
Professor Alison Lane
Conjoint Professor
School of Health Sciences
- Email:alison.lane@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4921 5004
Making sense of autism
Occupational Therapist Associate Professor Alison Lane has identified specific sensory subtypes in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder that relate to distinct neural profiles and patterns of challenging behaviour.
Alison's work is focused on investigating the sensory motor basis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), specifically in children, and anchored on three simple but essential questions regarding how they react to sensory input.
Are sensory behaviours the same in all children with ASD?
If not, what causes differences?
And how might understanding differences affect the targeting of therapies?
Years of clinical occupational therapist practice in non-government, community and hospital settings informed Alison's understanding of the barriers to participation children with ASD face.
"As occupational therapists we use clinical instincts and input from parents to design interventions in an attempt to grow the capacity of children with ASD to manage their behaviours and emotions in normal daily situations," Alison says.
"However, the research to back up our approaches has been lagging. My research is a contribution toward understanding the nature of these sensory behaviours."
"With better understanding we can choose better targeted therapies, and hopefully, we'll see better outcomes."
STRONG STIMULI
Unlocking the secrets of sensory features could vastly improve the lives of many people with ASD, and their families. Alison notes that not all children with ASD have difficulty with sensory input, and not all children with sensory issues have ASD.
"We think around 60% of children with ASD have these difficulties," Alison states.
"So although not every child with ASD has them, it is the majority, and there can be significant issues."
Alison explains by citing a school fire drill as an unexpected stimulus that may unsettle any child. Most children could, she says, follow instructions and ultimately cope.
Comparatively, the same disruption could have a major negative impact on a child with ASD, for whom responding appropriately could be extremely difficult.
"Another sensory stimuli is touch," Alison explains.
"Somebody might touch a child to redirect them, but the child may misinterpret the type of touch and perceive that quite aggressively, as a hostile touch."
"Their general ability to function in their environment is compromised because they experience these various sensory inputs very differently and then that affects their general behaviour."
SENSORY SUBTYPES
Alison's major piece of work to date has been the definition of four distinct sensory subtypes in children with ASD.
This discovery has been replicated in three independent studies.
An algorithm based on a simple questionnaire for parents assigns children to a particular subtype.
There are two factors determining the appropriate subtype. The first is a child's sensory reactivity, or as Alison explains, "the intensity of their response to sensory input."
The second factor is multi-sensory integration, the ability to integrate and combine multiple sensory inputs that are coming at the same time.
"We have one group that has problems with sensory reactivity, one has problems just with multi-sensory integration, one has problems with both, and one has no problem with either," Alison reveals.
"And there is a severity dimension."
"So the group who has the problems with both have the most sensory symptoms. The ones that don't have issues have the fewest. And the other two are in the middle."
BRAIN PROFILES
Classifying children into subtypes means therapy can be specifically targeted for maximum benefit.
Next, Alison is keen to investigate whether the replication within subtype groups is isolated to sensory features so therapy can be further customised.
"We are trying to establish whether children in a common sensory subtype tend to also have common difficulties or strengths in other areas, like IQ, general behavioural issues and communication abilities," she discloses.
Working with a multi-disciplinary team of University of Newcastle experts, including Professor Ulli Schall, Dr Juanita Todd and Dr Bill Budd, Alison is looking at event related potentials.
Using neuroimaging to measure the electrical activity of the brain, preliminary data suggests that the sensory subtypes do have different brain profiles.
"Parent reported distinctions in behaviour are matching with some basic distinctions in sensory processing in the brain," Alison reports.
"There is a lot of interest in investigating whether subtypes relate to physiological differences, and even further back, at a cellular and genetic level, are there patterns there?"
Understanding the links between behavior and biology may reveal new methods of treatment.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS
Alison's work has already begun to inform treatment, and has the potential to change the anticipated trajectory of children with ASD through early diagnosis. She is also looking for sensory-related patterns in intervention outcome data in partnership with early intervention providers, such as the AEIOU Foundation for children with autism.
It is the first year of life, however, that Alison believes may hold the key to early diagnosis, and therefore offer parents a greater window for intervention.
"Sensory and motor systems are necessarily intertwined in the first year," Alison explains.
"The motor system is developing, and we know that motor skills are highly dependent on the accurate interpretation of touch, movement and body sense information."
Using video data of babies with known outcomes involved in longitudinal studies, Alison is recording response to sound and touch in an attempt to try to code early sensory motor features.
To further our understanding of early sensory motor development in non-autism groups, Alison is now working with the asthma team at the Hunter Medical Research Institute on a large scale study to track sensory motor outcomes in babies born to mothers with asthma. By carefully following large cohorts of young babies with risk factors for medical and developmental difficulties, Alison hopes to pinpoint the sensory motor features in the first year in life that are related to autism risk in later childhood.
"If we study sensory motor development in a very rigorous way in children who have risk factors for ASD, then follow them through to see which of those children go on to get ASD, we hope to identify early developmental delay."
