2023 Associates Meeting - Posters

Yale Child Study Center

Poster session highlighting the latest research from investigators and trainees at the Yale Child Study Center. Click on a poster to enlarge, and feel free to contact the presenter by email. See more Child Study Center research at the link below.


More info: http://minitalks.childstudy.center
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Maternal psychological risk and the neural correlates of infant face processing: a latent profile analysis

Kathryn M. Wall, Francesca Penner, Jaclyn Dell, Amanda Lowell, Marc N. Potenza, Linda C. Mayes, & Helena J. V. Rutherford

Abstract
Maternal psychological factors may impact neural processing and have downstream parenting consequences. Previous works assessing impacts of psychological factors have assessed each in isolation, despite co-morbidity and identified associations with processing of facial stimuli. Here, mothers viewed infant faces while EEG was recorded and completed anxiety, depression, and substance use measures. An LPA identified two profiles of psychological factors. The higher risk profile was associated with delayed N170 suggesting that maternal psychological risk across multiple indicators may together shape neural processing of infant faces, which may also have downstream consequences.
Presented by
Kathryn Wall (Graduate Student) <kathryn.wall@yale.edu>

Reflective Functioning, Emotion Regulation and The Cycle of Violence

Edoardo Modanesi, MRes & Carla Stover, PhD

Abstract
The present study is centered on data collected from a concluded clinical trial intervention for fathers (N=94) who have used intimate-partner violence (IPV) behavior. Given the prevalence of ACEs in this population, more research is needed to elucidate the affective mechanisms involved in the intergenerational transmission of violence. Drawing a rationale from a neuropsychoanalytic framework, the combined mediating role of emotion regulation and reflective functioning was analyzed. Given that the mediators accounted for 21% of the association between ACEs and adult IPV, important clinical and legal implications are presented.
Presented by
Edoardo Modanesi (Master's Student) <edoardo.modanesi@yale.edu>

The Impact of Co-parent Involvement and Race/Ethnicity on F4C Outcomes in a Statewide Sample

Carter W. McCaskill, Satvika Char, Kendall Buck & Carla S. Stover, Ph.D.

Abstract
Fathers for Change (F4C) is a program that works with fathers who have IPV histories to reduce violence and child maltreatment. The intervention offers optional sessions with the co-parent and is provided by six clinics around the state of Connecticut. This study investigated factors that improve and detract from treatment motivation and completion. Our findings suggest having at least one joint session with a co-parent benefits the father’s motivation and their likelihood to meet their treatment goals.
Presented by
Carter McCaskill (Postgraduate Associate) <carter.mccaskill@yale.edu>

Epigenetic Aging Clock, Inflammation, and Health Profiles in Adulthood Following Early Life Adversities in Nonhuman Primates

Amanda M. Dettmer, PhD, Juozas Gordevicius, Robert T. Brooke, Catherine Sullivan, Kayla Delapenha, Abha Gupta, MD, PhD

Abstract
Rhesus monkeys experiencing experimentally-induced early life adversity (ELA) show significant positive correlations between accelerated epigenetic aging, chronic inflammation, and poorer health outcomes as they approach midlife. These findings provide initial causal evidence linking ELA with poorer aging outcomes in adulthood.
Presented by
Amanda Dettmer (Research Scientist) <amanda.dettmer@yale.edu>

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Understanding Racial Disparities in Maternal Brain Development: An EEG/ERP Approach

Kathryn M. Wall, Francesca Penner, Kathleen W. Guan, Helen J. Huang, Lietsel Richardson, Angel S. Dunbar, Ashley M. Groh, Helena J.V. Rutherford

Abstract
Racial disparities in healthcare and research persist. EEG is a methodology utilized to assess maternal brain development across the perinatal period. However, systematic bias exists in EEG methodology. To examine racial disparities in maternal brain EEG research, we assessed diversity in studies d maternal neural processing of infant emotional expression identified in recent meta-analytic work. A lack of racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity was identified, highlighting the need to adapt EEG methodology to accommodate characteristics of all races and ethnicities to ensure our inclusive understanding of the maternal brain.
Presented by
Kathryn Wall (Graduate Student) <kathryn.wall@yale.edu>

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Family Functioning and Adolescent Perception of Risk of Harm from Opioid Use

Jenny Meyer, Jose Szapocznik, Lynn Fiellin, Kammarauche Aneni

Abstract
The current study examined the association between perceived risk of harm from opioid use and family functioning (derived from assessments of parent-adolescent relationships) and found that adolescents with stronger family functioning are more likely to report a greater perception of risk of harm from opioids. These findings suggest a potential pathway by which family functioning can influence opioid use and underscore the importance of targeting family functioning when addressing adolescent opioid misuse.
Presented by
Jenny Meyer (Postgraduate Associate) <jenny.meyer@yale.edu>

