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Autism, Comorbidities, And Adaptive Functioning: A Potential Moderator, Joshua J. Montrenes
Autism, Comorbidities, And Adaptive Functioning: A Potential Moderator, Joshua J. Montrenes
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Deficits in adaptive functioning and the presence of comorbid symptomatology are both commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous research has identified relationships between functional level (e.g., intellectual quotient [IQ], adaptive functioning [AF]) and comorbid symptomatology in ASD. However, further insight into the relationship between AF, comorbid psychopathology, and ASD is unclear. Specifically, how AF affects the relationship between ASD and comorbid conditions is not well understood. Whether AF moderates the relationship between autism symptom severity and comorbid symptom severity in toddlers with ASD was examined. ASD symptom severity positively correlated with comorbid symptom severity across domains and negatively …
The Relationship Between Type Of Parental First Concerns And Severity Of Developmental Delays In Toddlers With Autism Or Developmental Delay, Joshua J. Montrenes
The Relationship Between Type Of Parental First Concerns And Severity Of Developmental Delays In Toddlers With Autism Or Developmental Delay, Joshua J. Montrenes
LSU Master's Theses
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social communication and the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors. The impairments which are commonly associated with ASD manifest during early development as delayed speech or impaired social skills, for example. These early indicators are often noticed by parents who convey concern to medical professionals. Research has found associations between these early parental concerns and a later diagnosis of autism, noting their predictive validity. Research has yet to address the relationship between types of parental concerns and developmental functioning. This study examined whether certain parent reported concerns are more predictive of impaired …
Differences Between The Acoustic Parameters Of Prosody In Speakers With Asd And Typically Developing Speakers Ages Three To Six, Heather Delaune
Differences Between The Acoustic Parameters Of Prosody In Speakers With Asd And Typically Developing Speakers Ages Three To Six, Heather Delaune
LSU Master's Theses
The present study was designed to compare the acoustic parameters of prosody of children between the ages of three and six with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD to age matched typically developing (TD) speakers. The acoustic parameters of prosody examined were fundamental frequency (f0), intensity, speech rate, and speech rhythm. Analyzing the acoustic features of atypical expressive prosody in speakers with ASD would provide more detailed and defined information regarding the nature of the prosodic abnormality in these individuals to guide clinicians in providing a more concentrated focus for intervention. Speech samples were obtained from ten English-speaking, monolingual children (5 ASD, …
Examining The Sex Ratio In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Maya N. Matheis
Examining The Sex Ratio In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Maya N. Matheis
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
The higher prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among males compared to females is well documented but poorly understood. The ASD sex ratio may provide valuable insight into the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of the disorder. A review of studies examining the prevalence in ASD published in the last 5 years was conducted, revealing a mean male/female (M/F) ratio of 4. Literature examining the ASD sex ratio in relation to risk factors and associated features of ASD was also summarized. The study aimed to examine the ASD sex ratio and its association to various risk factors among an early intervention sample. …
Developmental Functioning Of Infants And Toddlers With Autism And Cerebral Palsy, Xinrui Jiang
Developmental Functioning Of Infants And Toddlers With Autism And Cerebral Palsy, Xinrui Jiang
LSU Master's Theses
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have one or more comorbid medical conditions including cerebral palsy (CP). Due to the overlaps between ASD and CP symptomatology (e.g., impairments in speech, repetitive movements, atypical sensory issues), co-occurring CP often leads to delayed diagnoses of ASD interfering with early interventions and subsequently affecting functional outcome. Utilizing the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits-Part 1 (BISCUIT-Part 1) and the Battelle Developmental Inventory, Second Edition (BDI-2), this study assessed and compared ASD symptomatology and developmental functioning in three groups of infants and toddlers, namely, those with ASD only, those with …
The Effect Of Demographic And Clinical Factors On The Performance Of The Abbreviated Scoring Algorithm For The Baby And Infant Screen For Children With Autism Traits, Paige Elizabeth Cervantes
The Effect Of Demographic And Clinical Factors On The Performance Of The Abbreviated Scoring Algorithm For The Baby And Infant Screen For Children With Autism Traits, Paige Elizabeth Cervantes
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction and social communication as well as the presence of restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, or activities (RRBIs; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). Individuals with ASD experience lifelong and pervasive impairments across many domains of functioning. Early identification of ASD is imperative as earlier intervention is associated with greater gains in numerous areas. In regards to early identification efforts, routine screening is important. However, screening often fails to be conducted within early childhood care settings. To encourage greater rates of screening by offering a …