"Working with babies, we have the potential to change their brain wiring, modifying their responses so they find sensory stimuli less distressing. Both as babies and later in life"
INFORMING INTERVENTIONS
Over 20 years of experience in paediatric occupational therapy practice, health service management, research and teaching are useful background to a major role in the genesis of a new collaborative of researchers interested in neurodevelopment at the University of Newcastle.
Reflecting on her career, Alison admits that it wasn't just her compassion for children with ASD that drew her sole focus.
"Early in my career a fellow academic and parent of a child with ASD, put together an Autism research group," Alison recalls.
"She saw me in a meeting one day, and said 'I need an OT for my research group and I pick you.' This area literally chose me."
Discovering how few people internationally were investigating ASD related sensory difficulties, Alison resolved to research this area in depth.
"I think we have made some really good inroads to be honest," Alison says.
"This area still has so much potential which is exciting."
"And we can already be a bit more discriminatory with therapies. With so many to chose from, I think that is really helpful."
Making sense of autism
Occupational Therapist Associate Professor Alison Lane has identified specific sensory subtypes in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder that relate to disti
Career Summary
Biography
My name is Alison Lane and I study sensory features in Autism Spectrum Disorder at the University of Newcastle, Australia. The focus of my work to date has been to identify sensory subtypes in Autism. My studies show that sensory features in Autism vary on the basis of parent reports of the frequency of the behaviours and the sensory modalities affected. Further, these subtypes relate to distinct neural profiles and patterns of challenging behaviours. My current work seeks to validate the use of sensory features as a method of classifying individuals with Autism into clinically meaningful phenotypes. To this end, I am involved in studies examining neurophysiological variation in sensory subtypes (e.g. using event-related potentials, heart rate and electrodermal responsivity). Future studies will explore differential response to treatment in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder based on sensory subtype classification and chart the emergence of sensory subtypes pre-diagnostically in early childhood.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Queensland
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, University of Queensland
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours), University of Queensland
Keywords
- autism
- autism spectrum disorder
- child development
- children
- evidence based practice
- neurodevelopmental disability
- occupational therapy
- professional practice
- research methods
- sensory
- sensory subtypes
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
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110321 | Rehabilitation and Therapy (excl. Physiotherapy) | 40 |
170112 | Sensory Processes, Perception and Performance | 60 |
Professional Experience
Academic appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
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1/10/2007 - 1/6/2013 | Assistant Professor | The Ohio State University School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences United States |
1/6/2002 - 1/7/2004 | Clinical Assistant Professor | University of Colorado Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation United States |
Professional appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
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1/3/1994 - 1/4/1996 | Occupational Therapist | Ipswich Community Health, Queensland Australia |
1/4/1996 - 1/7/2000 | Senior Professional Occupational Therapist | The Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland Australia |
1/8/1991 - 1/12/1991 | Occupational Therapist | Brown & Greene-Sullivan Company School Coporations, Indiana United States |
1/7/2000 - 1/1/2002 | Director of Occupational Therapy Services | Royal's Children Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland Australia |
1/4/2002 - 1/7/2004 | Director of Occupational Therapy | The Children's Hospital, Denver, Colorado United States |
1/1/1991 - 1/7/1991 | Child Guidance Therapist | Indooroopilly Child Guidance Clinic Australia |
1/3/1992 - 1/3/1994 | Occupational Therapist | WR Black Accomodation Support Services, Queensland Australia |
Teaching appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
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1/10/2007 - 1/6/2011 | Adjunct Lecturer, Occupational Therapy | University of South Australia School of Health Sciences Australia |
1/7/2004 - 1/8/2007 | Lecturer, Occupational Therapy | University of South Australia School of Health Sciences Australia |
1/6/2002 - 1/7/2004 | Adjunct Lecturer, Occupational Therapy | Colorado State University United States |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Chapter (2 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
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2008 | Lane A, Murchland S, Ziviani J, 'Written communication: Clinical decision-making for handwriting in children with cerebral palsy', Theories and principles of intervention for hand function in children with cerebral palsy, MacKeith Press, Lavernham 339-356 (2008) | ||
2006 | Lane A, 'Ch 27 Achieving Functional Independence', Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (3rd ed.), Elsevier, London 579-596 (2006) |
Journal article (44 outputs)
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2020 |
Lane AE, 'Practitioner Review: Effective management of functional difficulties associated with sensory symptoms in children and adolescents', Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 61 943-958 (2020) [C1] © 2020 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Background: Sensory symptoms are defined as atypical behavioral responses to daily sensory stimuli that impact on the per... [more] © 2020 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Background: Sensory symptoms are defined as atypical behavioral responses to daily sensory stimuli that impact on the performance of everyday routines. Sensory symptoms have been observed in young people with and without developmental concerns. There is uncertainty, however, regarding the best way to identify and manage sensory symptoms. The aim of this paper is to provide a review of current best evidence regarding measurement of and interventions for sensory symptoms. Methods: A narrative review methodology is adopted to address the aims of this paper. First, sensory symptoms are defined, and then, an overview of the evidence for the relationship between sensory symptoms and childhood function is provided. Second, commonly used sensory assessment tools are summarized and evaluated. Finally, an overview and critique of the evidence for sensory and nonsensory-based interventions addressing sensory symptoms are given. Results: The terminology used to describe sensory symptoms varies by discipline, and several conceptual taxonomies including sensory subtypes have been proposed. There is ample evidence to support the association of sensory symptoms with childhood function including social engagement, repetitive behaviors, anxiety, and participation in self-care routines. Measurement of sensory symptoms is dominated by proxy-report instruments, and few single instruments assess the entire domain of sensory symptomatology. The evidence for interventions for sensory symptoms is emerging but still limited by low quantity and methodological concerns. Conclusions: Effective management of sensory symptoms may mitigate the burden of neurodevelopmental disability and mental illness in young people. Identification of sensory symptoms should be conducted by a skilled practitioner utilizing multiple measurement methods. Intervention protocols for sensory symptoms should be informed by current best evidence which is strongest for Ayres Sensory Integration®, Qigong massage, the Alert Program®, and Social Stories. To make significant progress in this field, however, new intervention studies must address the question of ¿what intervention works for whom?¿.
