2024
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of atypical visual attention towards non‐social stimuli in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder
Hinz J, Eikeseth F, Chawarska K, Eikeseth S. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of atypical visual attention towards non‐social stimuli in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research 2024 PMID: 39503176, DOI: 10.1002/aur.3261.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchNon-social stimuliAutism spectrum disorderCircumscribed interestsSpectrum disorderAtypical visual attentionAttentional biasRelated stimuliASD groupStimulus dimensionsAttention allocationSymptom severityStimulus typeCompare attentionVisual attentionEye trackingStimuliAutismMeta-analysisPreschoolDisordersChildrenMeta-regressionFindingsAttentionTDClinician-caregiver informant discrepancy is associated with sex, diagnosis age, and intervention use among autistic children.
Azu M, Han G, Wolf J, Naples A, Chawarska K, Dawson G, Bernier R, Jeste S, Dziura J, Webb S, Sugar C, Shic F, McPartland J. Clinician-caregiver informant discrepancy is associated with sex, diagnosis age, and intervention use among autistic children. Autism 2024, 13623613241279999. PMID: 39344965, DOI: 10.1177/13623613241279999.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAutism-related behaviorsAutism featuresClinician ratingsParent ratingsInformant discrepanciesCaregiver ratingsCaregiver reportsAutism diagnosisAutistic childrenChild sexAutismCaregiver perceptionsIntervention useClinicians' perceptionsAssociated with sexCaregiversChildrenDiagnosis ageCliniciansOlder ageInterventionPerceptionGirlsSexAgeSpatiotemporal Eye Movement Dynamics Reveal Altered Face Prioritization in Early Visual Processing Among Autistic Children
Griffin J, Naples A, Bernier R, Chawarska K, Dawson G, Dziura J, Faja S, Jeste S, Kleinhans N, Sugar C, Webb S, Shic F, McPartland J, Trials A. Spatiotemporal Eye Movement Dynamics Reveal Altered Face Prioritization in Early Visual Processing Among Autistic Children. Biological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience And Neuroimaging 2024 PMID: 39237004, DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.08.017.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchReduced social attentionEye movement patternsSocial attentionVisual processingLongitudinal time pointsClinical features of autismContext of social perceptionAutism symptom severityFeatures of autismEarly visual processingWell-characterized sampleFace regionSymptom severityNeurotypical childrenAdaptive functioningExploratory patternsSocial difficultiesSocial perceptionAutismAutistic ChildrenFace informationTime pointsAssociated with clinical featuresFace recognitionDecreased likelihoodFamily history of psychiatric conditions and development of siblings of children with autism
Bellia G, Chang J, Liew Z, Vernetti A, Macari S, Powell K, Chawarska K. Family history of psychiatric conditions and development of siblings of children with autism. Autism Research 2024, 17: 1665-1676. PMID: 38896553, PMCID: PMC11341253, DOI: 10.1002/aur.3175.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchSiblings of childrenNeuropsychiatric disordersFamilies of childrenFamily history of schizophreniaYounger siblings of childrenHistory of psychiatric conditionsHistory of schizophreniaYounger siblingsAssess autism symptomsNonverbal IQAutism symptomsBipolar disorderIntellectual disabilityPsychiatric conditionsSubclinical symptomsAdaptive skillsSocial affectAdaptive functioningAutismFamily historyParent interviewsFamily factorsMultiple regression analysisDevelopmental outcomesDisordersEarly executive functioning predicts externalizing problems in neurodiverse preschoolers
