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1.
Child Care Health Dev ; 50(4): e13299, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38967420

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability with global prevalence of one in 100 individuals. Poor access to interventions in both under-resourced regions of high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries has deleterious effects on the health and wellbeing of individuals with autism and their families. Our objective was to utilize a reciprocal innovation framework and participatory methods to adapt and co-develop a culturally grounded group-based wellbeing and naturalistic developmental behavioural intervention (NDBI) training program for caregivers of young children with autism to be implemented in Kenya and rural Indiana. METHODS: This study was conducted within the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) program. An evidence-informed Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) previously utilized in Indiana was adapted and iteratively refined using the Ecological Validity Framework (EVF) by a team of US and Kenyan disability experts. Key adaptations to the program were made across the EVF domains of language, persons, metaphors/content, concepts, goals, methods, and context. RESULTS: Substantial cultural adaptations were made to the NDBI following the EVF model, including the addition of traditional Kenyan cultural practices, use of narrative principles, and focus on daily routines over play. Pepea, the adapted program, involves 10 group sessions covering content in basic education on autism, positive caregiver coping strategies, and behavioural skills training to promote child communication and reduce challenging behaviour. Key adaptations for Pepea were integrated back into a US NDBI caregiver training program. CONCLUSIONS: This study fills a critical gap by detailing the adaptation process of a caregiver wellbeing and naturalistic developmental behavioural training program for caregivers of children with autism in low-resource settings. Our next steps are to report on mixed-methods outcomes from pilot implementation. Our long-term goal is to apply these insights to advance sustainable and scalable autism intervention services across the globe.


Subject(s)
Caregivers , Humans , Kenya , Caregivers/education , Caregivers/psychology , Child, Preschool , United States , Male , Female , Autistic Disorder/rehabilitation , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Autistic Disorder/psychology , Behavior Therapy/methods , Developing Countries , Indiana , Culturally Competent Care , Program Development , Child
2.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 15409, 2024 07 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38965387

ABSTRACT

Autistic youth experience several behavioral and emotional characteristics that can predispose them to emotion dysregulation (ED). Current literature examining ED in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is limited to parent- and self-reported measures, indicating a need for biological or physiological methods to better assess emotion regulation in ASD. Utilizing the autonomic nervous system, specifically heart rate variability (HRV), may be a promising method to objectively measure ED in ASD, given it is one of the body's primary means of regulating physiological arousal. Our pilot study is one of the first to examine the feasibility, utility, and construct validity of HRV along with clinical measures within an intervention targeting ED-specific symptoms in ASD. Participants included 30 autistic youth ages 8-17 years who participated in the pilot study of Regulating Together, a group-based intervention targeting emotion regulation. We demonstrate HRV is feasible, demonstrates adequate test-retest reliability, and is complimentary to clinician- and parent-reported measures. Our preliminary findings also point to certain HRV profiles being indicative of long-term outcomes after receiving treatment. HRV may be a useful, objective tool in determining differential needs of long-term follow-up care for treatment maintenance at screening or baseline stages.


Subject(s)
Emotional Regulation , Feasibility Studies , Heart Rate , Humans , Child , Heart Rate/physiology , Adolescent , Male , Female , Emotional Regulation/physiology , Autism Spectrum Disorder/physiopathology , Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology , Autism Spectrum Disorder/therapy , Pilot Projects , Autonomic Nervous System/physiopathology , Autistic Disorder/physiopathology , Autistic Disorder/psychology , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Emotions/physiology , Treatment Outcome
4.
BMJ Paediatr Open ; 8(1)2024 Jun 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38897620

