2023
Modeling idiopathic autism in forebrain organoids reveals an imbalance of excitatory cortical neuron subtypes during early neurogenesis
Jourdon A, Wu F, Mariani J, Capauto D, Norton S, Tomasini L, Amiri A, Suvakov M, Schreiner J, Jang Y, Panda A, Nguyen C, Cummings E, Han G, Powell K, Szekely A, McPartland J, Pelphrey K, Chawarska K, Ventola P, Abyzov A, Vaccarino F. Modeling idiopathic autism in forebrain organoids reveals an imbalance of excitatory cortical neuron subtypes during early neurogenesis. Nature Neuroscience 2023, 26: 1505-1515. PMID: 37563294, PMCID: PMC10573709, DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01399-0.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsIdiopathic autism spectrum disorderCortical neuron subtypesAutism spectrum disorderEarly cortical developmentCortical organoidsCortical plateExcitatory neuronsCortical developmentRare formNeuron subtypesUnaffected fatherASD pathogenesisForebrain organoidsEarly neurogenesisRare variantsIdiopathic autismRisk genesTranscriptomic alterationsNeuronsProbandsSingle-cell transcriptomicsForebrain developmentSpectrum disorderTranscriptomic changesAlterations
2021
Associations of parental birth characteristics with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk in their offspring: a population-based multigenerational cohort study in Denmark
Xiao J, Gao Y, Yu Y, Toft G, Zhang Y, Luo J, Xia Y, Chawarska K, Olsen J, Li J, Liew Z. Associations of parental birth characteristics with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk in their offspring: a population-based multigenerational cohort study in Denmark. International Journal Of Epidemiology 2021, 50: 485-495. PMID: 33411909, PMCID: PMC8128455, DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyaa246.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBirth characteristicsAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) riskCohort studyOdds ratioNationwide register-based cohort studySociodemographic factorsRegister-based cohort studyOffspring of mothersConfidence intervalsASD riskHealth-related factorsExposure risk factorsDisorder riskLogistic regression modelsOffspring of parentsPerinatal factorsPreterm birthFather-child pairsLow birthweightVery pretermEpidemiological evidenceRisk factorsHigh riskElevated riskPaternal factors
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 motionProtocolSex 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 dysphoriaAtypical 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 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 ResearchConceptsAutism 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
2018
Among Children Born Extremely Preterm a Higher Level of Circulating Neurotrophins Is Associated with Lower Risk of Cognitive Impairment at School Age
Kuban K, Heeren T, O'Shea T, Joseph R, Fichorova R, Douglass L, Jara H, Frazier J, Hirtz D, Taylor H, Rollins J, Paneth N, Investigators E, Ware J, Coster T, Hanson B, Wilson R, McGhee K, Lee P, Asgarian A, Sadhwani A, Perrin E, Neger E, Mattern K, Walkowiak J, Barron S, Shah B, Singh R, Smith A, Klein D, McQuiston S, Venuti L, Powers B, Foley A, Dessureau B, Wood M, Damon-Minow J, Ehrenkranz R, Benjamin J, Romano E, Tsatsanis K, Chawarska K, Kim S, Dieterich S, Bearrs K, Peters N, Brown P, Ansusinha E, Waldrep E, Friedman J, Hounshell G, Allred D, Engelke S, Darden-Saad N, Stainback G, Warner D, Wereszczak J, Bernhardt J, McKeeman J, Meyer E, Pastyrnak S, Rathbun J, Nota S, Crumb T, Lenski M, Weiland D, Lloyd M, Hunter S, Msall M, Ramoskaite R, Wiggins S, Washington K, Martin R, Prendergast B, Scott M, Klarr J, Kring B, DeRidder J, Vogt K, Yamamoto H, Ryan S, Junaid D, Dawood H, Beatty N, Luu N, Tang V, Sassi R, Pasicznyk J. Among Children Born Extremely Preterm a Higher Level of Circulating Neurotrophins Is Associated with Lower Risk of Cognitive Impairment at School Age. The Journal Of Pediatrics 2018, 201: 40-48.e4. PMID: 30029870, PMCID: PMC6684153, DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.05.021.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsWeeks of lifeNeurotrophic proteinsSevere cognitive impairmentBlood levelsCognitive impairmentInflammatory proteinLower riskBrain-derived neurotrophic factorNeonatal blood specimensProtein blood levelsHigh blood levelsAdverse cognitive outcomesElevated blood levelsLow Gestational Age Newborn StudyNormal T cellsYears of ageHigh exposureFunction testsNeurotrophic factorCognitive function levelT cellsReduced riskMultinomial logistic regressionElevated proteinBlood specimensHand Preference and Cognitive, Motor, and Behavioral Functioning in 10-Year-Old Extremely Preterm Children
Burnett A, Anderson P, Joseph R, Allred E, O'Shea T, Kuban K, Leviton A, Investigators E, Shah B, Singh R, Smith A, Klein D, McQuiston S, Rollins J, Douglass L, Ware J, Coster T, Henson B, Wilson R, McGhee K, Lee P, Asgarian A, Sadhwani A, Perrin E, Neger E, Mattern K, Walkowiak J, Barron S, Frazier J, Venuti L, Powers B, Foley A, Dessureau B, Wood M, Damon-Minow J, Ehrenkranz R, Benjamin J, Romano E, Tsatsanis K, Chawarska K, Kim S, Dieterich S, Bearrs K, Peters N, Brown P, Ansusinha E, Waldrep E, Friedman J, Hounshell G, Allred D, Engelke S, Darden-Saad N, Stainback G, Warner D, Wereszczak J, Bernhardt J, McKeeman J, Meyer E, Pastyrnak S, Burdo-Hartman W, Rathbun J, Nota S, Crumb T, Lenski M, Weiland D, Lloyd M, Hunter S, Msall M, Ramoskaite R, Wiggins S, Washington K, Martin R, Prendergast B, Scott M, Klarr J, Kring B, DeRidder J, Vogt K. Hand Preference and Cognitive, Motor, and Behavioral Functioning in 10-Year-Old Extremely Preterm Children. The Journal Of Pediatrics 2018, 195: 279-282.e3. PMID: 29336793, PMCID: PMC5869125, DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.11.056.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2017
Antecedents of Screening Positive for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Ten-Year-Old Children Born Extremely Preterm
Leviton A, Hooper S, Hunter S, Scott M, Allred E, Joseph R, O'Shea T, Kuban K, Investigators E, Ware J, Coster T, Henson B, Wilson R, McGhee K, Lee P, Asgarian A, Sadhwani A, Perrin E, Neger E, Mattern K, Walkowiak J, Barron S, Frazier J, Venuti L, Powers B, Foley A, Dessureau B, Wood M, Damon-Minow J, Ehrenkranz R, Benjamin J, Romano E, Tsatsanis K, Chawarska K, Kim S, Dieterich S, Bearrs K, O'Shea T, Peters N, Brown P, Ansusinha E, Waldrep E, Friedman J, Hounshell G, Allred D, Engelke S, Darden-Saad N, Stainback G, Warner D, Wereszczak J, Bernhardt J, McKeeman J, Meyer E, Pastyrnak S, Burdo-Hartman W, Rathbun J, Nota S, Crumb T, Lenski M, Weiland D, Lloyd M, Hunter S, Msall M, Ramoskaite R, Wiggins S, Washington K, Martin R, Prendergast B, Scott M, Klarr J, Kring B, DeRidder J, Vogt K. Antecedents of Screening Positive for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Ten-Year-Old Children Born Extremely Preterm. Pediatric Neurology 2017, 81: 25-30. PMID: 29523493, PMCID: PMC5903941, DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2017.12.010.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAttention deficit hyperactivity disorderDeficit hyperactivity disorderRisk profileHyperactivity disorderRisk factorsLow socioeconomic stateLower gestational ageYoung maternal ageLow birth weightRetinopathy of prematuritySignificant risk factorsWeeks of gestationParent reportChild Symptom Inventory-4Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosisPostnatal day sevenAntibiotic receiptSeizure prophylaxisMaternal obesityMaternal smokingGestational ageMechanical ventilationBirth weightMaternal ageBrain scansNeurocognitive Outcomes at 10 Years of Age in Extremely Preterm Newborns with Late-Onset Bacteremia
Bright H, Babata K, Allred E, Erdei C, Kuban K, Joseph R, O'Shea T, Leviton A, Dammann O, Investigators E, Ware J, Coster T, Hanson B, Wilson R, McGhee K, Lee P, Asgarian A, Sadhwani A, Perrin E, Neger E, Mattern K, Walkowiak J, Barron S, Shah B, Singh R, Smith A, Klein D, McQuiston S, Venuti L, Powers B, Foley A, Dessureau B, Wood M, Damon-Minow J, Ehrenkranz R, Benjamin J, Romano E, Tsatsanis K, Chawarska K, Kim S, Dieterich S, Bearrs K, Peters N, Brown P, Ansusinha E, Waldrep E, Friedman J, Hounshell G, Allred D, Engelke S, Darden-Saad N, Stainback G, Warner D, Wereszczak J, Bernhardt J, McKeeman J, Meyer E, Pastyrnak S, Rathbun J, Nota S, Crumb T, Lenski M, Weiland D, Lloyd M, Hunter S, Msall M, Ramoskaite R, Wiggins S, Washington K, Martin R, Prendergast B, Scott M, Klarr J, Kring B, DeRidder J, Vogt K. Neurocognitive Outcomes at 10 Years of Age in Extremely Preterm Newborns with Late-Onset Bacteremia. The Journal Of Pediatrics 2017, 187: 43-49.e1. PMID: 28526224, PMCID: PMC5533634, DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.04.045.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLate-onset bacteremiaLow gestational age newbornsGeneral cognitive abilityNeurocognitive outcomesGestational age newbornsYears of agePostnatal week 2Age 10 yearsExtremely Preterm NewbornsCognitive abilitiesExecutive functionAge newbornsNeurocognitive limitationsLower IQWeek 2Academic achievementNeurocognitive functionBirth weight z-scoreEvidence of bacteremiaLower gestational ageWeight z-scoreDefinite bacteremiaWeeks of gestationMotor domainLate bacteremiaThe Relationship of Maternal Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Pregnancy Weight Gain to Neurocognitive Function at Age 10 Years among Children Born Extremely Preterm
Jensen E, van der Burg J, O'Shea T, Joseph R, Allred E, Heeren T, Leviton A, Kuban K, Investigators E, Shah B, Singh R, Smith A, Klein D, McQuiston S, Rollins J, Douglass L, Ware J, Coster T, Henson B, Wilson R, McGhee K, Lee P, Asgarian A, Sadhwani A, Perrin E, Neger E, Mattern K, Walkowiak J, Barron S, Frazier J, Venuti L, Powers B, Foley A, Dessureau B, Wood M, Damon-Minow J, Ehrenkranz R, Benjamin J, Romano E, Tsatsanis K, Chawarska K, Kim S, Dieterich S, Bearrs K, O'Shea T, Peters N, Brown P, Ansusinha E, Waldrep E, Friedman J, Hounshell G, Allred D, Engelke S, Darden-Saad N, Stainback G, Warner D, Wereszczak J, Bernhardt J, McKeeman J, Meyer E, Pastyrnak S, Burdo-Hartman W, Rathbun J, Nota S, Crumb T, Lenski M, Weiland D, Lloyd M, Hunter S, Msall M, Ramoskaite R, Wiggins S, Washington K, Martin R, Prendergast B, Scott M, Klarr J, Kring B, DeRidder J, Vogt K. The Relationship of Maternal Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Pregnancy Weight Gain to Neurocognitive Function at Age 10 Years among Children Born Extremely Preterm. The Journal Of Pediatrics 2017, 187: 50-57.e3. PMID: 28341527, PMCID: PMC5533624, DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.02.064.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPrepregnancy body mass indexBody mass indexMaternal prepregnancy body mass indexPregnancy weight gainMass indexNeurocognitive functionWeight gainCohort of infantsMaternal prepregnancy obesityLower scoresYears of ageAge 10 yearsFine motor controlMaternal obesityPrepregnancy weightProspective multicenterCohort studyPrepregnancy obesitySingleton pregnanciesSchool-aged childrenNeurocognitive evaluationStudy participantsBehavioral interventionsTen-year-old childrenExpression assessmentTemperamental 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 ResearchPredictive 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 impairmentChildrenChecklistNon‐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 ResearchConceptsAutism 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 ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderSocial attentionSpectrum disorderContext-specific constructsGaze behaviorSecondary deficitsSocial scenesBehavioral relevanceSocial informationAtypical targetsSocial partnersReward circuitryIndividual varianceMultilevel differencesLatent structureSocial featuresEarly disruptionConstructsAttentionProcessingASDDisordersToddlersDeficitsCircuitryEnhanced 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