Early interventions practices in ASD – Maternal behavior in spontaneous interaction with their children

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S344-S344
Author(s):  
C. Amato ◽  
M.E. D’Antino ◽  
M. Rocha ◽  
F. Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Behavior ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Normal Children ◽  
Spontaneous Interaction ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Communicative Abilities ◽  
Everyday Life Activities

Recent studies point out that the occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is up to 1%. In Brazil, providing services of medical diagnosis for children with ASD takes precious time. The time spent waiting for the conclusion of the diagnostic process would be extremely important to the child's development. In this context, the parent–children interaction is an important aspect to be considered as a factor that has a positive impact in this process. The aim of this study was to explore maternal behavior during a spontaneous play situation with their children. All subjects were filmed for 30 minutes during a spontaneous play situation with their mothers that did not receive any special instructions. The subjects were 30 normal children, 3 of each age (respectively 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33 and 36 months) and 20 autistic children with ages varying from 2:10 to 10:6 (not expected any chronological association). The whole corpus was analyzed considering of each subject, of each group and the possible associations between the groups. The analysis of the maternal behavior provides data about the importance of mother–child interaction and how everyday life activities and routines can be used to increase the opportunities to improve the ASD child's communicative abilities and their creative use as an important part of the whole development. These findings provide further evidence that families should be included in any plan for intervention designed towards ASD children.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The other 25%: Autistic girls and women

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S351-S352
Author(s):  
M. Gill
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
The Other ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Communicative Abilities ◽  
Male To Female ◽  
Better Than

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by impairments in social and communicative abilities, along with the presence of ritualistic and/or repetitive behaviors. One of the under-researched areas in the ASD literature is the large gender difference in the diagnosis rates. On average, the male to female ratio stands at 4.3:1, increasing to 9:1 in the absence of comorbid intellectual impairment. It has been evidenced that compared to boys, ASD is diagnosed later in cognitively able girls, despite there being no difference in the number of visits to a health-care professional during the diagnostic process and the age at which parents first express concern. The suboptimal identification of the disorder in cognitively able girls causes a large magnitude of gender discrepancy. These statistics may not be accurate since females may camouflage their difficulties and may be undetected due to their ability to disguise their symptoms better than males. The other hypothesis of under diagnosing ASD in girls is how we quantify and diagnose it. It is based on a male-centric presentation, which does not accurately reflect the disorder in girls. Altogether, these differences may make it more challenging for medical professionals and clinicians to identify potential early signs of the disorder in girls. Hence, there is a need to develop programs to mentor girls and women on the autism spectrum in schools, colleges and industry. And there should be an insistence on inclusion of females on the autism spectrum in pharmacological research and other research projects.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Parental evaluation of a revised autism spectrum disorder diagnostic process for children under 36 months of age

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-François Lemay ◽  
Shauna Langenberger ◽  
Scott McLeod
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Parent Education ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background The Alberta Children’s Hospital-Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic (ACH-ASDC) was restructured due to long wait times and unsustainable clinic workflow. Major changes included the initiation of pre- and post-ASD parent education sessions and distinct ASD screening appointments before the ASD diagnostic appointment. Methods We conducted a parental program evaluation in summer 2018 of the ACH-ASDC. We used a cross-sectional survey to evaluate key outcomes including parental satisfaction, and the percentage of families obtaining access to government supports and early intervention programs. Results For the 101 eligible patients diagnosed with ASD under 36 months of age 70 (69.3%) parents agreed to participate. The mean diagnostic age of the children diagnosed with ASD was 30.6 months (SD=4.1 months). There were no statistically significant age differences between biological sexes. Ninety-three per cent of parents felt that ASD educational sessions were useful, and 92% of parents were satisfied to very satisfied with the overall ASD diagnostic process. Ninety per cent of parents had access to at least one of the key resources available for ASD early intervention in our province following diagnosis. Parents reported a positive impact on intervention provided to their child in the areas of communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Conclusion Parents of children diagnosed with ASD expressed a high level of satisfaction with the restructured ACH-ASDC process. Implementing parent education sessions was well received and met parents’ needs. Parents were able to access intervention services following diagnosis and reported positive impacts for their child. Re-envisioning program approaches to incorporate novel strategies to support families should be encouraged.

