2020
Atypical Emotional Electrodermal Activity in Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Vernetti A, Shic F, Boccanfuso L, Macari S, Kane‐Grade F, Milgramm A, Hilton E, Heymann P, Goodwin MS, Chawarska K. Atypical Emotional Electrodermal Activity in Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Research 2020, 13: 1476-1488. PMID: 32896980, PMCID: PMC10081486, DOI: 10.1002/aur.2374.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderPhysiological arousalTypical developmentEmotional challengesAge-matched toddlersAutism symptom severityEmotion-eliciting conditionsCore ASD symptomsSeverity of autismSkin conductance levelFear emotionCognitive processesFear conditionTD peersASD groupEmotional expressivityEmotional expressionASD symptomsPleasant eventsExternalizing problemsSpectrum disorderThreatening eventsUnderstanding of precursorsBehavioral problemsBehavioral expressionFunctional Outcomes of Children Identified Early in the Developmental Period as at Risk for ASD Utilizing the The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa)
Stenberg N, Schjølberg S, Shic F, Volkmar F, Øyen AS, Bresnahan M, Svendsen BK, von Tetzchner S, Thronæs NT, Macari S, Cicchetti DV, Chawarska K, Suren P, Øien RA. Functional Outcomes of Children Identified Early in the Developmental Period as at Risk for ASD Utilizing the The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Journal Of Autism And Developmental Disorders 2020, 51: 922-932. PMID: 32424708, PMCID: PMC7954713, DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04539-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderChild Cohort StudyCohort studyAutism symptomsLanguage disordersM-CHATSpectrum disorderLower IQDevelopmental concernsNorwegian MotherDevelopmental periodIntellectual disabilityEarly interventionBirth cohort studyMonths of ageChildrenItem criteriaFunctional outcomeBetter outcomesGreater severitySwift accessEarly identificationIQDisordersFathersContext-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
2019
The role of limited salience of speech in selective attention to faces in toddlers with autism spectrum disorders
Shic F, Wang Q, Macari SL, Chawarska K. The role of limited salience of speech in selective attention to faces in toddlers with autism spectrum disorders. Journal Of Child Psychology And Psychiatry 2019, 61: 459-469. PMID: 31471912, PMCID: PMC7048639, DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13118.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderDirect gazeAutism symptomsSpectrum disorderImpact of speechAudiovisual speechSelective attentionSpeech cuesTD toddlersNonverbal skillsNonverbal levelEye contactEye trackingPoor attentionInteractive partnersEye regionMouth regionSpeechToddlersSalienceLimited salienceNovel treatment targetsEarly childhoodCuesTreatment targets
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 fearOperationalizing atypical gaze in toddlers with autism spectrum disorders: a cohesion-based approach
Wang Q, Campbell DJ, Macari SL, Chawarska K, Shic F. Operationalizing atypical gaze in toddlers with autism spectrum disorders: a cohesion-based approach. Molecular Autism 2018, 9: 25. PMID: 29651331, PMCID: PMC5894192, DOI: 10.1186/s13229-018-0211-y.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
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 ResearchTemperamental markers in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder
Macari SL, Koller J, Campbell DJ, Chawarska K. Temperamental markers in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder. Journal Of Child Psychology And Psychiatry 2017, 58: 819-828. PMID: 28317113, PMCID: PMC5747932, DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12710.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderTemperamental vulnerabilitySpectrum disorderSocial outcomesLow-intensity pleasureCore autism symptomsAutism symptom severityGreater negative emotionalitySocial skill levelsNonverbal abilityPerceptual sensitivityTD peersASD groupAffective reactivityAutism symptomsAutism severityIndividual differencesNegative emotionalityTD groupInhibitory controlTemperamental characteristicsDevelopmental levelTime 2Childhood psychopathologyASD phenotype
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 factorsDiagnostic stability in young children at risk for autism spectrum disorder: a baby siblings research consortium study
Ozonoff S, Young GS, Landa RJ, Brian J, Bryson S, Charman T, Chawarska K, Macari SL, Messinger D, Stone WL, Zwaigenbaum L, Iosif AM. Diagnostic stability in young children at risk for autism spectrum disorder: a baby siblings research consortium study. Journal Of Child Psychology And Psychiatry 2015, 56: 988-998. PMID: 25921776, PMCID: PMC4532646, DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12421.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMonths of ageCommunity-ascertained sampleAutism spectrum disorderHigh-risk groupYoung childrenASD diagnosisAge 3Public health implicationsSample of infantsSpectrum disorderDiagnostic criteriaDiagnostic stabilityIntensive surveillanceSiblings of childrenAmerican AcademyEarly identificationClinical diagnosisConsortium studyFamilial riskEarly signsDiagnosisMonthsFamilial factorsASD outcomeInitial assessment
2014
Interest level in 2-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder predicts rate of verbal, nonverbal, and adaptive skill acquisition
Klintwall L, Macari S, Eikeseth S, Chawarska K. Interest level in 2-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder predicts rate of verbal, nonverbal, and adaptive skill acquisition. Autism 2014, 19: 925-933. PMID: 25398893, PMCID: PMC4878117, DOI: 10.1177/1362361314555376.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNonverbal mental ageAutism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) scoresAutism spectrum disorderAdaptive skill acquisitionMental ageSpectrum disorderTime 1Skill acquisitionSchedule scoresAutism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) assessmentVerbal mental ageSkill acquisition ratesAutism scoresChildren's motivationAdaptive skillsInterest levelAge equivalentsSocial routinesIntensity of interventionAdaptive levelEarly interventionSchedule assessmentDisordersAcquisitionIntervention18-Month Predictors of Later Outcomes in Younger Siblings of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Baby Siblings Research Consortium Study