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2020 |
Mallise CA, Lane AE, Woolard AJ, Whalen OM, Murphy VE, Karayanidis F, Campbell LE, 'The temperament features associated with autism spectrum disorder in childhood: A systematic review', Research in Developmental Disabilities, 104 (2020) [C1]
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2020 |
Whalen OM, Campbell LE, Murphy VE, Lane AE, Gibson PG, Mattes J, et al., 'Observational study of mental health in asthmatic women during the prenatal and postnatal periods', Journal of Asthma, 57 829-841 (2020) [C1] © 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Objective: We aimed to examine the prevalence and severity of psychological distress of women with asthma in both the prenatal an... [more] © 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Objective: We aimed to examine the prevalence and severity of psychological distress of women with asthma in both the prenatal and postnatal periods, and to determine whether asthmatic women with and without mental health problems differ in self-management, medications knowledge, and asthma symptoms. Methods: We assessed spirometry performance and asthma symptoms in 120 women (mean age 29.8 years) before 23 weeks gestation, as part of the Breathing for Life Trial (Trial ID: ACTRN12613000202763). Prenatal depression data was obtained from medical records. At 6 weeks postpartum, we assessed general health, self-reported asthma control, depression symptoms (with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and adaptive functioning (with the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment scales). Results: Twenty percent of our sample reported having a current mental health diagnosis, 14% reported currently receiving mental health care, while 47% reported having received mental health care in the past (and may/may not have received a diagnosis). The sample scored high on the Aggressive Behavior, Avoidant Personality, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity scales. Poorer self-reported postnatal asthma control was strongly correlated with elevated somatic complaints, externalizing problems, antisocial personality problems, and greater withdrawal. Prenatal spirometry or asthma severity and control were largely not associated with measures of psychopathology. Conclusions: These findings indicate that pregnant women with asthma frequently report issues with psychopathology during the prenatal and postnatal periods, and that the subjective perception of asthma control may be more related to psychopathology than objective asthma measures. However, due to sample bias, these findings are likely to be understated.
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2019 |
Beaudry-Bellefeuille I, Bundy A, Lane A, Ramos Polo E, Lane SJ, 'The toileting habit profile questionnaire: Examining construct validity using the Rasch model', British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 82 235-247 (2019) [C1] © The Author(s) 2018. Introduction: Preliminary reports support the hypothesis that sensory issues may be related to atypical defecation habits in children. Clinical practice in t... [more] © The Author(s) 2018. Introduction: Preliminary reports support the hypothesis that sensory issues may be related to atypical defecation habits in children. Clinical practice in this area is limited by the lack of validated measures. The toileting habit profile questionnaire was designed to address this gap. Methods: This study included two phases of validity testing. In phase 1, we used Rasch analysis of existing data to assess item structural validity, directed content analysis of recent literature to determine the extent to which items capture clinical concerns, and expert review to validate the toileting habit profile questionnaire. Based on phase 1 outcomes, we made adjustments to toileting habit profile questionnaire items. In phase 2, we examined the item structural validity of the revised toileting habit profile questionnaire. Results: Phase 1 resulted in a 17-item questionnaire: 15 items designed to identify habits linked to sensory over-reactivity and two designed to identify sensory under-reactivity and/or poor perception items. The analysis carried out in phase 2 supported the use of the sensory over-reactivity items. Remaining items can be used as clinical observations. Conclusion: Caregiver report of behaviour using the revised toileting habit profile questionnaire appears to adequately capture challenging defecation behaviours related to sensory over-reactivity. Identifying challenging behaviours related to sensory under-reactivity and/or perception issues using exclusively the revised toileting habit profile questionnaire is not recommended.
