The Cambridge crystallographic database comprises files of bibliographic, chemical connectivity and numeric structural data, for organics, organometallics and metal complexes studied by X-ray and neutron diffraction. The files, covering the literature from 1935 and maintained on a current basis, presently contain information on some 25 000 structural studies. Certain categories of information, particularly bibliographic, are disseminated in printed form via the Molecular Structures and Dimensions series. The full potential of the total database depends, however, on its response to specific user queries. The present paper describes the computer-based search and retrieval system, with special reference to question coding. The retrieved data may then be used for extensive and systematic geometric analysis, and for the visual display of crystal and molecular structures. The availability of the database is also discussed.as well as the establishment of abstracting, input and evaluation procedures. The utilization of sections of the database in the production of the reference-book series Molecular Structures and Dimensions (MSD) (Ken-nard &

Sensory processing abnormalities, anxiety and restricted and repetitive behaviours (RRBs) frequently co-occur in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Though the relationship between these phenomena is not well understood, emerging evidence indicates intolerance of uncertainty (IU) may play an important role. This study aimed to determine pathways between sensory abnormalities and RRBs, and the role anxiety and IU may have. We gathered caregiver report data for 53 children with ASD aged 8-16 years. We found sensory under responsiveness and sensory over responsiveness were significantly associated with repetitive motor and insistence on sameness behaviours, and the relationships significantly mediated by IU and anxiety. Our findings indicate different mechanisms may underpin repetitive motor and insistence on sameness RRBs, which can inform treatment interventions.

Anxiety is a problem for many children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). There is a paucity of models of the cognitive processes underlying this. Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) has utility in explaining anxiety in neurotypical populations but has only recently received attention in ASD. We modelled the relationship between anxiety and IU in ASD and a typically developing comparison group, using parent and child self-report measures. Results confirmed significant relationships between IU and anxiety in children with ASD which appears to function similarly in children with and without ASD. Results were consistent with a causal model suggesting that IU mediates the relationship between ASD and anxiety. The findings confirm IU as a relevant construct in ASD.

BackgroundThe needs of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are complex and this is reflected in the number and diversity of outcomes assessed and measurement tools used to collect evidence about children’s progress. Relevant outcomes include improvement in core ASD impairments, such as communication, social awareness, sensory sensitivities and repetitiveness; skills such as social functioning and play; participation outcomes such as social inclusion; and parent and family impact.ObjectivesTo examine the measurement properties of tools used to measure progress and outcomes in children with ASD up to the age of 6 years. To identify outcome areas regarded as important by people with ASD and parents.MethodsThe MeASURe (Measurement in Autism Spectrum disorder Under Review) research collaboration included ASD experts and review methodologists. We undertook systematic review of tools used in ASD early intervention and observational studies from 1992 to 2013; systematic review, using the COSMIN checklist (Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments) of papers addressing the measurement properties of identified tools in children with ASD; and synthesis of evidence and gaps. The review design and process was informed throughout by consultation with stakeholders including parents, young people with ASD, clinicians and researchers.ResultsThe conceptual framework developed for the review was drawn from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, including the domains ‘Impairments’, ‘Activity Level Indicators’, ‘Participation’, and ‘Family Measures’. In review 1, 10,154 papers were sifted – 3091 by full text – and data extracted from 184; in total, 131 tools were identified, excluding observational coding, study-specific measures and those not in English. In review 2, 2665 papers were sifted and data concerning measurement properties of 57 (43%) tools were extracted from 128 papers. Evidence for the measurement properties of the reviewed tools was combined with information about their accessibility and presentation. Twelve tools were identified as having the strongest supporting evidence, the majority measuring autism characteristics and problem behaviour. The patchy evidence and limited scope of outcomes measured mean these tools do not constitute a ‘recommended battery’ for use. In particular, there is little evidence that the identified tools would be good at detecting change in intervention studies. The obvious gaps in available outcome measurement include well-being and participation outcomes for children, and family quality-of-life outcomes, domains particularly valued by our informants (young people with ASD and parents).ConclusionsThis is the first systematic review of the quality and appropriateness of tools designed to monitor progress and outcomes of young children with ASD. Although it was not possible to recommend fully robust tools at this stage, the review consolidates what is known about the field and will act as a benchmark for future developments. With input from parents and other stakeholders, recommendations are made about priority targets for research.Future workPriorities include development of a tool to measure child quality of life in ASD, and validation of a potential primary outcome tool for trials of early social communication intervention.Study registrationThis study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42012002223.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

The purpose of this study was to explore how atypical reactions to sensory stimuli contribute to the relation between restricted and repetitive behaviours and anxiety in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In Study 1, factor analysis of restricted and repetitive behaviours was carried out using the Repetitive Behaviour Questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2), completed by 120 parents of 2-to 17-year-olds with ASD. Two subtypes resulted: repetitive sensory and motor behaviours, and insistence on sameness, accounting for 40% of the variance. This two-factor solution was retained even when the sensory items of the RBQ-2 were removed. In Study 2, 49 of the same parents also completed the Spence Anxiety Scales and the Sensory Profile. The insistence on sameness factor was significantly associated with anxiety while the repetitive motor behaviours factor was not. The relation between anxiety and insistence on sameness was mediated by sensory avoiding and to a lesser extent by sensory sensitivity. Implications for arousal explanations of ASD and for clinical practice are discussed.