Matching Items (10)
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- All Subjects: Autism
- Creators: Adams, James
- Resource Type: Text
Description
This research examines the presentation of ASD in fictional children's literature. The goal is to use the research collected to determine what symptoms of ASD are receiving coverage versus what is not being covered but needs to be in a children's book about ASD. This was accomplished by first consulting background literature on ASD before examining 40 children's books about characters on the spectrum. It was found that girls on the spectrum received less coverage than boys did, and that most books conformed to one of two types: looking at ASD through the eyes of a neurotypical child and looking at it through the eyes of a child who has it. This led to the proposed idea of a book about a girl on the spectrum that would alternate between her point of view and the point of view of her neurotypical friend, and the subsequent draft of said book.
ContributorsAnderson, Sarah (Contributor) / Baldini, Cajsa (Contributor) / Adams, James (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2014-12
Description
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is home to a complex and diverse microbial ecosystem that contributes to health or disease in many aspects. While bacterial species are the majority in the GI tract, their cohabitants, fungal species, should not be forgotten. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often suffer from GI disorders and associated symptoms, implying a role the bacterial and fungal gut microbiota play in maintaining human health. The irregularities in GI symptoms can negatively affect the overall quality of life or even worsen behavioral symptoms the children present. Even with the increase in the availability of next-generation sequencing technologies, the composition and diversities of fungal microbiotas are understudied, especially in the context of ASD. We therefore aimed to investigate the gut mycobiota of 36 neurotypical children and 38 children with ASD. We obtained stool samples from all participants, as well as autism severity and GI symptom scores to help us understand the effect the mycobiome has on these symptoms. By targeting the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and bacterial 16S rRNA V4 regions, we obtained fungal and bacterial amplicon sequences, from which we investigated the diversities, composition, and potential link between two different ecological clades. From fungal amplicon sequencing results, we observed a significant decrease in the observed fungal OTUs in children with ASD, implying a lack of potentially beneficial fungi in ASD subjects. We performed Bray-Curtis principal coordinates analysis and observed significant differences in fungal microbiota composition between the two groups. Taxonomic analysis showed higher relative abundances of Candida , Pichia, Penicillium , and Exophiala in ASD subjects, yet due to a large dispersion of data, the differences were not statistically significant. Interestingly, we observed a bimodal distribution of Candida abundances within children with ASD. Candida's relative abundance was not significantly correlated with GI scores, but children with high Candida relative abundances presented significantly higher Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) scores, suggesting a role of Candida on ASD behavioral symptoms. Regarding the bacterial gut microbiota, we found marginally lower observed OTUs and significantly lower relative abundance of Prevotella in the ASD group, which was consistent with previous studies. Taken together, we demonstrated that autism is closely linked with a distinct gut mycobiota, characterized by a loss of fungal and bacterial diversity and an altered fungal and bacterial composition.
ContributorsPatel, Jigar (Author) / Krajmalnik-Brown, Rosa (Thesis director) / Kang, Dae Wook (Committee member) / Adams, James (Committee member) / School of Molecular Sciences (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
Description
As the prevalence and awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) increases, so does the variety of treatment options for primary symptoms (social interaction, communication, behavior) and secondary symptoms (anxiety, hyperactivity, GI problems, and insomnia). Various treatments, from Adderall to Citalopram to Flax Seed Oil promise relief for these symptoms. However, very little research has actually been done on some of these treatments. Additionally, the research that has been done fails to compare these treatments against one another in terms of symptom relief. The Autism Treatment Effectiveness Survey, written by Dr. James Adams, director of the Autism/Asperger's Research Program at ASU, and graduate student/program coordinator Devon Coleman, aims to fill this gap. The survey numerically rates medications based on benefit and adverse effects, in addition to naming specific symptoms that are impacted by the treatments. However, the survey itself was retrospective in nature and requires further evidence to support its claims. Therefore, the purpose of this research paper is to evaluate evidence related to the results of the survey. After the performing an extensive literature review of over 70 different treatments, it appears that the findings of the Autism Treatment Effectiveness Survey are generally well supported. There were a few minor discrepancies regarding the primary benefitted symptom, but there was not enough of a conflict to discount the information from the survey. As research is still ongoing, conclusions cannot yet be drawn for Nutritional Supplements, although the current data looks promising.
