scholarly journals Trajectories of Symptom Severity in Children with Autism: Variability and Turning Points through the Transition to School

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stelios Georgiades ◽  
Peter A. Tait ◽  
Paul D. McNicholas ◽  
Eric Duku ◽  
Lonnie Zwaigenbaum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Adaptive Functioning ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Cluster Solution ◽  
Transition To School ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Personalized Services ◽  
Autistic Symptom ◽  
Adaptive Functioning Skills ◽  
Multivariate Cluster

AbstractThis study examined the trajectories of autistic symptom severity in an inception cohort of 187 children with ASD assessed across four time points from diagnosis to age 10. Trajectory groups were derived using multivariate cluster analysis. A two trajectory/cluster solution was selected. Change in trajectory slopes revealed a turning point marked by plateauing in symptom reduction during the period of transition to school (age 6) for one of the two trajectories. Trajectories were labelled: Continuously Improving (27%) and Improving then Plateauing (73% of sample). Children in the two trajectories differed in levels of symptom severity, language, cognitive, and adaptive functioning skills. Study findings can inform the development of more personalized services for children with ASD transitioning into the school system.

Temperament influences the relationship between symptom severity and adaptive functioning in children with autism spectrum disorder

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 2057-2070
Author(s):  
Vivian Lee ◽  
Eric Duku ◽  
Lonnie Zwaigenbaum ◽  
Teresa Bennett ◽  
Peter Szatmari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Adaptive Functioning ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Symptoms ◽  
Adaptive Functioning Skills ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Temperament is a construct that is relatively stable over time but varies between individuals. Research suggests that children with autism spectrum disorder have a ‘reactive’ temperament profile when compared to peers with or without disabilities. However, our understanding of how temperament varies within children with autism and how it relates to child symptoms and outcomes is limited. This study aimed to (a) explore the variation of individual temperament traits within a sample of school-aged children with autism to determine whether subgroups of children with similar trait profiles emerge and (b) examine whether temperament influences the relationship between autism symptoms and adaptive functioning outcomes. Results revealed that children with autism can be classified empirically into two distinct profiles – ‘Even’ and ‘Reactive’ temperaments. Correlational and hierarchical regression analyses indicated that both temperament profiles and baseline symptom severity predicted adaptive functioning outcomes 1 year later. There was a significant interaction between temperament and symptom severity, suggesting temperament can influence the impact of increasing symptom severity on adaptive functioning skills in children with autism. Study findings highlight the importance of considering temperament in understanding the individual differences that influence the development of daily functioning and developmental outcomes in children with autism. Lay Abstract Temperament is often thought of as behavioural traits that are relatively stable over time but can vary between individuals. Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are often characterized as having ‘reactive’ and ‘negative’ temperaments when compared to same-aged peers with or without disabilities, which can negatively impact the development of adaptive functioning skills but little is known about variations of temperament between individual children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This study aimed to (a) explore the variation of individual temperament traits within a sample of school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder to determine whether subgroups with similar trait profiles emerge and (b) examine whether temperament influences the relationship between autism symptoms and adaptive functioning outcomes. Results from our dataset suggest that children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder fit under two profiles: ‘even’ and ‘reactive’. Furthermore, our analysis shows that temperament can influence the impact of increasing symptom severity on adaptive functioning skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. Study findings highlight the importance of considering temperament when trying to understand the individual differences that influence the development of functioning and developmental outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder.

scholarly journals Cognitive, Language, and Behavioral Outcomes in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders Exposed to Early Comprehensive Treatment Models: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bijun Shi ◽  
Weijia Wu ◽  
Meixia Dai ◽  
Jingjing Zeng ◽  
Jingyin Luo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Functioning ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Comprehensive Treatment ◽  
Natural Experiments ◽  
Summary Estimate ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Treatment Models ◽  
Meta Regression

