Ketamine modulates the exploratory dynamics and homebase-related behaviors of adult zebrafish.

Anxiety can be a protective emotion when animals face aversive conditions, but is commonly associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders when pathologically exacerbated. Drug repurposing has emerged as a valuable strategy based on utilizing the existing pharmaceuticals for new therapeutic purposes. Ketamine, traditionally used as an anesthetic, acts as a non-competitive antagonist of the glutamate N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, and shows potential anxiolytic and antidepressant effects at subanesthetic doses. However, the influence of ketamine on multiple behavioral domains in vertebrates is not completely understood. Here, we evaluated the potential modulatory effect of ketamine on the spatio-temporal exploratory dynamics and homebase-related behaviors in adult zebrafish using the open field test (OFT). Animals were exposed to subanesthetic concentrations of ketamine (0, 2, 20, and 40 mg/L) for 20 min and their locomotion-, exploration- and homebase-related behaviors were assessed in a single 30-min trial. Our data revealed that acute ketamine (20 and 40 mg/L) induced hyperlocomotion, as verified by the increased total distance traveled. All concentrations tested elicited circling behavior, a stereotyped-like response which gradually reduced across the periods of test. We also observed modulatory effects of ketamine on the spatio-temporal exploratory pattern, in which the reduced thigmotaxis and homebase activity, associated with the increased average length of trips, suggest anxiolytic-like effects. Collectively, our findings support the modulatory effects of ketamine on the spatio-temporal exploratory activity, and corroborate the utility of homebase-related measurements to evaluate the behavioral dynamics in zebrafish models.

O que é a ecolalia para o autismo segundo a literatura? / What is echolalia for autism according to the literature?

Objetivo: Descrever, segundo a literatura, a relação entre o Transtorno do Espectro Autista e a ecolalia. Método: Realizou-se uma revisão integrativa da literatura científica na BVS, PubMed e Scielo, utilizando os descritores DECS/MESH "Transtorno do Espectro Autista AND ecolalia" e "Autism Spectrum Disorder AND Echolalia" combinados pelo operador booleano "AND". Resultados: Predominaram estudos qualitativos (35,7%) com baixo nível de evidência (92,8%). A maioria das pesquisas (78,6%) foi conduzida nos Estados Unidos da América em 2021, com participantes de 1 a 40 anos, sendo a ecolalia frequentemente observada em crianças de 2 anos (28,6%). A abordagem ao tratamento da ecolalia foi mencionada em apenas 21,4% dos estudos, destacando métodos comportamentais. Conclusão: A ecolalia, fenômeno persistente no TEA, é uma notável peculiaridade na comunicação verbal, apresentando variações imediatas, tardias e mitigadas. Suas implicações continuam a desafiar o desenvolvimento e as intervenções clínicas.(AU)

Objective: To describe, based on the literature, the relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder and echolalia. Method: An integrative review of scientific literature was conducted using BVS, PubMed, and Scielo databases, employing the DECS/MESH descriptors "Autism Spectrum Disorder AND echolalia" and "Autism Spectrum Disorder AND Echolalia" combined with the Boolean operator "AND." Results: Qualitative studies predominated (35.7%) with low levels of evidence (92.8%). The majority of research (78.6%) was conducted in the United States in 2021, involving participants aged 1 to 40, with echolalia frequently observed in 2-year-old children (28.6%). The approach to echolalia treatment was mentioned in only 21.4% of the studies, emphasizing behavioral methods. Conclusion: Echolalia, a persistent phenomenon in Autism Spectrum Disorder, represents a notable peculiarity in verbal communication, exhibiting immediate, delayed, and mitigated variations. Its implications continue to challenge development and clinical interventions.(AU)

Objetivo: Describir, según la literatura, la relación entre el Trastorno del Espectro Autista y la ecolalia. Método: Se realizó una revisión integrativa de la literatura científica en las bases de datos BVS, PubMed y Scielo, utilizando los descriptores DECS/MESH "Trastorno del Espectro Autista AND ecolalia" y "Autism Spectrum Disorder AND Echolalia" combinados con el operador booleano "AND". Resultados: Predominaron los estudios cualitativos (35,7%) con un bajo nivel de evidencia (92,8%). La mayoría de las investigaciones (78,6%) se llevaron a cabo en Estados Unidos en 2021, con participantes de 1 a 40 años, siendo la ecolalia observada con frecuencia en niños de 2 años (28,6%). El enfoque para el tratamiento de la ecolalia se mencionó solo en el 21,4% de los estudios, destacando métodos conductuales. Conclusión: La ecolalia, un fenómeno persistente en el Trastorno del Espectro Autista, representa una notable peculiaridad en la comunicación verbal, mostrando variaciones inmediatas, tardías y mitigadas. Sus implicaciones siguen desafiando el desarrollo y las intervenciones clínicas.(AU)

