Differences in sleep EEG coherence and spindle metrics in toddlers with and without receptive/expressive language delay: a prospective observational study

Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders · 2025-02-22 · 3 citations

BACKGROUND: Changes in brain connectivity during development are thought to reflect organizational and maturational processes that correspond to skill acquisition in domains like motor, language, and cognition. This theory is supported by findings in typically developing children as well as observations of abnormal connectivity among children with neurodevelopmental differences. However, few coherence studies have capitalized on the potential of sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) to examine the developing brain, especially among very young children for whom formal neurodevelopmental diagnosis is not yet possible. Sleep microarchitecture in young children may offer key insights into neurophysiological abnormalities associated with neurodevelopmental trajectories and potentially aid in early detection and intervention. In this study, we explored sleep EEG coherence and sleep spindles in typically developing toddlers and toddlers at increased risk of later neurodevelopmental diagnoses. METHODS: We investigated EEG coherence and sleep spindles in 16 toddlers with receptive and expressive language delay (LangD) and 39 typically developing (TD) toddlers. Participants were aged 12-22 months at baseline, and 34 (LangD, n=11; TD, n=23) participants were evaluated again at 36 months of age. RESULTS: Average EEG coherence was stronger in the LangD group than the TD group, with differences most prominent during slow-wave sleep. Some age-related increases in coherence were observed, but these did not differ between groups. Sleep spindle density, duration, and frequency changed between baseline and follow-up for both groups, with the LangD group demonstrating a smaller magnitude of change than the TD group. The direction of change was frequency band-dependent for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that atypical sleep EEG connectivity and sleep spindle development can be detected in toddlers at risk of later neurodevelopmental diagnoses. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01339767 ; Registration date: 4/20/2011.

Brain Morphometry of Toddlers With Language Delay: An Exploratory Study

Infant and Child Development · 2025-01-01 · 3 citations

ABSTRACT While studies have documented neural correlates of language delay in toddlers with developmental conditions, those at genetic risk for language delay, and those born premature, no studies have examined neural correlates in toddlers exhibiting early language delay without known aetiology. This study examines brain morphometry in toddlers with and without early language delay. To do so, we collected magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on toddlers with language delay (LD; n = 7, M age = 19.67 months, 3 female, 2 Hispanic and 4 non‐caucasian) and a typically developing (TD; n = 17, M age = 22.73 months, 8 female, 2 Hispanic and 3 non‐caucasian) comparison group. Exploratory analyses examined group differences in total brain volume, cortical thickness and cortical surface area using both a whole‐brain and region of interest (Broca's and Wernicke's areas) approach. Results showed no gross brain anatomical differences between groups. However, there were group differences in cortical surface area in the temporal cortex (including Wernicke's area and left middle temporal gyrus, hedges' g = − 0.35) and Broca's area thickness. Results are reported using multiple analytic methods, age matching and exclusion of children later diagnosed with autism. While this exploratory study has a limited sample size, it provides novel findings that can be utilised to guide hypothesis‐driven imaging studies on toddler language delay.

Differences in Sleep EEG Coherence and Spindle Metrics in Toddlers With and Without Language Delay: A Prospective Observational Study

Research Square · 2024-02-14 · 1 citations

Author response for "Brain Morphometry of Toddlers With Language Delay: An Exploratory Study"

2024-04-03

Author response for "Brain Morphometry of Toddlers With Language Delay: An Exploratory Study"

2024-08-03

Author response for "Brain Morphometry of Toddlers With Language Delay: An Exploratory Study"

2024-09-09

Author response for "Brain Morphometry of Toddlers With Language Delay: An Exploratory Study"

2024-10-25

Posterior superior temporal cortex connectivity is related to social communication in toddlers

Infant Behavior and Development · 2023 · 6 citations

• Psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Cognitive psychology

The Early Screening for Autism and Communication Disorders: Field-testing an autism-specific screening tool for children 12 to 36 months of age

Autism · 2021 · 31 citations

• Psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Clinical psychology

LAY ABSTRACT: There is a critical need for accurate screening tools for autism spectrum disorder in very young children so families can access tailored intervention services as early as possible. However, there are few screeners designed for children 18-24 months. Developing screeners that pick up on the signs of autism spectrum disorder in very young children has proved even more challenging. In this study, we examined a new autism-specific parent-report screening tool, the Early Screening for Autism and Communication Disorders for children between 12 and 36 months of age. Field-testing was done in five sites with 471 children screened for communication delays in primary care or referred for familial risk or concern for autism spectrum disorder. The Early Screening for Autism and Communication Disorders was tested in three age groups: 12-17, 18-23, and 24-36 months. A best-estimate diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, or typical development was made. Analyses examined all 46 items and identified 30 items that best discriminated autism spectrum disorder from the non-spectrum groups. Cutoffs were established for each age group with good sensitivity and specificity. Results provide preliminary support for the accuracy of the Early Screening for Autism and Communication Disorders as an autism-specific screener in children 12-36 months with elevated risk of communication delay or autism spectrum disorder.

A 3-Month Interdisciplinary Process Drama Program to Build Social Skills in Preschoolers With ASD: A Feasibility Study

American Journal of Occupational Therapy · 2021-08-01

Abstract Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. Social skills problems are main features of autism. The Over-Pruning Hypothesis suggests that such problems may be due to over-pruning of neural areas important to social skills. Intervention for social skills before age 5 years may strengthen connections, reducing pruning. Process drama may be a particularly effective way to practice social skills. This poster will describe the feasibility of an interdisciplinary (drama, OT, speech-language pathology) process drama program for social skills in preschoolers with autism. Primary Author and Speaker: Lorie Richards Additional Authors and Speakers: Heidi Woolley Contributing Authors: Xan S. Johnson, Pamela Mathy, Stacy Manwaring, Megan Raby, Wendy Wilde, Lise Thornton, and Penelope Caywood