2023
The Selective Social Attention task in children with autism spectrum disorder: Results from the Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials (ABC‐CT) feasibility study
Shic F, Barney E, Naples A, Dommer K, Chang S, Li B, McAllister T, Atyabi A, Wang Q, Bernier R, Dawson G, Dziura J, Faja S, Jeste S, Murias M, Johnson S, Sabatos‐DeVito M, Helleman G, Senturk D, Sugar C, Webb S, McPartland J, Chawarska K, Trials T. The Selective Social Attention task in children with autism spectrum disorder: Results from the Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials (ABC‐CT) feasibility study. Autism Research 2023, 16: 2150-2159. PMID: 37749934, PMCID: PMC11003770, DOI: 10.1002/aur.3026.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderSocial attention taskSchool-aged childrenAttention taskASD groupSpectrum disorderEye-tracking taskTotal T-scoreAttentional patternsAutism spectrumTD groupPresentation timeTrial feasibility studyGroup differencesPercent of timeOlder childrenTaskComparison groupToddlersT-scoreChildrenChildren 4Outcome variablesFaceCondition effects
2022
Elevated 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 ResearchMeSH KeywordsAutism Spectrum DisorderChild, PreschoolCognitive DysfunctionExecutive FunctionHumansQuality of LifeSiblingsConceptsAutism 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
2021
Puppets facilitate attention to social cues in children with ASD
Macari S, Chen X, Brunissen L, Yhang E, Brennan‐Wydra E, Vernetti A, Volkmar F, Chang J, Chawarska K. Puppets facilitate attention to social cues in children with ASD. Autism Research 2021, 14: 1975-1985. PMID: 34350712, PMCID: PMC8434944, DOI: 10.1002/aur.2552.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderVisual attentionAutism severityTD controlsSpeaker's faceYoung childrenSocial-communicative cuesSpeakers’ preferencesHigher autism severityAttention of childrenFunction of groupASD groupSocial cuesSpectrum disorderVisual preferenceHuman speakersSocial partnersSocial interactionSpeaker identityPuppetCuesChildrenEarly characteristicsReciprocal interactionsFace
2020
Attend Less, Fear More: Elevated Distress to Social Threat in Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Macari SL, Vernetti A, Chawarska K. Attend Less, Fear More: Elevated Distress to Social Threat in Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Research 2020, 14: 1025-1036. PMID: 33283976, PMCID: PMC7772932, DOI: 10.1002/aur.2448.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAutism Spectrum DisorderAutistic DisorderChild, PreschoolCognitionEmotionsFearHumansInfantConceptsAutism symptom severitySocial threatEmotional reactivityNegative emotional responsesER strategiesAmbiguous threatThreat valueEmotional responsesSocial situationsAutism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2Potential social threatEmotion regulation strategiesER strategy useDifferential emotional reactivitySymptom severityMechanisms of changeIntensity of distressNonsocial stimuliNonsocial threatAttentional salienceTD toddlersEmotional salienceAutism phenotypeAutism severityRegulation strategiesFunctional 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 identificationIQDisordersFathersAtypical Value-Driven Selective Attention in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Wang Q, Chang J, Chawarska K. Atypical Value-Driven Selective Attention in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. JAMA Network Open 2020, 3: e204928. PMID: 32374399, PMCID: PMC7203607, DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.4928.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAttentionAutism Spectrum DisorderCase-Control StudiesChild, PreschoolEye MovementsFemaleHumansLearningMaleConceptsAutism spectrum disorderNonsocial stimuliSelective attentionTypical developmentSocial stimuliValue learningNonsocial domainsNonverbal IQSpectrum disorderSocial domainsValue-driven attentionDevelopmental delaySimilar chronological ageNonsocial objectsAttentional priorityMore effective interventionsPreferential attentionASD groupAutism symptomsAutism severityTD groupVerbal IQTest phasePreschoolersIQ
2017
Temperamental 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
2016
Parent-Endorsed Sex Differences in Toddlers with and Without ASD: Utilizing the M-CHAT
Øien RA, Hart L, Schjølberg S, Wall CA, Kim ES, Nordahl-Hansen A, Eisemann MR, Chawarska K, Volkmar FR, Shic F. Parent-Endorsed Sex Differences in Toddlers with and Without ASD: Utilizing the M-CHAT. Journal Of Autism And Developmental Disorders 2016, 47: 126-134. PMID: 27757737, PMCID: PMC5222910, DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-2945-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchNon‐ASD outcomes at 36 months in siblings at familial risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A baby siblings research consortium (BSRC) study