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2019 |
Beaudry-Bellefeuille I, Lane A, Chiu S, Oldmeadow C, Ramos Polo E, Lane SJ, 'The Toileting Habit Profile Questionnaire-Revised: Examining Discriminative and Concurrent Validity', Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, and Early Intervention, 12 311-322 (2019) [C1] © 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis. Sensory over-reactivity may be related to atypical defecation habits in children with constipation. The Toileting Habit Profile Questionnair... [more] © 2019, © 2019 Taylor & Francis. Sensory over-reactivity may be related to atypical defecation habits in children with constipation. The Toileting Habit Profile Questionnaire-Revised (THPQ-R) is designed to identify defecation-related sensory issues. This study examined the discriminative and concurrent validity of the THPQ-R. Differentiating between children with and without constipation was used to establish discriminative validity. The relationship between scores on the THPQ-R and on the defecation scale of the Virginia Encopresis-Constipation Apperception Test (VECAT-S) was examined to establish concurrent validity. The difference in THPQ-R scores was statistically significant. There was a strong positive correlation between the over-reactivity section of the THPQ-R and VECAT-S scores. Results support using the THPQ-R to identify atypical defecation behaviors.
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2019 |
Whalen OM, Karayanidis F, Murphy VE, Lane AE, Mallise CA, Campbell LE, 'The effects of maternal asthma during pregnancy on child cognitive and behavioral development: A systematic review', Journal of Asthma, 56 130-141 (2019) [C1] © 2018, © 2018 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Objective: Maternal asthma during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of negative perinatal outcomes. However, little is k... [more] © 2018, © 2018 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Objective: Maternal asthma during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of negative perinatal outcomes. However, little is known about the direct effects of maternal asthma on infant cognitive development. We examined the evidence for an impact of maternal asthma during pregnancy on cognitive and behavioral development of the child. Data sources: We conducted a MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and manual search of the databases for all available studies until January 9th, 2018. Study Selections: Studies were deemed relevant if they included child cognitive and behavioral development as the outcome, with maternal asthma as the determinant of interest. Results: Ten articles matched selection criteria. Some studies report that maternal asthma is associated with increased risk for autism and intellectual disability in children. However, these effects are small and are often eliminated when controlling for confounding variables. Other studies have found no association. The only prospective study found that well-managed asthma during pregnancy was not associated with negative developmental outcomes in children. Conclusions: The evidence suggests that the relationship between maternal asthma during pregnancy and poor developmental and behavioral outcomes of children is weak. Children of mothers with well-managed asthma during pregnancy have similar developmental trajectories to those born to healthy mothers. Prospective, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these conclusions. Optimal asthma management is important in pregnancy as it may have longer term benefits for the health of the offspring. As the rate of asthma increases in the population, the implications of maternal asthma on child development will be of greater importance.
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2019 |
Beaudry-Bellefeuille I, Lane SJ, Lane AE, 'Sensory Integration Concerns in Children With Functional Defecation Disorders: A Scoping Review', AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, 73 (2019) [C1]
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2018 |
Hand BN, Lane AE, de Boeck P, Basso DM, Nichols-Larsen DS, Darragh AR, 'Caregiver Burden Varies by Sensory Subtypes and Sensory Dimension Scores of Children with Autism', Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48 1133-1146 (2018) [C1]
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2018 |
Paynter J, Trembath D, Lane A, 'Differential outcome subgroups in children with autism spectrum disorder attending early intervention.', Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDR, 62 650-659 (2018) [C1]
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2017 |
Hand BN, Dennis S, Lane AE, 'Latent constructs underlying sensory subtypes in children with autism: A preliminary study', Autism Research, 10 1364-1371 (2017) [C1] © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Recent reports identify sensory subtypes in ASD based on shared patterns of responses to daily sensory st... [more] © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Recent reports identify sensory subtypes in ASD based on shared patterns of responses to daily sensory stimuli [Ausderau et al., 2014; Lane, Molloy, & Bishop, 2014]. Lane et al. propose that two broad sensory dimensions, sensory reactivity and multisensory integration, best explain the differences between subtypes, however this has yet to be tested. The present study tests this hypothesis by examining the latent constructs underlying Lane's sensory subtypes. Participants for this study were caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged 2¿12 years. Caregiver responses on the Short Sensory Profile (SSP), used to establish Lane's sensory subtypes, were extracted from two existing datasets (total n = 287). Independent component analyses were conducted to test the fit and interpretability of a two-construct structure underlying the SSP, and therefore, the sensory subtypes. The first construct was largely comprised of the taste/smell sensitivity domain, which describes hyper-reactivity to taste and smell stimuli. The second construct had a significant contribution from the low energy/weak domain, which describes behaviors that may be indicative of difficulties with multisensory integration. Findings provide initial support for our hypothesis that sensory reactivity and multisensory integration underlie Lane's sensory subtypes in ASD. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1364¿1371. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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2017 |
Uljarevic M, Baranek G, Vivanti G, Hedley D, Hudry K, Lane A, 'Heterogeneity of Sensory Features in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenges and Perspectives for Future Research', AUTISM RESEARCH, 10 703-710 (2017) [C1]
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2017 | Watling R, Lane A, 'Using the evidence wisely: Navigating the controversies in apply sensory-based therapies', Special Interest Section Quarterly Practice Connections, 2 5-7 (2017) | ||||||||||
2017 |
Philpott-Robinson K, Lane SJ, Korostenski L, Lane AE, 'The impact of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on sensory and developmental outcomes in infants born preterm: A scoping review', British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80 459-469 (2017) [C1] © 2017, © The Author(s) 2017. Introduction: Preterm infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit are at higher risk of poor neurodevelopmental and sensory outcomes. There ... [more] © 2017, © The Author(s) 2017. Introduction: Preterm infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit are at higher risk of poor neurodevelopmental and sensory outcomes. There is interest in establishing whether elements of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit sensory environment may influence the sensory and overall development of these infants. Method: The purpose of this scoping review was to provide a comprehensive overview of relevant research regarding the sensory elements of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and their short- and long-term influence on preterm infants. This scoping review is underpinned by the six-stage framework by Arksey and O¿Malley. Results: There are few studies that have directly examined the influence of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit environment upon the sensory and developmental outcomes of infants born preterm, in infancy. The findings of the studies included in this review suggest that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit sensory environment may alter developmental trajectories of preterm infants. However, low-quality evidence exists in this field, with much of the literature being preliminary. Conclusion: Further experimental studies are required that combine multiple methods of assessment to more rigorously understand the sensory characteristics of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and their relationship with developmental outcomes across early childhood.
