Assessing the Impact of Music Therapy on Sensory Gating and Attention in Children With Autism: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Blythe LaGasse ◽  
Rachel C B Manning ◽  
Jewel E Crasta ◽  
William J Gavin ◽  
Patricia L Davies
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Study Protocols ◽  
Brain Responses ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently demonstrate atypical processing of sensory information and deficits in attentional abilities. These deficits may impact social and academic functioning. Although music therapy has been used to address sensory and attentional needs, there are no studies including physiologic indicators of sensory processing to determine the impact of music therapy. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of conducting study protocols, determine the adequacy of electroencephalography (EEG) and behavioral measures in identifying attentional differences in children with ASD compared with typically developing (TD) children, and to gather preliminary evidence of intervention effects on brain responses and attention outcomes. Seven children with high functioning ASD ages 5 –12 and seven age- and gender-matched TD completed procedures measuring brain responses (EEG) and behaviors (the Test of Everyday Attention for Children). Children with ASD then completed a 35-min individual music therapy attention protocol delivered by a board-certified music therapist ten times over 5 weeks. Children with ASD completed measures of brain responses and behavior post-intervention to determine pre- to post-test differences. Consent and completion rates were 100% for children who met the study criteria. Feasibility measures indicated that measures of brain responsivity could be used to determine attentional differences between children with ASD and typical children. Initial outcome data for brain responses and behavior indicated positive trends for the impact of music therapy on selective attention skills.

Social Skills Instruments for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca West ◽  
Michael J Silverman
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Social Skills ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Critical Interpretive Synthesis

Abstract Identifying and critically analyzing the most frequently used social skills psychometric instruments (SSPI) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can inform future music therapy research and clinical practice. Therefore, the initial purpose of this critical interpretive synthesis was to identify the SSPI most frequently used as dependent measures in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (JADD) for children with ASD from 2012 to 2018. Results indicated that the Social Responsiveness Scale (n = 35), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (n = 19), and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (n = 15) were the most frequently used instruments. Congruent with critical interpretive synthesis methodology, we then identified the psychometric properties and advantages and disadvantages of the 9 most commonly used instruments. To compare these results with the existing music therapy literature, we also identified nonmusical SSPI used as dependent measures in music therapy research for children with ASD in studies published between 2012 and 2018. In comparing the data sets, music therapy researchers used 5 of the 9 SSPI we identified from our JADD review. Understanding frequently used SSPI has applications for consultation and communication with other professionals as well as how future music therapy research is conducted. Implications for clinical practice, limitations of the study, and suggestions for future research are provided.

scholarly journals Technology-Assisted Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder using Augmented Reality

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 2156-2162
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
The Social ◽  
Behavior Skills ◽  
And Behavior

Technology-assisted intervention has potentials in improving the social, communication and behavior impairments in of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Augmented reality (AR) offers multitude of possibilities and opportunities for the intervention of children with ASD. Therefore, this study identifies 13 researches from 2012 to 2018 that documented the efficacy of augmented reality applications in supporting the intervention of children with ASD. This study reviews the applications of augmented reality that nhanced the intervention for children with autism in (i) social skills, (ii) communication skills, and (iii) behavior skills. The conclusion reports the significant roles of augmented reality as technology-assisted intervention for children with ASD.

scholarly journals The Use of Information Communication Technologies Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Descriptive Qualitative Study

10.2196/12176 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. e12176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theoneste Ntalindwa ◽  
Tanjir Rashid Soron ◽  
Mathias Nduwingoma ◽  
Evariste Karangwa ◽  
Rebecca White
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Appropriate Technology ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Impact

Background The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) appears to be increasing globally due to the complex interaction of multiple biopsychosocial and environmental factors. Mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic gadgets have transformed our means of communication, and have also changed both healthcare and how we learn. These technological enhancements may have a positive impact on the lives of children, but there is currently a global scarcity of information on how information technology influences the education of children with ASD. Objective This study was conducted in Rwandan schools and communities, and aimed to understand the perceptions of students with ASD, their parents, and their teachers, on the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the education of those with ASD. Methods This qualitative descriptive study was conducted from December 2017 to July 2018. Researchers conducted four focus group discussions (FGDs) with 54 participants from different backgrounds: teachers, parents, and students with ASD. Each of the FGDs took approximately two and a half hours. A predefined set of open-ended questions were selected to discover people’s perceptions regarding assistive technologies used in ASD, their effectiveness, the scope of using them in their context, and upcoming challenges during implementation. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Results The findings of the study revealed seven key themes: (1) the use of ICT for the education of children with ASD; (2) existing augmentative facilities for learning; (3) current patterns of use of ICT in education; (4) preferred areas of learning for ASD students; (5) integration of ICT into educational programs; (6) areas of interest outside the classroom; and (7) future opportunities and challenges in Rwanda. We found most of the study participants assumed that appropriate technology and related innovations might solve the challenges faced by learners with ASD in classrooms. Moreover, they thought that children with ASD more so enjoyed watching television, playing digital games, and drawing objects using gadgets than interacting with people or playing with other children. Conclusions The use of various low-cost technical devices can aid with teaching and the education of children with autism in Rwanda. However, this area requires further research to discover the impact ICT can have on the education of children with ASD, so this study may become a starting point for further research in the area.

