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Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Current Challenges and Future Global Directions
Abstract There has been extensive research on the early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Given that early detection is vital for the delivery of early intervention, which can positively impact children’s developmental outcomes, it is unfortunate that many children around the world continue to be diagnosed much later than is possible. This may be partly due to discrepancy in the development and availability of culturally specific screening and developmental surveillance tools both between and within countries. The purpose of this article is to review the current status, and recommend f...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - February 20, 2016 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Complementary and Alternative Medicine use in Pediatric Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Reviewing the Safety and Efficacy of Herbal Medicines
Abstract Natural health products (NHPs), including herbal medicines, are a modality of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) commonly used by pediatric patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Most families of pediatric patients find NHP treatment to be beneficial; however, clinical evidence of efficacy remains weak or lacking. Evidence of herbal medicine safety is similarly scarce, particularly with respect to herb-drug interactions and adverse events (AEs) associated with concurrent use of NHPs and ADHD prescription drugs. To support both families and physicians managing ADH...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - February 4, 2016 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Developmental Risk Relationships between ADHD and Depressive Disorders in Childhood
Abstract Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is associated with significant difficulties in the executive control of behaviour and emotions. Risk for depression in ADHD youth is a logical concern. This narrative review examines what is known regarding sources of risk for depression in youth with ADHD in the areas of epidemiology, genetics, neuroanatomy, neuropsychological functioning, social functioning, maltreatment and the effects of psychopharmacologic treatments. Emphasis is placed on longitudinal studies across childhood to maximize relevance to the r...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - February 4, 2016 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

The Self-Enhancement Bias in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Origin, Nature, and Consequences
Abstract Despite exhibiting functional impairments in a number of key domains, children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to overestimate their own competence more than their peers without ADHD. In this review, we describe the evidence in support of a self-enhancement bias (SEB) in children with ADHD and factors that are associated with the presence of this bias. We discuss possible explanations for a SEB and the extent to which these inaccurate self-appraisals are adaptive or impairing. We conclude with implications for practice and further research. There is considerable evidence...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - February 4, 2016 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Assessing Spoken Language Outcomes in Children with ASD: a Systematic Review
Abstract Comprehensive early intervention programs based on the principles of applied behaviour analysis can promote social communication development in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it is not clear to what extent these positive results represent progress towards helping children achieve the ultimate goal of spontaneous, flexible, directed and effective spoken language for a range of purposes across all life contexts. The aim of this systematic review was to document the intervention targets and assessment tools used to measure spoken language outcomes for children with ASD receiv...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - February 1, 2016 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

