Reach-Aut Academic Centre for Autism

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a neuropeptide whose dysregulation has previously been associated with symptom severity in children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), theory of mind (ToM) deficits as well as problems with memory consolidation. However, AVP is rarely measured because of its short half-life and laborious method of detection. Copeptin is a more stable peptide derived from the same precursor molecule and considered a reliable surrogate marker of AVP. The goal of this study was to analyze copeptin levels in children with ASD and to investigate the relationships to their symptom severity, ToM and intellect. Our research sample consisted of 49 children with ASD, 40 boys and 9 girls, aged 6–12 years, in the IQ range of 70–132. Participants were diagnosed at the Academic Research Center for Autism at the Institute of Physiology on the Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University, using ADOS-2 and ADI-R. We used the comic strip task to measure ToM and Woodcock-Johnson International Editions II to assess cognitive abilities of participants. Plasma copeptin levels were evaluated by the ELISA method. Based on the results of Spearman’s correlation coefficient, we identified moderately strong correlations between copeptin concentrations and the restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, creativity, thinking ability, memory for names and to a ToM subscale Intentions, but not with overall ToM. Our findings provide evidence of relationships between plasmatic copeptin, a surrogate marker of AVP, and certain behavioral characteristics of children with ASD, in which the involvement of AVP has been assumed.

The purpose of this study was to increase our knowledge regarding the role that emotional functioning can play in the genesis of bullying and victimization at school for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, we examined the unique associations of basic emotions (anger and fear) and moral emotions (shame and guilt) with bullying and victimization in children with an ASD and a control group with typically developing (TD) children. The study included 130 children and young adolescents (64 with ASD, 66 TD, M age 140 months), who filled out self-report questionnaires. The main findings showed that in both groups less guilt and more anger were associated with more bullying. More fear was associated with more victimization in TD children only. Yet, more anger was also strongly and uniquely associated with more victimization in children with ASD, but not in TD children. These outcomes support the idea that lack of guilt is a pivotal antecedent of bullying for TD and ASD children. However, unlike TD children, the dysregulation of anger seems to play an important role in victimization as well as bullying in children with ASD.

Introduction: Autism or autism spectrum disorder is a chronic psychiatric condition with a need for intensive treatment and often lifelong support.Therefore, the Dr. Leo Kannerhuis developed their model of 'life course guidance' as basis for their treatment and rehabilitation approach for people with autism.Besides partnership with the family, pro-active monitoring, early support during transitions and patient participation are key-elements of this model.In this project, autism 24/7, self management 24/7, the Dr. Leo Kannerhuis realizes the model of life course guidance by stimulating patient participation in both treatment and self-management by using innovative tools: telehealth and telecare.Doing so a 24/7 network for self management arises in which the patient is the key player. Aim and objectives:The main purpose of the project was to develop a network of ICT Tools to support daily self management for people with autism and thus improve their independence and daily participation in society. Results:In the presentation the life course model and various ICT applications supporting self management will be presented: for example the Personal Health Record, the stress management application, a medication support, a daily life coach.We will particularly focus on the implications for the patients and the caregivers and show first practical experiences from their point of view.Finally we will show first results of research and discuss the potential of telehealth and telecare to strengthen the patient with ASD and his family.