stigmatized. Research showing that autistic traits vary widely in the general population can speak to and contribute to the increasing awareness and acceptance of the autistic experience, which is just different, not less. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
The CDC currently estimates 1 in 54 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children with ASD have problemswith social communication, irritability, repetitive behaviors, impulsivity, temper tantrums, and a high caregiver burden.The only medications approved by the FDA for symptoms of ASD are aripiprazole and risperidone. Both of these areused to reduce irritability but have short-term and long-term side effects. During year 3 of this project, we continued ourefforts in screening and enrolling patients both at AECOM-MMC site and NYU site. We have also adapted study protocolto the COVID-19 pandemic situation making 5 out of 9 visits of study participants remote, and received acknowledgementfrom ORP HRPO that these changes do not require HRPO approval prior to implementation.Study is ongoing. Prior to COVID-19 pandemic onset, we have projected a total of 50 subjects enrolled by end of August2020 end of year 3 at the two sites, including AECOM/MMC and NYU. Total number of subjects enrolled at AECOM/MMCsite is 18. Therefore 18 subjects were screened, 12 subjects randomized, 3 subjects are waiting to be randomized, 2subjects are currently active, and 10 subjects have completed the study. Total number of subjects enrolled at NYU siteis 4 to date. Therefore 4 subjects were screened and 4 are waiting to be randomized.This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study will test the efficacy and safety of a new medication,cannabidivarin (CBDV), to treat autism in children ages 5-18. CBDV is non-psychoactive, is derived from the cannabisplant, but has effects opposite to THC. Approximately 100 patients will be enrolled at Montefiore and NYU sites duringthe duration of the study. The study lasts up to 16 weeks, and during this time, patients will undergo 9 study visits. Mood,social and cognitive functions will be assessed by the means of research questionnaires. All adverse effects will bereported.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a global crisis that has affected the emotional health of both the general and the clinical population. METHOD: The present study aimed to analyze the differences between the emotional states of a group of individuals with ASD and a neurotypical group both during and after the COVID-19 confinement. The study also examined the changes in autistic symptoms between a group of individuals with ASD who were confined during the COVID-19 pandemic and another group of individuals with ASD who were studied prior to the COVID-19 pandemic period. RESULTS: Higher levels of aggression, irritability, hyperactivity and impulsivity, lack of attention and anxiety, among other symptoms, were found in individuals with ASD during confinement when compared to healthy controls (p < .05; p < .01). Higher levels of repetitive, restrictive, and stereotyped behaviors were also found in pandemic-era ASD individuals when compared to the group of individuals with ASD who were assessed prior to the pandemic (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: the confinement is related to an increase in symptomatology and dysfunctional behaviours characteristic of ASD, and therefore it is necessary to implement actions that help to reduce this impact now, as well as in future crisis events.