The Efficacy of ABA for Individuals with Autism Across the Lifespan
Abstract The use of applied behavior analysis (ABA) across the lifespan for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) evolves as young children mature to adolescents and then to adults. In childhood, instruction of comprehensive skill repertoires in combined treatment packages (e.g., early intensive behavioral intervention) in conjunction with instruction of individual functional skills related to communication, social skill interactions, and adaptive behavior create a comprehensive program. As children mature to adolescents and adults, instruction focuses more on individual functional skills relat...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - January 30, 2016 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Across the Lifespan: Review of Literature on Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Abstract The paper reviews the literature on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) across the lifespan. CBT has shown mixed results for children with ADHD. There is a dearth of literature on CBT for adolescents with ADHD with only a few available studies suggesting its usefulness. CBT, however, has proven to be most promising for adults with ADHD. Newer studies have used recent diagnostic classification, randomization, blind assessments, robust statistical analysis procedures, and longer term follow-ups with booster sessions along with weekly coaching/mentoring. CBT is a promising adjunct to medication as it...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - January 29, 2016 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Primary School: Are the Promises of Early Intervention Maintained?
Abstract Early and intensive intervention (EI) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is considered to be “best practice” to reduce the symptoms of autism and maximize the outcome for children’s functioning. Many studies have established the effectiveness of, particularly, early intensive behavioral intervention, and in some cases improvements have been impressive, with children moving off the autism spectrum. However, very few long-term follow-up studies have been conducted to determine if the progress seen as a result of EI has been maintained as children with ASD continue through school...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - January 27, 2016 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Mapping the Needs of Adults with Autism and Co-Morbid Intellectual Disability
Abstract With less than 2 % of autism research funding directed towards adults, the health-related needs of adults on the autism spectrum are relatively poorly understood. Poorer still is our understanding of the needs of those adults with comorbid autism and intellectual disability. This lack of understanding represents a significant knowledge gap, particularly given that the needs of this group are likely to be unique and nuanced. In this paper, we attempt to map the limited evidence base relating to the physical health of adults living with comorbid autism and intellectual disability and present a com...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - January 26, 2016 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Dyslexia—Early Identification and Prevention: Highlights from the Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Dyslexia
Abstract Over two decades of Finnish research, monitoring children born with risk for dyslexia has been carried out in the Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Dyslexia (JLD). Two hundred children, half at risk, have been assessed from birth to puberty on hundreds of measures. The aims were to identify measures of prediction of later reading difficulty and to instigate appropriate and earliest diagnosis and intervention. We can identify at-risk children from newborn electroencephalographic brain recordings (Guttorm et al., J Neural Transm 110:1059–1074, 2003). Predictors are also apparent from late-talking...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - October 16, 2015 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Behavioral and Neuroimaging Research of Reading: a Case of Japanese
Abstract Behavioral studies showed that AS, an English-Japanese bilingual, was a skilled reader in Japanese but was a phonological dyslexic in English. This behavioral dissociation was accounted for by the Hypothesis of Transparency and Granularity postulated by Wydell and Butterworth. However, a neuroimaging study using magnetoencephalography (MEG) revealed that AS has the same functional deficit in the left superior temporal gyrus (STG). This paper therefore offers an answer to this intriguing discrepancy between the behavioral dissociation and the neural unity in AS by reviewing existing behavioral and...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - October 2, 2015 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

“Shall We Play a Game?”: Improving Reading Through Action Video Games in Developmental Dyslexia
Abstract Impaired linguistic-phonological processing is the most accepted explanation of developmental dyslexia (DD). However, growing literature shows that DD is the result of the combination of several neurocognitive causes. Visual attention and magnocellular-dorsal (MD) pathway deficits are now considered causes of DD. Interestingly, a large portion of literature showed that action video games (AVG) are able to improve attentional and perceptual skills in typical readers. Consequently, employing AVG trainings in individuals with DD could improve attention and perception, resulting in better reading ski...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - September 28, 2015 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Behavior Therapy for Tic Disorders: an Evidenced-Based Review and New Directions for Treatment Research
Abstract Behavior therapy is an evidenced-based intervention with moderate-to-large treatment effects in reducing tic symptom severity among individuals with persistent tic disorders (PTDs) and Tourette’s disorder (TD). This review describes the behavioral treatment model for tics, delineates components of evidence-based behavior therapy for tics, and reviews the empirical support among randomized controlled trials for individuals with PTDs or TD. Additionally, this review discusses several challenges confronting the behavioral management of tics, highlights emerging solutions for these challenges, and ...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - September 14, 2015 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Neuroimaging in Tourette Syndrome: Research Highlights from 2014 to 2015
Abstract Tourette syndrome (TS) is a developmental neuropsychiatric disorder of the central nervous system defined by the presence of chronic tics. While investigations of the underlying brain mechanisms have provided valuable information, a complete understanding of the pathophysiology of TS remains elusive. Neuroimaging methods provide remarkable tools for examining the human brain and have been used to study brain structure and function in TS. In this article, we review TS neuroimaging studies published in 2014–2015. We highlight a number of noteworthy studies due to their innovative methods and inte...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - August 18, 2015 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Complexities for Assessment and Treatment of Co-Occurring ADHD and Tics
Abstract Bidirectional overlap between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and tic disorders has long been described. Twenty percent of individuals with ADHD may meet diagnostic criteria for a tic disorder, and more than 60 % of children ages 6–17 with Tourette’s disorder (TD) in the community had also been diagnosed with ADHD/ADD. While comorbid presentation of ADHD and tic disorders is firmly established, underlying genetic and pathophysiologic mechanisms need additional investigation. Inhibition is a core deficit in both ADHD and tic disorders, and research suggests a diffuse process i...
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - August 18, 2015 Category: Child Development Source Type: research