Self-Directed Web-Based Parent-Mediated Interventions for Autistic Children: A systematic review
ConclusionsWeb-based parent-mediated interventions are establishing a promising evidence-base in the literature and may expand access to evidence-based treatment for autistic children. Future research in this area calls for additional investigation on the effect of coaching, implementation with community samples, instructional design features, and use of multimodal outcome measures. (Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - February 21, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Barriers and Benefits Experienced by Caregivers Seeking Medical Care for Their Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: a Qualitative Meta-synthesis
AbstractLimited research has explored the experiences of caregivers and their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in medical settings. A qualitative meta-synthesis of studies published between 2000 and 2020 was conducted to understand and summarize the challenges faced by caregivers, their positive experiences, and suggestions for improving medical care. Themes were generated related to caregiver challenges, positive experiences, and suggestions to improve medical care. We suggest additional training of medical professionals, an interdisciplinary approach to care, more support for caregivers, and increased adaptab...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - February 17, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

The Core Elements of Strength-Based Technology Programs for Youth on the Autism Spectrum: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Evidence
This study aimed to identify the core elements of strength-based technology programs for youth with ASD through a systematic review of the literature. Electronic databases were searched for qualitative studies delivering strength-based technology-driven interventions to youth on the spectrum. Ten of the 874 studies identified met the criteria. Qualitative analysis revealed three core elements of strength-based technology programs for this population: mutual respect, demonstrating skills, and interests. The findings underpin the design of future strength-based technology programs for youth with ASD. (Source: Review Journal ...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - February 1, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Applications of Unsupervised Machine Learning in Autism Spectrum Disorder Research: a Review
AbstractLarge amounts of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) data is created through hospitals, therapy centers, and mobile applications; however, much of this rich data does not have pre-existing classes or labels. Large amounts of data —both genetic and behavioral—that are collected as part of scientific studies or a part of treatment can provide a deeper, more nuanced insight into both diagnosis and treatment of ASD. This paper reviews 43 papers using unsupervised machine learning in ASD, includingk-means clustering, hierarchical clustering, model-based clustering, and self-organizing maps. The aim of this review is to p...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - January 27, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Interventions for Improving Social-Communication Skills for Adolescents and Adults with ASD: a Meta-analysis
This study investigated the effectiveness of social-communication interventions for these populations and also examined differential effects based on the moderator categories. There are statistically significant differences found for some potential moderators (interventions, implementers, communicative functions, and type of setting). Additional details on implementation, limitations, and future research are discussed. (Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - January 24, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

MPS-IIIA or Autism Spectrum Disorder?: Discrimination and Treatment
AbstractChildren with mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA (MPS-IIIA) may receive a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to MPS-IIIA ’s initial symptom similarities with ASD. This may lead to professionals receiving referrals to work with these children but unaware of how these children may respond differently to treatment. To appropriately work with these children, clinicians must obtain knowledge of the symptoms, progressions , regression, comorbidities, and clinical interventions. This manuscript guides clinicians on the discrimination of MPS-IIIA from ASD for (a) physiological symptoms, (b) skill development and reg...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - January 22, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