Background: Early comprehensive treatment models (CTMs) have been developed as effective treatments for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Numerous studies have suggested that CTMs can improve short-term outcomes, but little is known about precise outcome information in childhood. The current meta-analysis reviewed studies reporting broader outcomes in children with ASD who had ever participated in a CTM and examined the predictors of developmental gains.Methods: We searched eight databases up to June 13, 2019, for relevant trials and natural experiments. Longitudinal studies were selected if they investigated the outcomes of CTMs. Two meta-analyses were undertaken to provide a summary estimate of change in treatment outcomes and to evaluate the effect of CTMs; one used the standardized mean change between the pretest and posttest, and the other was a classical meta-analysis. Stratified and random-effects meta-regression analyses were performed to search for outcome differences among studies.Results: Eighteen intervention studies (involving 495 children with ASD) met all the inclusion criteria: 12 used early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI), and two used the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). Outcomes were categorized into three parts: cognitive, language and behavioral (e.g., adaptive functioning and symptomatology). Overall, most children with ASD who had ever participated in an early CTM made gains in many areas of functioning, especially in terms of symptom- and language-related outcomes. Stratified analyses indicated that the ESDM displayed the largest effect on IQ improvement (ES = 1.37, 95% CI: 0.95 to 1.80), while EIBI was more effective for symptom reduction (ES = −1.27, 95% CI: −1.96 to −0.58). Further, meta-regression suggested that interventions with parent involvement, higher intensity, and longer treatment hours yielded greater improvements in IQ and social adaptive functioning, respectively.Conclusion: The results demonstrate a positive association between CTMs and better prognosis in childhood, especially regarding symptoms, and language. However, most extant research involves small, non-randomized studies, preventing definitive conclusions from being drawn. Clearly, the outcomes of children with ASD are still far from normal, especially with respect to adaptive functioning, and the four mediating variables pertaining to treatment elements can affect their gains, including approach, implementer, intensity, and total treatment hours.Systematic Review Registration: [www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42019146859].

scholarly journals Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder of All Ages, Levels of Symptom Severity and General Cognitive Ability Display Low Processing Speed Index Scores Warranting Special Educational Assistance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Linnenbank ◽  
R. Feldmann ◽  
G. Schulte-Körne ◽  
S. Beimdiek ◽  
E. Strittmatter
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
School Children ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
General Cognitive Ability ◽  
Children With Asd

AbstractThe processing speed index (PSI) of the Wechsler intelligence scale for children (WISC-IV) has been found to predict a child's level of academic functioning. The consistently reported PSI weakness in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) therefore warrants special assistance and attempts at compensation for the disadvantages associated with these children's low PSI. We investigated the association of PSI scores with age, general cognitive ability [as measured by full-scale IQ (FSIQ)], symptom severity and discrepancy between the WISC-IV indices verbal comprehension (VCI) and perceptual reasoning (PRI) in 101 school children with ASD. The PSI weakness in children with ASD was not related to age, FSIQ, VCI-PRI discrepancy or any of the symptom measures. These findings suggest that school children with ASD independent of their age, level of cognitive ability, VCI-PRI profile and most notably independent of their symptom severity should be entitled to special assistance and compensation in educational settings.

Relationships Between Household Income and Functional Independent Behavior for Children With Autism

2021 ◽  
pp. 153944922110126
Author(s):  
Brittany St. John ◽  
Karla Ausderau
Keyword(s):  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Intervention Services ◽  
Independent Behavior

Children in lower income households are less likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and diagnosis is often delayed. Lack of or delayed identification of ASD minimizes a child’s ability to receive effective early intervention services that support development of functional independence skills. Research has yet to identify relationships between functional independence and household income for children with ASD. A cross-sectional national survey with 231 caregivers of children with autism aged 2–12 years was conducted. Caregivers completed a 90-min survey examining family demographics, intervention services, autism symptom severity, and children’s functional behavioral outcomes. Significant differences in functional independence behavior scores were identified for children from the highest and lowest income categories when controlling for autism symptom severity, age of diagnosis, and receipt of intervention services. This study provides preliminary evidence to support the association between income and functional independent behavior for children with ASD.