Treinadoras e auxiliares do futebol de mulheres no Brasil: subversão e resistência na liderança esportiva / Women's football coaches and assistant coaches in Brazil: subversion and resistance in sports leadership / Entrenadoras y auxiliares del fútbol femenino en Brasil: subversión y resistencia en el liderazgo deportivo

Resumo Fundamentada nos estudos culturais e de gênero, esta pesquisa analisa a representatividade de mulheres em cargos de treinadora e auxiliar no futebol de mulheres, buscando identificar as estratégias de subversão e resistência adotadas para sua inserção e permanência. Os materiais de análise foram os discursos das participantes aliados a fontes documentais, como notícias e produções acadêmicas. A análise evidencia que as profissionais conquistaram o acesso aos cargos em decorrência das experiências como líderes enquanto atletas e/ou estagiárias e por seus altos níveis de capacitação. Elas asseguram sua permanência ao atestarem diariamente sua competência, mantendo o nível de capacitação e superando estereótipos de gênero. Elas personificam a eminente resistência oferecida pelas mulheres em espaços tradicionalmente reservados aos homens, tensionando as relações de poder. Contudo, a consolidação de uma condição equânime requer investimento financeiro e, sobretudo, empenho na desconstrução de estereótipos de gênero.

Abstract Based on cultural and gender studies, this research analyzes women's representativeness as coaches and assistant coaches in women's football, seeking to identify the subversion and resistance strategies adopted for their inclusion and permanence. The analysis focused on participants' speeches and document sources such as news articles and academic works. It shows how professionals gained access to the roles resulting from their leadership experiences as athletes and/or interns and for their high capacity. They ensure their permanence by attesting their competence on a daily basis, maintaining their level of ability and overcoming gender stereotypes. They personify the eminent resistance offered by women in spaces traditionally reserved for men, thus tensioning power relations. However, the consolidation of equal conditions requires financial investment and, above all, a commitment to deconstructing gender stereotypes.

Resumen Fundamentada en los estudios culturales y de género, esta investigación analiza la representatividad de mujeres en cargos de entrenadora y auxiliar en el fútbol femenino, buscando identificar las estrategias de subversión y resistencia adoptadas para lograr su inserción y permanencia. Los materiales de análisis fueron los discursos de las participantes, aliados a fuentes documentales, como noticias y producciones académicas. El análisis muestra que las profesionales conquistaron su acceso a los cargos debido a sus experiencias de liderazgo como atletas y por sus altos niveles de capacitación. Aseguran su permanencia probando diariamente su competencia y superando los estereotipos de género. Encarnan la resistencia ofrecida por las mujeres en espacios tradicionalmente reservados a los hombres, tensando las relaciones de poder. Sin embargo, la consolidación de una condición de ecuanimidad requiere inversión financiera y, sobre todo, un compromiso con la deconstrucción de los estereotipos de género.

Profiling of behavioral effects evoked by ketamine and the role of 5HT2 and D2 receptors in ketamine-induced locomotor sensitization in mice.

Ketamine has addictive potential, a troublesome fact due to its promising use as a therapeutic drug. An important phenomenon associated with drug addiction is behavioral sensitization, usually characterized as augmented locomotion. However, other behaviors may also be susceptible to sensitization, and/or interfere with locomotor activity. Thus, this study drew a comprehensive behavioral 'profiling' in an animal model of repeated administration of ketamine. Adult Swiss mice received single daily ketamine injections (30 or 50 mg/Kg, i.p.), which were followed by open field testing for 7 days (acquisition period, ACQ). A ketamine challenge (sensitization test, ST) was carried out after a 5-day withdrawal. Locomotion, rearing, grooming, rotation and falling were assessed during ACQ and ST. All behaviors were affected from the first ACQ day onwards, with no indication of competition between locomotion and the other behaviors. Only locomotion in response to 30 mg/Kg of ketamine both escalated during ACQ and expressed increased levels at ST, evidencing development and expression of locomotor sensitization. Considering the involvement of serotonin 5HT(2) and dopamine D(2) receptors on addiction mechanisms, we further tested the involvement of these receptors in ketamine-induced sensitization. Ketanserin (5HT2 antagonist, 3 mg/Kg, s.c.) prevented ketamine-evoked development of locomotor sensitization. However, ketanserin pretreatment during ACQ failed to inhibit its expression during ST. Raclopride (D2 antagonist, 0.5 mg/Kg, s.c.) evoked less robust reductions in locomotion but prevented the development of ketamine-evoked sensitization. Pretreatment during ACQ further inhibited the expression of sensitization during ST. These results indicate that a partial overlap in serotonergic and dopaminergic mechanisms underlies ketamine-induced locomotor sensitization.