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The UK National Health Service (NHS) Long Term Plan aims to reduce waiting times for childhood autism diagnostic assessment and improve parent and child satisfaction. This empirical research investigated current childhood diagnostic practice provision, and changes made by teams to address challenges faced. METHODS: Data were collected using an online semi-structured research questionnaire. UK childhood autism diagnostic assessment services (for children aged 1-18 years) were invited to participate through multidisciplinary clinical networks, special interest groups and professionals mailing lists. The study was on the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network portfolio. RESULTS: 128 clinicians from diverse NHS services responded including: 10 (8%) integrated services, 46 (36%) Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and 72 (56%) paediatric services. A minority of services (23, 17.9%) reported always meeting the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance for assessment. Referrals rose 115% between 2015 and 2019. Clinicians described increased child and family complexity compared with previously; children had more co-occurring physical, mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions and there were more frequent family health problems and safeguarding concerns. Most services (97, 75.8%) reported recent funding stayed constant/decreased. Incomplete multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) were frequently reported; a minority of services reported increased availability of professionals, and some experienced reductions in key professionals. Many teams were unable to undertake assessments or make recommendations for associated neurodevelopmental and co-existing conditions. Teams described improvement strategies implemented (eg, adapting professionals' roles, supporting parents). CONCLUSIONS: Most UK autism paediatric and CAMHS diagnostic teams experience significant challenges affecting the assessment of children with possible autism, and recommendations regarding treatment/intervention. Where CAMHS or paediatric services work in isolation, there are often competency gaps in MDTs and ability to deliver full neurodevelopmental and mental health assessments. Teams identified service improvement strategies; however, investment in MDT expertise is required to enable services to implement changes to meet the needs of children and families.


Subject(s)
Autistic Disorder , Humans , United Kingdom/epidemiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Adolescent , Autistic Disorder/diagnosis , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Autistic Disorder/epidemiology , Infant , Male , Female , Surveys and Questionnaires , Child Health Services , State Medicine , Referral and Consultation , Health Care Surveys
5.
Sante Publique ; 36(3): 21-31, 2024.
Article in French | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38906811

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Many Knowledge Translation (KT) networks have been set up to support the improvement of research-based practices. However despite the deployment of KT networks, there is little empirical data on how they work. The Réseau national d’expertise en trouble du spectre de l’autisme (RNETSA) is the result of a ministerial initiative. OBJECTIVE AND METHOD: Its mission is to promote the evolution of autism practices and services in the education, early childhood, and health and social services sectors. The purpose of this article is to analyze the governance structure and KT strategy of the RNETSA in terms of its legitimacy. The study was based on a case study design combining a literature review and interviews. RESULTS: The results highlight the key components of 1) the governance structure (e.g., identification of a common need, formalization of bodies, allocation of resources) and 2) the KT strategy (e.g., knowledge dissemination, collaborations, increasing participation in activities). The discussion addresses a number of building blocks that could help strengthen the network’s legitimacy with a view to bringing it closer to its purpose. CONCLUSIONS: RNETSA has demonstrated a strong capacity to ensure its legitimacy in the autism KT ecosystem. The potential to influence public policy in the field of autism is also a key feature of RNETSA. To improve knowledge of RNETSA’s legitimacy, an evaluation of the effects of its KT activities would be necessary.


Subject(s)
Autistic Disorder , Translational Research, Biomedical , Humans , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Quebec
6.
Sheng Wu Yi Xue Gong Cheng Xue Za Zhi ; 41(3): 612-619, 2024 Jun 25.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38932549

ABSTRACT

Joint attention deficit is one of the core disorders in children with autism, which seriously affects the development of multiple basic skills such as language and communication. Virtual reality scene intervention has great potential in improving joint attention skills in children with autism due to its good interactivity and immersion. This article reviewed the application of virtual reality based social and nonsocial scenarios in training joint attention skills for children with autism in recent years, summarized the problems and challenges of this intervention method, and proposed a new joint paradigm for social scenario assessment and nonsocial scenario training. Finally, it looked forward to the future development and application prospects of virtual reality technology in joint attention skill training for children with autism.


