1. Camodeca A, Todd KQ, Hosack A. {{Intact verbal fluency abilities in the Broad Autism Phenotype}}. {Psychiatry research}. 2018; 270: 443-52.
This study attempted to replicate the findings of Camodeca and Voelker (2016), who demonstrated that controlled processing weaknesses were evident in the Broad Autism Phenotype (BAP), and that these weaknesses were predictive of real-world pragmatic language problems. One hundred eighty-two undergraduates completed the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Verbal Fluency (D-KEFS-VF) test and the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ). Results were partially replicated. Contrary to the previous study, the BAP group (n=31) did not demonstrate comparative weaknesses in controlled processing, nor were controlled processing abilities predictive of BAPQ Pragmatic Language score. Similar to the previous study, controlled processing did not predict pragmatic language abilities for Non-BAP (n=151) subjects. For each group, letter fluency score predicted 2nd 15 » interval score (controlled processing abilities); automatic processing (1st 15 » interval) did not. Results suggest that verbal fluency skills in the BAP are similar to controls, and that controlled processing does not account for significant variance in real-world social language in the BAP.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
2. Eggleston JD, Landers MR, Bates BT, Nagelhout E, Dufek JS. {{Weighted Walking Influences Lower Extremity Coordination in Children on the Autism Spectrum}}. {Perceptual and motor skills}. 2018: 31512518803178.
There is sparse quantitative research regarding gait coordination patterns of children on the autism spectrum, though previous studies, relying only upon observational data, have alluded to characteristically poor movement coordination. This study compared walking with a weighted vest, a backpack carriage, and an unloaded walking condition on lower extremity coordination among 10 male children (aged 8-17 years) on the autism spectrum. All participants completed 15 gait trials in the following three conditions: (a) unloaded, (b) wearing a backpack weighted with 15% body mass, and (c) wearing a vest weighted with 15% body mass. We used continuous relative phase analysis to quantify lower extremity coordination and analyzed data through both group and single-subject comparisons. We used the Model Statistic to test for statistical significance at each of the normalized data points for each segment couple (thigh-leg, leg-foot, and thigh-foot). The first 10 and last 10 stride blocks were tested for possible accommodation strategies. Group comparisons revealed no coordination changes among the three conditions (likely due to insufficient statistical power), while single-subject comparisons exposed significant decreased variability in gait coordination patterns ( p < .05) in both loaded conditions, relative to the unloaded condition. These participants exhibited variable coordination patterns during the unloaded gait. When walking with loads, coordination pattern variability of the lower extremities was decreased. This finding suggests that walking while carrying or wearing heavy objects may reduce the number of potential motor pattern choices and thus decrease the overall variability of lower extremity movement patterns. Additional research with a larger and more diverse participant sample is required to confirm this conclusion. Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
3. Lei J, Calley S, Brosnan M, Ashwin C, Russell A. {{Evaluation of a Transition to University Programme for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {Journal of autism and developmental disorders}. 2018.
Applying to university can be an anxiety-provoking time for many autistic students, though enrolment can be increased by actively involving them in transition planning. We provide an evaluation of a transition to university pilot programme (Autism Summer School) for autistic students (16-19 years) who are seeking to apply/attend university. The content focused on introducing students to various aspects of university life including academic (sample lectures), social (e.g., clubs and societies), and daily living (eating in university canteen and staying in student accommodation). Students’ quantitative and qualitative feedback are positive and promising, showing significant reduction across a range of concerns related to transition to university after the programme, as well as general optimism related to starting university.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
4. Levy SE, Pinto-Martin JA, Bradley CB, Chittams J, Johnson SL, Pandey J, Pomykacz A, Ramirez A, Reynolds A, Rubenstein E, Schieve LA, Shapira SK, Thompson A, Young L, Kral TVE. {{Relationship of Weight Outcomes, Co-Occurring Conditions, and Severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Study to Explore Early Development}}. {The Journal of pediatrics}. 2018.