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2016 |
Woolard A, Benders T, Campbell L, Karayanidis F, Mattes J, Murphy V, et al., 'Exploring the association of infant temperament on maternal fundamental frequency contours', Sixteenth Australasian International Conference on Speech Science and Technology, 229-232 (2016)
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2016 |
Philpott-Robinson K, Lane AE, Harpster K, 'Sensory Features of Toddlers at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder', AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, 70 (2016) [C1]
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2016 |
Uljarevic M, Lane A, Kelly A, Leekam S, 'Sensory subtypes and anxiety in older children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder', AUTISM RESEARCH, 9 1073-1078 (2016) [C1]
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2015 |
Schaaf RC, Lane AE, 'Toward a Best-Practice Protocol for Assessment of Sensory Features in ASD', Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45 1380-1395 (2015) [C1] © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York. Sensory difficulties are a commonly occurring feature of autism spectrum disorders and are now included as one manifestation of t... [more] © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York. Sensory difficulties are a commonly occurring feature of autism spectrum disorders and are now included as one manifestation of the ¿restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities¿ diagnostic criteria of the DSM5 necessitating guidelines for comprehensive assessment of these features. To facilitate the development of such guidelines, this paper provides an overview of the literature on sensory features in autism spectrum disorder. We summarize the literature pertaining to: terminology, current assessment practices, sensory development, and the relationship of sensory features to core symptoms of autism. The paper concludes with recommendations for clinical assessment of sensory features in Autism.
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2015 |
Tanner K, Hand BN, O'Toole G, Lane AE, 'Effectiveness of interventions to improve social participation, play, leisure, and restricted and repetitive behaviors in people with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review', American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69 (2015) [C1] People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly experience difficulties with social participation, play, and leisure along with restricted and repetitive behaviors that can in... [more] People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly experience difficulties with social participation, play, and leisure along with restricted and repetitive behaviors that can interfere with occupational performance. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate current evidence for interventions within the occupational therapy scope of practice that address these difficulties. Strong evidence was found that social skills groups, the Picture Exchange Communication System, joint attention interventions, and parent-mediated strategies can improve social participation. The findings were less conclusive for interventions to improve play and leisure performance and to decrease restricted and repetitive behaviors, but several strategies showed promise with moderately strong supporting evidence. Occupational therapists should be guided by evidence when considering interventions to improve social participation, play, leisure, and restricted and repetitive behaviors in people with ASD. Additional research using more robust scientific methods is needed for many of the currently available strategies.
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2015 |
Heathcock JC, Tanner K, Robson D, Young R, Lane AE, 'Retrospective analysis of motor development in infants at high and low risk for autism spectrum disorder', American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69 (2015) [C1] Objective. To measure upper-extremity and gross motor skill development in infants with and without risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Method. Data were coded retros... [more] Objective. To measure upper-extremity and gross motor skill development in infants with and without risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Method. Data were coded retrospectively from 39 infants who participated in longitudinal structured early developmental assessments. Twenty-five infants were at high risk for ASD, and the remaining 14 infants were classified as low risk. Upper-extremity and motor skill development were coded at ages 2, 4, and 6 mo. Five infants went on to receive an ASD diagnosis at age 2-4 yr. Results. Infants at high risk for ASD demonstrated fewer midline behaviors with the upper extremities and delayed motor skill development than the low-risk group. Differences in motor skills were most apparent at age 4 mo. Conclusion. Early monitoring for motor delay in infants at high risk for ASD is warranted. Midline control and play with the upper extremities and overall motor skill development are possible assessment and therapeutic targets.