Differences in Cortical Structure and Functional MRI Connectivity in High Functioning Autism.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) represent a complex group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by deficits in communication and social behaviors. We examined the functional connectivity (FC) of the default mode network (DMN) and its relation to multimodal morphometry to investigate superregional, system-level alterations in a group of 22 adolescents and young adults with high-functioning autism compared to age-, and intelligence quotient-matched 29 healthy controls. The main findings were that ASD patients had gray matter (GM) reduction, decreased cortical thickness and larger cortical surface areas in several brain regions, including the cingulate, temporal lobes, and amygdala, as well as increased gyrification in regions associated with encoding visual memories and areas of the sensorimotor component of the DMN, more pronounced in the left hemisphere. Moreover, patients with ASD had decreased connectivity between the posterior cingulate cortex, and areas of the executive control component of the DMN and increased FC between the anteromedial prefrontal cortex and areas of the sensorimotor component of the DMN. Reduced cortical thickness in the right inferior frontal lobe correlated with higher social impairment according to the scores of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). Reduced cortical thickness in left frontal regions, as well as an increased cortical thickness in the right temporal pole and posterior cingulate, were associated with worse scores on the communication domain of the ADI-R. We found no association between scores on the restrictive and repetitive behaviors domain of ADI-R with structural measures or FC. The combination of these structural and connectivity abnormalities may help to explain some of the core behaviors in high-functioning ASD and need to be investigated further.

Monitoramento não invasivo do estresse em animais silvestres mantidos em cativeiro / Non-invasive monitoring of stress in captive wild animals

Nas últimas décadas a preocupação com o bem-estar de animais criados em cativeiro foi intensificada e paralelamente, houve aumento da demanda por estudos relacionados à avaliação do bem-estar desses animais. Uma das maneiras de avaliar o estresse dos animais é realizar o monitoramento não invasivo por meio da quantificação da concentração de metabólitos de glicocorticóides em amostras de fezes. Esta técnica é conveniente porque causa pouca perturbação na coleta de amostras sem necessidade de imobilização dos animais, além disso, a coleta diária das fezes faz parte da rotina dos animais criados em cativeiro. A elevação na concentração de metabólitos de glicocorticoides, contudo, nem sempre está relacionada ao bem-estar empobrecido. Alguns exemplos confirmam que comportamentos positivos ao bem-estar dos animais, tais como a brincadeira, cópula e o uso de enriquecimento ambiental também estimulam a produção e elevação de glicocorticoides pelo eixo hipotálamo-pituitária-adrenal. Além disso, animais com estresse crônico também podem se habituar às condições do ambiente e apresentarem baixa produção de glicocorticoides. Dessa forma, além do monitoramento fisiológico, é recomendada a análise das respostas comportamentais para acessar o estresse. O aparecimento ou aumento na ocorrência ou frequência de comportamentos potencialmente indicadores de estresse, como pacing e outros comportamentos estereotipados, podem denotar bem-estar empobrecido.Nesse artigo, portanto, foi feita uma revisão sobre métodos usados para monitoramento não invasivo do estresse, em animais neotropicais criados em cativeiro, destacando as lacunas no conhecimento atual, para estimular novos estudos que determinem ferramentas para o monitoramento do bem-estar desses animais.

