scholarly journals Teachers’ perspectives on handwriting and collaborative intervention for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-58
Author(s):  
Therese McNamee ◽  
Sandra Patton

Purpose This study aims to investigate teacher perspectives on teaching handwriting to children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and collaboration with occupational therapists. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive design was applied. Purpose-designed surveys were distributed to teachers of children with ASD (aged 4-12 years) in the Republic of Ireland. A response rate of 35 per cent (N = 75) was obtained, with 25 responses analysed using descriptive statistics of closed questions and content analysis of open-ended questions. Findings Of 139 children with ASD, 80 (58 per cent) were reported to have difficulties with handwriting. Teachers reported specific difficulties with pencil grasp, letter formation and task concept among the children with ASD. Fourteen (56 per cent, N = 25) respondents did not give handwriting as homework. Teachers valued occupational therapy advice, individualised programmes and ongoing consultation during implementation. Interest in occupational therapy education regarding handwriting was reported. Practical implications Occupational therapy collaboration to address handwriting difficulties for children with ASD should include involvement in teacher education, coordination of teacher–parent collaboration and the need for involvement in early intervention provision within an emergent literacy framework. Originality/value Handwriting development is challenging for children with ASD. There is limited information on teaching or teacher–occupational therapy collaborative practices to address handwriting difficulties of children with ASD.

Author(s):  
Lesley S. J. Farmer

At least 1 in 166 children are born with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but few school libraries provide resources and services explicitly targeting this population. This paper explains the characteristics and educational challenges of children with ASD; and provides ways to create an inclusive library environment that offers a rich variety of resources and services that engage these children. Tips for training library staff relative to ASD are also given.


2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Linnane ◽  
Alison Warren

Purpose Role-emerging placements have been used internationally within occupational therapy education but are relatively new to Ireland. At times, there has been a debate in the profession regarding the use of this placement model. This paper aims to generate views from both occupational therapists and occupational therapy students on the use of role-emerging placements in the Republic of Ireland. Design/methodology/approach Electronic surveys were administered to occupational therapy students and occupational therapists in Ireland. Quantitative data were analysed using the SPSS Statistics software package and the content of the open question responses were analysed into themes. Findings Occupational therapists (n = 60) and occupational therapy students (n = 45) indicated that there were inconsistent views surrounding role-emerging placements. It is deemed as an effective method for student learning, but apprehension exists around inclusion within occupational therapy programmes in the Republic of Ireland. Preference was indicated towards inclusion of role-emerging placements on a part-time basis within formal occupational therapy education. Originality/value Both respondent groups viewed that role-emerging placements can positively influence new areas of occupational therapy practice and concern over the use of the placement model requires further exploration and debate. This study is from an Irish context, although there are similarities with other countries’ use of the placement model. There is a need for research through an in-depth exploration of the learning experience of undertaking role-emerging placements from the students’ perspective and identification of supports required to promote an optimal learning experience.


2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 170-174
Author(s):  
Chris Hatton ◽  
Gyles Glover

Purpose – Transition from education to adult life is a stated policy aim for young people with learning disabilities. The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which 16-18-year olds with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder are remaining in state school education beyond the minimum school leaving age. Design/methodology/approach – A tabulation from the Department for Education Children and Early Years Data Unit for 2014, combined with School Census data and age-specific population estimates, allowed us to compare the rates of children identified as having moderate, severe or profound/multiple learning difficulties (MLD, SLD, PMLD), or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in state education at the ages of 16-18 years vs five to 15 years. Findings – For all types of need analysed in the paper, the rate of children in state school dropped considerably at the ages of 16-18 years: 10 per cent of the rates of children with MLD, 62 per cent of children with SLD, 49 per cent of children with PMLD and 23 per cent of children with ASD at ages five to 15 years were in state education at ages 16-18 years. Almost all young people aged 16-18 years in state education with SLD or PMLD were in special schools, compared to just over half of young people with MLD or ASD. For all these figures, there was considerable regional variation. Social implications – Substantial numbers of children with learning disabilities or ASD do not remain in post-16 state education, with wide regional variations that do not seem to correspond to regional variations in need or national policy concerning transition. Originality/value – This is the first data set to examine this issue.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Jullien

AbstractWe looked at existing recommendations and supporting evidence on the effectiveness of screening young children for autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) for improving short- and long-term outcomes.We conducted a literature search up to the 8th of November 2019 by using key terms and manual search in selected sources. We summarized the recommendations and the strength of the recommendation when and as reported by the authors. We summarized the main findings of systematic reviews with the certainty of the evidence as reported.There are discrepancies among the recommendations given by different institutions on universal screening for ASD in children. Some recommend that all children should be screened with an ASD-specific instrument during well-child visits at ages 18 and 24 months in conjunction with ongoing developmental surveillance and broadband developmental screening; some conclude that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for ASD in young children for whom no concerns of ASD have been raised by their parents or a clinician; and others recommend against universal screening, but for a screening among children with high risks.There is adequate evidence that ASD screening tools applied to children between 12 and 36 months accurately identify those with ASD. There is some evidence showing benefit of early interventions applied to children with ASD, from children identified with developmental concern by their family, teacher or clinicians. We found no evidence on the effectiveness of interventions applied to children with ASD detected through screening.