Prenatal cocaine exposure, executive function and young adult intimate partner violence: direct and indirect pathways

Ellen Martin, MRes, Linda Mayes, MD, & Carla S. Stover, PhD

Abstract
This study examined the link between prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) and young adult intimate partner violence (IPV) in a longitudinal cohort of 206 participants, established at the Yale-New Haven Hospital in 1991. No direct or indirect associations were found between PCE and IPV. Instead, low maternal education indirectly influenced IPV through early substance use and late adolescent executive function. Unique risk pathways were identified for boys and girls. Findings emphasized the effects of maternal education, early substance use, and executive function on young adults' IPV risk. Interventions that enhance adolescent executive function and prevent early substance misuse may prevent young adult IPV and its multigenerational consequences.
Presented by
Ellen Martin (Postgraduate Associate) <e.martin@yale.edu>

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Perspectives on School Reentry After Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization: A Grounded Theory Analysis

Madeline DiGiovanni, ScB, Erika Chang-Sing, BS, Amber Acquaye, BS, Mary Gunsalus, MEd, Laelia Benoit, MD PhD, Andrés Martin, MD PhD

Abstract
This qualitative study characterizes the dynamics of school reentry after psychiatric hospitalization through 16 semi-structured qualitative interviews with children, parents, hospital staff, and school staff. Four themes inform an overarching grounded theory: To achieve successful transitions between hospitals and schools, teams must engage in stereovision and patchworking: 1) Stereovision allows synthesis of multiple viewpoints simultaneously and focuses on an intra-team approach rather than hierarchical, siloed inter-institutional approach. 2) Patchworking allows for creative workarounds to existing limitations and emphasizes flexibility rather than rigid reliance on standardized procedures or roles.
Presented by
Medeline DiGiovanni <madeline.digiovanni@yale.edu>

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Investigating how Common and Rare Variants impact risk of developing OCD and Tics

Sam Greenspun, Thomas V. Fernandez, Emily Olfson

Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and chronic tic disorders (CTD) are debilitating, difficult-to-treat conditions that commonly co-occur and impact 1-3% of children. Previous research demonstrates the role of common and rare genetic factors in OCD and CTD. However, it remains unknown how these factors interact to affect risk within individuals. Preliminary data examining parent-child trios where the child has tics suggest an over transmission of common variant risk to affected children from parents. We are currently integrating rare variant data to better understand individual genetic risk for OCD and CTD.
Presented by
Sam Greenspun <sam.greenspun@yale.edu>

Study of rare inherited DNA variants in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Kiran Masroor, Dr. Carolina Cappi, Monicke O. Lima, Dr. Thomas V. Fernandez

Abstract
We applied whole-exome DNA sequencing of two large multiplex families (multiple individuals affected with OCD) to identify genes and biological processes contributing to risk. We prioritized several genes as candidates for contributing OCD risk and identified calcium signaling as a candidate pathway in these families. Although our findings require confirmation in larger OCD cohorts, this study demonstrates the potential for identifying risk genes and biological systems by studying rare inherited variants in multiplex families.
Presented by
Kiran Masroor (Postgraduate Associate) <kiran.masroor@yale.edu>

How can zebrafish help us to understand genetic and biological mechanisms in autism spectrum disorders?

Hellen Weinschutz Mendes, Tianying Chen, Sundas Ijaz, Christina Szi, Catalina Sakai, Jeffrey Eilbott, Brent Vander Wyk, Ellen J. Hoffman

Abstract
Whole-exome sequencing has led to the identification of 102 “high confidence” genes that are strongly associated with ASDs. Our goal is to study the function of these genes in the developing vertebrate brain as a path to gaining a better understanding of the biology of ASDs and developing improved pharmacological treatments.
Presented by
Ellen Hoffman (Associate Professor) <ellen.hoffman@yale.edu>

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Effects of Parental Singing on Infant and Parent Health - An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study

Lidya Yurdum, Eun Cho, Ekanem Ebinne, Courtney Hilton, Samuel Mehr

Abstract
Parents in most societies sing to their infants. Previous research implies infant-directed singing and vocalizations are finely attuned to infants’ affective states. Infant-directed songs may both regulate infant mood and arousal and physically relax infants. This exploratory study examines the effectiveness of parental singing for soothing infants, reducing fussiness, improving mood, and promoting sleep. We used an ecological momentary assessments (EMA) approach to deliver a more-singing treatment via a smartphone app within an offset randomized design over 10 weeks, including 74 participants. Preliminary findings suggest reduced infant fussiness as well as changed parental behavior.
Presented by
Ekanem Ebinne (Postgraduate Associate) <Ekanem@alumni.rice.edu>

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Birth Order and Adaptive Functioning Skills in Youth Evaluated at the Developmental Disabilities Clinic

Rosenthal, L.H., Keifer, C.M., McPartland, J.C.