OBJECTIVE: To assess contributing factors to increased obesity risk, by comparing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays/disorders, and general population controls in weight status, and to examine associations between weight status and presence of co-occurring medical, behavioral, developmental, or psychiatric conditions across groups and ASD severity among children with ASD. STUDY DESIGN: The Study to Explore Early Development is a multisite cross-sectional study of children, 2-5 years of age, classified as children with ASD (n = 668), children with developmental delays/disorders (n = 914), or general population controls (n = 884). Using an observational cohort design, we compared the 3 groups. Children’s heights and weights were measured during a clinical visit. Co-occurring conditions (medical, behavioral, developmental/psychiatric) were derived from medical records, interviews, and questionnaires. ASD severity was measured by the Ohio State University Global Severity Scale for Autism. RESULTS: The odds of overweight/obesity were 1.57 times (95% CI 1.24-2.00) higher in children with ASD than general population controls and 1.38 times (95% CI 1.10-1.72) higher in children with developmental delays/disorders than general population controls. The aORs were elevated for children with ASD after controlling for child co-occurring conditions (ASD vs general population controls: aOR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.14-2.00). Among children with ASD, those with severe ASD symptoms were 1.7 times (95% CI 1.1-2.8) more likely to be classified as overweight/obese compared with children with mild ASD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention of excess weight gain in children with ASD, especially those with severe symptoms, and in children with developmental delays/disorders represents an important target for intervention.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
5. Liu X, Wang XM, Ge JJ, Dong XQ. {{Effects of the portage early education program on Chinese children with global developmental delay}}. {Medicine}. 2018; 97(41): e12202.
Children with global developmental delay (GDD) were trained with the Portage Guide to Early Education (PGEE) program.In the treatment group, the PGEE program was performed on children with GDD (45 cases) through a combination of family and hospital interventions, in a 1-to-1 ratio. The Gesell Infant Development Scale (GESELL) developmental quotient (DQ) and social adaptability were measured before and 6 months after PGEE implementation in the treatment group. These parameters were also evaluated in a control group (30 cases) during an initial visit and 6 months later.Before the PGEE intervention, no significant differences were observed between the general characteristics of children in the control and treatment groups. Six months after the PGEE intervention, the DQ values of the children with GDD in the treatment group (64.7 +/- 9.5) were significantly higher than those before treatment (54.6 +/- 9.3) and those of the control group (58.3 +/- 10.2) (P < .05). The PGEE intervention significantly increased the DQ values on 5 aspects, including gross motor, fine motor, adaptability, language, and personal social activity abilities, and the scores on the Infants-Junior Middle School Students' Social-Life Abilities Scales (SM scales), as compared with the control group (P < .05).The PGEE program improves the DQ, social adaptability, and prognosis of children with GDD. Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
6. Lovell B, M AW. {{Caregivers’ characteristics and family constellation variables as predictors of affiliate stigma in caregivers of children with ASD}}. {Psychiatry research}. 2018; 270: 426-9.
Affiliate stigma is one risk factor for psychological distress in familial caregivers. Few studies however, and none involving caregivers in the UK and US, have explored caregivers’ characteristics and family constellation variables as risk and protective factors for affiliate stigma. This study aimed to fill this gap. Moreover, we believe this study is only second to explore these relationships among caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a group particularly vulnerable to affiliate stigma. A sample of n=192 caregivers of children with ASD completed an online survey assessing caregivers’ characteristics and family factors, and affiliate stigma. Non-partnered caregivers were more likely to report affiliate stigma, as were caregivers with shorter sleep duration. These findings might help clinicians and other health professionals identify caregivers at risk for affiliate stigma and concomitant psychological distress.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
7. McGuinty EF, Bird BM, Nelson J, McGuinty JL, Cashin A. {{Novel four-session treatment intervention for anxiety and high-functioning autism: A single case report for Externalizing Metaphors Therapy}}. {Journal of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing : official publication of the Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nurses, Inc}. 2018.
TOPIC: The Brief Services psychotherapy paradigm has evolved to produce cost-effective and clinically significant outcomes in children’s mental health. Though its clinical evaluation is still in its infancy, it has been utilized to a much lesser degree with autism spectrum disorders, which typically require a longer-term approach to psychotherapy treatment. PURPOSE: The current paper introduces a novel, four-session intervention that aims to decrease anxiety experienced by clients presenting with high-functioning autism. Externalizing Metaphors Therapy is based upon the externalization of problems, transformation of metaphoric imagery, shifting of maladaptive emotional schemas, and the generalization of problems. A case study is utilized to visually aid in the understanding of this new treatment intervention. SOURCE: A composite literature review was conducted with regards to significant works in Narrative Therapy, treatment interventions for anxiety and high functioning autism, evidence-based treatments for anxiety, and practice based approaches in psychotherapy. Works were selected based on their relevance to the research filed of anxiety and autism. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical research challenges the children’s mental health field in addressing anxiety and high-functioning autism from a brief framework. Further clinical research is needed to clinically evaluate the current model.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
8. Mohammadi F, Rakhshan M, Molazem Z, Zareh N, Gillespie M. {{Caregivers’ perception of dignity in teenagers with autism spectrum disorder}}. {Nursing ethics}. 2018: 969733018796679.