Author(s):  
Toka Khaled Mohamed ◽  
Reham Abd-elrahman Lofty Amer ◽  
Amr Adel Mohamed Heiba ◽  
Hosam El-din Fathallah Elsawy

Background: Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by causing marked decrease in social interaction and communication, conversation skills. The aim of this work was to explore the psychiatric co-morbidities among children with ASD. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out 55 children less than 18 years old fulfilled criteria for ASD. All patients were subjected to: Psychiatric interviewing and Psychometric tests that included Stanford-Binet test 5th edition, Arabic version of Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia “K-SADS, Arabic version of Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Arabic version of Conner’s Scale for ADHD and Arabic version of Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) (Child and parent versions). Results: The majority of the studied ASD children were males younger than 13 years old, from rural areas, with mild and moderate intellectual disability, and with severe ASD symptoms. There is statistically significant difference between severity of ASD in studied children measured by CARS, and number of co-morbidities. The most prevalent psychiatric co-morbidities among studied              ASD children were anxiety disorders (41.82%), followed by ADHD                                                     (36.36%). There is statistically significant difference between severe form of ASD and psychiatric co-morbidities regarding ADHD, Tic disorder, ODD and elimination disorder, While Social anxiety and GAD were more common among children with milder forms. Among the studied children, the specific phobias, ODD and elimination disorders, were more in younger age groups. While social anxiety and psychotic disorders occurred more frequently with older age groups. GAD, somatization and depression were more frequent with females, while ADHD occurred more with males. Conclusion: Presence of comorbid disorders among children with ASD is the rule rather than exception. Male children had more combined subtype and more severe form of the disorder. The most common comorbid psychiatric disorders with ASD are anxiety disorders and ADHD. The early identification and treatment of ASD and comorbid conditions may reduce the likelihood of impairment and persistence into adulthood.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fábio Dias Nogueira ◽  
Ana Klara Rodrigues Alves ◽  
Barbara Beatriz Lira da Silva ◽  
Ana Kamila Rodrigues Alves ◽  
Marlilia Moura Coelho Sousa ◽  
...  

Introduction: Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by a neurodevelopmental disorder, in which the child has persistent deficits in verbal and / or non-verbal communication, social interaction and behavior. One of the factors related to the cause of ASD are nutritional aspects, such as intestinal dysbiosis. Objective: To analyze the relationship between imbalance in the intestinal microbiota and the pathophysiological characteristics of ASD. Methodology: This is a systematic review, carried out in the Pubmed, SciELO databases, in order to answer the question: what is the relationship between intestinal microbiota imbalance and ASD? 139 articles were found, of which 12 were selected, through the simultaneous crossing between the descriptors “Autistic Disorder”, “Dysbiosis”. Articles written in Portuguese and English published from 2016 to 2021 were inserted. Results/Discussion: Most children with ASD exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation and diarrhea, and greater intestinal permeability, with major differences in the composition of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Patients with ASD have a lower microbiota diversity in the GIT. However, it is not possible to identify the origin of this change, since children with ASD often have changes in diet and eating behavior, which could alter the microbiota. Conclusion: It is still complex to understand what are the main causes of ASD. The gut-brain axis is an important associated factor both in the etiology and in the clinical manifestations of ASD. The use of diets, together with the modulation of the microbiota, by the use of probiotics and specific antibiotics, are possibilities for promising therapy.


Author(s):  
Geniele Severiano Da Silva ◽  
Flávia Regina Ribeiro Cavalcante Buffone