Subject(s)
Attention , Autistic Disorder , Virtual Reality , Humans , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Child
7.
Am J Occup Ther ; 78(4)2024 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38917193

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Play is the primary occupation in childhood and fundamental to occupational therapy practice. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a play intervention in special school settings. DESIGN: Pre- and postinvolvement of a 7-mo play program. SETTING: Four special schools in Victoria, Australia, for children with IQs < 70. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-eight children with diagnoses including intellectual disability, autism, and global developmental delay, 7 teachers, 2 speech pathologists, and 2 occupational therapists. INTERVENTION: Learn to Play Therapy for 1 hr per week over a 7-mo period. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Pre-post outcome measures included children's pretend play skills, language, social skills, emotional regulation, and academic competence. RESULTS: Mean age of 38 children (15 girls and 23 boys) at baseline was 5 yr 7 mo (SD = 0.46 yr). Results showed significant changes in children's pretend play (p = .03), ability to recall sentences (p = .02), social skills (p = .022), and academic competence (p = .012). Learn to Play had a large effect on children's narrative skills (d = 2.72). At follow-up, object substitution at baseline influenced expressive language (p < .001), narrative mean language utterance (MLU; p = .015), social skills (p < .001), and academic competence (p < .001); elaborate play at baseline plus time influenced social skills (p < .001); and elaborate play at baseline influenced narrative MLU (p =. 016), sentence recall (p = .009), and academic competence (p = .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Embedding pretend play within practice positively influenced children's language, narrative, social, and academic skills. Plain-Language Summary: This study adds to the limited research on play-based therapy programs in special school settings for children with an IQ of less than 70. Children participated in Learn to Play Therapy, during which an occupational therapist, who has observed and assessed the child's play and understands the child's play abilities, played beside the child. Learn to Play Therapy is a child-centered therapy that is used to increase a child's ability to self-initiate and enjoy pretend play. The positive impacts of supporting the children's pretend play ability were highlighted by increases in their pretend play, language, social skills, academic competence, and narrative language after participating in Learn to Play Therapy in their special schools.


Subject(s)
Occupational Therapy , Play Therapy , Social Skills , Humans , Male , Female , Child , Occupational Therapy/methods , Child, Preschool , Intellectual Disability/rehabilitation , Developmental Disabilities/rehabilitation , Developmental Disabilities/therapy , Autistic Disorder/rehabilitation , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Education, Special , Play and Playthings , Schools
8.
Nord J Psychiatry ; 78(5): 421-430, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38690784

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Autism includes core symptoms affecting general and social development. Up to 60% of autistic adolescents experience co-occurring anxiety disorders negatively influencing educational, social, and general development together with quality of life. A manualised cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program 'Cool Kids - Autism Spectrum Adaptation (ASA)' has previously demonstrated efficacy in reducing anxiety in children with co-occurring autism. The current study investigates the feasibility of adapting this program for adolescents. METHODS: Fifteen autistic adolescents, aged 14-17 years, with co-occurring anxiety disorders were enrolled in the study. Outcome measures collected from both adolescents and parents pre-, post-treatment and at 3-month follow-up included participant evaluation of the program, scores from a semi-structured anxiety interview, and questionnaires on anxiety symptoms, life interference, and quality of life. RESULTS: 92% of the families who completed the program found it useful and would recommend it to other families in a similar situation. At follow-up, 55% no longer met the criteria for their primary anxiety diagnosis and 34% of adolescents were free of all anxiety diagnoses. Of the five adolescents who did not attend school before treatment three (60%) had returned to school after treatment. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the adaptation of the program 'Cool Kids - ASA' into an adolescent version is feasible and has the potential to show good effects thus enhancing the possibility of education, development and independence in future life for this group. Larger RCTs studies are, however, needed to examine the efficacy of the adolescent version.


Subject(s)
Anxiety Disorders , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Feasibility Studies , Quality of Life , Humans , Adolescent , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/methods , Male , Female , Anxiety Disorders/therapy , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Autistic Disorder/psychology , Autism Spectrum Disorder/therapy , Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology , Treatment Outcome , Comorbidity , Follow-Up Studies
9.
Am J Speech Lang Pathol ; 33(4): 1619-1638, 2024 Jul 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38771825