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2014 | Lane AE, Heathcock JC, 'Early sensory-motor signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Implications for clinical practice', Developmental Disabilities Special Interest Section Quarterly, 37 1-3 (2014) [C3] | ||||||||||
2014 |
Eldridge J, Lane AE, Belkin M, Dennis S, 'Robust features for the automatic identification of autism spectrum disorder in children.', J Neurodev Disord, 6 12 (2014) [C1]
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2014 |
Lane AE, Molloy CA, Bishop SL, 'Classification of children with autism spectrum disorder by sensory subtype: A case for sensory-based phenotypes', Autism Research, 7 322-333 (2014) [C1] This study examines whether sensory differences can be used to classify meaningful subgroups of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Caregivers of children with ASD aged ... [more] This study examines whether sensory differences can be used to classify meaningful subgroups of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Caregivers of children with ASD aged 2-10 years (n=228) completed the Short Sensory Profile. Model-based cluster analysis was used to extract sensory subtypes. The relationship of these subtypes to age, gender, autism symptom severity, and nonverbal intelligence quotient (IQ) was further explored. Four distinct sensory subtypes were identified: (a) sensory adaptive; (b) taste smell sensitive; (c) postural inattentive; and (d) generalized sensory difference. The sensory subtypes differ from each other on two dimensions: (a) the severity of reported sensory differences; and (b) the focus of differences across auditory, taste, smell, vestibular and proprioceptive domains. Examination of the clinical features of each subtype reveals two possible mechanisms of sensory disturbance in autism: (a) sensory hyperreactivity; and (b) difficulties with multisensory processing. Further, the sensory subtypes are not well explained by other variables such as age, gender, IQ, and autism symptom severity. We conclude that classification of children using sensory differences offers a promising method by which to identify phenotypes in ASD. Sensory-based phenotypes may be useful in identifying behavioral features responsive to specific interventions thereby improving intervention effectiveness. Further validation of the sensory-based phenotypes by establishing neural and physiological correlates is recommended. Autism Res 2014, 7: 322-333. © 2014 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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2014 |
Lane AE, Geraghty ME, Young GS, Rostorfer JL, 'Problem eating behaviors in autism spectrum disorder are associated with suboptimal daily nutrient intake and taste/smell sensitivity', Infant, Child, and Adolescent Nutrition, 6 172-180 (2014) [C1] Thirty children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged 3 to 10 years participated in this study exploring associations between problem eating behaviors, daily nutrient intake, a... [more] Thirty children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged 3 to 10 years participated in this study exploring associations between problem eating behaviors, daily nutrient intake, and sensory disturbance. Parents completed surveys regarding the usual eating behaviors of their children. Children exhibiting more severe autism-specific disruptive behaviors at mealtimes were most at risk for suboptimal intake of select nutrients such as biotin, vitamin K, iodine, linolenic omega-3 fatty acids, and choline, which play a role in metabolism and bone and brain health. Children exhibiting food refusal tended to have increased caloric and nutrient intake. Picky eaters were more likely to consume adequate daily nutrients but experienced the highest levels of parent-reported taste/smell sensitivity. The findings of this preliminary study support a multifactorial approach to the management of problem eating behaviors in ASD. © 2014 The Author(s).
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Show 41 more journal articles |
Review (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2006 |
Lane AE, 'The science and fiction of autism', HEALTH (2006)
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Conference (76 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2020 |
Beaudry-Bellefeuille I, Lane S, Lane A, Ramos-Polo E, 'Examining Hyper-Reactivity to Defecation-Related Sensations in Children With Functional Defecation Disorders (FDD)', AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (2020)
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2019 |
Woolard A, Benders T, Campbell L, Karayanidis F, Murphy V, Lane S, et al., 'The relationship between pitch contours in infant-directed speech and infant risk for autism.', International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting, Montreal, Canada. (2019)
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2019 |
Woolard A, Armstrong T, Benders T, Lane A, Karayanidis F, Murphy V, Campbell L, 'The relationship between maternal infant-directed speech and infant attention during the first year.', International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting, Montreal, Canada (2019)
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2017 |
Persch A, Case C, Bodison S, Harpster K, Tomchek S, Lane A, 'Psychometrics and Clinical Utility of Sensory Processing Assessments for Children', AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (2017)
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2016 |
Woolard A, Benders T, Campbell L, Karayanidis F, Mattes J, Murphy V, et al., 'Exploring the association of infant temperament on maternal fundamental frequency contours.', Proceedings of the Sixteenth Australasian International Conference on Speech Science and Technology, University of Western Sydney, Parramatta (2016)
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2015 | Lane AE, Philpott-Robinson K, 'Stability of sensory subtype one year following diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder', Salt Lake City, UT (2015) [E3] | ||||
