1. Bramati-Castellarin I, Patel VB, Drysdale IP. {{Repeat-measures longitudinal study evaluating behavioural and gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism before, during and after visceral osteopathic technique (VOT)}}. {J Bodyw Mov Ther};2016 (Jul);20(3):461-470.
This study investigated the influence of visceral osteopathic technique (VOT) on the behaviour and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of children with autism using a validated questionnaire to measure outcome. METHODS: The 49 recruited autistic children suffered GI symptoms and impaired social interaction and communication, but were otherwise healthy. Thirty minute VOT sessions were applied to the abdomens of the children over a 6 week period whilst their GI and behavioural parameters were recorded. Outcomes were measured using a modified Autism Research Institute Secretin Outcomes Survey Form, the ‘S.O.S Form’. Four questionnaires were completed by parents before treatment (control period), four completed during treatment (treatment period) and one completed six weeks after the last treatment (post treatment period). Subjects acted as their own controls. RESULTS: Results from repeat ANOVA demonstrated a positive, overall significant, symptomatic improvement (p < 0.05) in 'social behaviour and communication' and 'digestive signs' subscales of the questionnaire comparing before and after VOT. Significant improvement in vomiting (p = 0.00029), poor appetite (p = 0.039) and eye contact (p = 0.035) was also demonstrated after VOT application. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The experimental hypothesis has been supported indicating a positive effect of VOT on some of the measured GI symptoms and behavioural patterns in this group of children with autism. This data indicates that the application of VOT may be of benefit to children with autism and GI disturbance. Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
2. Gilboa Y, Perlman S, Pode-Shakked N, Pode-Shakked B, Shrim A, Azaria-Lahav E, Dekel B, Yonath H, Berkenstadt M, Achiron R. {{Prenatal diagnosis of 17q12 deletion syndrome: from fetal hyperechogenic kidneys to high risk for autism}}. {Prenat Diagn};2016 (Sep 16)
OBJECTIVE: The linkage between 17q12 microdeletions, renal anomalies and higher risk for neuro-developmental disorders is well described in the literature. The current study presents prenatal diagnosis of normal-sized hyperechogenic fetal kidneys leading to the diagnosis of 17q12 deletion syndrome and autistic spectrum disorder. METHODS: Over a period of nine years in a single referral center, seven fetuses were diagnosed with hyperechogenic renal parenchyma and followed prospectively. Amniocentesis for molecular diagnosis was performed in all cases, and subsequently five fetuses were found to harbor a 17q12 deletion by chromosomal microarray analysis. Postnatal evaluation was carried out by a developmental neurologist. RESULTS: Five of the seven fetuses had molecular diagnosis of 17q12 deletion. One patient elected termination of pregnancy. On long term follow up all of the four children showed symptoms consistent with neurodevelopmental disorders. The two fetuses with no deletion have a normal follow up with regression of the renal hyper-echogenicity. CONCLUSIONS: We report a strikingly high correlation between prenatal hyperechogenic kidneys, 17q12 micro deletion and autistic spectrum disorder with the advantage of optimal prenatal counseling as well as early diagnosis and intervention.
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3. Liljenquist K, Coster W, Kramer J, Rossetti Z. {{Feasibility of the Participatory Experience Survey and the Setting Affordances Survey for use in evaluation of programmes serving youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities}}. {Child Care Health Dev};2016 (Sep 15)
BACKGROUND: Participation by youth with disabilities in recreational activities has been shown to promote the development of important skills needed for transition to adulthood. The Participatory Experience Survey (PES) and the Setting Affordances Survey (SAS) were developed for use by recreational programmes serving youth with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities (SIDD) to assess participant experiences and ensure that participants are afforded optimal opportunities to develop these skills. This paper presents a feasibility evaluation to determine the appropriateness of the PES and the SAS for use in a programme evaluation context. METHOD: The PES and the SAS were used to evaluate a programme serving youth with SIDD in the greater northwest region of the United States. Three recreational activities were evaluated: an art project, trip to a zoo and a track practice. Programme volunteers used the SAS to assess opportunities and affordances offered within each activity. The PES was then given to 10 young people in each activity to capture their experiences. It was hypothesized that each setting would afford different experiences and developmental opportunities because of the differing nature of the activities. RESULTS: The PES and SAS were found to be feasible for conducting a programme evaluation. All three settings offered varying types of experiences and affordances. Notably, as measured by the SAS, opportunity for skill development was greater in more structured activities; the zoo had the fewest opportunities for skill development and the art project had the most skill development opportunities. Youth answered ‘no’ most often to ‘asking for help’ and ‘helping a kid’, suggesting changes to offer more opportunities to develop these skills would be beneficial in all three activities. CONCLUSION: These new instruments offer programmes a means to more fully include young people with disabilities during programme evaluations, leading to better-structured, more supportive programmes.
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4. Nguyen CT, Krakowiak P, Hansen R, Hertz-Picciotto I, Angkustsiri K. {{Sociodemographic Disparities in Intervention Service Utilization in Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2016 (Sep 17)
This study investigates whether sociodemographic factors are associated with utilization of intervention services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) enrolled in the Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and the Environment Study. Maternal ethnicity, insurance status, and education for 696 families of children with ASD were available. Children of Black mothers entered intervention earlier compared to White mothers (2 vs. 2.6 years; p = 0.001). Having public insurance was associated with receiving <15 h/week of individual services, while having a Bachelor degree was associated with receiving <15 h/week of classroom-based services. These differences suggest that SES may be a factor in utilization of services. Efforts should be made to ensure that interventions offered are culturally and linguistically accessible. Lien vers le texte intégral (Open Access ou abonnement)