Chawarska K, Shic F, Macari S, Campbell DJ, Brian J, Landa R, Hutman T, Nelson CA, Ozonoff S, Tager-Flusberg H, Young GS, Zwaigenbaum L, Cohen IL, Charman T, Messinger DS, Klin A, Johnson S, Bryson S. 18-Month Predictors of Later Outcomes in Younger Siblings of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Baby Siblings Research Consortium Study. Journal Of The American Academy Of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 2014, 53: 1317-1327.e1. PMID: 25457930, PMCID: PMC4254798, DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2014.09.015.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPoor eye contactHigh riskEarly diagnostic considerationAutism spectrum disorderAge 3 yearsEye contactBaby Siblings Research Consortium StudyClinical featuresDiagnostic considerationsSpectrum disorderSpecific treatmentYounger siblingsSymptom profilesAutism Diagnostic Observation ScheduleConsortium studyMonthsDiagnostic outcomesRegression tree analysisOutcomesLater OutcomesChildrenDevelopmental outcomesHigh functioningSiblingsBehavioral profileScreening for Autism Spectrum Disorders in 12-Month-Old High-Risk Siblings by Parental Report
Rowberry J, Macari S, Chen G, Campbell D, Leventhal JM, Weitzman C, Chawarska K. Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorders in 12-Month-Old High-Risk Siblings by Parental Report. Journal Of Autism And Developmental Disorders 2014, 45: 221-229. PMID: 25149178, PMCID: PMC4289092, DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2211-x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderParental reportsSpectrum disorderDevelopmental outcomesHigh-risk siblingsFirst Year InventoryVocal imitationRepetitive behaviorsSocial communicationGreater impairmentClinician ratingsYounger siblingsScreening instrumentPreliminary findingsASD casesImportant implicationsDisordersSiblingsImitationParentsRatingsImpairmentInventoryChildrenCommunication
2013
Speech Disturbs Face Scanning in 6-Month-Old Infants Who Develop Autism Spectrum Disorder
Shic F, Macari S, Chawarska K. Speech Disturbs Face Scanning in 6-Month-Old Infants Who Develop Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biological Psychiatry 2013, 75: 231-237. PMID: 23954107, PMCID: PMC3864607, DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.07.009.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderSpectrum disorderComplex social scenesAttention of infantsCritical developmental pointPresence of speechPositive affectASD outcomeGaze patternsSocial scenesSocial targetsDevelopmental pointInner featuresSocial worldOlder infantsAtypical behaviorScanning patternsSpontaneous deploymentsFaceMonths of ageAttentionDisordersAffectClinical outcomesComprehensive assessmentGaze Response to Dyadic Bids at 2 Years Related to Outcomes at 3 Years in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Subtyping Analysis
Campbell DJ, Shic F, Macari S, Chawarska K. Gaze Response to Dyadic Bids at 2 Years Related to Outcomes at 3 Years in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Subtyping Analysis. Journal Of Autism And Developmental Disorders 2013, 44: 431-442. PMID: 23877749, PMCID: PMC3900601, DOI: 10.1007/s10803-013-1885-9.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderSpectrum disorderChild-directed speechVisual responsesDirect gazeAdaptive functioningSocial scenesSpeaker's mouthHigh functioningBetter attentionCuesToddlersFunctioningLimited attentionEarly predictorAttentionDisordersSpeechSceneGazeYears of ageLanguageEngagementOutcomesMeaningful approachDecreased Spontaneous Attention to Social Scenes in 6-Month-Old Infants Later Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Chawarska K, Macari S, Shic F. Decreased Spontaneous Attention to Social Scenes in 6-Month-Old Infants Later Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Biological Psychiatry 2013, 74: 195-203. PMID: 23313640, PMCID: PMC3646074, DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.11.022.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderSocial scenesSpectrum disorderSocial brain networkEye-tracking taskAttentional biasSocial cognitionSocial overturesSpontaneous attentionAtypical developmentEnhanced attentionBrain networksSocial interaction patternsMonitoring skillsOlder infantsVisual responsesProdromal symptomsDiminished abilityInteraction patternsLimited attentionDisordersFirst yearAttentionSceneCognition
2012
Predicting Developmental Status from 12 to 24 Months in Infants at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Preliminary Report
Macari SL, Campbell D, Gengoux GW, Saulnier CA, Klin AJ, Chawarska K. Predicting Developmental Status from 12 to 24 Months in Infants at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Preliminary Report. Journal Of Autism And Developmental Disorders 2012, 42: 2636-2647. PMID: 22484794, PMCID: PMC3565427, DOI: 10.1007/s10803-012-1521-0.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchContext 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
2009
How Early Do Parent Concerns Predict Later Autism Diagnosis?
Ozonoff S, Young GS, Steinfeld MB, Hill MM, Cook I, Hutman T, Macari S, Rogers SJ, Sigman M. How Early Do Parent Concerns Predict Later Autism Diagnosis? Journal Of Developmental And Behavioral Pediatrics 2009, 30: 367-375. PMID: 19827218, PMCID: PMC2919345, DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0b013e3181ba0fcf.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsParents' concernsLater autism diagnosisAutism spectrum disorderOlder childrenHalf of lifeParents of childrenAutism symptomsSpectrum disorderAutism diagnosisLongitudinal designDiagnostic statusConcerns of parentsDevelopmental concernsAutismDevelopmental statusStudy intakeIndependent measuresParentsChildrenDiagnostic outcomesMore concernTypical outcomeInfantsFirst yearOutcomesA 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