2024
Family 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 outcomesDisorders
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 settingsElevated symptoms of executive dysfunction predict lower adaptive functioning in 3‐year‐olds with autism spectrum disorder
Powell K, Macari S, Brennan‐Wydra E, Feiner H, Butler M, Fortes D, Boxberger A, Torres‐Viso M, Morgan C, Lyons M, Chawarska K. Elevated symptoms of executive dysfunction predict lower adaptive functioning in 3‐year‐olds with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research 2022, 15: 1336-1347. PMID: 35388596, PMCID: PMC9253075, DOI: 10.1002/aur.2715.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderDaily living skillsExecutive functioningEF deficitsAdaptive functioningSpectrum disorderLiving skillsExecutive functioning (EF) deficitsAutism severity scoresLower adaptive functioningCognitive flexibilityAtypical developmentDevelopmental presentationExecutive dysfunctionAdaptive skillsNonverbal functioningVABS-IIElevated symptomsAge threeToddlersLong-term detrimental impactDevelopmental quotientFunctioningChronological ageSymptom severity
2020
Low-motion fMRI data can be obtained in pediatric participants undergoing a 60-minute scan protocol
Horien C, Fontenelle S, Joseph K, Powell N, Nutor C, Fortes D, Butler M, Powell K, Macris D, Lee K, Greene AS, McPartland JC, Volkmar FR, Scheinost D, Chawarska K, Constable RT. Low-motion fMRI data can be obtained in pediatric participants undergoing a 60-minute scan protocol. Scientific Reports 2020, 10: 21855. PMID: 33318557, PMCID: PMC7736342, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78885-z.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPediatric participantsMRI protocolMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scansFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scansShorter MRI protocolsScan protocolResonance imaging scansImaging scansMRI sessionsFMRI connectivity analysisFMRI dataFMRI findingsSignificant confoundScansReplication groupConnectivity analysisAutism spectrum disorderMock scanSpectrum disorderParticipantsHead motionProtocolPreliminary Psychometrics for the Executive Function Challenge Task: A Novel, “Hot” Flexibility, and Planning Task for Youth
Kenworthy L, Freeman A, Ratto A, Dudley K, Powell KK, Pugliese CE, Strang JF, Verbalis A, Anthony LG. Preliminary Psychometrics for the Executive Function Challenge Task: A Novel, “Hot” Flexibility, and Planning Task for Youth. Journal Of The International Neuropsychological Society 2020, 26: 725-732. PMID: 32178755, PMCID: PMC8647841, DOI: 10.1017/s135561772000017x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsExecutive functionEF tasksParent-reported executive functionAttention deficit hyperactivity disorderDeficit hyperactivity disorderCommon treatment targetsChallenge taskAdequate internal consistencyTwo-factor structureVisual pattern recognitionMost treatment trialsTD youthEF problemsEcological validityHyperactivity disorderAutistic childrenPreliminary psychometricsSocial interactionValid assessmentAdequate reliabilityInternal consistencyPlanning tasksTaskYouthEducational outcomesContext-Specific Dyadic Attention Vulnerabilities During the First Year in Infants Later Developing Autism Spectrum Disorder
Macari S, Milgramm A, Reed J, Shic F, Powell KK, Macris D, Chawarska K. Context-Specific Dyadic Attention Vulnerabilities During the First Year in Infants Later Developing Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal Of The American Academy Of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 2020, 60: 166-175. PMID: 32061926, PMCID: PMC9524139, DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2019.12.012.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderLow familial riskHigh familial riskTypical developmentSpectrum disorderExaminer's faceInteractive partnersToy playEye-tracking findingsChild-directed speechCandidate behavioral markerEye-tracking studyEffects of contextFamilial riskAtypical attentionProbe taskASD groupAutism symptomsBehavioral markersSubtle impairmentsEye contactLive interactionDevelopmental challengesLow attentionPlay condition
2018
Emotional Expressivity in Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Macari S, DiNicola L, Kane-Grade F, Prince E, Vernetti A, Powell K, Fontenelle S, Chawarska K. Emotional Expressivity in Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal Of The American Academy Of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 2018, 57: 828-836.e2. PMID: 30392624, PMCID: PMC6844292, DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2018.07.872.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderAutism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2Emotional expressivenessEarly Childhood Behavior QuestionnaireAutism severityPositive emotionsSpectrum disorderGreater autism severityNegative emotional expressivenessParent-reported temperamentImportance of emotionsIntensity of fearChildhood Behavior QuestionnaireASD displayASD groupEmotional expressivityAutism symptomsVocal channelNegative emotionalityTD groupTypical developmentCognitive developmentGoal blockageIntense angerIntense fear
2017
Do Parents and Clinicians Agree on Ratings of Autism-Related Behaviors at 12 Months of Age? A Study of Infants at High and Low Risk for ASD
Macari SL, Wu GC, Powell KK, Fontenelle S, Macris DM, Chawarska K. Do Parents and Clinicians Agree on Ratings of Autism-Related Behaviors at 12 Months of Age? A Study of Infants at High and Low Risk for ASD. Journal Of Autism And Developmental Disorders 2017, 48: 1069-1080. PMID: 29181689, PMCID: PMC6884400, DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3410-z.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2016
Brief Report: Remotely Delivered Video Modeling for Improving Oral Hygiene in Children with ASD: A Pilot Study
Popple B, Wall C, Flink L, Powell K, Discepolo K, Keck D, Mademtzi M, Volkmar F, Shic F. Brief Report: Remotely Delivered Video Modeling for Improving Oral Hygiene in Children with ASD: A Pilot Study. Journal Of Autism And Developmental Disorders 2016, 46: 2791-2796. PMID: 27106570, PMCID: PMC4939106, DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-2795-4.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOral hygieneOral hygiene outcomesOral health problemsOral hygiene habitsOral hygiene improvementInternet-based interventionsRandomized control trialControl video conditionHygiene habitsControl trialClinical examinersLarge effect sizesHealth problemsHygiene improvementPilot studyHygiene outcomesIntervention conditionInterventionChildrenEffect sizePreliminary supportHygieneAutismPatientsBaseline
2015
Enhanced Social Attention in Female Infant Siblings at Risk for Autism
Chawarska K, Macari S, Powell K, DiNicola L, Shic F. Enhanced Social Attention in Female Infant Siblings at Risk for Autism. Journal Of The American Academy Of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 2015, 55: 188-195.e1. PMID: 26903252, PMCID: PMC5812780, DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2015.11.016.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderSocial orientingRelevant stimuliSocial targetsEye-tracking studySevere social impairmentAutism riskLow-risk controlsComorbid anxiety symptomsSex differencesAtypical attentionInfant siblingsSocial attentionHigh-risk malesEnhanced attentionSocial impairmentSpectrum disorderHigh-risk femalesAnxiety symptomsOrientingSocial experienceNeurobehavioral measuresLow-risk malesAtypical patternsProtective factors