Outcomes and moderators of Early Start Denver Model intervention in young children with autism spectrum disorder delivered in a mixed individual and group setting

Autism ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 718-729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annarita Contaldo ◽  
Costanza Colombi ◽  
Caterina Pierotti ◽  
Patrizia Masoni ◽  
Filippo Muratori
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Adaptive Functioning ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Group Setting ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Early Start ◽  
Early Start Denver Model

Several studies have shown the efficacy and effectiveness of the Early Start Denver Model, both in university and in community-based settings. However, a limited number of studies have investigated predictors of outcomes. In this study, we examined outcomes in 32 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder after 1 year of community-based Early Start Denver Model intervention, with the aim to identify predictors of treatment objectives acquisition, as measured by the Early Start Denver Model Curriculum Checklist. At a group level, the participants demonstrated improvement in their communication as well as adaptive functioning skills, while they showed a decrease in symptom severity. The large heterogeneity in outcomes identified was related to the pre-treatment non-verbal abilities, symptom severity, action and gesture repertoire, and lexical comprehension. We discussed our results in terms of implications for developing “personalized” interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Disfluency Characteristics Observed in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Preliminary Report

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 42-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura W. Plexico ◽  
Julie E. Cleary ◽  
Ashlynn McAlpine ◽  
Allison M. Plumb
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Young Children With Autism ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Developmental Stuttering

This descriptive study evaluates the speech disfluencies of 8 verbal children between 3 and 5 years of age with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Speech samples were collected for each child during standardized interactions. Percentage and types of disfluencies observed during speech samples are discussed. Although they did not have a clinical diagnosis of stuttering, all of the young children with ASD in this study produced disfluencies. In addition to stuttering-like disfluencies and other typical disfluencies, the children with ASD also produced atypical disfluencies, which usually are not observed in children with typically developing speech or developmental stuttering. (Yairi & Ambrose, 2005).

The Role of the SLP in Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening and Assessment

2008 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Philofsky
Keyword(s):  
Language Development ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Notable Increase ◽  
Screening Assessment ◽  
Critical Components

AbstractRecent prevalence estimates for autism have been alarming as a function of the notable increase. Speech-language pathologists play a critical role in screening, assessment and intervention for children with autism. This article reviews signs that may be indicative of autism at different stages of language development, and discusses the importance of several psychometric properties—sensitivity and specificity—in utilizing screening measures for children with autism. Critical components of assessment for children with autism are reviewed. This article concludes with examples of intervention targets for children with ASD at various levels of language development.

Correlation Between DTI Findings and Volume of Corpus Callosum in Children with AUTISM

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 895-899 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafize Otcu Temur ◽  
Ismail Yurtsever ◽  
Gozde Yesil ◽  
Rasul Sharifov ◽  
Fatih Temel Yilmaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Callosum ◽  
Cortical Neurons ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Volume Measurements ◽  
Adc Values ◽  
Axonal Density ◽  
Area And Volume

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder in which neurological basis is largely unknown. The Corpus Callosum (CC) is the main commissure that connects the cerebral hemispheres. Previous evidence suggests the involvement of the CC in the pathophysiology of autism. Aim: The aim of our study is to assess whether there were any changes in Corpus Callosum (CC) area and volume and to reveal the relationship between Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) features in genu and splenium of corpus callosum in children with ASD. Methods: Eighteen patient and 15 controls were recruited. The volumetric sagittal TI images were used to provide measurements of midsagittal corpus callosum surface area while FA, MD, RD, and ADC values were extracted from genu and splenium of corpus callosum after which the correlation in the area and volume in ASD children was examined. Results: CC area and volume in children with ASD were decreased than controls. FA values obtained from the genu and splenum of CC were significantly lower and RD values were significantly higher. A positive correlation was observed between the FA of the genu and splenium and area and volume of the CC. There was a negative correlation between ADC, MD and RD of CC and area and volume measurements. Conclusion: The conclusions in the interrelations of morphometric and DTI data may demonstrate a likelihood of damages in the axons and cortical neurons. The results showed that there existed microstructural damages from the DTI findings. Furthermore, the decrease in FA could be a representation of the reduction in the myelination in nerve pathways, impaired integrity, reduced axonal density, and organization. Indeed, the changes in volumetric and microstructural of CC could be useful in evaluating underlying pathophysiology in children with autism.

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