INTRODUCTION: Maintaining dignity is one of patients is one of the main ethical responsibilities of caregivers. However, in many cases, the dignity of patients, especially autistic teenagers is not maintained. The extent to which dignity needs are met for this group within the Iranian care system is difficult to determine as dignity is an abstract concept, and there are few related research studies reported. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to find out caregivers perspectives on dignity in teenagers with autistic spectrum disorder. RESEARCH DESIGN: This study uses a qualitative research design. The data were collected through individual, semi-structured interviews and field notes developed during the interviews. In order to analyze the data, qualitative conventional content analysis was used. Participants and research context: In all, 16 professional caregivers for autistic teenagers working in public hospitals were recruited based on a targeted sampling method to reach data saturation from February 2016 to July 2017. FINDINGS: The findings of this study were presented in three main themes, « privacy, » « respecting individual identity, » and « comprehensive support, » and 11 categories. Ethical consideration: This study’s protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of medical universities located in Southeast of Iran and the required ethical principles were followed throughout. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this study from the perspective of caregivers, autistic teenagers need to be cared for and educated in a respectful environment where their privacy is maintained, their individual identities are respected, and they receive comprehensive familial, social, and financial support. These conditions would maintain the dignity of such teenagers and would result in appropriate behavioral outcomes. Therefore, it is suggested that a cultural, professional and institutional background in which all components of the autistic teenager’s dignity are protected and emphasized be provided.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
9. Naidoo M, Singh S. {{The Oral health status of children with autism Spectrum disorder in KwaZulu-Nata, South Africa}}. {BMC oral health}. 2018; 18(1): 165.
BACKGROUND: Echoing the sentiments of the Sixty-seventh World Health Assembly of May 2014, mandating the all-inclusive and synchronized efforts for the management of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the aim of this current study was to investigate the oral health status of children with ASD aged between 7 to 14 years in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. METHODS: An investigative cross-sectional quantitative design employing non-probability purposeful sampling was conducted on 149 children with ASD attending special needs schools in KwaZulu-Natal. An intra-oral examination to investigate decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT/dmft), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI), attrition and soft tissue trauma using the World Oral Health Survey Form for Children, (2013) was implemented during data collection. RESULTS: Average DMFT/dmft scores of 3, 42 and 0, 97 were recorded respectively. Molars dominated the decayed component of the DMFT/dmft with an average caries prevalence of (51, 7% and 40, 8%) respectively. These results displayed zero fillings indicative of unmet treatment needs. The gingival index revealed mild gingival inflammation, (46, 3%) and the plaque index demonstrated visible plaque at (43, 6%).Attrition scores revealed mild loss of dental enamel (47%). The most prevalent soft tissue trauma recorded was lip biting (37, 25%). CONCLUSION: Restorative or preventative treatment measures were not evident in this study. Unmet dental needs are therefore an important concern in this population. Health care planners should develop preventive programs targeted at high risk groups such as this study population.
Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
10. Polfuss M, Moosreiner A, Boushey CJ, Delp EJ, Zhu F. {{Technology-Based Dietary Assessment in Youth with and Without Developmental Disabilities}}. {Nutrients}. 2018; 10(10).
Obesity prevalence is higher in children with developmental disabilities as compared to their typically developing peers. Research on dietary intake assessment methods in this vulnerable population is lacking. The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and compare the nutrient intakes of two technology-based dietary assessment methods in children with-and-without developmental disabilities. This cross-sectional feasibility study was an added aim to a larger pilot study. Children (n = 12; 8(-)18 years) diagnosed with spina bifida, Down syndrome, or without disability were recruited from the larger study sample, stratified by diagnosis. Participants were asked to complete six days of a mobile food record (mFR), a 24-h dietary recall via FaceTime((R)) (24 HR-FT), and a post-study survey. Analysis included descriptive statistics for survey results and a paired samples t-test for nutrient intakes. All participants successfully completed six days of dietary assessment using both methods and acceptability was high. Energy (kcal) and protein (g) intake was significantly higher for the mFR as compared to the 24 HR-FT (p = 0.041; p = 0.014, respectively). Each method had strengths and weaknesses. The two technology-based dietary assessment tools were well accepted and when combined could increase accuracy of self-reported dietary assessment in children with-and-without disability.