Abstract
Research has shown that having a neurotypical sibling has a positive effect on adaptive functioning skills in autistic children, however, most studies exclude autistic children with siblings with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The study examined relationships among adaptive functioning skills, birth order, sibling diagnosis, and IQ. Later birth order was associated with weaker communication skills but unrelated to other aspects of adaptive functioning when accounting for IQ, indicating that cognitive abilities may be more influential on other skills. Furthermore, family dynamics like birth order may play a role in children’s communication skills.
Presented by
Lindsey Rosenthal (Postgraduate Associate) <lindsey.rosenthal@yale.edu>

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Sex Moderates the Association Between Emotional Self-Efficacy and Generalized Anxiety Symptoms in Clinic- Referred Youth

Anastasia M. Rose, Gillian A. Weeks, Taylar A. Clark, Rebecca G. Etkin, Carla E. Marin, Eli R. Lebowitz, Wendy K. Silverman

Abstract
This study examined symptoms of anxious children and emotional self-efficacy, a child’s perceived capability of coping with difficult emotions. The study’s purpose was to identify which types of anxiety symptoms are most strongly associated with emotional self-efficacy, and if the child’s sex moderated the associations. Results revealed that generalized anxiety symptoms were most strongly associated with emotional self-efficacy, compared to other anxiety symptoms. We also saw that higher levels of emotional self-efficacy were associated with lower levels of generalized anxiety symptoms, and the associations were stronger for girls than boys.
Presented by
Anastasia Rose (Postgraduate Associate) <anastasia.rose@yale.edu>

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Large-Scale Networks of Anxiety in Autistic Children Based on Intrinsic Functional Connectomes

Karim Ibrahim, Dustin Scheinost & Denis G. Sukhodolsky

Abstract
The current study investigated whether the functional connectome during resting-state fMRI predicts anxiety severity in autistic children. This study included 74 children with ASD ages 8-15 years (17 females). Patterns of intrinsic connectivity predictive of anxiety were identified within and between networks implicated in cognitive control (medial frontal, frontoparietal), social functioning (default mode, salience), emotion generation (subcortical), and sensory control/movement (sensorimotor). These findings have potential to advance identification of neuroendophenotypes predictive of anxiety in ASD that can inform targeted treatments.
Presented by
Karim Ibrahim (Assistant Professor) <karim.ibrahim@yale.edu>

Disruptions in Frontolimbic Circuitry are Linked to Eye Gaze Impairments in Autism and Schizophrenia

Iciar Iturmendi-Sabater, Delaney Vu, Denis G. Sukhodolsky & Karim Ibrahim

Abstract
This study examined whether a shared phenotype of impairment in eye gaze processing is reflected in a profile of convergent neurobiological dysfunction in ASD and schizophrenia. Activation likelihood estimation meta-analyses were conducted. Fifty-six experiments (n=30 with schizophrenia, n=26 with ASD) met inclusion criteria, which comprised 354 participants with ASD, 275 with schizophrenia and 613 controls (1,242 participants in total). In ASD, aberrant activation was found in the amygdala during gaze processing. Across ASD and schizophrenia, aberrant activation was found in the inferior frontal gyrus. These findings may advance transdiagnostic biomarkers to inform targeted treatments for ASD and schizophrenia.
Presented by
Karim Ibrahim (Assistant Professor) <karim.ibrahim@yale.edu>

Examining data loss and the pupillary light reflex as a function of sensory sensitivities in children with and without ASD: Results from the Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials (ABC-CT)

Cramer-Benjamin, S., Azu, M. A., Naples, A., Chawarska, K., Dawson, G., Bernier, R., Kleinhans, N., Jeste, S., Faja, S., Dziura, J., Webb, S., Sugar, C., Shic, F, & McPartland, J.

Abstract
The pupillary light reflex (PLR) is a promising biomarker for autism but data loss in this assay is common. Data loss causes current research to reflect only a subset of autistic individuals. Using data from 277 autistic and 119 typically developing (TD) children (ages 6-11) collected through the Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials (ABC-CT), we found that autistic participants with higher sensory sensitivities lost more data and had longer PLR latencies than non-autistic participants and autistic participants with lower sensory sensitivities.
Presented by
Sophie Cramer-Benjamin (Postgraduate Associate) <sophie.cramer-benjamin@yale.edu>

Autism symptom severity, adaptive behavior, and cognitive functioning associated with inattention, noncompliance, and track loss during eye-tracking: Results from the Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials (ABC-CT)

Herman, N. G., Griffin, J. W., Naples, A., Chawarska, K., Dawson, G., Bernier, R., Kleinhans, N., Jeste, S., Faja, S., Dziura, J., Webb, S., Sugar, C., Shic, F., McPartland, J.

Abstract
Eye-tracking (ET) technology provides researchers with an objective measure of visual attention that can be used to study social attention in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies exclude individuals who display high rates of data loss, however, which reduces the generalizability of findings to the broader autism population. The current study examined how the number of breaks taken during an ET paradigm was correlated with autism symptom severity, social functioning, and IQ. The results revealed that across participants, breaks were correlated with all investigational variables. Future research should investigate the use of breaks in ET paradigms to decrease data loss in autism research.
Presented by
Nicole Herman (Postgraduate Associate) <n.herman@yale.edu>

Irritability in children with ASD associated with restricted Participants repetitive behavior

Megan Rutten, Sydney Anderson, Jordan Linde, Michelle Menezes, & Denis Sukhodolsky

Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a high rate of co-occurring irritability symptoms. About 50% of children with ASD exhibit irritability. Few studies have evaluated the effect of irritability on the core symptom domain of restrictive, repetitive behavior (RRB) in children with ASD. The current study investigated the association of irritability, measured by the Affective Reactivity Index (ARI) with the dimensions of RRB, measured by the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R). Irritability was correlated with sameness behavior ritualistic behavior, and compulsive behavior. These domains of RRBs may provide a target for future psychological interventions aimed at improving emotional well-being of children with ASD.
Presented by
Megan Rutten (Postgraduate Associate) <megan.rutten@yale.edu>

Autistic children utilize different visual processing strategies during social perception: Results from the Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials (ABC-CT)

Jason W. Griffin, Adam Naples, Katarzyna Chawarska, Geraldine Dawson, Raphael Bernier, Natalia Kleinhans, Shafali Jeste, Susan Faja, James Dziura, Sara Jane Webb, Catherine Sugar, Frederick Shic, and James C. McPartland for the Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials

Abstract
Reduced social attention is a common feature of autism but how it fluctuates across time remains unknown. This study used a computational modeling approach to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of social attention (measured with eye movements) in autistic and neurotypical children. Two distinct eye movement patterns emerged: a focused pattern and an exploratory pattern. Autistic children exhibited more of the exploratory pattern, indicating a qualitative difference in how they allocate attention to social information across time. These findings suggest that reduced efficiency in early face processing may be a significant marker of autism.
Presented by
Jason Griffin, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow) <jason.griffin@yale.edu>

Autistic Adults Display Enhanced Neural Response to Emotional Faces Compared to Those with Schizophrenia and Neurotypical Development

Cara M. Keifer, Adam J. Naples & James C. McPartland

Abstract
In contrast to previous literature, autistic adults demonstrated increased motivated attention to emotional facial expressions compared to neurotypical adults and adults with schizophrenia. Adults with schizophrenia did not differ in LPP amplitude from the NT group.
Presented by
Cara Keifer (Assistant Professor) <cara.keifer@yale.edu>

Investigation of Late-Onset Severe Regressive Autism

Abha R. Gupta, Alexander Westphal, Daniel Y.-J. Yang, Catherine A. W. Sullivan, Frederick Shic, Fred Volkmar, Kevin A. Pelphrey

Abstract
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) is a rare, severe, late-onset form of autistic regression. Although CDD is rare, regression is commonly described in autism, affecting a third of individuals. Studying CDD provides valuable insights into autistic regression in general. Because of Yale’s long-standing expertise in CDD, we developed an international reputation for studying this disorder and characterized the largest known cohort in the world. We published the first neurogenetic analysis, revealing important differences between CDD and other forms of autism. Therefore, treating CDD and autistic regression may require different approaches from the broader spectrum.
Presented by
Abha Gupta (Associate Professor) <abha.gupta@yale.edu>

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Peer functioning difficulties exacerbate ADHD and irritability symptoms over time

Nellia Bellaert & Wan Ling Tseng

Abstract
Symptoms of ADHD and irritability are both associated with peer problems. However, their unique contribution to peer difficulties is unclear. Using longitudinal data from 739 children, we found that poor peer functioning (i.e., physical victimization, peer rejection) contributed to increases in ADHD and irritability symptoms over time. Conversely, positive social interactions (i.e., being liked by peers) decreases inattention and irritability symptoms over time. Fostering social-emotional skills and positive social interactions and environments in children with ADHD and irritability may be a promising target for future interventions to reduce symptoms.
Presented by
Wan-Ling Tseng (Assistant Professor) <wan-ling.tseng@yale.edu>