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention package consisting of systematic instruction and aided modeling with speech-output technologies on the acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of socio-communicative behaviors-initiating a request for a turn, answering questions, and commenting-in four, minimally speaking (MS) autistic children between the ages of 6 and 9 years. METHOD: A multiple-probe design across behaviors replicated across participants was implemented to evaluate the effects of systematic instruction and aided modeling on initiating requests for a turn, answering questions, and commenting behaviors. Additionally, a pre- and posttreatment multiple-generalization-probes design was used to assess generalization across peers. RESULTS: Visual analyses demonstrated experimental control for two participants (i.e., Derek, Ajay) showing a functional relationship between the intervention and outcomes across all social communicative behavior. For one participant (i.e., Matthew), experimental control could not be established because he did not reach the learning criterion for commenting. The fourth participant (i.e., John) transferred to a different school after making some progress on requesting. Effect size indicator analyses corroborated these findings, indicating medium-to-strong effects for initiating requests for a turn strong effects for answering questions, and medium-to-strong effects for commenting. Generalization of socio-communicative behaviors from researcher to a typically developing peer was variable across participants. Participants maintained socio-communicative behaviors 3 weeks after the last intervention session with varying degrees of success. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of this study suggest that aided modeling and systematic instruction using speech-output technologies may lead to gains in socio-communicative behaviors in some MS autistic children. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25799935.


Subject(s)
Communication Aids for Disabled , Peer Group , Humans , Child , Male , Female , Social Behavior , Communication , Treatment Outcome , Autism Spectrum Disorder/therapy , Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology , Autistic Disorder/psychology , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Child Behavior , Communication Disorders/therapy , Communication Disorders/rehabilitation , Communication Disorders/psychology
10.
Cereb Cortex ; 34(13): 8-18, 2024 May 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38696602

ABSTRACT

Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has been increasingly investigated during the last decade as a treatment option for persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, previous studies did not reach a consensus on a superior treatment protocol or stimulation target. Persons with ASD often suffer from social isolation and high rates of unemployment, arising from difficulties in social interaction. ASD involves multiple neural systems involved in perception, language, and cognition, and the underlying brain networks of these functional domains have been well documented. Aiming to provide an overview of NIBS effects when targeting these neural systems in late adolescent and adult ASD, we conducted a systematic search of the literature starting at 631 non-duplicate publications, leading to six studies corresponding with inclusion and exclusion criteria. We discuss these studies regarding their treatment rationale and the accordingly chosen methodological setup. The results of these studies vary, while methodological advances may allow to explain some of the variability. Based on these insights, we discuss strategies for future clinical trials to personalize the selection of brain stimulation targets taking into account intersubject variability of brain anatomy as well as function.


Subject(s)
Brain , Humans , Adult , Autism Spectrum Disorder/therapy , Precision Medicine/methods , Precision Medicine/trends , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/methods , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Autistic Disorder/physiopathology , Autistic Disorder/psychology , Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation/methods
11.
Pharmacol Biochem Behav ; 240: 173788, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38734150

ABSTRACT

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with no effective treatment available currently. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is emerging as a promising neuromodulation technique to treat autism. However, the mechanism how rTMS works remains unclear, which restrict the clinical application of magnetic stimulation in the autism treatment. In this study, we investigated the effect of low-frequency rTMS on the autistic-like symptoms and explored if this neuroprotective effect was associated with synaptic plasticity and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. A rat model of autism was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats and male offspring were treated with 1 Hz rTMS daily for two weeks continuously. Behavior tests were performed to identify behavioral abnormality. Synaptic plasticity was measured by in vivo electrophysiological recording and Golgi-Cox staining. Synapse and inflammation associated proteins were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses. Results showed prenatal VPA-exposed rats exhibited autistic-like and anxiety-like behaviors, and cognitive impairment. Synaptic plasticity deficits and the abnormality expression of synapse-associated proteins were found in the hippocampus of prenatal VPA-exposed rats. Prenatal VPA exposure increased the level of inflammation cytokines and promoted the excessive activation of microglia. rTMS significantly alleviated the prenatal VPA-induced abnormalities including behavioral and synaptic plasticity deficits, and excessive neuroinflammation. TMS maybe a potential strategy for autism therapy via rescuing synaptic plasticity and inhibiting neuroinflammation.