Caregiver Choice In Autism Intervention: Selections And Influential Factors, Hilary Lynn Adams
Caregiver Choice In Autism Intervention: Selections And Influential Factors, Hilary Lynn Adams
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Although research on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continues to increase, there is not yet a “cure” for the disorder. There is a lack of consensus regarding most effective treatments, much less an accepted treatment plan or course. Families may feel alone and lost in the treatment decision process. In order to best assist caregivers, psychologists must understand the selections caregivers make, their sources of information, and what influences them in their decision-making process. With this knowledge, clinicians may best effect change in caregiver choice by encouraging informed decision-making and use of empirically-based interventions. Thus, the purpose of the current study …
Adaptive Behavior Deficits In Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder- Cutoff Scores For The Asd-D-A According To Dsm-5 Criteria., Nicole Cassandra Turygin
Adaptive Behavior Deficits In Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder- Cutoff Scores For The Asd-D-A According To Dsm-5 Criteria., Nicole Cassandra Turygin
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
With the release of the DSM-5, measures of ASD must be adjusted to take into account the new diagnostic criteria. In the present study, 337 adults with varying levels of intellectual disability who reside in a residential facility were studied. The present study identified potential cutoff scores on an established measure of ASD symptoms in adults, the ASD-A, and compared adaptive behavior levels between groups identified by DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5. The sample was divided into three groups: non-ASD, ASD according to DSM-5 and ASD according to DSM-IV-TR ASD along DSM-IV-TR was determined based on previous diagnoses, while DSM-5 diagnoses were …
Lag Time Between Parental First Concerns About Development And Entry Into Early Intervention: Impact Of Child/Family Factors, First Concerns, And Symptom Presentation, Jennifer S. Beighley
Lag Time Between Parental First Concerns About Development And Entry Into Early Intervention: Impact Of Child/Family Factors, First Concerns, And Symptom Presentation, Jennifer S. Beighley
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts an individual’s ability to relate to and communicate with others. Although children often do not receive a diagnosis until age 4-5 years (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014), parents typically recognize developmental problems by age 2 years (Chawarska et al., 2007), and often in the first year of life (Kishore & Basu, 2011). However, these early concerns do not always translate into appropriate or timely steps to access care. Few studies have examined factors relating to the time lag that exists between early concerns and action. Because early intervention …
Perceived Barriers To Autism Spectrum Disorder Services, Lindsey Willis Williams
Perceived Barriers To Autism Spectrum Disorder Services, Lindsey Willis Williams
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder with hallmark symptoms that can be severely impairing to both the individual and the overall family dynamic. The path to diagnostic and therapy services is often lengthy and complex. Despite various state and federal efforts to improve service access, disparities remain evident across ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic lines with caregivers reporting financial, cultural, geographic, and practical (e.g., transportation, scheduling) barriers. For those able to access treatment, several interventions have been proven efficacious in addressing ASD symptoms, problem behaviors, and adaptive skills deficits. Other often-used interventions include those without established merit for …
Evaluating And Increasing The Range Of Reinforcers For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Megan Kliebert Wiggins
Evaluating And Increasing The Range Of Reinforcers For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Megan Kliebert Wiggins
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Prior research has demonstrated the utility of several preference-assessment methodologies to identify stimuli more likely to function as reinforcers for individuals with limited verbal repertoires. However, differing results have been obtained from studies evaluating the reinforcement effects of stimuli identified as high preference by one assessment method but low preference by another assessment method. The first focus of the project was to evaluate the reinforcing efficacy of edible and leisure items based on predictions from preference assessments. Results indicated that edible and leisure items approached frequently during a single-stimulus preference assessment but infrequently during a paired-stimulus preference assessment produced less …
The Baby And Infant Screen For Children With Autism Traits: A Dsm-5 Update, Matthew Jason Konst
The Baby And Infant Screen For Children With Autism Traits: A Dsm-5 Update, Matthew Jason Konst
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Interest surrounding the investigation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased exponentially since it was initially described over a half-century ago. With this passage of time our conceptualization of the ASD diagnosis has undergone multiple changes. An increasing trend in research has been an emphasis on early identification and intervention. This trend has brought about the creation and adaptation of multiple measures designed to inform early ASD diagnosis. Recently, the ASD diagnostic category underwent significant revisions. In response to revisions, it is necessary to adapt preexisting measures to reflect these significant changes in order to maintain diagnostic accuracy. The Baby …