All K, Chawarska K, Macari S. Early executive functioning predicts externalizing problems in neurodiverse preschoolers. Autism Research 2024, 17: 1053-1065. PMID: 38476104, PMCID: PMC11251695, DOI: 10.1002/aur.3109.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchExecutive functionExternalizing problemsAutism spectrum disorderAutism symptomsDevelopment of externalizing problemsSocial functioningEffect of executive functionSeverity of autism symptomsNeurodevelopmental disordersPredictors of externalizing behaviorExecutive function impairmentEarly executive functionEarly preschool yearsIncreased externalizing problemsEarly preventive interventionsPeer rejectionExternalizing behaviorsIncreased anxietySpectrum disorderPreschool yearsParenting stressIdentification of vulnerable childrenAutismFunctional impairmentTemperament
2023
Face‐to‐face live eye‐tracking in toddlers with autism: Feasibility and impact of familiarity and face covering
Vernetti A, Butler M, Banarjee C, Boxberger A, All K, Macari S, Chawarska K. Face‐to‐face live eye‐tracking in toddlers with autism: Feasibility and impact of familiarity and face covering. Autism Research 2023, 17: 1381-1390. PMID: 38009948, DOI: 10.1002/aur.3060.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAutism spectrum disorderEye-tracking methodsSocial partnersAtypical developmentSocial attentionFace interactionEye-tracking taskEye-tracking procedureGroup of toddlersImpact of familiarityNeutral affectTask completion rateUnfamiliar personDiminished attentionAffective responsesSpectrum disorderNeurodevelopmental vulnerabilityParent conditionInteractive partnersIntervention outcomesInteractive faceAutismToddlersReal-world dynamicsTask
2022
A generalizable connectome-based marker of in-scan sustained attention in neurodiverse youth
Horien C, Greene A, Shen X, Fortes D, Brennan-Wydra E, Banarjee C, Foster R, Donthireddy V, Butler M, Powell K, Vernetti A, Mandino F, O'Connor D, Lake E, McPartland J, Volkmar F, Chun M, Chawarska K, Rosenberg M, Scheinost D, Constable R. A generalizable connectome-based marker of in-scan sustained attention in neurodiverse youth. Cerebral Cortex 2022, 33: 6320-6334. PMID: 36573438, PMCID: PMC10183743, DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac506.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAttention taskAttentional stateConnectome-based predictive modelingNeurodiverse conditionsSustained attention taskAttention network modelSample of youthNeurotypical participantsSustained attentionBrain correlatesNeurobiological correlatesAttention networkIndividual participantsSeparate samplesYouthParticipantsHead motionTaskCorrelatesAttentionAutismConfoundsNetwork modelGeneralizesHealthcare settingsHypoconnectivity between anterior insula and amygdala associates with future vulnerabilities in social development in a neurodiverse sample of neonates
Scheinost D, Chang J, Lacadie C, Brennan-Wydra E, Foster R, Boxberger A, Macari S, Vernetti A, Constable RT, Ment LR, Chawarska K. Hypoconnectivity between anterior insula and amygdala associates with future vulnerabilities in social development in a neurodiverse sample of neonates. Scientific Reports 2022, 12: 16230. PMID: 36171268, PMCID: PMC9517994, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20617-6.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsFirst Year InventoryAnterior insulaFunctional connectivityMaternal mental health factorsLeft anterior insulaState functional connectivityMental health factorsSubsample of participantsPostmenstrual ageSalience networkFamily historySocial domainsNeural circuitryAutismSocial behaviorBrain imagingHigher likelihoodInsulaSocial developmentHypoconnectivityExploratory analysisThird trimesterFuture onsetHealth factorsRisk scoreAttention to audiovisual speech does not facilitate language acquisition in infants with familial history of autism
Chawarska K, Lewkowicz D, Feiner H, Macari S, Vernetti A. Attention to audiovisual speech does not facilitate language acquisition in infants with familial history of autism. Journal Of Child Psychology And Psychiatry 2022, 63: 1466-1476. PMID: 35244219, DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13595.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsExpressive language scoresLanguage outcomesAudiovisual cuesSpeaker's faceLanguage scoresLanguage acquisitionLanguage delayBetter language outcomesSiblings of childrenFamilial riskLow familial riskPoor language outcomesLow-risk infantsAudiovisual speechIntact attentionSpeech cuesHigh familial riskPromising endophenotypeASD diagnosisSpeech processingCuesHigh-risk infantsAutismASDFace