Subject(s)
Autistic Disorder , Disease Models, Animal , Hippocampus , Neuronal Plasticity , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation , Valproic Acid , Animals , Valproic Acid/pharmacology , Neuronal Plasticity/drug effects , Rats , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Autistic Disorder/chemically induced , Female , Male , Pregnancy , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/chemically induced , Hippocampus/metabolism , Hippocampus/drug effects , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Neuroinflammatory Diseases/therapy , Behavior, Animal/drug effects
12.
mSystems ; 9(6): e0025724, 2024 Jun 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38780265

ABSTRACT

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficiencies and stereotypic behaviors influenced by hereditary and/or environmental risk factors. There are currently no approved medications for treating the core symptoms of ASD. Human fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a potential intervention to improve autistic symptoms, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we evaluated the effects of human-derived FMT on behavioral and multi-omics profiles of the BTBR mice, an established model for ASD. FMT effectively alleviated the social deficits in the BTBR mice and normalized their distinct plasma metabolic profile, notably reducing the elevated long-chain acylcarnitines. Integrative analysis linked these phenotypic changes to specific Bacteroides species and vitamin B6 metabolism. Indeed, vitamin B6 supplementation improved the social behaviors in BTBR mice. Collectively, these findings shed new light on the interplay between FMT and vitamin B6 metabolism and revealed a potential mechanism underlying the therapeutic role of FMT in ASD.IMPORTANCEAccumulating evidence supports the beneficial effects of human fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the precise mechanism by which FMT induces a shift in the microbiota and leads to symptom improvement remains incompletely understood. This study integrated data from colon-content metagenomics, colon-content metabolomics, and plasma metabolomics to investigate the effects of FMT treatment on the BTBR mouse model for ASD. The analysis linked the amelioration of social deficits following FMT treatment to the restoration of mitochondrial function and the modulation of vitamin B6 metabolism. Bacterial species and compounds with beneficial roles in vitamin B6 metabolism and mitochondrial function may further contribute to improving FMT products and designing novel therapies for ASD treatment.


Subject(s)
Disease Models, Animal , Fecal Microbiota Transplantation , Vitamin B 6 , Animals , Mice , Humans , Vitamin B 6/metabolism , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Male , Social Behavior , Autism Spectrum Disorder/therapy , Autism Spectrum Disorder/metabolism , Autism Spectrum Disorder/microbiology , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Autistic Disorder/metabolism , Autistic Disorder/microbiology
13.
BMC Health Serv Res ; 24(1): 685, 2024 May 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38816827

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Autistic children often experience socioemotional difficulties relating to emotion regulation and mental health problems. Supports for autistic children involve the use of adapted interventions that target emotion regulation and social skills, alongside mental health symptoms. The Secret Agent Society Small Group (SAS: SG), an adapted cognitive behavioural program, has demonstrated efficacy through lab-delivered randomized control trials. However, research is still needed on its effectiveness when delivered by publicly funded, community-based autism providers under real-world ecologically valid conditions, especially within the context of a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted access to community-based supports and services for autistic children, and programs have adapted their services to online platforms. However, questions remain about the feasibility and clinical utility of evidence-based interventions and services delivered virtually in community-based settings. METHODS: The 9-week SAS: SG program was delivered virtually by seven community-based autism service providers during 2020-2021. The program included the use of computer-based games, role-playing tasks, and home missions. Caregivers completed surveys at three timepoints: pre-, post-intervention, and after a 3-month follow-up session. Surveys assessed caregivers' perception of the program's acceptability and level of satisfaction, as well as their child's social and emotional regulation skills and related mental health challenges. RESULTS: A total of 77 caregivers (94% gender identity females; Mean = 42.1 years, SD = 6.5 years) and their children (79% gender identity males; Mean = 9.9 years, SD = 1.3 years) completed the SAS: SG program. Caregivers agreed that the program was acceptable (95%) and were highly satisfied (90%). Caregivers reported significant reduction in their child's emotion reactivity from pre- to post-intervention (-1.78 (95% CI, -3.20 to -0.29), p = 0.01, d = 0.36), that continued to decrease after the 3-month booster session (-1.75 (95% CI, -3.34 to -0.16), p = 0.02, d = 0.33). Similarly, improvements in anxiety symptoms were observed (3.05 (95% CI, 0.72 to 5.36), p = 0.006, d = 0.39). CONCLUSIONS: As online delivery of interventions for autistic children remains popular past the pandemic, our findings shed light on future considerations for community-based services, including therapists and agency leaders, on how best to tailor and optimally deliver virtually based programming. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered with ISRCTN Registry (ISRCTN98068608) on 15/09/2023. The study was retroactively registered.


Subject(s)
Autistic Disorder , COVID-19 , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Male , Female , Child , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Autistic Disorder/psychology , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/methods , SARS-CoV-2 , Pandemics , Adult , Emotional Regulation
16.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 8082, 2024 04 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38582936

ABSTRACT

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a neurostimulation device used to modulate brain cortex activity. Our objective was to enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of low-frequency repeated TMS (LF-rTMS) in a rat model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) induced by prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure through the injection of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). For the induction of ASD, we administered prenatal VPA (600 mg/kg, I.P.) on the 12.5th day of pregnancy. At postnatal day 30, SPIONs were injected directly into the lateral ventricle of the brain. Subsequently, LF-rTMS treatment was applied for 14 consecutive days. Following the treatment period, behavioral analyses were conducted. At postnatal day 60, brain tissue was extracted, and both biochemical and histological analyses were performed. Our data revealed that prenatal VPA exposure led to behavioral alterations, including changes in social interactions, increased anxiety, and repetitive behavior, along with dysfunction in stress coping strategies. Additionally, we observed reduced levels of SYN, MAP2, and BDNF. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in dendritic spine density in the hippocampal CA1 area. However, LF-rTMS treatment combined with SPIONs successfully reversed these dysfunctions at the behavioral, biochemical, and histological levels, introducing a successful approach for the treatment of ASD.


Subject(s)
Autism Spectrum Disorder , Autistic Disorder , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects , Pregnancy , Female , Rats , Animals , Humans , Valproic Acid/pharmacology , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Autistic Disorder/drug therapy , Autism Spectrum Disorder/therapy , Autism Spectrum Disorder/drug therapy , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation , Social Behavior , Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/therapy , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/drug therapy , Disease Models, Animal , Behavior, Animal/physiology
17.
Am J Occup Ther ; 78(3)2024 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38602860

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Differences in sensory reactivity are a core feature of autism; however, more remains to be learned about their role in classroom learning. OBJECTIVE: To use direct observational measures to investigate whether there is a link between sensory reactivity differences and classroom behaviors of autistic children. DESIGN: Correlational study. SETTING: Two special educational needs schools. PARTICIPANTS: Children with a clinical diagnosis of autism, ages 5 to 18 yr (N = 53). OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Sensory reactivity differences were assessed with the Sensory Assessment for Neurodevelopmental Differences. Classroom behaviors were measured using the Behavior Assessment for Children-Second Edition Student Observation System. RESULTS: Total sensory reactivity differences were correlated positively with behaviors that impede learning (r = .31, p < .05) and negatively with behaviors that facilitate learning (r = -.38, p < .05). Hyporeactivity differences were correlated positively with behaviors that impede learning (r = .28, p < .05) and negatively with behaviors that facilitate learning (r = -.31, p < .05). Hyperreactivity and sensory-seeking differences were not significantly correlated with behavior. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Results suggest a link between sensory reactivity differences and classroom behaviors, highlighting a need for further research using observational measures in special education settings. Plain-Language Summary: Differences in hyporeactivity for children with autism may play a bigger role in classroom behavior and learning than previous literature has suggested. This has implications in occupational therapy practice for how to tailor support for children with hyporeactivity differences.