Change In Developmental Quotient In Toddlers Assessed For Autism Spectrum Disorder, Lindsey Willis Williams
Change In Developmental Quotient In Toddlers Assessed For Autism Spectrum Disorder, Lindsey Willis Williams
LSU Master's Theses
ASD is marked by significant delays in social and language development, while development in other areas, such as cognitive functioning, can be highly variable from person to person. Though preschool-aged children with ASD often exhibit a profile of developmental delays similar to children with other developmental disorders at a discrete moment in time, few studies have investigated possible differences in rate of skill acquisition in developmental domains in children with different disorders. Sensitive periods of development are marked by less stability in performance of developmental skills. Results of prior studies suggest that if appropriate early interventions are applied during sensitive …
The Moderating Effect Of Gender On The Relationship Between Socialization And Internalizing Problems In Early Childhood, Hilary Lynn Adams
The Moderating Effect Of Gender On The Relationship Between Socialization And Internalizing Problems In Early Childhood, Hilary Lynn Adams
LSU Master's Theses
Researchers in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have confirmed that comorbidities are a common problem among diagnosed individuals. Current estimates suggest that more than two thirds meet criteria for an additional diagnosis of psychopathology. In particular, rates of several internalizing problems (i.e., anxiety, depression) appear to be greater for individuals with ASD than their typically developing counterparts. However, little research has been conducted examining factors apart from autism symptomatology that could influence this prevalence difference. Additionally, it is well established that anxiety and depression are more common in females than males in the general population. However, few studies …
Challenging Behaviors In Children With Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder And Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Katherine Margaret Macmillan
Challenging Behaviors In Children With Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder And Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Katherine Margaret Macmillan
LSU Master's Theses
Challenging behaviors, such as aggression, destruction, self-injurious behaviors, or stereotypic movements, affect the majority of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. One factor that is known to influence the frequency at which challenging behaviors occur is the presence of a comorbid disorder. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is thought to be one such disorder. This study aimed to compare the prevalence rates of challenging behaviors, according to the Autism Spectrum Disorder-Behavior Problems, Child Version (ASD-BPC), in children ages 6-16 with parent reported symptoms of ASD, ADHD, comorbid ASD/ADHD, and no diagnosis. Differences existing overall were examined as well as differences on the ASD-BPC’s …
Premature Birth As A Factor In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rachel Lichtenstein Goldin
Premature Birth As A Factor In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Rachel Lichtenstein Goldin
LSU Master's Theses
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by pervasive delays in socialization, communication, and repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. While there is a growing body of evidence on the etiology of ASD, there are a limited number of studies examining factors which may impact the differentiation of ASD compared to other developmental disabilities. Additionally, few studies have examined factors which may predict level of ASD symptom severity. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether premature birth occurs more commonly in infants and toddlers (17-37 months) with ASD than those with atypical development. A secondary aim of this study …
The Baby And Infant Screen For Children With Autism Traits: Age-Based Scoring Procedures, Max Horovitz
The Baby And Infant Screen For Children With Autism Traits: Age-Based Scoring Procedures, Max Horovitz
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
As increasing interest and emphasis has been placed on early intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the need for reliable and valid early assessment techniques has grown significantly. The Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT) is a three-part battery designed to comprehensively assess for ASD in infants and toddlers aged 17 to 37 months. While studies of the measure’s psychometric properties have been promising, the measure’s scoring procedures do not take the child’s age into account. Given the significant amount of development that occurs in the first three years of life, the current paper …
Exploratory And Confirmatory Factor Analyses Of The Symptom Structure For Autism Spectrum Disorders Using The Baby And The Infant Screen For Children With Autism Traits, Megan Sipes
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Since autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were first identified, the diagnostic criteria and conceptualization of symptom structure have undergone many revisions. Currently, under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition-Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR; American Psychiatric Association (APA), 2000), ASD is defined by three symptom categories: impairments in socialization, deficits in communication, and repetitive/restricted behaviors. With the publication of the DSM-5 (APA, 2011), however, ASD will be defined by a two symptom cluster structure in which the main impairments are in the areas of social communication and restricted/repetitive behaviors. With these changes, many assessment measures will need to be re-examined to …
Challenging Behaviors In Autism Spectrum Disorders : Differences Across Childhood And The Relationship With Autism Symptomatology, Alison Marie Kozlowski
Challenging Behaviors In Autism Spectrum Disorders : Differences Across Childhood And The Relationship With Autism Symptomatology, Alison Marie Kozlowski
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Challenging behaviors (CBs) are remarkably prevalent in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and can have a number of severe consequences. While it is believed that CBs reach their peak in childhood followed by a general abatement throughout adolescence and adulthood, the exact trend of CBs during childhood is unknown. Furthermore, the impact of changes in autism symptomatology on CBs during childhood has seldom been explored despite a positive correlation between autism symptomatology and CBs having been established. Therefore, the purpose of these studies was to determine where significant differences in both autism symptomatology and CBs occur throughout childhood, and …
How Core Symptoms Of Autism Spectrum Disorder Predict Engagement In Specific Topographies Of Challenging Behavior, Sara Mahan
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Challenging behavior, such as aggression, destructive behavior, and self-injurious behavior (SIB), are common among people of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Numerous researchers have found that greater severity of ASD or a diagnosis of ASD is significantly correlated with greater levels of challenging behavior. However, there is dearth of information on how core symptoms of ASD (i.e., socialization deficits, communication deficits, stereotypies) predict the engagement of specific topographies of challenging behavior above and beyond other variables, such as developmental functioning. The purpose of this study is to extend the current literature base through examining how core symptoms of …
Symptom Profiles And Rates Of Diagnosis In Autistic And Other Atypically Developing Infants And Toddlers, Timothy Michael Dempsey
Symptom Profiles And Rates Of Diagnosis In Autistic And Other Atypically Developing Infants And Toddlers, Timothy Michael Dempsey
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
Although there are many assessment scales that aid in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), very few instruments are designed specifically to identify the condition in the population of infants and toddlers. The primary purpose of this study is to systematically examine the differences between scores on the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits (BISCUIT)-Part 1 in a sample of at risk atypically developing children. Participants are children enrolled in Louisiana’s EarlySteps Program, which provides support services (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavior psychology) to infants/toddlers and their families from birth to 36 months …
An Examination Of The Relationship Between Communication And Socialization Deficits In Infants And Toddlers With Autism And Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (Pdd_Nos), Megan Alice Hattier
LSU Master's Theses
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are characterized by pervasive impairments in repetitive behaviors or interests, communication, and socialization. As the onset of these features occurs at a very young age, early detection is of the utmost importance. In an attempt to better clarify the behavioral presentation of communication and socialization deficits to aid in early assessment and intervention, impairments in these areas were examined among infants and toddlers (17-37 months) with Autistic Disorder (AD), Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and non-ASD related developmental delay. The Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits-Part1 (BISCUIT-Part1) and the Battelle …
Communication Deficits In Babies With Autism And Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (Pdd-Nos), Max Horovitz
Communication Deficits In Babies With Autism And Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (Pdd-Nos), Max Horovitz
LSU Master's Theses
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are characterized by pervasive impairments in communication, socialization, and repetitive behaviors or interests. While there is a growing interest in early ASDs, very few studies have looked at the nature of these impairments before age 3. In order to better strengthen early assessment and intervention for ASDs, more knowledge is needed in this area. The current studies aimed to determine if, and in what ways, communication impairments are present in infants and toddlers (17-37 months) diagnosed with autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). In the first study, infants with autism and PDD-NOS …
Gender Differences In Core Symptomatology In Autism Spectrum Disorders Across The Lifespan, Tessa Taylor Rivet
Gender Differences In Core Symptomatology In Autism Spectrum Disorders Across The Lifespan, Tessa Taylor Rivet
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
A preponderance of males with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been evident since the initial writings on the topic. This male predominance has consistently emerged in all ASD research to date in epidemiological as well as clinical populations. Despite this long recognized gender disparity in ASD, surprisingly there is a paucity of research addressing gender as it relates to core ASD symptom presentation. Gender differences may manifest with regard to symptom domains, severity, breadth, and so forth. The present research examined gender differences in ASD symptomatology in three populations: infants and toddlers at risk for developmental disability, children and adolescents, …
The Assessment Of And Differences Among Intellectually Disabled Adults With Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorders And Epilepsy, Kimberly Robin Michelle Smith