Verbal fluency in bilingual children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 460-475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Maria Gonzalez-Barrero ◽  
Aparna Nadig
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Bilingual Children ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
The Impact

Abstract We examine the impact of bilingualism on verbal fluency in four groups of school-age (5 to 10 years-old) children: 13 Typically-developing (TYP) monolingual children, 13 TYP bilingual children, 13 monolingual children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and 13 bilingual children with ASD. Participants were matched on chronological age and nonverbal IQ. Verbal fluency was examined via the word association subtest of the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF-4; Semel et al., 2003). The bilingual ASD group performed unexpectedly well on the verbal fluency task, not differing from the typically-developing groups, but outperforming the monolingual ASD group with respect to number of correct words produced. These findings are in line with previous research on bilingual children with ASD (e.g., Hambly & Fombonne, 2012) and taken together suggest that bilingualism does not have a negative impact on the lexical-semantic skills of children with ASD.

Husband’s Social Support for Mother of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
pp. 106648072110050
Author(s):  
Dinie Ratri Desiningrum ◽  
Dewi Retno Suminar ◽  
Endang Retno Surjaningrum ◽  
Suryanto ◽  
Wiwin Hendriani
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: The purpose of the research is to find husband’s social support for mother of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The problem of this study is how the forms of husband’s social support are perceived by mothers of children with ASD, and what are the factors and impacts for mothers perceived about husband’s social support. Method: The research was conducted on family having children with autism aged 5–14 years, employing a qualitative method by interviewing 10 mother participants. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Results: The analysis resulted in five themes. First, the impact of disability of children with ASD on marriage relationship; second, the role of husband in parenting children with ASD; third, the perception of mother for husband’s social support; fourth, some factors influences to husband social supports; and fifth, the effects of husband’s social support for mother, children with ASD, and family. The discussion and limitations of this study are considered. Applications/Originality/Value: The results of this study are expected to be a reference for scientists, especially in the field of psychology of children with special needs, and can also contribute to the application of science to institutions related to ASD and observers of children with ASD.

scholarly journals Trajectories of imitation skills in preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorders

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Pittet ◽  
Nada Kojovic ◽  
Martina Franchini ◽  
Marie Schaer
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Developmental Trajectories ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Typically Developing Children ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
The Impact

Imitation skills play a crucial role in social cognitive development from early childhood. Many studies have shown a deficit in imitation skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Little is known about the development of imitation behaviors in children with ASD. This study aims to measure the trajectories of early imitation skills in preschoolers with ASD and how these skills impact other areas of early development. For this purpose, we assessed imitation, language and cognition skills in 177 children with ASD and 43 typically developing children (TD) aged 2 to 5 years old, 126 of which were followed longitudinally, yielding a total of 396 time-points. Our results confirmed the presence of an early imitation deficit in toddlers with ASD compared to TD children. The study of the trajectories showed that these difficulties were marked at the age of two years, and gradually decreased until the age of 5 years old. Imitation skills were strongly linked with cognitive, language skills and level of symptoms in our ASD group at baseline. Moreover, the imitation skills at baseline were predictive of the language gains a year later in our ASD group. Using a data-driven clustering method, we delineated different developmental trajectories of imitation skills within the ASD group. The clinical implications of the findings are discussed, particularly the impact of an early imitation deficit on other areas of competence of the young child.

scholarly journals The Effect of Early Intervention for Individuals with Autism to Increase Communication skills: أثر التدخل المبكر على الأفراد المصابين بالتوحد في زيادة مهارات الاتصال

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (26) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Alohali
Keyword(s):  
Early Intervention ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
The Family ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Impact