Handedness in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S214-S214 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Kobylinska ◽  
C.G. Anghel ◽  
I. Mihailescu ◽  
F. Rad ◽  
I. Dobrescu
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Hand Preference ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Left Handedness ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Hand Laterality ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Competing Interest

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have a less definitive hand preference for certain actions as opposed to neurotypical children. Moreover, left-handedness in children with ASD has been associated with more echolalia. The objective was to conduct a screening of potential risk and associated features for autism spectrum disorders, among which the hand preference of the child. The current aim is to compare the perceived handedness of children with autism spectrum disorders with that of children with other psychiatric pathologies.MethodsEight hundred and forty-two parents completed our risk and associated features screening questionnaire. Out of these, 494 answered the question regarding handedness (209 had children diagnosed with ASD). This asked the parents to state how they perceived their child's handedness. An ADOS assessment has been conducted for 170 of the children whose parents were included in the study, based on clinical relevance for the case. The data were analysed using Excel and SPSS 22.0. For the comparisons, Chi2 and the Kruskal–Wallis test were used.ResultsChildren with ASD had more left-handedness (χ2(2) = 12.54, P = 0.002). There were no differences between boys and girls in terms of perceived handedness in any of the groups. There were no differences in the ADOS scores according to the perceived hand laterality (χ2(2) = 0.58, P = 0.74).ConclusionRightward-asymmetry in regions of corpus callosum has been reported to correlate with symptoms severity in ASD. The finding of different perceived handedness in children with ASD versus children with other psychiatric pathologies is useful for designing appropriate, individualized training programs for motor therapy.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

ASD, SUD and gender

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s882-s883
Author(s):  
P.J.M. Van Wijngaarden-Cremers
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Substance Abuse Disorder ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Very High

IntroductionAutism and substance use disorder (SUD) is not the co-morbidity that is commonly considered. Yet these conditions have more commonalities than one would suspect.ObjectiveWe will consider the evidence for co-morbidity between ASD and Addiction (Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and explore the influence of gender.MethodA pilot study of 80 admissions to an adult ASD unit will be presented.ResultsThe co-morbidity ASD and SUD in this study was very high (65% of the inpatients). There were no gender differences in prevalence in total but addiction to medication (32% in woman vs. none in man) and eating disorders (24% in women vs. 9% in man) was far more common in women whereas addiction to drugs (13% in man vs. none in women) was far more common in man.ConclusionsThere are clear indications that a possible co-morbidity of substance abuse disorder should be considered in cases of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. There are no gender differences in prevalence of co-morbidity ASD and SUD in total but addiction to medication and eating disorders seems to be much more common in women whereas addiction to drugs probably more common in man.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Family-Centered Care: How Close Do We Get When Talking to Parents of Children Undergoing Diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorders?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynnea Myers ◽  
Sharon M. Karp ◽  
Mary S. Dietrich ◽  
Wendy S. Looman ◽  
Melanie Lutenbacher
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Family Centered Care ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Family Centered

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1:59 children, yet little is known about parents’ perceptions of family-centered care (FCC) during the diagnostic process leading up to diagnosis. This mixed-methods study explored key elements of FCC from 31 parents of children recently diagnosed with ASD using parallel qualitative and quantitative measures. Parents rated highly their receipt of FCC and discussed ways providers demonstrated FCC. However, the majority of parents indicated that the period when their child was undergoing diagnosis was stressful and reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study points to ways in which health care providers can enhance FCC provided to families when a child is undergoing ASD diagnosis.

Clinical case: Phelan–McDermid and pharmacological management

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S430-S430 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Ballesteros ◽  
Á.S. Rosero ◽  
F. Inchausti ◽  
E. Manrique ◽  
H. Sáiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Stop Codon ◽  
Premature Stop Codon ◽  
Mood Stabilizer ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Pharmacological Management ◽  
Inhibitory Transmission ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionThe Phelan–McDermid syndrome is a chromosomal disorder consisting of a selection on chromosome 22q13.3 associated psychiatric and emotional level, behavioral and traits of autism spectrum disorders. During the neurodevelopmental such chromosomal deletion, which associated with haplo insufficiency Shank 3 causes alterations in the synaptogenesis altering the balance of activating and inhibitory transmission. Throughout the various studies, it is considered that this syndrome has a psychiatric disorder bipolar like.Case presentationHere, we present s 13-year-old female diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders in childhood and presented regression with catatonia features and behavioral disorders. Interestingly, she presented mutation/microdeletion of the SHANK3 gene, inducing a premature stop codon in exon 21. Different pharmacological treatments (antipsychotics at high doses and benzodiazepines) failed to improve clinical symptoms and lead to multiple adverse events. In contrast, lithium therapy reversed clinical regression, stabilized behavioral symptoms and allowed patients to recover their pre-catatonia level of functioning. After the first menstruation there was a cycling psychiatric worsening with a similar clinical pattern so risperidone as adjunctive therapy. As a result of this, this patient recovered clinical and socio-functional stability.ConclusionsThey are previous cases where there affective and behavioral improvement after use of mood stabilizer molecules such as valproate or lithium. There is also evidence of the benefit of risperidone low to have a beneficial effect on the balance of activatory and inhibitory transmission level doses of NMDA receptors.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