ContributorsAnderson, Amy Lynn (Author) / Adams, James (Thesis director) / Coleman, Devon (Committee member) / School of Nutrition and Health Promotion (Contributor) / W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
Description
Vitamins and minerals are, by definition, essential substances that are necessary for good health, and needed by every cell and organ to function appropriately. A deficiency of any one vitamin or mineral can be very serious. Although a very healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and protein can provide sufficient amounts of most vitamins and minerals, many people do not consume an adequate diet. During pregnancy, there is an increased need for vitamins and minerals to promote a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Prenatal supplements are intended to supplement a normal diet to ensure that adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals are consumed. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established Recommended Dietary Allowances for total vitamin/mineral intake from food and supplements, but they have not established recommendations for prenatal supplements. Therefore, there is a very wide variation in the content and quality of prenatal supplements. Many prenatal supplements contain only minimal levels of some vitamins and few or no minerals, in order to minimize cost and the number of pills. This results in insufficient vitamin/mineral supplementation for many women, and hence does not fully protect them or their children from pregnancy complications and health problems. Therefore, we have created our own set of recommendations for prenatal supplements. Our recommendations are based primarily on four sources: 1) FDA's Recommended Daily Allowances for pregnant women, which are estimated to meet the needs of 97.5% of healthy pregnant women. 2) FDA's Tolerable Upper Limit, which is the maximum amount of vitamins/minerals that can be safely consumed without any risk of health problems. 3) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which evaluates the average intake of vitamins and minerals by women ages 20-40 years in the US 4) Research studies on vitamin/mineral deficiencies or vitamin/mineral supplementation during pregnancy, and the effect on pregnancy, birth, and child health problems. In summary, the RDA establishes minimum recommended levels of vitamin/mineral intake from all sources, and the NHANES establishes the average intake from foods. The difference is what needs to be consumed in a supplement, on average. However, since people vary greatly in the quality of their diet, and since most vitamins and minerals have a high Tolerable Upper Limit, we generally recommend more than the difference between the RDA and the average NHANES. Vitamins generally have a larger Tolerable Upper Limit than do minerals. So, we recommend that prenatal vitamin/mineral supplements contain 100% of the RDA for most vitamins, and about 50% of the RDA for most minerals. However, based on additional research studies described below, in some cases we vary our recommendations from those averages.
ContributorsSorenson, Jacob (Author) / Adams, James (Thesis director) / Pollard, Elena (Committee member) / College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2017-05
Description
Sulfate deficiency is seen in children with autism through increased urinary excretion of sulfate and low plasma sulfate levels. Potential factors impacting reduced sulfation include phenosulfotransferase activity, sulfate availability, and the presence of the gut toxin p-cresol. Epsom salt baths, vitamin supplementation, and fecal microbiota transplant therapy are all potential treatments with promising results. Sulfate levels have potential for use as a diagnostic biomarker, allowing for earlier diagnosis and intervention.
ContributorsErickson, Payton (Author) / Adams, James (Thesis director) / Krajmalnik-Brown, Rosa (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Historical, Philosophical & Religious Studies, Sch (Contributor) / School of Human Evolution & Social Change (Contributor)
Created2023-05
Description
The Healthy Pregnancy Summit is a collection of videos from a variety of specialists detailing how to have a healthy pregnancy and healthy child, based on the latest scientific and medical information. This project summarizes each presentation, and compares to the Healthy Child Guide, a document supplementary to the summit. Finally, this project analyzes the overall usefulness of the summit and each presentation, and suggests areas for improvement.
ContributorsKragenbring, Kylee (Author) / Adams, James (Thesis director) / Matthews, Julie (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / School of Human Evolution & Social Change (Contributor)
Created2023-05
Description
The purpose of this project was to develop a new questionnaire that was comprehensive and included symptoms of autism and related disorders. 28 parents of children with autism and two adults with autism were interviewed and asked to fill out the questionnaire and rate their child’s symptoms based on the available scale. From their responses, we were able to edit and improve the questionnaire to make it clearer and more concise. We added new symptoms and improved the descriptions of the symptoms listed. The new version of the questionnaire will be edited after interviewing the same 30 people again. After, it will need to be validated by a large study of around 300 people. The questionnaire will be used in an app format and help parents rate their child’s symptoms during clinical studies of medical treatments.
