Teachers ’ Beliefs About the Provision of Education for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
This study used a systematic review methodology to locate previous studies focused on exploring teachers’ beliefs towards students with autism, published in peer-reviewed journals in the past 10 years (2012–2021). The results of the data analysis conceptualised fiv e major themes about different types of teachers’ beliefs. The implications for teachers’ practices, education reforms, and further research directions are also provided. (Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - December 23, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

The Use of Technology-Based Interventions in Teaching STEM Skills to Autistic Students in K-12 Settings: A Systematic Review
AbstractIn this systematic review, we examined the use of technology-based interventions to teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills to K-12 autistic students. Twenty peer-reviewed articles with 59 autistic participants, ages 5 –21 and published between 2012 and 2021 were included. Studies used a variety of technology-based interventions, including video-based intervention (n = 10), virtual manipulatives (n = 7), computer-assisted instruction (n = 2), and e-texts (n = 1). Sixteen studies focused on mathematics skills, three studies on science skills, and one on both. Using the...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - December 22, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Measurement Tools to Assess Usual Dietary Intake and Physical Activity in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Scoping Review
AbstractThis review aimed to identify measurement tools to assess dietary intake and physical activity (PA) among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and describe the evidence of validity and availability of each tool. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO using keywords for ASD, PA, diet, and assessment/measurement (n = 2364 articles). After removing duplicates and title/abstract screening, 212 full-text articles were reviewed, and 113 articles were included for data extraction. The most common dietary and PA assessment tools were identified, and each reviewer independently extrac...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - December 13, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Systematic Review of Technological Aids to Social Interaction in Autistic Spectrum Disorders from Transversal Perspectives: Psychology, Technology and Therapy
The objective is to provide the research community with a complete and interdisciplinary mapping of the main technological supports applied to social interaction, identifying the existing relationsh ips between different axes of analysis: the psychological theories that support each approach, the types of technology used and the therapeutic models applied. (Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - November 16, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics and Synbiotics in Autism Spectrum Disorder
AbstractAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a constellation of social communication problems in addition to unusual and repetitive behaviors. In this review, we aimed to investigate the effects of probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics on gastrointestinal (GI) and behavioral symptoms of ASD. We searched the relevant literature in several electronic databases. In total, 344 children with ASD were investigated in this review. The results of this review demonstrated significant effects of the intervention with probiotics and prebiotics on all domains of Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) score. There were also different...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - November 4, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Interactions Between Teachers and Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Mainstream Secondary Education: Fundamental, yet Under-Researched
This study aimed to identify which aspects of teacher-student interactions contribute to a successful inclusion of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in mainstream secondary classrooms. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Eight studies fulfilled our criteria, and we identified teacher-related and student-related themes. Most of the included studies did not focus on interactions between teachers and students with ASD, but on requirements that could influence these interactions. Teachers often seemed to infer the needs of students with ASD during...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - November 2, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Developing Inclusive Playgrounds That Welcome All Children —Including Those with Autism
AbstractPlaygrounds are crucial spaces where children can develop within their formative years. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) require additional support that caters to their sensory and social needs. A systematic literature review identified design characteristics to transform a play space into an environment where physical, social, and personal growth for children of varying abilities is encouraged. To model these recommendations, an examination of a playground was conducted with suggestions adapted to develop an accessible play environment. Results showed that there is a need for outdoor play spaces that e...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - September 29, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

COVID-19 Pandemic and Autism Spectrum Disorder, Consequences to Children and Adolescents — a Systematic Review
AbstractIn this systematic review, we aimed to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children/adolescents with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The protocol was registered on PROSPERO CRD42021255848. Articles were selected from PubMed, Embase, and LILACS according to these characteristics: patients from zero to 18  years old, exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic, impact on social communication/interaction and restricted/repetitive behavior domains. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess methodological quality and the risk of bias. Of the 351 articles initially identified, 26 were finally inclu...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - September 23, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Screening for Intellectual Disabilities and/or Autism Amongst Older Children and Young Adults: a Systematic Review of Tools for Use in Africa
AbstractThere are many well-developed screening tools for both intellectual disabilities and autism, but they may not be culturally appropriate for use within Africa. Our specific aims were to complete a systematic review to (1) describe and critically appraise short screening tools for the detection of intellectual disabilities and autism for older children and young adults, (2) consider the psychometric properties of these tools, and (3) judge the cultural appropriateness of these tools for use within Africa. Six screening tools for intellectual disabilities and twelve for autism were identified and appraised using the C...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - September 10, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Single Case Experimental Design Play Interventions for Children with Autism and Their Peers
The objectives of this work are to (a) identify and describe the characteristics and components of interventions aimed at improving play skills in children with ASD and their TD peers, (b) examine the role of peers in interventions, (c) evaluate intervention effects, and (d) identify potential moderating variables that may influence intervention outcomes. Twenty single-case experimental design (SCED) studies published between 2000 and 2020 were included and summarized. The majority of interventions produced significant effects, further supporting the inclusion of TD peers in interventions targeting play skills for children...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - September 6, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Behind the Wheel: Systematic Review of Factors Associated with Safe School Bus Transportation for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
AbstractSchool buses facilitate access to education for many children. This research aimed to systematically review factors associated with safe school bus transportation for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Searches of 5 databases, combining terms denoting NDDs and school buses, for English publications since 2000, yielded only 12 relevant articles among 1524 records. Literature was limited to parent-based studies, guidelines, reviews or commentaries. There was scant attention to the immediate roles of bus drivers and aides. Literature recommendations included increased attention to the needs of children...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - September 6, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Stress and Anxiety Among Parents of Transition-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review of Interventions and Scales
AbstractThe period between adolescence to young adulthood can be stressful for parents of transition-aged children (14 to 22  years old) with autism spectrum disorder. A systematic review was undertaken to examine if existing interventions address the unique parental stressors of this phase and if the scales used to measure parental stress and anxiety are suitable for this group. Of the 9813 studies screened, only 13 stu dies met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicated that interventions focused on mindfulness, social functioning, or multiple components, of which only two addressed the transition period and only three ...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - September 1, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Behavioral Skills Training with Adult Interventionists: a Systematic Review
AbstractBehavioral skills training (BST) is a performance- and competency-based training package composed of instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback. Previous reviews have demonstrated that BST is an effective training package to teach interventionists to implement behavior analytic interventions (Kirkpatrick et al. inJournal of Behavioral Education, 28, 344 –361, Kirkpatrick et al., Journal of Behavioral Education 28344–361, 2019). The purpose of this review was to examine the characteristics of BST for training adult interventionists to implement behavior analytic procedures with children with autism spectrum...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - August 23, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Interventions for Health Promotion and Obesity Prevention for Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities: a Systematic Review
AbstractThis systematic review evaluated interventions and relevant outcomes for health promotion and obesity prevention among children and adolescents with developmental disabilities (DD). Twenty-one studies including randomized control trials (n= 9) and quasi-experimental studies (n=12) published between 2010 and 2021 met inclusion criteria related to participant characteristics, intervention type, and child obesity-related outcomes. Five types of intervention programs were identified: aerobic and strength training, sport-based physical activity, aquatic exercise, active video gaming, and diet and lifestyle. Whereas anal...
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - August 22, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research

Maternal Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Offspring: a Meta-analysis
In conclusion, current evidence does not support that maternal alcohol consumption dur ing pregnancy is independently associated with ASD in offspring. (Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - August 20, 2022 Category: Child Development Source Type: research