Effects of Physical Activity on Social, Behavioral, and Cognitive Skills in Children and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review of the Literature
AbstractThis systematic review aims to describe six types of physical activity interventions utilized with children and young adults ages 5 –22 as a treatment for ASD. These interventions include swimming, cycling, neuromuscular training, yoga, sports, and exergaming. This examines the knowledge gaps regarding the details of these interventions via time (sessions, per week, overall length), the severity of ASD in participants (using a 4-point scale), and the outcomes specific to ASD (cognition, social skills, physical fitness, and behavior). A systematic search of peer-reviewed research articles was conducted across five...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - April 27, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Are Extended Reality Interventions Effective in Helping Autistic Children to Enhance Their Social Skills? A Systematic Review
AbstractAutistic children ’s social skills do not always align with those of their neurotypical peers and research suggests that this can negatively impact quality of life. This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of extended reality (XR) interventions in helping autistic children to enhance their social skills. Five electronic databases were systematically searched and seventeen studies were identified. The majority targeted social-emotional reciprocity and were of relatively low quality. There was insufficient evidence to determine whether effects were generalisable, sustained or important to autistic people. Rese...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - April 27, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Sensory-Friendly Emergency Department Visit for Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder —A Scoping Review
AbstractOur goal was to develop non-pharmacologic strategies for addressing sensory challenges that patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face in emergency departments (EDs). Search of five databases for articles written in English and published since 1980 returned 816 citations, of which 28 papers were selected for review. All studies were published in the last nine years, with 92.85% (n = 26) conducted in North America. We developed 26 consolidated strategies, encompassing five major domains, including guiding principles, care processes, people (behavior of staff members), objects, and places (facility design)...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - April 23, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

A Synthesis of Reading Comprehension Interventions and Measures for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intensive Support Needs
We present the effectiveness of the interventions and the measures used to evaluate their effects. All studies were experimental, included a measure of reading comprehension and participants with ASD and IQs at least oneSD below the mean. Results indicated that most interventions included strategies that are supported for struggling readers and were found similarly effective for this population. Additionally, two studies included standardized measures. The remaining studies relied on different researcher created measures of comprehension. Practical implications based on findings are discussed. (Source: Review Journal of Au...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - April 21, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Considering Instructional Contexts in AAC Interventions for People with ASD and/or IDD Experiencing Complex Communicative Needs: a Single-Case Design Meta-analysis
AbstractFor children with autism or intellectual and developmental disabilities who also have complex communication needs, communication is a necessary skill set to increase independence and quality of life. Understanding the how, where, and communication style being taught is important for identifying deficits in the field as well as which interventions are most effective. This meta-analysis sought to identify effectiveness among different settings, behavioral strategies, and moderator variables. A systematic search and screening process identified 114 eligible studies with 330 participants; overall outcomes indicate that...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - April 20, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Executive Functioning Supports for College Students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
AbstractHigher education is a predictor of employment for individuals who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and an increasing number of students with ASD are enrolling in college. However, deficits in executive functioning (EF) make academic success difficult. This systematic review of literature identified ten research studies examining the effects of college supports for students with ASD that targeted an aspect of EF, specifically working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, self-regulation, organization, and time management. Common supports included mentorship and group therapy, with interventions o...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - April 20, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Work-Related Social Skills Interventions for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Throughout the Life Course
AbstractSocial skills are critical to workplace success and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by challenges with these skills contributing to a disproportionate unemployment rate. The aim of this study was to characterize interventions that focus on work-related social skills for individuals with ASD. A scoping review was conducted to map the state of the literature on work-related social skills interventions on a global scale using a life course conceptual framework. Database searches of CINAHL, PubMed, ERIC, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were conducted. Additional sources were identified through web searches...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - April 13, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