The Impact of the Presence of Intellectual Disabilities on Sensory Processing and Behavioral Outcomes Among Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: a Systematic Review
ConclusionsFindings regarding the impact of the presence of ID are contradictory. More research regarding sensory subtypes is needed to investigate the needs of autistic individuals with ID. (Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - January 19, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Educator Attitudes Towards the Inclusion of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Mainstream Education: a Systematic Review
AbstractEducator attitudes towards inclusive education impact its success. Attitudes differ depending on the SEN cohort, and so the current systematic review is the first to focus solely on students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Seven databases searched yielded 13 relevant articles. The majority reported positive educator attitudes towards ASD inclusion but with considerable variety in the measures used. There were mixed findings regarding the impact of training and experience on attitudes but, where measured, higher self-efficacy was related to positive attitudes. In summary, educator ASD inclusion attitudes are g...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - January 19, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Investigating the Effects of Self-Monitoring Interventions with Students with Disabilities on the Maintenance and Generalization of On-Task Behavior: A Systematic Literature Review
AbstractAlthough there is a consensus regarding the positive effects of self-monitoring interventions on improving on-task behaviors of students with disabilities, the findings for maintenance and generalization have not been shown to be consistent across studies (i.e., Cook& Sayeski, 2020; Wood et al., 2002). The current study aimed to assess the research analyzing the effects of self-management on students ’ on-task behavior using the What Works Clearinghouse design standards (Kratochwill et al., 2013) and the resulting maintenance and generalization of on-task behaviors (if any) in specific using standards develop...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - January 19, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Trends in ASD Pharmacological Research: An Analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov
We examined characteristics of pharmacological trials on ClinicalTrials.gov (N?=?235) to elucidate trends, identify gaps, and suggest future research directions. We observed that trials predominantly sampled school-aged children and adolescents and focused largely on core autism symptoms, neglecting younger children and adults as well as associated symptom domains often i dentified by stakeholders as treatment priorities. A variety of intervention agents were trialed, with nearly 60% appearing in just one study. Notably, in line with previous research, there was little consistency in outcome measures used, with the majorit...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - January 7, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Old Age in Adults with ASD: Psychosocial Aspects —a Systematic Review
AbstractThe present article is a systematic review of literature, examining the extent to which there is interest in old age of people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and the issues in this field that are analyzed. The focus was on psychosocial aspects of functioning. The conducted literature review, using databases, covered the years 2000 –2019. As a result of a search, a total of 7728 records were selected. Thirty-two articles meeting the search criteria were qualified for detailed analysis. The reviewed papers focused on the mental dimension of functioning, including cognitive processes of the elderly and mental ...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - December 1, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

A Systematic Review of Intervention Intensity in Pivotal Response Training and Scripting Research
AbstractSpecial education researchers have for decades emphasized the importance of intervention effectiveness and procedural fidelity, but relatively little attention has been directed toward understanding intervention intensity. This review focused on extracting details of intervention intensity as reported in peer-reviewed studies of scripting and pivotal response training (PRT), two different evidence-based practices for learners with autism. We coded 24 scripting and 18 PRT studies and synthesized results according to four constructs of intervention intensity. Results indicated varied reporting of intervention intensi...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - November 13, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Behavior-Analytic Interventions for Oral Health Care: a Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Clinical Practice and Research
AbstractChildren and adults with developmental disabilities often experience oral health problems such as excessive plaque accumulation and dental restorations related to caries. Researchers have examined the efficacy of a variety of behavioral intervention packages to teach preventative strategies (brushing, flossing) and to decrease challenging behaviors such as aggression and non-compliance associated with dental examinations and restorative procedures for both typically developing and persons with IDD. This paper reviews these peer-reviewed studies for both typically developing individuals and those with developmental ...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - November 3, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Psychomotor Intervention Practices for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Scoping Review
AbstractMotor difficulties are present in 50 –73% of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and are associated with social difficulties. This review aims to synthesize the literature regarding psychomotor therapist use of psychomotor intervention for 3- to 6-year preschool children with ASD. A systematic search of electronic of six da tabases and other electronic journals was conducted without time limitation. Out of 1351 studies, 14 meet the inclusion criteria. Studies were summarized in terms of participant characteristics, study design, outcomes measures, intervention characteristics, target skills, and outcome...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - October 13, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Animal-Assisted Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of the Literature from 2016 to 2020
AbstractIn the last 5  years, the literature on animal-assisted intervention (AAI) for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has doubled in size from 42 studies prior to 2015 to 85 studies (cumulative total assessed in 2020). Horses remain the most commonly researched animal for AAI, followed by dogs. The most commonly researc hed outcome was social interaction, across 21 studies. Though the quantity of studies has increased, issues with methodological rigor remain. Results highlight the need for a continued focus on methodological rigor as well as refining the structure of animal-assisted interventions, addressing the we lfare ...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - September 30, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research