The research was motivated because of every year the population of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) continues to increase. An autism spectrum disorder characterized by three impairments (triad of impairments) are impairment of social communication, impairment of social interaction and behavior. The impact of stress on the family as for their children with GSA disorder can occur either internally or externally. Goal of research is a model of early intervention to enhance social interaction and communication skills of children with GSA. The method used is the Research and Development, with a primary emphasis on the qualitative approach, descriptive analysis, by interview and observation. The results showed that there are parents who initially could not accept, and even today is still not able to accept the children unconditionally and their stress because of confusion how to communicate with their children, but if there is a problem that must be faced by families support each other, think together solution. Early intervention is not well developed in the family, parents prefer intervention by the therapist rather than doing it yourself.    

scholarly journals Impact of Social and Relational Adversity on Access to Services among US Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder 2016–2019

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1099
Author(s):  
Sarah D. Ronis ◽  
Eunice Lee ◽  
Carrie Cuffman ◽  
Kimberly Burkhart
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Us Children ◽  
The Impact

To explore the impact of social and relational adversity on access to key health services among US children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), cross-sectional analyses of the 2016–2019 National Survey of Children’s Health assessed use of key health services by children with ASD, accounting for differences in demographic characteristics, medical needs, and experience of social and relational adversities. sUS children with ASD were more than twice as likely as peers without ASD to report two or more social adversities and more than three times as likely to report two or more relational adversities. In multivariable models, relational adversities were significantly associated with greater odds of medication use for ASD (OR 1.50, 95%CI:1.02, 2.17). Social adversities were neither associated with receipt of behavioral therapies nor prescription of medication to treat ASD. Screening for various forms of adversity among youth with ASD is of great importance; even one adverse experience may be enough to influence care of a child with ASD, with differences in effect according to the nature of the particular adversity. Further research should evaluate the role that childhood adversity plays in physical and mental health outcomes in ASD.

scholarly journals The Lived Experiences of Low-Income Mothers Raising Children with Autism

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Renee L Sullivan ◽  
Leann Stadtlander
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Family Systems Theory ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Raising Children ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
The Impact

Previous studies indicated that parents raising children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience higher rates of stress; however, no qualitative studies have addressed low-income parents’ lived experiences of raising children with ASD. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to understand the challenges that low-income parents of children with ASD face daily within the framework of family systems theory. Interview questions were used to focus on the impact of income and the core symptoms of ASD (social deficits, communication deficits, and repetitive behaviors) on marital and interpersonal relationships. Although the study was open to both mothers and fathers, only mothers participated in this study. Semi-structured interviews with 13 mothers were conducted, and transcripts were analyzed for themes. Results indicated some negative impacts on parents’ marital, social, and professional relationships. Themes included reports of stress and depression, decreased social interaction, low levels of personal and professional satisfaction, and decreased marital satisfaction. Results indicated that increased empathy and understanding of mothers’ challenges are needed to improve access to resources and services required for low-income parents of autistic children to enhance their family’s quality of life.

scholarly journals Formation of communication skills in individual work with children with an autism spectrum disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 133 (4) ◽  
pp. 182-196
Author(s):  
S.A. Stelmakh ◽  
◽  
Y.I. Barabanova ◽  
I.K. Маtckevich ◽  
D.B. Ospanova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Sensory Integration ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Integration Methods ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Initial Work ◽  
Aba Therapy ◽  
Game Therapy

The article presents the results of correctional work on the program of communication development for children with autism spectrum disorders. The need for initial work on the development of communication skills in children with autism in an individual format, with an adult (defectologist) as the impetus and driver of communication, has been substantiated. The main components of communication, characteristics of the development of these components in children with ASD and their ways of formation and development have been given. The main methods included in the correctional and developmental program are sensory integration methods, music therapy, elements of ABA therapy, and game therapy. The structure of the program and the main principles on which it is based has been described. The results of implementing this program on three children with ASD have been analyzed, and the dynamics of changes in communication skills through the ABLLS-R questionnaire and the RCDI-2000 scale were tracked. It was found that the program for the formation of communication skills of children with ASD with the use of sensory integration methods, music therapy,elements of ABA therapy, and game therapy forms the basic components of communication and takes into account the specific features of the development of children in this category. There are noticeable improvements in the development of the emotional and volitional sphere of children, it has become much easier for them to express their emotions, preferences, desires and attitude to the situation, communicative motivation has begun to form, and basic prerequisites for communication have appeared.

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