Subject(s)
Autistic Disorder , Child , Humans , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Learning , Schools , Child, Preschool , Adolescent
18.
Sleep Med ; 118: 78-80, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38613860

ABSTRACT

Sleep difficulties can co-occur with autistic traits and have been frequently reported in children diagnosed with autism. Thus, sleep difficulties may impact neural development, cognition, and behavioural functioning in children with autism. Interventions, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), that target aberrant neural structures underpinning autistic traits and sleep difficulties in children could have beneficial effects. The rTMS effects on the pathophysiological pathways hypothesised to underpin autism and sleep difficulties are well-established in the literature; however, clinical evidence of its potential to improve sleep difficulties in children with autism is limited. While the preliminary data is promising, further robust rTMS studies are warranted to encourage its use in clinical practices.


Subject(s)
Autistic Disorder , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation , Child , Humans , Autism Spectrum Disorder/complications , Autism Spectrum Disorder/therapy , Autistic Disorder/complications , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Sleep Wake Disorders/therapy , Sleep Wake Disorders/etiology , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/methods
19.
Ital J Pediatr ; 50(1): 60, 2024 Apr 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38575971

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The goal of our contribution is to discuss a preschool intervention based on the Early Start Denver Model and the use of the main tools for the detection of adaptive behaviour in cases of autism: Vineland, ABAS. CASE PRESENTATION: the work is the presentation of a clinical case that has benefited from an intervention with the Early Start Denver Model methodology for the benefit of a child with socio-cultural and economic disadvantages. This early intervention, in a child of 36 months, which followed the diagnosis, was possible thanks to the intervention of many third-sector organizations which allowed this child, with a serious autism profile, to receive an evidence-based intervention for free. At the beginning of the intervention, the child presented a diagnosis of severe autism with absence of gaze, vocalizations and other communicative impairments. The level of motor clumsiness was also quite high, as were stereotypies. CONCLUSIONS: Research has shown the usefulness of intervening in this area with an early assessment and/or diagnosis and immediate intervention; however, public health services are not always able to maintain this pace. Our contribution therefore shows on the one hand the evidence of the improvements achieved by the child despite the low intensity of the treatment, and on the other hand, demonstrates the total versatility and adaptability of the Denver Model to the Italian context. In our conclusions, there are also some reflections on the tools used to measure adaptive behavior which seem to have a number of limitations and criticalities.


Subject(s)
Autism Spectrum Disorder , Autistic Disorder , Social Medicine , Child, Preschool , Humans , Adaptation, Psychological , Autism Spectrum Disorder/diagnosis , Autism Spectrum Disorder/therapy , Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology , Autistic Disorder/diagnosis , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Italy
20.
Behav Ther ; 55(3): 499-512, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38670664

ABSTRACT

Parent-led cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an efficient, promising form of therapy that may be well suited for autistic youth with anxiety disorders, though to date it has been minimally tested. In this study, 87 autistic youth (7 to 13 years old) with anxiety disorders and their parents were randomized to two forms of parent-led CBT in which parents led their child through a guided CBT workbook across 12 weeks: one with low therapist contact (four 30-minute telehealth calls), and one with standard therapist contact (ten 60-minute telehealth calls). Anxiety, functional impairment, and autism features significantly declined across therapy, without differences between groups. High satisfaction was reported in both groups, though significantly higher satisfaction ratings were reported in standard-contact CBT. Responder rates were 69% of completers at posttreatment (70% in standard contact, 68% in low contact) and 86% at 3-month follow-up (86% in standard contact, 87% in low contact). Low-contact CBT was estimated to incur an average cost of $755.70 per family compared with $1,978.34 in standard-contact CBT. Parent-led CBT with minimal or standard therapist contact both appear to be effective CBT delivery formats for autistic youth with anxiety disorders, with significant cost savings for low-contact CBT.


Subject(s)
Anxiety Disorders , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Parents , Telemedicine , Humans , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/methods , Male , Female , Adolescent , Child , Parents/psychology , Anxiety Disorders/therapy , Anxiety Disorders/psychology , Telemedicine/methods , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Autistic Disorder/psychology , Treatment Outcome , Anxiety/therapy , Anxiety/psychology , Patient Satisfaction/statistics & numerical data , Mental Health Teletherapy
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