Using Telehealth to Provide Interventions for Children with ASD: a Systematic Review
AbstractAs the need for accessible interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) grows, empirically supported telehealth interventions become increasingly necessary. With the current COVID-19 public health crisis, in-person interventions have become largely infeasible; therefore, it is crucial that providers have information regarding the effectiveness of telehealth interventions. This systematic review evaluates and synthesizes existing group design research on telehealth ASD interventions. Sixteen articles were evaluated on implementer and child-level intervention outcomes as well as factors that promote equitable acc...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - July 16, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Autistic Input in Social Skills Interventions for Young Adults: a Systematic Review of the Literature
AbstractThere has been a recent increase in research on social skills interventions for young adults on the autism spectrum. However, little is known about how autistic adults inform the design and measurement of these interventions. In this systematic literature review, 26 studies published over the past 20  + years were examined following a comprehensive search. The relative effectiveness of these interventions was mixed. Less than half of the studies described an intentional process for collecting feedback from participants, and only four sought input when designing the intervention. Implications for the lack of aut...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - July 13, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

A Comparative Analysis of Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) Literature on the Autism Crisis
This study shows that, although the interest in different aspects related to autism is very high (from the yea r 2000), there is a significant lack on the prevention or prediction crisis topic. (Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - July 7, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Temporal Synchrony in Autism: a Systematic Review
AbstractTemporal synchrony is the alignment of processes in time within or across individuals in social interaction and is observed and studied in various domains using wide-ranging paradigms. Evidence suggesting reduced temporal synchrony in autism (e.g. compared to neurotypicals) has hitherto not been reviewed. To systematically review the magnitude and generalisability of the difference across different tasks and contexts, EBSCO, OVID, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched. Thirty-two studies were identified that met our inclusion criteria in audio-visual, audio-motor, visuo-tactile, visuo-motor, social mot...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - July 2, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Technology-Based Assessments and Treatments of Anxiety in Autistic Individuals: Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis
AbstractThis systematic review (Prospero Registration Number: CRD42019142910) aimed to narratively synthesise technology-aided assessments and treatments of anxiety in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for the first time. Sixteen studies were identified: 5 assessment studies and 11 treatment studies. Assessment studies targeted state anxiety using ecological momentary assessment, wearables, or computerised tasks. Treatment studies targeted specific fears/phobias using electronic screen media or transdiagnostic anxiety using telemedicine. Broadly, results indicated technology-aided assessments and treatments m...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - July 1, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Healthy Relationship Skills and Sexual Health for Autistic Youth
ConclusionWe identified three RCT-supported interventions for autistic youth that teach healthy intimacy skills. Comparative effectiveness research on these programs would benefit the field. (Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - June 26, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Electrophysiological Studies of Reception of Facial Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Schizophrenia
AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SZ) are characterized by difficulty with social cognition and atypical reception of facial communication —a key area in the Research Domain Criteria framework. To identify areas of overlap and dissociation between ASD and SZ, we review studies of event-related potentials (ERP) to faces across ASD and SZ populations, focusing on ERPs implicated in social perception: P100, N170, N250, and P300. There w ere many inconsistent findings across studies; however, replication was strongest for delayed N170 latency in ASD and attenuated N170 amplitude in ...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - June 25, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

A Review of Research Studying Film and Television Representations of ASD
AbstractAn increasing number of characters with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are appearing in film and television, leading to increased public perceptions of ASD. This review examined the current state of research focused on ASD representations in film and television, and the extent to which characterizations of ASD have been studied. Eighty-seven characters with ASD were discussed across the 26 articles. Characters were culturally and linguistically diverse, and portrayals of ASD appear to be moving away from typical disability-tropes. Researchers studying ASD portrayals were also culturally and academically diverse, wi...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - June 21, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

A Systematic Review of Problematic Internet Use in Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
AbstractThis systematic review was conducted to identify the literature examining the prevalence of problematic internet use (PIU) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the difference in prevalence of PIU between those with and without ASD, and the correlates of PIU in ASD. Ten studies were identified. The eight studies with comparison groups reported that individuals with ASD had more symptoms of or scored higher on PIU. Correlates of PIU included time spent online and age at which individuals first went online, as well as depression, inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, opposition, and escapism. Results...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - June 11, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality for Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Communication Disability and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: a Systematic Review
AbstractThis review investigated virtual reality and augmented reality (VR/AR) communication interventions for children, adolescents, and adults with communication disability and neurodevelopmental disorders, as well the feasibility of these technologies. A search of five scientific databases yielded 5385 potentially relevant records of which 69 met inclusion criteria. Studies reported on a wide range of VR/AR devices, platforms, and applications for people with autism spectrum disorder, communication disorders, and intellectual disability. Some VR/AR systems hosted effective communication interventions; however, participa...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - June 9, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Apps to Teach Social Skills to Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review of the Embedded Behaviour Change Procedures
AbstractSocial skill interventions have become increasingly popular in recent times, as well as the use of technology to deliver and aid interventions for the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population. Little research exists on the use of apps to teach social skills to individuals with ASD, in particular the behaviour change procedures that exist within apps. The current review examines the behaviour change procedures that exist within apps according to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board Task List, 5th Edition. A total of 15 apps were included within this review. Results indicate that a variety of behaviour change pr...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - June 5, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Effectiveness of Different Types of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in Improving Communication Skills and in Enhancing the Vocabulary of Children with ASD: a Review
AbstractCommunication deficits are one of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems are utilized to facilitate the communication and language development of children with ASD. This review examines the research literature on the use of aided and unaided AAC systems in interventions for children with ASD, and investigates their effectiveness in enhancing language and communication skills in this population. Systematic review methodology was used to limit bias in the search of electronic databases, and relevant studies were selected, 20 of which met the i...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - May 29, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Have We Been Comparing Theory of Mind in High-Functioning Autism to Patients with Chronic Schizophrenia: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
ConclusionsThe limited number of studies emphasizes the need for further direct comparisons of ToM in ASD and schizophrenia with awareness of social cognitive subgroups in both disorders. (Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - May 24, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Youth Experiences of the IDEA-Mandated Transition Planning Process: a Metasynthesis of Youth Voices
ConclusionsFindings highlight the complex social structure of IEP teams and potential ways to expand transition-related interventions. (Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - May 20, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Health Status of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
AbstractIndividuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a higher probability of developing co-occurring mental or physical health conditions. However, little is known about how these health conditions develop and impact the lives of the adult ASD population. This paper reviewed existing studies concerning factors affecting the health status of adults with ASD and described their outcomes and prevalence. A systematic search of electronic databases yielded 21 studies eligible to be included. The most common physical problems affecting health were epilepsy and immune, gastrointestinal, and sleep disorders. Ment...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - May 18, 2021 Category: Child Development Source Type: research