Treatment Considerations for Adolescents Who Exhibit Cognitive/Communication Problems: A Neuroscience Perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 1767-1775
Author(s):  
Martha S. Burns
Keyword(s):  
Social Communication ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Clinical Intervention ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Sensitive Period ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Communication Problems ◽  
Treatment Considerations ◽  
Behavioral Growth

Purpose Adolescence is a period of substantial neurophysiological and behavioral growth, representing a second sensitive period of brain development. It is a psychological and social transition period between childhood and adulthood with many beneficial changes occurring, especially with respect to potential responsiveness to clinical intervention. However, adolescent behavioral complexities introduce clinical challenges as well. The purpose of this review article is to review the current neuroimaging research on neurophysiological changes observed during adolescence and the cognitive and social behavioral counterparts, with specific attention to the clinical implications. The review article will then summarize currently available intervention tools that can be utilized by speech-language pathologists working with this population. It will conclude with available evidence-based social-communication approaches that may be applicable as well as available evidence-based supplemental technological cognitive interventions that may be useful in working with adolescents who exhibit language and communication issues. Conclusion As a transition period between childhood and adulthood, adolescence represents a second sensitive period during which there is opportunity for clinically derived beneficial cognitive and communication growth.

Developing Evidence-Based Assessment to Prevent Over- or Underidentification of Disorders for New Language Learners

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 1026-1038
Author(s):  
Sandra Levey ◽  
Li-Rong Lilly Cheng ◽  
Diana Almodovar
Keyword(s):  
Language Learners ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Reading Skills ◽  
Language Disorder ◽  
Academic Development ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Clinical Knowledge ◽  
Language And Literacy ◽  
Support Evidence

Purpose The purpose of this review article is to present certain linguistic domains to consider in the assessment of children learning a new language. Speech-language pathologists frequently face difficulty when determining if a bilingual or multilingual child possesses a true speech or language disorder. Given the increased number of new language learners across the world, clinicians must understand differences versus disorders to prevent underidentification or overidentification of a disorder. Conclusions Early identification of a true disorder has been shown to prevent language and literacy difficulties, given that children are able to achieve grade-level reading skills when given intervention. Clinical knowledge and skills are strongly required so that children receive evidence-based assessment to support their academic development. Learning Goal Readers will gain an understanding of the factors that support evidence-based assessment of bilingual and multilingual language learners.

Teaching Social Scripts to Improve Social Communication for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
pp. 004005992110220
Author(s):  
Gretchen Scheibel ◽  
Zijie Ma ◽  
Jason C. Travers
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Challenging Behaviors ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Academic Difficulties ◽  
Evidence Based Practices ◽  
Social Scripts ◽  
Students With Autism

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder are likely to demonstrate social impairments that contribute to challenging behaviors and academic difficulties. As a result, the task of improving social communication skills is a critical component to any educational program for this population. Scripting provides an evidence-based and versatile option for improving social communication, yielding valuable results while requiring limited time and resource preparation from educators. In this article, we present step by step guidance to support practitioners in using scripting interventions. Considerations are discussed for adapting this intervention to meet the needs of students across the autism spectrum and links to resources for strengthening implementation and including other evidence-based practices.

scholarly journals Non-Oncological Neuroradiological Manifestations in NF1 and Their Clinical Implications

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1831
Author(s):  
Camilla Russo ◽  
Carmela Russo ◽  
Daniele Cascone ◽  
Federica Mazio ◽  
Claudia Santoro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Structural Organization ◽  
Neurofibromatosis Type ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Tumor Suppressor Protein ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Nf1 Gene ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), the most frequent phakomatosis and one of the most common inherited tumor predisposition syndromes, is characterized by several manifestations that pervasively involve central and peripheral nervous system structures. The disorder is due to mutations in the NF1 gene, which encodes for the ubiquitous tumor suppressor protein neurofibromin; neurofibromin is highly expressed in neural crest derived tissues, where it plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and structural organization. This review article aims to provide an overview on NF1 non-neoplastic manifestations of neuroradiological interest, involving both the central nervous system and spine. We also briefly review the most recent MRI functional findings in NF1.

scholarly journals FASTER and SCOTT&EVA trainings for adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludger Tebartz van Elst ◽  
Thomas Fangmeier ◽  
Ulrich Max Schaller ◽  
Oliver Hennig ◽  
Meinhard Kieser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Responsiveness ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Computer Based Training ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Computer Based

