R01HD107695

Pubertal, Psychological, and Physiological Development in Females with Autism - Project Summary/Abstract

Puberty is among the most complex developmental transitions over the human lifetime. The timing (age of onset) and tempo (rate of change) of puberty can significantly and negatively impact physical, psychosocial, and physiological functioning, especially in females. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired reciprocal social communication and poor adaptation to change; thus, the onset and course of puberty marks a pivotal transition.

In a series of cross-sectional studies, findings from the study team have shown the following:

1) Advanced pubertal timing for female youth with ASD compared to typically developing females (i.e., breast development, menses) using rigorous assessment of pubertal staging.
2) Distinct camouflaging behaviors in females with ASD when socially interacting with peers.
3) Higher depressive symptoms in early adolescents with ASD, especially females.
4) Sex-based differences in neural socioemotional processing in youth with ASD.
5) Elevated stress and arousal in youth with ASD compared to same-age typically developing peers that increases with age and pubertal development.

Consistent across these studies is the unique profile of females with ASD and the potential deleterious impact of early puberty in this vulnerable, understudied population and developmental window.

While the previous and ongoing pubertal development research is compelling, at the start of enrollment, 80% of the 10-year-old females with ASD had already entered puberty compared to 29% of the typically developing group. Therefore, the true onset of puberty could not be determined. Moreover, it was based on a relatively small sample of females with ASD aged 10-13 years (N = 35). Thus, a comprehensive exploration of pubertal maturation in a large sample of younger girls with ASD is needed.

The overarching goal is to systematically examine the precise onset, tempo, and course of pubertal, psychosocial, and physiological development in females with ASD using a multimodal, multimethod, accelerated longitudinal design. A large sample of females with ASD (N=120) and typically developing (TD) (N=120) spanning 6 to 15 years will be followed over four years: Cohort 1 enrolled at 6 years (follow 6-9), Cohort 2 enrolled at 8 years (follow 8-11), Cohort 3 enrolled at 10 years (follow 10-13), and Cohort 4 enrolled at 12 years (follow 12-15).

The aims will address three key areas:

Aim 1: Pubertal Development - Will examine the timing, tempo, and course of puberty based on physical development (Tanner stage (TS), body mass index (BMI), height, linear growth velocity (LGV)), hormones (estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH)), and menstrual cycle.

Aim 2: Psychosocial Profiles - Will examine reciprocal social communication (CASS) and internalizing symptoms (anxiety and depression) at the onset and over the course of pubertal development.

Aim 3: Physiological Characterization - Will simultaneously examine social functioning at the level of the central nervous system (EEG hyperscanning), HPA axis (cortisol), and peripheral nervous system (RSA) during naturalistic social interactions between same-sex peers.

The findings will reveal the impact of the onset, tempo, and course of puberty on females with ASD to improve education, inform services, and develop interventions, which are lacking.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

NOT APPLICABLE

93.865 - Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) [HHS - NIH]

Nashville, Tennessee 37203 United States

Single Zip Code

Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) (PA-21-201)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 353% from $734,311 to $3,322,864.