In recent decades, concerns about the welfare of captive-bred animals have intensified and, in parallel, measures addressed to evaluating the effects of an artificial environment and animal welfare are in demand. One way to assess animal stress is to perform noninvasive monitoring by evaluating the concentration of glucocorticoid metabolites in samples of feces. This technique is safe, convenient and practical, because there is no need to immobilize the animals, and feces collection is part of the daily routine adopted in captive breeding, so it hardly disturbs the subjects. The evaluation, however, needs to be interpreted with caution, because a rise in the concentration of glucocorticoid metabolites is not always related to poor welfare. For instance, positive behaviors such as play, copula and environmental enrichment can also increase glucocorticoid production by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenalaxis. In addition, animals with chronic stress may become habituated to their conditions and present a low production of glucocorticoid. Therefore, besides monitoring physiology, it is advisable to analyze behavioral responses toassess stress. The emergence or increase in the occurrence or frequency of behavior that is potentially indicative of stress,such as pacing and other stereotyped behaviors, may denote poor animal welfare. Therefore, in this paper we reviewed the methods used for non-invasive monitoring of physiological stress in Neotropical animals kept in captivity and highlighted the gaps to stimulate further research.

Monitoramento não invasivo do estresse em animais silvestres mantidos em cativeiro / Non-invasive monitoring of stress in captive wild animals

Nas últimas décadas a preocupação com o bem-estar de animais criados em cativeiro foi intensificada e paralelamente, houve aumento da demanda por estudos relacionados à avaliação do bem-estar desses animais. Uma das maneiras de avaliar o estresse dos animais é realizar o monitoramento não invasivo por meio da quantificação da concentração de metabólitos de glicocorticóides em amostras de fezes. Esta técnica é conveniente porque causa pouca perturbação na coleta de amostras sem necessidade de imobilização dos animais, além disso, a coleta diária das fezes faz parte da rotina dos animais criados em cativeiro. A elevação na concentração de metabólitos de glicocorticoides, contudo, nem sempre está relacionada ao bem-estar empobrecido. Alguns exemplos confirmam que comportamentos positivos ao bem-estar dos animais, tais como a brincadeira, cópula e o uso de enriquecimento ambiental também estimulam a produção e elevação de glicocorticoides pelo eixo hipotálamo-pituitária-adrenal. Além disso, animais com estresse crônico também podem se habituar às condições do ambiente e apresentarem baixa produção de glicocorticoides. Dessa forma, além do monitoramento fisiológico, é recomendada a análise das respostas comportamentais para acessar o estresse. O aparecimento ou aumento na ocorrência ou frequência de comportamentos potencialmente indicadores de estresse, como pacing e outros comportamentos estereotipados, podem denotar bem-estar empobrecido.Nesse artigo, portanto, foi feita uma revisão sobre métodos usados para monitoramento não invasivo do estresse, em animais neotropicais criados em cativeiro, destacando as lacunas no conhecimento atual, para estimular novos estudos que determinem ferramentas para o monitoramento do bem-estar desses animais.(AU)

In recent decades, concerns about the welfare of captive-bred animals have intensified and, in parallel, measures addressed to evaluating the effects of an artificial environment and animal welfare are in demand. One way to assess animal stress is to perform noninvasive monitoring by evaluating the concentration of glucocorticoid metabolites in samples of feces. This technique is safe, convenient and practical, because there is no need to immobilize the animals, and feces collection is part of the daily routine adopted in captive breeding, so it hardly disturbs the subjects. The evaluation, however, needs to be interpreted with caution, because a rise in the concentration of glucocorticoid metabolites is not always related to poor welfare. For instance, positive behaviors such as play, copula and environmental enrichment can also increase glucocorticoid production by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenalaxis. In addition, animals with chronic stress may become habituated to their conditions and present a low production of glucocorticoid. Therefore, besides monitoring physiology, it is advisable to analyze behavioral responses toassess stress. The emergence or increase in the occurrence or frequency of behavior that is potentially indicative of stress,such as pacing and other stereotyped behaviors, may denote poor animal welfare. Therefore, in this paper we reviewed the methods used for non-invasive monitoring of physiological stress in Neotropical animals kept in captivity and highlighted the gaps to stimulate further research.(AU)

Prevalence of stereotypies in thoroughbred race horses at Club Hípico Concepción, Chile / Prevalencia de estereotipias en caballos fina sangre de carrera del Club Hípico Concepción, Chile

Objective. To determine the prevalence of classic stereotypies in Thoroughbred racehorses at the Club Hípico Concepción (CHC) in Chile and its association with sex and age. Materials and methods. The entire population of resident horses at the CHC was studied (n=341). Each horse trainer (n=23) was asked for the name, sex and age of the horses under his/her supervision. After that, all the animals were continuously observed inside their stalls for 8 hours by only one person, to record the absence or presence of classic stereotypies (cribbing, weaving, stall-walking). To analyze the data, the animals were divided by sex into 3 groups: stallions, geldings and mares. According to age, they were divided into 2 groups: < 5 years old and 5 years old or more. Descriptive statistics were used and association was tested using the chi square test using p≤0.05. Results. 13.2% of all CHC's horses displayed stereotypies: cribbing (4.99%), weaving (2.93%) and stall-walking (5.28%). No association was found between the presence of stereotypies and sex or age. Conclusions. Thoroughbred race horses at the CHC showed a high prevalence of classic stereotypies, especially stall-walking.

Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de estereotipias clásicas en caballos fina sangre de carrera (FSC) del Club Hípico Concepción (CHC), Chile y su asociación con el sexo y la edad. Materiales y métodos. Se estudió la totalidad de los caballos FSC (n=341) residentes en el CHC. A cada entrenador (n=23), se le consultó nombre, sexo y edad de los caballos a su cargo. Luego, con la finalidad de detectar la presencia o ausencia de estereotipias clásicas (aerofagia, balanceo y caminar en pesebrera), durante 8 horas una sola persona observó directamente los caballos mientras se encontraban en sus pesebreras. Los caballos se dividieron por sexo en 3 grupos: machos enteros, machos castrados y hembras. De acuerdo con la edad se dividieron en 2 grupos: <5 años y 5 años o más. Los resultados en la parte descriptiva se entregan como porcentajes simples y para el análisis estadístico de las variables sexo y edad, se utilizó la prueba de X2, con un nivel de significancia de p<0.05. Resultados. El 13.2% de los caballos de CHC presentaron estereotipias: aerofagia (4.99%), balanceo (2.93%) y caminar en pesebrera (5.28%). No se encontró asociación entre la presencia de estereotipias y las variables sexo y edad. Conclusiones. Los caballos FSC del CHC presentan una alta prevalencia de estereotipias clásicas, principalmente caminar en pesebrera.

Estereotipos negativos de la vejez en personal de salud de un Hospital de la Ciudad de Querétaro, México / Prevalence of negative stereotypes towards old age among personnel of a general hospital

Background: Social representations are value systems. Social stereotypes are a social consensus of traits associated with a specific group. Stereotypes about older subjects, generally have negative connotations. Aim: To assess the prevalence of negative stereotypes towards older subjects among health care personnel. Material and Methods: A questionnaire about stereotypes towards old age, with Likert type questions that included health, social motivations and personality-character domains, was applied to 52 doctors, 12 residents, 80 general nurses, 36 auxiliary nurses, four social workers and 10 medical assistants, working at a general hospital. Results: The mean age of the professionals who answered the questionnaire was 38 years (95 percent confidence intervals (CI) 37-39 years) and 78 percent were women. The prevalence of a Global negative stereotype was 65.0 percent(95 percent CI: 59.5-70.5). The figure for the health domain was 64.5 percent (IC95 percent; 59.0-70.0), for the social motivation domain was 60 percent(5 percentCI: 54.3-65.7) and for the character personality domain was 64 percent (95 percentCI: 58.4-69.6). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of a negative stereotype towards old age among health care personnel.

Efeitos da exposição de ratos adultos ao lipopolissacarídeo (LPS) no comportamento estereotipado e na catatonia experimental / Effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration on stereotypy and catatonia of male adult mice

Introdução - O lipopolissacarídeo (LPS), um componente da parede celular de bactérias gram-negativas age como um pirógeno exógeno, induzindo os macrófagos a liberar citocinas como o Fator de Necrose Tumoral (TNF), e Interleucinas 1, 6 e 8, entre outras. Dentre as ações das citocinas que alteram diferentes funções do organismo e são mediadas pelo SNC citam-se a febre, as alterações neuroendócrinas, alterações no sono e outras alterações comportamentais (atividades exploratórias, sexuais e sociais). Ainda não há um entendimento definitivo de como os processos sistêmicos ativam o SNC. Algumas evidências indicam que o LPS produz lesão em sistemas dopaminérgicos centrais, envolvendo processos inflamatórios como a etiologia da doença de Parkinson. Desde que esta resulta de lesões em sistemas dopaminérgicos nigroestriatais,o presente trabalho investigou os efeitos da administração aguda de LPS em comportamentos ligados ao sistema dopaminérgico central, a estereotipia e a catatonia induzidas por anfetamina e haloperidol, respectivamente, agonistas e antagonistas dopaminérgicos centrais. Material e Métodos - Camundongos receberam 100 ug/kg de LPS e foram observados em campo aberto. O comportamento estereotipado induzido por 2 mg/kg de anfetamina e a catatonia induzida pelo haloperidol (4 mg/kg) foram observadas em animais tratados ou não com LPS. Resultados - O LPS reduziu a atividade geral dos animais em campo aberto e no comportamento estereotipado induzido pela anfetamina. Por outro lado, observou-se persistência na catatonia induzida pelo haloperidol, resultando em maior intensidade do mesmo. Conclusões - Estes dados permitiram sugerir que o processo inflamatório induzido pelo lipopolissacarídeo interfere com sistemas dopaminérgicos nigroestriais, porém estes resultados necessitam ser investigados em estudos mais aprofundados.