ContributorsFoote, Sophia (Author) / Adams, James (Thesis director) / Duane, Drake (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Watts College of Public Service & Community Solut (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / School of Human Evolution & Social Change (Contributor)
Created2022-05
Description
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an intricate neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social functioning and communication, repetitive behavioral patterns, and specialized interests (Olesova et al., 2020; Osredkar et al., 2023). Despite the efforts of modern science, the biological origin of ASD is unknown, and no known biomarker for ASD currently exists (Olesova et al., 2020; Osredkar et al., 2023). Indoxyl sulfate has been identified as a toxin associated with ASD and its related symptomology in addition to a number of other conditions, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, and various mood disorders (Cao et al., 2015; Cassani et al., 2015; Karbowska et al., 2020; Zhao et al., 2013). This article will review what is currently known about indoxyl sulfate in relation to ASD and its comorbidities in an attempt to determine the validity of indoxyl sulfate as a potential biomarker for ASD. Articles for the purposes of this review were collected via Google Scholar, PubMed, and the ASU Library using key words such as “indoxyl sulfate,” “Autism,” and “indican,” and chosen based on relevancy. Through this review, indoxyl sulfate was identified as a potential physiological biomarker for a subset of ASD, with additional research required to verify the findings presented. The identification of a biomarker for ASD could change the current methods of testing for ASD, greatly improving our understanding and treatment of the disorder.
ContributorsHill, Zoë (Author) / Adams, James (Thesis director) / Flynn, Christina (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor) / Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
The purpose of this thesis is to analyze in-depth the current research on Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD), outlining the prominently researched methods of treatment that have led to
successful therapy for the ones being treated. Within this thesis, the definition of successful
treatment of autistic individuals will be defined by how well the individuals can adapt to their
employment opportunities and their own social lives. Success will be measured through the
effectiveness of specific treatments, such as speech therapy and therapeutic-based diets, to better
gauge the success rate of treatment for autistic individuals. The thesis itself will serve as a review
of the currently proposed treatment methods, analyzing where the most successful treatments
were derived from and then offering a summary conclusion on the overall scope of the research.
Recommendations on future research will be made to encapsulate all the research provided
through which a scholarly lens was applied. Overall, the best methods of treatment will involve
both a dietary and occupational approach, so as to tackle any environmental or genetic origins of
ASD. More specifically, through a combination of vitamin and mineral supplements to manage
behavioral symptoms combined with Applied Behavioral Analysis techniques, ASD can be more
effectively treated to improve an individual’s quality of life.
ContributorsEnriquez, Elias (Author) / Adams, James (Thesis director) / Martin, Thomas (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a wide range of symptoms and severities, affecting communication, behavior, and social interactions. With the prevalence of ASD rising to affect nearly 1 in 36 children in the United States, understanding and addressing the multifaceted needs of those with ASD is increasingly critical. This review explores the interplay between genetic, environmental, and immune factors in the onset of ASD, focusing on metabolic dysfunctions and the role of the gut-brain axis. Emerging research highlights the significance of abnormal metabolites and gut microbiota imbalances in contributing to the pathophysiology of ASD, suggesting that these factors may influence neurological function and behavior through modulating immune responses.
Recent analyses have uncovered metabolic disturbances in ASD, affecting amino acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, glycolysis and the TCA cycle, homocysteine metabolism, ketone body synthesis, and lipid metabolism. These disturbances offer insights into how metabolic dysfunctions may contribute to the neurological and behavioral features of ASD. Furthermore, the gut microbiota's role in immune responses and the controversial impact of antibiotic use on gut flora composition is important to the complexity of ASD and the need for a nuanced understanding of treatment effects.
This review delves into the current understanding of metabolic dysfunctions in children with ASD, emphasizing the critical role of gut microbiota and the impact of antibiotic use. Specifically, this review discusses SCFAs, para-cresol, amino acid metabolites, and glutathione and their respective specific treatments. It also explores the potential of vitamin/mineral supplementation as a therapeutic strategy, highlighting significant improvements in metabolic markers and behavioral symptoms associated with ASD. The findings from key studies, including those by Adams et al., suggest that targeted nutritional interventions and careful management of gut health could offer promising avenues for improving the quality of life for individuals with ASD. The review also acknowledges the need for further research to confirm the long-term effects of these interventions and to develop personalized treatment approaches that consider the unique needs in individuals with ASD.
ContributorsNandakumar, Keshav (Author) / Adams, James (Thesis director) / Flynn, Christina (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor)
Created2024-05