Charman T, Young GS, Brian J, Carter A, Carver LJ, Chawarska K, Curtin S, Dobkins K, Elsabbagh M, Georgiades S, Hertz‐Picciotto I, Hutman T, Iverson JM, Jones EJ, Landa R, Macari S, Messinger DS, Nelson CA, Ozonoff S, Saulnier C, Stone WL, Tager‐Flusberg H, Webb SJ, Yirmiya N, Zwaigenbaum L. Non‐ASD outcomes at 36 months in siblings at familial risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A baby siblings research consortium (BSRC) study. Autism Research 2016, 10: 169-178. PMID: 27417857, PMCID: PMC5993543, DOI: 10.1002/aur.1669.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism Diagnostic Observation ScheduleAutism spectrum disorderHigh-risk siblingsLow-risk controlsBroader autism phenotypeModerate language delayAdaptive functioningASD symptomsLanguage delayVineland Adaptive Behavior ScalesLower adaptive functioningAge 3 yearsAutism Diagnostic InterviewProportion of toddlersAdaptive behavior outcomesAdaptive Behavior ScalesOngoing clinical monitoringAutism phenotypeMullen ScalesSpectrum disorderObservation ScheduleEarly learningBehavioral outcomesElevated scoresDevelopmental outcomesThe relationship between autism symptoms and arousal level in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder, as measured by electrodermal activity
Prince EB, Kim ES, Wall CA, Gisin E, Goodwin MS, Simmons ES, Chawarska K, Shic F. The relationship between autism symptoms and arousal level in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder, as measured by electrodermal activity. Autism 2016, 21: 504-508. PMID: 27289132, PMCID: PMC5812779, DOI: 10.1177/1362361316648816.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsArousalAutism Spectrum DisorderCase-Control StudiesChild, PreschoolFemaleGalvanic Skin ResponseHumansMalePlay and PlaythingsConceptsAutism spectrum disorderSpectrum disorderElectrodermal activityAutism spectrum disorder groupSkin conductance levelAutism symptomsTypical peersPhysiological arousalArousal levelRepetitive behaviorsNaturalistic settingPlay contextDisorder groupOpposite patternMechanical toysToddlersConductance levelIndividual variabilityPlay activitiesPositive relationshipDisordersToysArousalMeasuresEarly developmentProspective Longitudinal Studies of Infant Siblings of Children With Autism: Lessons Learned and Future Directions
Szatmari P, Chawarska K, Dawson G, Georgiades S, Landa R, Lord C, Messinger DS, Thurm A, Halladay A. Prospective Longitudinal Studies of Infant Siblings of Children With Autism: Lessons Learned and Future Directions. Journal Of The American Academy Of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 2016, 55: 179-187. PMID: 26903251, PMCID: PMC4871151, DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2015.12.014.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2015
Multilevel Differences in Spontaneous Social Attention in Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Chawarska K, Ye S, Shic F, Chen L. Multilevel Differences in Spontaneous Social Attention in Toddlers With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Child Development 2015, 87: 543-557. PMID: 26682668, PMCID: PMC5460372, DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12473.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAttentionAutism Spectrum DisorderChild, PreschoolFemaleHumansInfantMaleSocial PerceptionConceptsAutism spectrum disorderSocial attentionSpectrum disorderContext-specific constructsGaze behaviorSecondary deficitsSocial scenesBehavioral relevanceSocial informationAtypical targetsSocial partnersReward circuitryIndividual varianceMultilevel differencesLatent structureSocial featuresEarly disruptionConstructsAttentionProcessingASDDisordersToddlersDeficitsCircuitryDiagnostic 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 ResearchMeSH KeywordsChild Development Disorders, PervasiveChild, PreschoolFemaleGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseHumansInfantMaleRiskSiblingsConceptsPoor 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 implicationsDisordersSiblingsImitationParentsRatingsImpairmentInventoryChildrenCommunicationEarly Generalized Overgrowth in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Prevalence Rates, Gender Effects, and Clinical Outcomes
Campbell DJ, Chang J, Chawarska K. Early Generalized Overgrowth in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Prevalence Rates, Gender Effects, and Clinical Outcomes. Journal Of The American Academy Of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 2014, 53: 1063-1073.e5. PMID: 25245350, PMCID: PMC4173120, DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2014.07.008.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAutism Spectrum DisorderBiomarkersChild, PreschoolFemaleHeadHumansInfantInfant, NewbornMalePrevalenceSex FactorsTorsoConceptsClinical outcomesGeneralized overgrowthEarly growth abnormalitiesAutism spectrum disorderCommunity controlsEarly postnatal periodYears of ageAtypical brain developmentHead circumferencePostnatal periodPrevalence ratesSpectrum disorderEarly overgrowthSymptom severityBrain developmentPostnatal overgrowthSomatic overgrowthGrowth abnormalitiesOptimal outcomesBody overgrowthGender effectsOutcomesEarly headAbnormalitiesPrevalence
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 ResearchMeSH KeywordsAttentionAutistic DisorderChild Development Disorders, PervasiveChild, PreschoolCuesEye MovementsFaceFemaleHumansInfantMaleConceptsAutism spectrum disorderSpectrum disorderChild-directed speechVisual responsesDirect gazeAdaptive functioningSocial scenesSpeaker's mouthHigh functioningBetter attentionCuesToddlersFunctioningLimited attentionEarly predictorAttentionDisordersSpeechSceneGazeYears of ageLanguageEngagementOutcomesMeaningful approach
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 Research