2020
Sex Differences in Gender‐Diverse Expressions and Identities among Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Brunissen L, Rapoport E, Chawarska K, Adesman A. Sex Differences in Gender‐Diverse Expressions and Identities among Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Research 2020, 14: 143-155. PMID: 33283980, DOI: 10.1002/aur.2441.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderGender-related concernsGender Identity QuestionnaireParents of girlsSpectrum disorderASD ages 6Sex differencesParents of youthParents of boysIndividualized supportGender identity/expressionSex-typed behaviorSame-gender behaviorElevated distressIdentity QuestionnaireParents' responsesAutismChild's appearanceChild's ageAge 6Gender expressionReal distressBirth sexYouthGender dysphoria
2019
Social Processes and Risk for Autism
Klaiman C, Saulnier C, Rubin E, Chawarska K, Klin A. Social Processes and Risk for Autism. 2019, 350-370. DOI: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199837182.013.15.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2017
Dissociations in the Development of Early Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Paul R, Chawarska K, Klin A, Volkmar F. Dissociations in the Development of Early Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorders. 2017, 163-194. DOI: 10.4324/9781315092041-6.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAutism spectrum disorderSpectrum disorderParents of childrenLanguage acquisitionLanguage developmentChild developmentNeurobiological basisSocial interactionStereotyped interestsCommunicative capacityDevelopmental disabilitiesEarly communicationChildrenMonths of ageLess attentionDisordersAutismDifficultiesTriad of symptomsParentsSecond yearCommunicationAcquisitionDissociationDisability
2016
Predictive Validity of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) Born Very Preterm
Kim SH, Joseph RM, Frazier JA, O'Shea TM, Chawarska K, Allred EN, Leviton A, Kuban KK, Investigators E. Predictive Validity of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) Born Very Preterm. The Journal Of Pediatrics 2016, 178: 101-107.e2. PMID: 27592094, PMCID: PMC5165696, DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.07.052.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderBehavioral dysregulationM-CHATModified ChecklistCognitive impairmentPredictive validityGold standard diagnostic instrumentsStandard diagnostic instrumentsAge 2 yearsASD diagnosisSocioeconomic statusSpectrum disorderPreterm toddlersAge 24 monthsPreterm childrenToddlersAutismLow gestational age newbornsImpairmentSensorimotorDiagnostic instrumentAge 10 yearsVision impairmentChildrenChecklist
2012
Pivotal Response Treatment for Infants At-Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Study
Steiner AM, Gengoux GW, Klin A, Chawarska K. Pivotal Response Treatment for Infants At-Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Study. Journal Of Autism And Developmental Disorders 2012, 43: 91-102. PMID: 22573001, PMCID: PMC3571709, DOI: 10.1007/s10803-012-1542-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPivotal Response TreatmentEfficacious interventionsResponse treatmentInfantsPRT procedurePilot studyInfant's frequencyYoung childrenRiskPreschool childrenAutism spectrum disorderPreliminary supportFunctional communicationSpectrum disorderTreatmentChildrenCurrent studyMultiple baseline designAutismDevelopmental adaptationsFidelity of implementationParent training modelContext modulates attention to social scenes in toddlers with autism
Chawarska K, Macari S, Shic F. Context modulates attention to social scenes in toddlers with autism. Journal Of Child Psychology And Psychiatry 2012, 53: 903-913. PMID: 22428993, PMCID: PMC3845814, DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2012.02538.x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSocial attentionSpeaker's faceTypical developmentSocial scenesAtypical language profileDistribution of attentionPresence of salientNonsocial cuesAttentional responsesSocial cognitionTD controlsLanguage profilesNonverbal functioningEye contactLip movementsAutismEntire sceneSocial monitoringCuesToddlersVisual fieldSymptom severityPresent momentVisual responsesDevelopmental delay
