Racial and ethnic disparities in obesity and contributions of social determinants of health among boys with autism spectrum disorder

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are at greater obesity risk compared to typically developing peers. Although many potential risk factors for this relationship have been identified, the causal chain must be better understood, particularly modifiable social determinants of obesity risk in ASD, and especially for children with ASD from minoritized racial/ethnic groups. We aimed to: (1) examine racial/ethnic disparities in obesity status in boys with ASD; (2) assess associations between social determinants of health and obesity status; and (3) understand if social determinants of health factors mediate the relationship between race/ethnicity and obesity status for these youth. We used data for 124 boys, aged 9–10 with ASD enrolled in an ongoing longitudinal study. Social determinants of health explored included socioeconomic position, Area Deprivation Index, neighborhood safety, food and housing insecurity, and racial/ethnic discrimination. The racial/ethnic distribution was: 17.1% Black, 14.6% Latino, and 68.3% White; average age was 10 years. Both Black (PR 2.57, 95% CI: 1.26–5.26) and Latino boys (PR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.08–4.03) with ASD were more likely to be obese than their White peers. While there were significant differences in some social determinants of health by race/ethnicity, only food insecurity mediated associations between race/ethnicity (Black vs. White) and obesity. The striking disparities in obesity and differences in social determinants of health between Black and Latino children with ASD compared to White children emphasize the need to identify factors that contribute to healthy weight among these children and to address these factors in practice

Associations between parenting strategies and BMI percentile among Latino children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Introduction: Maintaining healthy weight is a challenge for all children, and particularly for children with IDD compared to nondisabled children and for Latino children compared to non-Latino White children. Parenting practices related to food intake and physical activity have been found to be important in maintaining children\u27s weight. In this study, we describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity status among Latino children with IDD and their maternal caregivers and determine the relationship between food and physical activity parenting practices and childhood obesity among Latino children with IDD. Methods: We interviewed 94 Latino parent/child dyads and collected information about parenting practices, home environment, and parent and child height and weight using standardized measures. Parent body mass index (BMI) and child BMI percentile were calculated from height and weight. Results: The combined overweight/obesity status for children in our sample was high (60.3%) compared to national rates among nondisabled Latino children (56%) and non-Latino White children with autism (37%). Contrary to research on nondisabled children, we found that greater parental use of controlling dietary strategies was associated with lower BMI percentile in Latino children with IDD. These findings may be indicative of the fact that children with IDD tend to have unique dietary behaviors that warrant more disability and culturally sensitive strategies. Discussion: Our findings suggest that overweight and obesity is especially prevalent for Latino children with IDD and that more research is needed on family factors that promote health in Latino families of children with IDD

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Intensive Autism Services in the State of Wisconsin

The authors examined racial and ethnic disparities in the receipt of intensive autism services in Wisconsin and found that Latino, African American and American Indian children with autism are underrepresented

Recommendations for Diversifying Racial and Ethnic Representation in Autism Intervention Research: A Crossover Review of Recruitment and Retention Practices in Pediatric Mental Health

Disparities in diagnosis and access to healthcare and therapeutic services are well-documented for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from minoritized races and ethnicities, but there is little empirical research to guide the selection and implementation of interventions and practices that will effectively support racially/ethnically diverse children with ASD and their families. This cross-over systematic review summarizes parent-mediated intervention research of children with or at risk for mental health disorders to identify potentially effective recruitment and retention strategies for diverse participants in parent-mediated intervention research for children with autism. Electronic database keyword, lead author name searches in PyschNet, MEDLINE, and ancestral searches were conducted to identify 68 relevant articles that used experimental designs to evaluate the effects of parent-mediated interventions on children with or at risk for mental health disorders. Articles were coded for participant demographics; intervention setting and type, recruitment and retention strategies, cultural adaptation of intervention, and reported attrition. Findings are discussed and applied to practices in autism parent-mediated intervention research. Suggestions for future research and limitations are discussed

Interventions for Health Promotion and Obesity Prevention for Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities: a Systematic Review

This systematic review evaluated interventions and relevant outcomes for health promotion and obesity prevention among children and adolescents with developmental disabilities (DD). Twenty-one studies including randomized control trials (n= 9) and quasi-experimental studies (n=12) published between 2010 and 2021 met inclusion criteria related to participant characteristics, intervention type, and child obesity-related outcomes. Five types of intervention programs were identified: aerobic and strength training, sport-based physical activity, aquatic exercise, active video gaming, and diet and lifestyle. Whereas analysis of intervention outcomes, efficacy, and study rigor showed mixed results and weak evidence of effective interventions, this review identified gaps in the literature, promising strategies for addressing obesity in children with DD, and implications for practice and future research

Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Latinx Caregivers of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the entire world in unprecedented ways. However, populations that have had a history of marginalization have experienced a more profound impact. One such group is Latinx families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Unites States. In this study, we used a mixed methods approach to explore the impact of the pandemic on the mental health and well-being of Latinx caregivers of children with IDD. Specifically, we (1) identified which social determinants of health are correlated with maternal caregivers perceived general health, mental health, and well-being; (2) explored the impact of the pandemic on families’ overall eating and physical activity routines; and (3) identified emergent themes from caregivers’ experiences during the pandemic. Thirty-seven Latinx caregivers participated in three interviews in which several validated instruments were administered. The results indicated that perceived social support, annual family income, food security, and receipt of financial benefits were correlated with fewer depressive symptoms. Annual family income was also significantly correlated with perceived general health. Most caregivers reported that the pandemic had placed a strain on their economic situation; increased their isolation; and disrupted their child’s therapeutic supports, online education, eating routines, and engagement in physical activity. Meanwhile, some caregivers reported positive changes as a result of the pandemic. Implications for future research and practice are discussed

The Use of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised with a Latino Population of Adolescents and Adults with Autism

Research shows that Latinos are less likely to be diagnosed with autism than their non-Latino counterparts. One factor that may contribute to these differences is that autism diagnostic instruments have not been adapted for the Latino population. The present study compared scores from the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised for two groups: 48 Latino adolescents and adults with autism and a matched sample of 96 non-Latino Whites. There were no significant differences between the two groups in total impairments in social reciprocity or communication. However, lower levels of restrictive-and-repetitive behaviors were found among Latino adolescents and adults with autism compared to Whites. Findings suggest that there may be cultural equivalency in some domains, but others may warrant further exploration

Design of Species-Specific Primers for Early Detection of Kretzschmaria zonata, the Causal Agent of Root and Neck Rot of Teak (Tectona grandis)

Kretzschmaria zonata (Lév.) P.M.D. Martin is a fungus that causes root and neck rot in teak (Tectona grandis L.) worldwide. The detection of this fungus in asymptomatic plants is essential for its control but, to date, the disease can only be detected morphologically or by sequencing this fungus’s isolates. The aim of this work was to design, at least, one set of specific PCR primers for a quickly, early and accurate diagnosis of this pathogen. Nineteen isolates of K. zonata from teak plants at different locations in Mexico were obtained. ITS region sequences and two software were used to design the PCR-based primers. All primers obtained were tested on DNA samples from infected teak tissue, K. zonata pure isolates, and other different fungi species (in vitro and in silico). The sensitivity of the primers was evaluated at five different concentrations of target DNA. The primer set KZ-AQ-3F/KZ-AQ-3R was selected for its specificity (amplifies only K. zonata) and sensitivity (1 × 10−5 ng/µL detection). This is the first report of a Kretzschmaria zonata-specific primer set. Tests carried out on asymptomatic teak and artificially inoculated plants with this fungus demonstrated the usefulness of these primers for the accurate detection of K. zonata, and taking early control measures

Design of Species-Specific Primers for Early Detection of <i>Kretzschmaria zonata</i>, the Causal Agent of Root and Neck Rot of Teak (<i>Tectona grandis</i>)

Kretzschmaria zonata (Lév.) P.M.D. Martin is a fungus that causes root and neck rot in teak (Tectona grandis L.) worldwide. The detection of this fungus in asymptomatic plants is essential for its control but, to date, the disease can only be detected morphologically or by sequencing this fungus’s isolates. The aim of this work was to design, at least, one set of specific PCR primers for a quickly, early and accurate diagnosis of this pathogen. Nineteen isolates of K. zonata from teak plants at different locations in Mexico were obtained. ITS region sequences and two software were used to design the PCR-based primers. All primers obtained were tested on DNA samples from infected teak tissue, K. zonata pure isolates, and other different fungi species (in vitro and in silico). The sensitivity of the primers was evaluated at five different concentrations of target DNA. The primer set KZ-AQ-3F/KZ-AQ-3R was selected for its specificity (amplifies only K. zonata) and sensitivity (1 × 10−5 ng/µL detection). This is the first report of a Kretzschmaria zonata-specific primer set. Tests carried out on asymptomatic teak and artificially inoculated plants with this fungus demonstrated the usefulness of these primers for the accurate detection of K. zonata, and taking early control measures