2015 |
Timora J, Hampton R, Lane AE, Dennis SJ, Budd TW, 'Investigating the influence of cross-modal temporal correspondence on EEG entrainment: A comparison between children and adults.', Sydney (2015) [E3]
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2015 | Schaaf R, Lane AE, 'Heart rate variability as a function of sensory subtype in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder', University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (2015) [E3] | ||||
2015 | Lane AE, Schaaf R, 'Sensory Subtypes and Heart Rate Variability in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder', Salt Lake City, UT (2015) [E3] | ||||
2015 |
Lane AE, Eldridge J, Hand B, Harpster K, Dennis S, 'Auditory event-related potentials as a function of clinical sensory subtype in Autism Spectrum Disorder', Salt Lake City, UT (2015) [E3]
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2015 | Lane AE, 'Sensory subtypes in autism spectrum disorder: Implications for practice', Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, Melbourne, Vic (2015) [E3] | ||||
2015 | Lane AE, Persch A, Rowlandson L, Harpster K, Bodison S, Tomchek S, 'A critical review of measures of sensory processing for children aged 2-10 years', Australian Journal of Occupational Therapy, Melbourne, Vic (2015) [E3] | ||||
Show 73 more conferences |
Other (84 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 |
Woolard A, Benders T, Swaab L, Whalen O, Lane A, 'The relationship between pitch contours in infant-directed speech and infant risk for autism', (2019) [O1]
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2019 |
Lane A, Van Aswegen M, Turner-Presker M, Whalen O, Mattes J, Gibson P, et al., 'Sensory correlates of autism risk in the first year of life: A multi-cohort study.', (2019) [O1]
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2019 | Lane A, 'Evidence-based occupational therapy for children with autism: Progress and challenges.', (2019) [O1] | ||||
Show 81 more others |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 20 |
---|---|
Total funding | $5,407,506 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20203 grants / $113,543
DadsPlay2 – Feasibility of a father-child play program for children with behavioural difficulties$88,221
Funding body: Department of Health
Funding body | Department of Health |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Jennifer St George, Professor Alison Lane, Associate Professor Linda Campbell, Doctor Emily Freeman |
Scheme | Child and Youth Health GO2648 |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | G1901441 |
Type Of Funding | C1500 - Aust Competitive - Commonwealth Other |
Category | 1500 |
UON | Y |
Sensory subtypes in Children with autism$16,000
Funding body: Autism CRC
Funding body | Autism CRC |
---|---|
Project Team | Professor Alison Lane, Professor Valsa Eapen, Dr Anne Masi, Dr Kate Simpson, Professor Jacqui Roberts |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | G2000247 |
Type Of Funding | C2120 - Aust Commonwealth - Other |
Category | 2120 |
UON | Y |
Design, use and effectiveness of sensory spaces for children: clinical and architectural considerations$9,322
Funding body: EduMarking Pty Ltd
Funding body | EduMarking Pty Ltd |
---|---|
Project Team | Professor Alison Lane, Associate Professor Graham Brewer |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | G2000914 |
Type Of Funding | C3111 - Aust For profit |
Category | 3111 |
UON | Y |
20182 grants / $19,587
The emergence of autism risk in the first year of life in infants born preterm$17,307
Funding body: John Hunter Hospital Charitable Trust
Funding body | John Hunter Hospital Charitable Trust |
---|---|
Project Team | Professor Alison Lane, Associate Professor Linda Campbell, Dr Larissa Korostenski |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | G1800361 |
Type Of Funding | C3112 - Aust Not for profit |
Category | 3112 |
UON | Y |
The Relationship between Maternal F0 Contours and Infant Risk for Autism$2,280
Funding body: Apex Foundation Trust for Autism
Funding body | Apex Foundation Trust for Autism |
---|---|
Project Team | Miss Alix Woolard, Professor Alison Lane, Associate Professor Linda Campbell, Professor Frini Karayanidis, Doctor Daniel Barker, Dr Titia Benders, Dr Larissa Korostenski |
Scheme | PhD Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | G1800942 |
Type Of Funding | C3112 - Aust Not for profit |
Category | 3112 |
UON | Y |
20173 grants / $112,914
Do sensory symptoms impact outcomes of the Alert Program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder?$100,000
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute |
---|---|
Project Team | Professor Alison Lane, Professor Shelly Lane, Professor Ulli Schall, Associate Professor Linda Campbell |
Scheme | Project Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | G1701354 |
Type Of Funding | C3120 - Aust Philanthropy |
Category | 3120 |
UON | Y |
Early and Mid-Career (EMCR) Equipment Grant$9,866
Funding body: NSW Ministry of Health
Funding body | NSW Ministry of Health |
---|---|
Project Team | Associate Professor Linda Campbell, Professor Alison Lane, Doctor Vanessa Murphy |
Scheme | Medical Research Support Program (MRSP) |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | G1701281 |
Type Of Funding | C2220 - Aust StateTerritoryLocal - Other |
Category | 2220 |
UON | Y |
Many Babies - Pilot International Collaboration$3,048
Funding body: Association for Psychological Science
Funding body | Association for Psychological Science |
---|---|
Project Team | Associate Professor Linda Campbell, Professor Frini Karayanidis, Professor Alison Lane, Ms Alix Woolard |
Scheme | Research Grants |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | G1700652 |
Type Of Funding | C3212 - International Not for profit |
Category | 3212 |
UON | Y |
20161 grants / $5,944
2016 International Visitor from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill USA$5,944
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Professor Shelly Lane, Professor Alison Lane, Professor Grace Baranek |