The Assessment Of And Differences Among Intellectually Disabled Adults With Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorders And Epilepsy, Kimberly Robin Michelle Smith
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
The goal of this study was to systematically examine group differences among those with intellectual disabilities (ID) and comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and epilepsy in an adult population through a detailed exploration of the characteristics that these disorders present in the areas of psychopathology, behavior problems, and impaired social behavior. Previous studies indicating that individuals with ID have comorbid ASD and neurological conditions tend to stop short of addressing these disorders’ impact on the full range of psychosocial issues, particularly in adult samples. Assessments of psychopathology, behavior problems, and impaired social behavior were made with the ASD-Comorbidity-Adult Version and …
Gender Differences In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders And Comorbid Psychopathology, Julie Hess
Gender Differences In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders And Comorbid Psychopathology, Julie Hess
LSU Master's Theses
Abstract Children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) frequently exhibit symptoms that are not associated with the core features of ASD. These symptoms may meet criteria for an additional diagnosis; however, accurate assessment of comorbid psychiatric conditions in ASD has been hindered by a lack of measures designed for this specific purpose. The newly constructed assessment measure, Autism Spectrum Disorders-Comorbid for Children (ASD-CC) has been developed specifically for examining comorbid psychiatric disorders in ASD. Therefore, this study set out to assess differences in the endorsement rates of psychiatric symptoms in children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD compared to …
A Comparison Of Feeding And Mealtime Problems In Intellectually Disabled Adults With And Without Autism, Jill Cherie Fodstad
A Comparison Of Feeding And Mealtime Problems In Intellectually Disabled Adults With And Without Autism, Jill Cherie Fodstad
LSU Master's Theses
Due to the dearth of information categorically describing feeding behaviors in those with autism spectrum disorders, the goal of this research is to examine the nature of feeding difficulties in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Feeding and mealtime behavior problems are an area of concern due to their impact on an individual’s daily functioning, as well as the potential for causing severe medical conditions (e.g., poor nutrition, choking, aspiration) that may ultimately lead to death. Due to the importance of this topic for proper diagnosis and treatment planning, a better understanding of these behaviors in …
The Initial Reliability And Construct Validity Of The Autism Spectrum Disorder-Diagnostic (Asd-Dc) In Children, Melissa Luke Gonzalez
The Initial Reliability And Construct Validity Of The Autism Spectrum Disorder-Diagnostic (Asd-Dc) In Children, Melissa Luke Gonzalez
LSU Doctoral Dissertations
The aim of the present study was to examine the reliability and construct validity of a newly developed assessment scale designed to identify autism spectrum disorders in children: Autism Spectrum Disorder-Diagnostic for Children (ASD-DC). Participants were parents and caregivers of children between ages 2 and 16 years, who are typically developing or developmentally delayed. Participants were asked to complete several rating scales including the ASD-DC, a DSM-IV-TR/ICD-10 checklist, the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills in Youngsters (MESSY), and the Behavioral Assessment System for Children, Version 2 (BASC-2). In Study 1, the test-retest, inter-rater, and inter-item reliabilities of the ASD-DC was …
Comorbid Psychological Disorder In Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities And Autism Spectrum Disorders, Jessica Ann Boisjoli
Comorbid Psychological Disorder In Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities And Autism Spectrum Disorders, Jessica Ann Boisjoli
LSU Master's Theses
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by deficits in three areas of functioning: communication, socialization, and restricted interests/repetitive behavior. With the rise in diagnoses of ASD in recent years, these disorders have received increasing recognition by researchers and clinicians. These efforts have largely been with young children. However, the study of ASD and comorbid disorders in adults with intellectual disability (ID) has been almost nonexistent. While there are measures available to assess comorbid disorders in people with only ID, the differences in adults with ASD and ID and adults with ID alone may also be a good deal different than …
Deficits In Social Skills And Feeding Behaviors Associated With Adults Diagnosed With Autistic Disorder Living In An Institutionalized Setting, Cindy Terlonge Graham
Deficits In Social Skills And Feeding Behaviors Associated With Adults Diagnosed With Autistic Disorder Living In An Institutionalized Setting, Cindy Terlonge Graham
LSU Master's Theses
Autistic disorder, a syndrome beginning in infancy and persisting into adulthood, has captured the attention of researchers and clinicians alike. Although this disorder has been studied since the mid-1940s, there is a lack of literature addressing certain adaptive skills in adults with autism. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in social and feeding skills between individuals with and without autistic disorder. Given the importance of acquiring these skills to facilitate proper adjustment and decrease potential health risks, better understanding of these behaviors in persons with autism is warranted. Participants comprised three separate groups: an autism group, …