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental condition with a prevalence rate above 1%, characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction; restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities; and a preference for sameness and routines. The majority of adult ASD patients suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. Therapy options for adult ASD patients are lacking, with presently no available evidence-based interventions in Germany. Recently, two interventions to improve social responsiveness have been published. FASTER (“Freiburger Asperger-Spezifische Therapie für ERwachsene” = Freiburg Asperger-specific therapy for adults) is a manualized group psychotherapy program including three modules on psychoeducation, stress regulation management, and non-verbal and verbal social communication training with videotaped tasks. SCOTT&EVA (“Social Cognition Training Tool”, and its enhancement “Emotionen Verstehen und Ausdruecken” = understanding and expressing emotions) is a computer-based training program to enhance social cognition including video and audio material of emotional expressions and complex real-life social situations. Initial studies for both programs have shown good feasibility and efficacy. Methods Three hundred sixty adult participants with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will take part in a randomized controlled three-armed multi-center trial to prove the efficacy of manualized group psychotherapy and a manualized computer-based training program. Both interventions will be compared with a treatment as usual (TAU) group, aiming to establish evidence-based psychotherapy approaches for adult individuals with ASD. The primary outcome is evaluated by parents, spouses, or others who have sufficient insight into the respective participant’s social communication and interaction, and will be measured with the Social Responsiveness Scale. First, each of both interventions will be compared to TAU. If at least one of the differences is significant, both interventions will be compared against each other. The primary outcome will be measured at baseline (T0) and 4 months after baseline (T1). Discussion The trial is the first to validate psychiatric therapeutic and training interventions for adult ASD patients in Germany. A trial is needed because the prevalence of ASD in adulthood without intellectual disability is high, and no evidence-based intervention can be offered in Germany. Trial registration German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00017817. Registered on 20 April 2020.

Examining the Echolalia Literature: Where Do Speech-Language Pathologists Stand?

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 750-762 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lillian N. Stiegler
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Behavioral Intervention ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Language Intervention ◽  
Common Element ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Significant Disagreement ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

Purpose Echolalia is a common element in the communication of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Recent contributions to the literature reflect significant disagreement regarding how echolalia should be defined, understood, and managed. The purpose of this review article is to give speech-language pathologists and others a comprehensive view of the available perspectives on echolalia. Method Published literature from the disciplines of behavioral intervention, linguistics, and speech-language intervention is discussed. Special areas of focus include operational definitions, rationales associated with various approaches, specific procedures used to treat or study echolalic behavior, and reported conclusions. Conclusions Dissimilarities in the definition and understanding of echolalia have led to vastly different approaches to management. Evidence-based practice protocols are available to guide speech-language interventionists in their work with individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Update on hypnotherapy for psychiatrists

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Natalie A. Chan ◽  
Zhisong Zhang ◽  
Guoxing Yin ◽  
Zhimeng Li ◽  
Roger C. Ho
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Practice Guidelines ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Outcome Studies ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Evidence Based Therapy

SUMMARY Although hypnosis has played a part in psychotherapy for a long time, it is not yet seen as an evidence-based therapy and is absent from many practice guidelines when it comes to the treatment of psychiatric disorders. At present, the applications and methods of hypnotherapy are poorly understood and other methods of psychotherapy tend to be favoured. This review article aims to introduce the role of hypnotherapy and its application for certain common psychiatric presentations, as well as examine its efficacy by summarising recent evidence from high-quality outcome studies and meta-analyses.

Language Modeling as an Efficacious Early Language Intervention Approach With Young Children Demonstrating Complex Communication Needs

2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patti Solomon-Rice ◽  
Gloria Soto
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Clinical Intervention ◽  
Language Modeling ◽  
Language Intervention ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
Communication Partner ◽  
Aided Aac ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Communication Partner Training

Abstract This article highlights evidence supporting the efficacy of adult language modeling and child imitation, including use of aided AAC modeling, during language intervention with young children demonstrating complex communication needs. First, four evidence-based language intervention approaches that incorporate adult language modeling and child imitation with young children demonstrating language delays are described. Second, two additional evidence-based language intervention approaches that incorporate aided AAC modeling during communication partner training, and direct clinical intervention with young children using aided AAC are further discussed. The article concludes with suggestions for strategies to use during language intervention with young children who use aided AAC.

scholarly journals SMARTer Approach to Personalizing Intervention for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (11) ◽  
pp. 2629-2640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Connie Kasari ◽  
Alexandra Sturm ◽  
Wendy Shih
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Targeted Interventions

Purpose This review article introduces research methods for personalization of intervention. Our goals are to review evidence-based practices for improving social communication impairment in children with autism spectrum disorder generally and then how these practices can be systematized in ways that personalize intervention, especially for children who respond slowly to an initial evidence-based practice. Method The narrative reflects on the current status of modular and targeted interventions on social communication outcomes in the field of autism research. Questions are introduced regarding personalization of interventions that can be addressed through research methods. These research methods include adaptive treatment designs and the Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial. Examples of empirical studies using research designs are presented to answer questions of personalization. Conclusion Bridging the gap between research studies and clinical practice can be advanced by research that attempts to answer questions pertinent to the broad heterogeneity in children with autism spectrum disorder, their response to interventions, and the fact that a single intervention is not effective for all children. Presentation Video https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7298021

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document