Scheme | International Research Visiting Fellowship |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | G1501022 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20153 grants / $35,758
Expanding Occupational Therapy (OT) clinical placements to schools: feasibility, efficacy and sustainability.$26,936
Funding body: Mid North Coast Local Health District
Funding body | Mid North Coast Local Health District |
---|---|
Project Team | Professor Alison Lane, Mrs Gjyn O'Toole, Ms Narelle Herbert |
Scheme | Hunter and Coast ICTN Research and Quality Improvement Small Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2015 |
GNo | G1500755 |
Type Of Funding | Other Public Sector - Commonwealth |
Category | 2OPC |
UON | Y |
Breathing for Life Trial: Infant Development$7,322
Funding body: Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Linda Campbell, Titia Benders, Frini Karayanidis, Alison Lane, Vanessa Murphy |
Scheme | Small Research Grants |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2015 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
International Meeting for Autism Research, Utah USA, 14-16 May 2015$1,500
Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine
Funding body | University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine |
---|---|
Project Team | Professor Alison Lane |
Scheme | Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | G1500544 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20111 grants / $4,147,252
Leadership Education Excellence in Caring for Children with Neurodevelopment and Related Disabilities$4,147,252
Funding body: Department of Health and Human Services
Funding body | Department of Health and Human Services |
---|---|
Project Team | Paula Rabidoux, Karen Ratliff-Schaub, Andrea Witwer, Helen Alexander, Gail Whitelaw, Alison Lane, Jane Case-Smith |
Scheme | JFK Partners - LEND |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2011 |
Funding Finish | 2015 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
Category | 3IFA |
UON | N |
20101 grants / $55,555
Clinical and Neurophysiological Identification of Sensory Dysfunction in Autism$55,555
Funding body: Center for Clinical and Translational Science - The Ohio State University
Funding body | Center for Clinical and Translational Science - The Ohio State University |
---|---|
Project Team | Alison Lane |
Scheme | Allied Health Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2010 |
Funding Finish | 2012 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20091 grants / $772,953
Write Start: Development of an Integrated Occupational Therapy Writing Program$772,953
Funding body: Institute of Education Sciences
Funding body | Institute of Education Sciences |
---|---|
Project Team | Jane Case-Smith, Terri Holland, Alison Lane |
Scheme | NCSER-RelSer, G2 |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2009 |
Funding Finish | 2012 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
Category | 3IFA |
UON | N |
20081 grants / $44,000
Participation Profiles of Children with Complex Communication Needs - Year 2 Funding$44,000
Funding body: Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation
Funding body | Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation |
---|---|
Project Team | Pammi Raghavendra, Alison Lane, Catherine Olsson, Tim Connell |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2008 |
Funding Finish | 2008 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Grant - Aust Non Government |
Category | 3AFG |
UON | N |
20073 grants / $70,000
Participation Profiles of Children with Complex Communication Needs$31,000
Funding body: Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation
Funding body | Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation |
---|---|
Project Team | Pammi Raghavendra, Alison Lane, Catherine Olsson, Tim Connell |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2007 |
Funding Finish | 2007 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Grant - Aust Non Government |
Category | 3AFG |
UON | N |
Assistive Technology Solutions for Students with Physical Disabilities: An Analysis of Utility, Costs and Student Satisfaction$30,000
Funding body: Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation
Funding body | Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation |
---|---|
Project Team | Sonya Murchland, Alison Lane, Terry Lyons, Annabelle Tilbrook |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2007 |
Funding Finish | 2007 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Grant - Aust Non Government |
Category | 3AFG |
UON | N |
Augmenting an Autism Phenotyping Tool with Sensory Processing Information$9,000
Funding body: Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation
Funding body | Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation |
---|---|
Project Team | Alison Lane, Manya Angley, Robyn Young |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2007 |
Funding Finish | 2007 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Grant - Aust Non Government |
Category | 3AFG |
UON | N |
20061 grants / $30,000
Assistive Technology Solutions for Students with Physical Disabilities: An Analysis of Utility, Costs and Student Satisfaction$30,000
Funding body: Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation
Funding body | Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation |
---|---|
Project Team | Sonya Murchland, Alison Lane, Terry Lyons, Annabelle Tilbrook |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2006 |
Funding Finish | 2006 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Grant - Aust Non Government |
Category | 3AFG |
UON | N |
News
Autism project to help connect families
May 23, 2017
Help Make Sense of Eating Disorders
January 12, 2017
Professor Alison Lane
Position
Conjoint Professor
School of Health Sciences
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Contact Details
alison.lane@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 4921 5004 |
Fax | (02) 4921 7053 |
Office
Room | Hunter HE-03 |
---|---|
Building | Hunter Building |
Location | Callaghan University Drive Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia |