2024
Early 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
2022
Concomitant medication use in children with autism spectrum disorder: Data from the Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials
Shurtz L, Schwartz C, DiStefano C, McPartland JC, Levin AR, Dawson G, Kleinhans NM, Faja S, Webb SJ, Shic F, Naples AJ, Seow H, Bernier RA, Chawarska K, Sugar CA, Dziura J, Senturk D, Santhosh M, Jeste SS. Concomitant medication use in children with autism spectrum disorder: Data from the Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials. Autism 2022, 27: 952-966. PMID: 36086805, PMCID: PMC9995606, DOI: 10.1177/13623613221121425.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsConcomitant psychotropic medicationsPsychotropic medicationsClinical trialsMedication useSchool-aged childrenClinical representativenessSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitorsConcomitant medication useVariety of medicationsAutism spectrum disorderSerotonin reuptake inhibitorsPsychotropic medication useNew treatment optionsGreater overall impairmentCentral nervous systemSpectrum disorderMedication classesReuptake inhibitorsAlpha agonistsTreatment optionsClinical endpointsInclusion criteriaStudy populationMedicationsNervous systemThe Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials: Initial Evaluation of a Battery of Candidate EEG Biomarkers
Webb SJ, Naples AJ, Levin AR, Hellemann G, Borland H, Benton J, Carlos C, McAllister T, Santhosh M, Seow H, Atyabi A, Bernier R, Chawarska K, Dawson G, Dziura J, Faja S, Jeste S, Murias M, Nelson CA, Sabatos-DeVito M, Senturk D, Shic F, Sugar CA, McPartland JC. The Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials: Initial Evaluation of a Battery of Candidate EEG Biomarkers. American Journal Of Psychiatry 2022, 180: 41-49. PMID: 36000217, PMCID: PMC10027395, DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.21050485.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBiological motion perceptionAutism spectrum disorderResting-state activityMotion perceptionEEG biomarkersGroup discriminationPsychometric propertiesBasic psychometric propertiesASD groupASD diagnosisNeural responsesSpectrum disorderAlpha powerN170Naturalistic studyPerceptionMixed resultsTask latencyVEP amplitudeContext of useLimited attentionInconsistent resultsAcquisition rateDiscriminationBatteriesEarly predictors of language skills at 3 years of age vary based on diagnostic outcome: A baby siblings research consortium study
Pecukonis M, Young GS, Brian J, Charman T, Chawarska K, Elsabbagh M, Iverson JM, Jeste S, Landa R, Messinger DS, Schwichtenberg AJ, Webb SJ, Zwaigenbaum L, Tager‐Flusberg H. Early predictors of language skills at 3 years of age vary based on diagnostic outcome: A baby siblings research consortium study. Autism Research 2022, 15: 1324-1335. PMID: 35652157, PMCID: PMC9253079, DOI: 10.1002/aur.2760.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderLow familial riskLanguage skillsASD groupElevated familial riskGesture's abilityLanguage developmentSpectrum disorderMaternal education levelIntervention servicesFamilial riskAutism spectrumLR infantsEarly predictorDiagnostic outcomesSkillsPresent studyPredictor variablesEducation levelPredictorsDisordersYears of ageInfantsAbilityOutcomesIdentifying Age Based Maturation in the ERP Response to Faces in Children With Autism: Implications for Developing Biomarkers for Use in Clinical Trials
Webb SJ, Emerman I, Sugar C, Senturk D, Naples AJ, Faja S, Benton J, Borland H, Carlos C, Levin AR, McAllister T, Santhosh M, Bernier RA, Chawarska K, Dawson G, Dziura J, Jeste S, Kleinhans N, Murias M, Sabatos-DeVito M, Shic F, McPartland JC, Trials T. Identifying Age Based Maturation in the ERP Response to Faces in Children With Autism: Implications for Developing Biomarkers for Use in Clinical Trials. Frontiers In Psychiatry 2022, 13: 841236. PMID: 35615454, PMCID: PMC9126041, DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.841236.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAutism spectrum disorderEvent-related potentialsUpright facesTypical developmentASD participantsASD groupProcessing of facesNon-verbal IQERP component latenciesVisual processing systemFace memoryFace processingERP responsesTD childrenAutism spectrumSocial skillsTD groupInversion effectSlower latenciesSpectrum disorderSpecificity effectsAge-related changesNeurodevelopmental conditionsNeural biomarkersComponent latenciesElevated 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
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
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
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 yearCommunicationAcquisitionDissociationDisabilityTemperamental 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
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 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 developmentEmotional Robot to Examine Different Play Patterns and Affective Responses of Children with and Without ASD
Boccanfuso L, Barnev E, Foster C, Ahn Y, Chawarska K, Scassellati B, Shic F. Emotional Robot to Examine Different Play Patterns and Affective Responses of Children with and Without ASD. 2016, 19-26. DOI: 10.1109/hri.2016.7451729.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAutism spectrum disorderChild-robot interactionAutism Diagnostic Observation ScheduleAffective responsesAutism severitySpectrum disorderAffective responsivityAutism symptomsEmotional robotsEmotion statesObservation ScheduleGroup differencesYoung childrenPlay patternsSocial activitiesChildrenDevelopmental abilityDisordersRobotStimuliAbilityPlaySymptomsUnique abilityResponsivity
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 disruptionConstructsAttentionProcessingASDDisordersToddlersDeficitsCircuitry