Introduction - The lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is a component of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria acting as an exogenous pirogen by release from macrophage cytokines as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), and Interleucinas 1, 6 and 8.among others. Cytokines affect different functions of the body and that are mediated by SNC is fever, neuroendocrine changes, interference in sleep and other behavioral changes (exploratory activity, sexual and social). Some evidence indicates that the LPS produces damage in central dopaminergic systems, involving inflammatory processes such as the etiology of Parkinson's disease. Since this is the result of injuries in dopaminergic nigroestriatal system, this work investigated the effects of acute administration of LPS in behaviors related to the central dopaminergic system, the stereotypy and catatonia induced by haloperidol and amphetamine, respectively, central dopaminergic agonists and antagonists. Material and Methods - Rats received 100 ug/kg LPS and were observed in an open to determine the time-curve effect. The stereotyped behavior induced by 2 mg/kg of amphetamine and catatonia induced by haloperidol (4 mg / kg) were observed in animals treated with LPS or not. Results - LPS reduced the overall activity of the animals in the open and the stereotypy induced by amphetamine significantly. Furthermore, there was persistent in catatonia induced by haloperidol, resulting in greater intensity of it. Conclusions - These data suggest that the inflammatory process induced by LPS interferes with nigroestriaL dopaminergic systems.

As relações entre deficiência visual congênita, condutas do espectro do autismo e estilo materno de interação / Possible relations among congenital blindness, autistic features and maternal interaction style

Este trabalho examina a possível ocorrência das condutas do espectro do autismo em crianças portadoras de deficiência visual congênita e focaliza os comprometimentos da habilidade de atenção compartilhada, da capacidade simbólica e de estereotipias motoras, além de investigar o estilo diretivo de interação das mães ao tentar engajar os seus filhos em brincadeiras. Participaram do estudo oito díades mãe-criança distribuídas em dois grupos: quatro com deficiência visual congênita e quatro com desenvolvimento típico. Realizou-se uma entrevista sociodemográfica e de desenvolvimento da criança com as mães e uma sessão de vídeo da interação mãe-criança em laboratório. Os resultados mostraram que duas das crianças com deficiência visual congênita apresentaram uma freqüência maior de comprometimentos de habilidade de atenção compartilhada comparadas às crianças com desenvolvimento típico, e duas crianças com deficiência visual congênita apresentaram estereotipias motoras, porém com baixa freqüência. Apenas uma das mães das crianças com deficiência visual congênita apresentou maior freqüência de diretividade materna comparada à mãe da criança com desenvolvimento típico, contrariando a expectativa inicial. Observou-se a ocorrência de brinquedo simbólico no grupo das crianças com deficiência visual congênita. Esses resultados contrariam algumas das expectativas da literatura. Conclui-se que as crianças com deficiência visual congênita não estão necessariamente em risco para desenvolver condutas do espectro do autismo.

This study has examined the occurrence of autistic features in children with congenital blindness. Joint attention and symbolic play deficits, and stereotyped body movements were focused. Mother's interaction style was also investigated during playing episodes, while they were trying to engage their children . Eight child-mother dyads, 4 with congenital blindness and 4 sighted children were studied. A home-based interview about child's development and socio-demographic data has been performed, and a free-play session was conducted. Free-play sessions were used for coding both maternal and infant behaviors. The results, that are out of the literature expectations, have brought up only two blind children showed higher play deficits frequencies, and only one mother from the congenital blindness children group who had presented more maternal directive posture compared to the sighted children's mothers. It was also noted the presence of symbolic play in the congenital blindness group. These results suggest that children with congenital blindness may not be at risk, considering the autistic features development, as long as they are properly stimulated by their caregivers who are sensible to their cues and needs.