A Systematic Review and Reflection on the Dimensions of Diversity Represented in Behavior Analytic Research
AbstractThe US continues to transition toward a majority-minority composition and this trend has advanced most rapidly for school-aged children. Clinical work with diverse populations, and their families, calls for specialized skills and training experiences; however, these are not yet strongly reflected in most pre-service training programs in applied behavior analysis (ABA). A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the scope and range of the dimensions of diversity included in the behavior analytic literature (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality) as well as to compile recommendations for improving culturally res...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - April 13, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Parent-Implemented Video-Based Intervention to Teach Autistic Children: an Evidence-Based Systematic Review
AbstractVideo-based intervention (VBI) is an evidence-based practice for teaching a wide array of skills to autistic children and young adults; however, a limited number of studies have examined the effectiveness of parent-implemented VBI when teaching children functional skills in a home setting. The purpose of this evidence-based systematic review was to synthesize and evaluate the evidence base for parent-implemented VBI to teach functional skills to autistic children in a home setting. Nine studies published between 2012 and 2021 met the inclusion criteria for this review. Seven of these studies met the design standard...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - March 31, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Bladder Training for Individuals with Autism: a Systematic Review Concludes as Empty
AbstractThis systematic review set out to investigate the literature base that supports the use of behavioral bladder training therapies for individuals with autism spectrum disorder showing nocturnal enuresis or daytime urinary incontinence associated with lower urinary tract symptoms or bladder dysfunction. In neurotypical individuals, these conditions are traditionally prescribed bladder training therapies as primary treatment. A comprehensive search strategy was employed using a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria and without restriction to publication year. Ultimately, no studies met the inclusion criteria, result...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - March 26, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Autism and Gut Microbiota: a Bibliometric Study
AbstractThe study of gut microbiota ’s (GM) role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a new and expanding research field, and bibliometric reviews can be very useful to interpret the scientific production and research trends within it. To that end, this work presents a scientometric study on ASD and GM based on 1069 publications, pu blished between 1992 and 2020, that were found in the Web of Science© database. Journal, author, and institution productivity patterns were found using Lotka’s law andPlos One, USA, and University College Cork (Ireland) were the most productive journal, country, and institution, respective...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - March 25, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

A Systematic Review of Sexual Violence Among Autistic Individuals
This study systematically reviewed the sexual violence literature among autistic individuals by identifying prevalence rates, assessment approaches, and outcomes of sexual violence exposure, as well as risk and protective factors. Overall, 22 articles met inclusion criteria. Nine studies reported elevated rates of sexual violence in autistic samples as compared to non-autistic peers, particularly with regard to adult victimization. Evidence emerged for increased risk among autistic girls and women. Results suggest autistic individuals experience similar trauma outcomes to non-autistic peers, though risk factors specific to...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - March 22, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Age of Diagnosis for Co-occurring Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder During Childhood and Adolescence: a Systematic Review
AbstractEarly identification and intervention are recognised as important elements of the clinical pathway for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be diagnosed at a different age than children who only have one of these diagnoses. This systematic review aimed to identify the age at which children were diagnosed with both ASD and ADHD. Of the 9552 articles screened, 12 were included in the review. The findings suggest that ASD is typically diagnosed later when ADHD is present, and ADHD is typically diagnosed earlier when ASD is present. Further research i...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - March 16, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Trait Anxiety in Individuals on the Autism Spectrum: a Systematic Review
AbstractAlthough anxiety is commonly researched in autism, the focus has predominantly been on anxiety disorders and not upon general levels of anxiousness or trait anxiety. This review summarises research investigating trait anxiety in autism. Systematic searches yielded 1099 records, with 23 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Study participants were mainly males from Western countries, with no representation of older adults or individuals with intellectual disability. All articles used self-report questionnaire trait anxiety measures. Anxiety measure psychometric details were absent in most studies, with 21 using subjec...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - March 3, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Physical activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Their Correlates in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review
AbstractThe aim of this systematic review was to investigate what is currently known about autistic adults ’ participation in physical activity and sedentary behaviour and explore any associated correlates of these behaviours. The databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus were searched for relevant literature. The review was registered with PROSPERO (No. 189187). The search identifie d 2834 papers, with 12 meeting the criteria for inclusion. Correlates of physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour were reported in eight included studies. The limited evidence identified suggest that autistic adults ar...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - March 3, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research