ADHD in adults

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Kooij ◽  
Philip Asherson ◽  
Michael Rösler
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Picture ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Diagnostic Interview ◽  
Diagnostic Assessment ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Collateral Information ◽  
Dsm 5 ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Instructions For Use

In this chapter, the diagnostic assessment of ADHD in adults is described, starting with the clinical picture, such as the symptoms and the areas of impairment. To start the diagnostic process, screening instruments may be used. During diagnostic assessment, collateral information and neuropsychological tests have their role. The assessment of frequently occurring comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders, such as mood, anxiety, sleep, personality, and autism spectrum disorders, as well as addiction, is necessary to complete the clinical picture. Also, differential diagnosis is part of the diagnostic process. Finally, the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in adults (DIVA 2.0), and the Conners Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview (CAADID) are described and discussed. Instructions for use of the DIVA are given. The adjustments in the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD, and the next edition of DIVA based on the DSM-5 criteria, DIVA-5, are described.

scholarly journals Brief Report: Specificity of Interpersonal Synchrony Deficits to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Potential for Digitally Assisted Diagnostics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Christina Koehler ◽  
Alexandra Livia Georgescu ◽  
Johanna Weiske ◽  
Moritz Spangemacher ◽  
Lana Burghof ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Outpatient Clinics ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Interpersonal Synchrony ◽  
Diagnostic Interviews ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Current Screening

AbstractReliably diagnosing autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in adulthood poses a challenge to clinicians due to the absence of specific diagnostic markers. This study investigated the potential of interpersonal synchrony (IPS), which has been found to be reduced in ASD, to augment the diagnostic process. IPS was objectively assessed in videos of diagnostic interviews in a representative referral population from two specialized autism outpatient clinics. In contrast to the current screening tools that could not reliably differentiate, we found a significant reduction of IPS in interactions with individuals later diagnosed with ASD (n = 16) as opposed to those not receiving a diagnosis (n = 23). While these findings need to be validated in larger samples, they nevertheless underline the potential of digitally-enhanced diagnostic processes for ASD.

Involuntary Hospitalization in a Mental Health Unit in 2014

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S455-S455
Author(s):  
A.M. Alvarez Montoya ◽  
C. Diago Labrador ◽  
T. Ruano Hernandez
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Health Unit ◽  
Involuntary Hospitalization ◽  
Hospital Unit ◽  
Procedural Law ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Mental Health Unit ◽  
Mental Health Hospital

ObjectivesDeliver a detailed analysis of the mental distortions, which led to involuntary hospitalization in a mental health unit in 2014 and their gender distribution.MethodWe analyze the total number of hospitalizations in our mental health hospital unit. From the patient registry, we extract the type of hospitalizations (voluntary or involuntary), the diagnosis and the gender.ResultsIn our analysis, we find a total of 315 hospitalizations. One hundred and fifty-nine (50.48%) of them are voluntary, 150 (47.62%) are involuntary and 6 (1.90%) are a result of a judicial order. From the total involuntary hospitalizations, 81 patients were diagnosed as psychotics disorders (60%), 34 (25.18%) affective disorders, 11 (8.14%) personality disorders, 3 (2.22%) adaptative disorders, 2 (1.48%) mental retardation and 2 (1.48%) autism spectrum disorders.ConclusionsAccording to article 763 of Spanish Procedural Law (Ley 1/2000 de Enjuiciamiento Civil) from the 7th of January: “The hospitalization of a person due to mental disorders who is not in a condition to decide for himself/herself, even should he/she be a subject to parental authority or guardianship, shall require court authorization, which shall be obtained from the court of the place of residence of the person affected by such hospitalization.” For this reason the involuntary admission is considered as an exceptional and necessary measure, which is limited in time.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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