2011
Early Generalized Overgrowth in Boys With Autism
Chawarska K, Campbell D, Chen L, Shic F, Klin A, Chang J. Early Generalized Overgrowth in Boys With Autism. JAMA Psychiatry 2011, 68: 1021-1031. PMID: 21969460, PMCID: PMC4878118, DOI: 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.106.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLower adaptive functioningAdaptive functioning levelPervasive developmental disorderCognitive functioningAdaptive functioningCognitive featuresSocial deficitsHC growthAge-related changesUniversity-based clinicAutismFunctioning levelsAge 24 monthsAutistic disorderClinical groupsDevelopmental disordersDevelopmental problemsFunctioningDevelopmental delayBoysAge 2 yearsGeneralized overgrowthOvergrowth patternGreater severityFirst year
2010
Limited activity monitoring in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder
Shic F, Bradshaw J, Klin A, Scassellati B, Chawarska K. Limited activity monitoring in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder. Brain Research 2010, 1380: 246-254. PMID: 21129365, PMCID: PMC3050079, DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.11.074.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderTypical developmentSpectrum disorderAdult–child play interactionsGreater autism severityAutism severityObservational learningDevelopmental delayPlay interactionsCognitive deficitsDevelopmental progressionPeople's headsToddlersSocial activitiesFuture avenuesLess attentionBackground objectsAutismDisordersDeficitsLearningAttentionPeopleObjectsContext
2009
A prospective study of toddlers with ASD: short‐term diagnostic and cognitive outcomes
Chawarska K, Klin A, Paul R, Macari S, Volkmar F. A prospective study of toddlers with ASD: short‐term diagnostic and cognitive outcomes. Journal Of Child Psychology And Psychiatry 2009, 50: 1235-1245. PMID: 19594835, PMCID: PMC4878113, DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2009.02101.x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderPDD-NOSASD diagnosisCognitive outcomesCommunication skillsSocial-communicative skillsNon-ASD disordersNon-ASD groupDiagnosis of autismNonverbal communication skillsNumber of toddlersSpectrum disorderAutism diagnosisSkill profilesToddlersDiagnostic presentationDisability symptomsSkillsEnhances accuracyAutismDiagnostic classificationDisordersPrediction of outcomeSeverity of symptomsSecond year
2008
Autism, Eye-Tracking, Entropy
Shic F, Chawarska K, Bradshaw J, Scassellati B. Autism, Eye-Tracking, Entropy. 2008, 73-78. DOI: 10.1109/devlrn.2008.4640808.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchScanning patternsAutism spectrum disorderDifferent developmental trajectoriesYear old toddlersGroup of childrenSpectrum disorderFine attentionDevelopmental trajectoriesOlder toddlersEye trackingDifferential patternsStatic imagesRobust measureChildrenAttentionFaceAutismMeasuresToddlersDisordersImplicationsPatterns
2007
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers: A Follow-up Study Investigating the Early Detection of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Kleinman JM, Robins DL, Ventola PE, Pandey J, Boorstein HC, Esser EL, Wilson LB, Rosenthal MA, Sutera S, Verbalis AD, Barton M, Hodgson S, Green J, Dumont-Mathieu T, Volkmar F, Chawarska K, Klin A, Fein D. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers: A Follow-up Study Investigating the Early Detection of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal Of Autism And Developmental Disorders 2007, 38: 827-839. PMID: 17882539, PMCID: PMC3612529, DOI: 10.1007/s10803-007-0450-9.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderPositive predictive valueModified ChecklistSpectrum disorderTelephone interviewsEarly detectionHigh-risk sampleLow-risk sampleHigh-risk sourceM-CHATPositive casesPredictive valueReferral sourceToddlersPromising instrumentAutismInitial screeningChildrenMonthsDisordersChecklistScreeningInterviewsFollow