1. Banda DR, Copple KS, Koul RK, Sancibrian SL, Bogschutz RJ. {{Video modelling interventions to teach spontaneous requesting using AAC devices to individuals with autism: a preliminary investigation}}. {Disabil Rehabil} (May 13)
This multiple baseline study investigated to what extent individuals with autism would learn to operate a speech generating device (SGD) to request a preferred object by observing a video model. The intervention consisted of each participant viewing a 10- to15-s video model that demonstrated the requesting of a preferred object using a SGD. Baseline, intervention and generalisation were all implemented within a public school, special education classroom. After viewing the video model, two participants displayed the ability to request preferred items using the SGD without prompting or cues. However, the participants did not generalise requesting using the SGD to a second preferred object. The study provides preliminary evidence that video modelling can be used to teach individuals with autism and severe cognitive disabilities requesting skills using an SGD.
2. Becker KG. {{Autism and Urbanization}}. {Am J Public Health} (May 13)
This letter does not have an abstract.
3. James SJ, Melnyk S, Jernigan S, Pavliv O, Trusty T, Lehman S, Seidel L, Gaylor DW, Cleves MA. {{A functional polymorphism in the reduced folate carrier gene and DNA hypomethylation in mothers of children with autism}}. {Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet} (May 12)
4. Leew SV, Stein NG, Gibbard WB. {{Weighted vests’ effect on social attention for toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders}}. {Can J Occup Ther} (Apr);77(2):113-124.
BACKGROUND: There is limited research validating the use of weighted vests for problem behaviours/social attention in toddlers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) although vests are commonly used in early intervention to improve attention. PURPOSE: The effect of weighted vests on competing behaviours and joint attention (a pivotal skill for development and a core deficit for toddlers with ASD) in semistructured play with their mothers was investigated. METHODS: A multiple baseline design that included generalization probes to provide evidence of treatment effects across adult female play partners. Unambiguous definitions were created for competing behaviours and joint attention resulting in good inter-observer reliability. Mothers’ morale was measured pre- and post-intervention. FINDINGS: There were no replicated effects of vests on competing behaviours or joint attention. Mothers experienced increased morale in spite of null effects of the intervention. IMPLICATIONS: The findings suggest needed re-evaluation of the use of weighted vests with toddlers.
5. Pascolo PB, Ragogna P, Cremaschi S, Mondani M, Carniel R, Corubolo M, Budai R. {{Autism and motor acts: experimental analysison mylohyoid muscle emg recordingsduring grasping-to-eat action – biomed 2010}}. {Biomed Sci Instrum};46:178-183.
Most neuroscience studies do not pay enough attention to bio-mechanical related problems, such as the kinematic aspects of movements, that pose important boundary conditions, but are in general not sufficiently taken into consideration. In this work, using an experimental protocol based on measurements of mylohyoid (MH) muscle activity during grasping-to-eat actions, we debate the existence of impairments of action chains in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We re-examine the results of an electromyographic (EMG) experiment on MH muscle presented in a previous study; and we compare them to the results of a new, similar experiment in order to study the electromyographic activity of MH in typically developing (TD) children and in children with ASD executing grasping-to-eat actions. Our results are remarkably different from the original work and seem to indicate that there is no clear experimental evidence of different action organization in children with ASD.
6. Perisse D, Amiet C, Consoli A, Thorel MV, Gourfinkel-An I, Bodeau N, Guinchat V, Barthelemy C, Cohen D. {{Risk factors of acute behavioral regression in psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents with autism}}. {J Can Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry} (May);19(2):100-108.
AIM: During adolescence, some individuals with autism engage in severe disruptive behaviors, such as violence, agitation, tantrums, or self-injurious behaviors. We aimed to assess risk factors associated with very acute states and regression in adolescents with autism in an inpatient population. METHOD: Between 2001 and 2005, we reviewed the charts of all adolescents with autism (N=29, mean age=14.8 years, 79% male) hospitalized for severe disruptive behaviors in a psychiatric intensive care unit. We systematically collected data describing socio-demographic characteristics, clinical variables (severity, presence of language, cognitive level), associated organic conditions, etiologic diagnosis of the episode, and treatments. RESULTS: All patients exhibited severe autistic symptoms and intellectual disability, and two-thirds had no functional verbal language. Fifteen subjects exhibited epilepsy, including three cases in which epilepsy was unknown before the acute episode. For six (21%) of the subjects, uncontrolled seizures were considered the main cause of the disruptive behaviors. Other suspected risk factors associated with disruptive behavior disorders included adjustment disorder (N=7), lack of adequate therapeutic or educational management (N=6), depression (N=2), catatonia (N=2), and painful comorbid organic conditions (N=3). CONCLUSION: Disruptive behaviors among adolescents with autism may stem from diverse risk factors, including environmental problems, comorbid acute psychiatric conditions, or somatic diseases such as epilepsy. The management of these behavioral changes requires a multidisciplinary functional approach.
7. Slayton RL. {{Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may lead to lower prevalence and severity of dental caries than in children without ASD}}. {J Evid Based Dent Pract} (Jun);10(2):105-106.
ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: The caries experience and behavior of dental patients with autism spectrum disorder. Loo CY, Graham RM, Hughes CV. J Am Dent Assoc 2008;139(11):1518-24. REVIEWER: Rebecca L. Slayton, DDS, PhD PURPOSE/QUESTION: What is the caries experience and behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder compared with children without this disorder? SOURCE OF FUNDING: Information not available TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Cross-sectional study (chart review) LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3: Other evidence STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION GRADE: Not applicable.
8. Solomon M, Buaminger N, Rogers SJ. {{Abstract Reasoning and Friendship in High Functioning Preadolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders}}. {J Autism Dev Disord} (May 14)