Introdução: O brincar é importante para o desenvolvimento saudável do ser brincante. Na criança com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) essa atividade encontra-se fragilizada em razão do desenvolvimento atípico e suas restrições de interação social. O brincar, além de ser considerada uma ocupação intrínseca da criança, vem sendo utilizado como ferramenta terapêutica com crianças com TEA, capaz de estimulá-las a interagirem com os pares, pois permite a construção do autoconhecimento e a aceitação da existência do outro, favorecendo o estabelecimento das relações emocionais e sociais. Objetivo: Investigar as contribuições do brincar como recurso terapêutico para o desenvolvimento da interação social de uma criança com TEA. Método: Estudo de caso observacional (antes e depois), do tipo descritivo e exploratório, com uma criança com diagnóstico de TEA. O procedimento do estudo se deu em três fases, denominadas como fase 1, 2 e 3. Fase 1 – Aplicação dos protocolos Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) e Medida Canadense de Desempenho Ocupacional (COPM); Fase 2 – Intervenção (utilização do brincar enquanto recurso terapêutico) e preenchimento do Roteiro de observação; e Fase 3 – Reavaliação por meio dos protocolos mencionados anteriormente. Resultados e Discussão: A criança apresentou evolução quanto a interagir com outras crianças, sair de parques, frequentar festas e compartilhar brinquedos, segundo a concepção da mãe. Conclusão: A partir dos resultados positivos obtidos neste estudo, sugere-se a realização de estudos de intervenção com metodologia adequada para confirmar a hipótese de que o brincar pode ser considerado um recurso eficaz na intervenção da Terapia Ocupacional em crianças com TEA.Palavras-chave: Brincar. Interação social. Terapia Ocupacional. Transtorno do Espectro Austista. AbstractIntroduction: Playing is important for the healthy development of being playful. In children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) this activity is weakened due to the atypical development and its restrictions on social interaction. Playing, in addition to being considered an intrinsic occupation of the child, has been used as a therapeutic tool with children with ASD, able to encourage them to interact with peers, since it allows the construction of self-knowledge and acceptance of the existence of the other, favoring the establishment of emotional and social relationships. Objective: To investigate the contributions of playing as a therapeutic resource for the development of social interaction in a child with ASD. Method: Observational case study (before and after), descriptive and exploratory, with a child diagnosed with ASD. The study procedure took place in three phases, called phases 1, 2 and 3. Phase 1 - Application of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) protocols; Phase 2 - Intervention (use of play as a therapeutic resource) and completion of the observation script; and Phase 3 - Reassessment using the previously mentioned protocols. Results and Discussion: The child evolved in terms of interacting with other children, leaving parks, attending parties and sharing toys, according to the mother's conception. Conclusion: Based on the positive results obtained in this study, it is suggested to carry out intervention studies with adequate methodology to confirm the hypothesis that playing can be considered an effective resource in the intervention of Occupational Therapy in children with ASD.Keywords: Play. Social interaction. Occupational therapy. Autistic Spectrum Disorder. ResumenIntrodución: Jugar es importante para el desarrollo saludable de la diversión. En los niños con Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA) esta actividad se ve debilitada por el desarrollo atípico y sus restricciones en la interacción social. El juego, además de ser considerado una ocupación intrínseca del niño, se ha utilizado como una herramienta terapéutica con los niños con TEA, capaz de animarlos a interactuar con sus pares, ya que permite la construcción del autoconocimiento y la aceptación de la existencia del otro, favoreciendo la establecimiento de relaciones emocionales y sociales. Objetivo: Investigar los aportes del juego como recurso terapéutico para el desarrollo de la interacción social en un niño con TEA. Metodo: Estudio de caso observacional (antes y después), descriptivo y exploratorio, con un niño diagnosticado con TEA. El procedimiento del estudio se llevó a cabo en tres fases, denominadas fases 1, 2 y 3. Fase 1 - Aplicación de los protocolos de la Escala de Calificación del Autismo Infantil (CARS) y la Medida de Desempeño Ocupacional de Canadá (COPM); Fase 2 - Intervención (uso del juego como recurso terapéutico) y finalización del guión de observación; y Fase 3 - Reevaluación utilizando los protocolos mencionados anteriormente. Resultados y discusión: El niño evolucionó en términos de interactuar con otros niños, salir de los parques, asistir a fiestas y compartir juguetes, según la concepción de la madre. Conclusión: A partir de los resultados positivos obtenidos en este estudio, se sugiere realizar estudios de intervención con metodología adecuada para confirmar la hipótesis de que el juego puede considerarse un recurso eficaz en la intervención de Terapia Ocupacional en niños con TEA.Palabras clave: Juego. Interacción social. Terapia Ocupacional. Trastorno del espectro autista. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 105134-105146
Author(s):  
Maiza Nogueira Oliveira ◽  
Samia Lima dos Santos ◽  
Slane Frazão De Souza ◽  
José Carlos de Sales Ferreira ◽  
Rebeca Sakamoto Figueiredo

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 109-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salma Ali

Purpose The purpose of this paper to synthesise much of the existing research on autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and offending behaviour. Design/methodology/approach It considers three key areas, namely, first, a discussion about the nature of ASD and how it might be related to offending behaviour; second, a brief commentary about the prevalence of this population; and, finally, an exploration of the effective management and possible treatment outcomes. Findings Methodological limitations have resulted in variable findings which has hindered our understanding of this population. Some of the research is based on small, highly specialist samples making prevalence difficult to measure. The link between ASD and offending is still not well understood, and despite advances in staff training, awareness amongst practitioners remains an underdeveloped area, thus yielding variable treatment outcomes. Originality/value This review continues to demonstrate the urgent need for robust research in order to better understand the link between ASD and offending behaviour, to provide tailored, needs-led interventions, and reduce the risk of offending amongst this group as a whole.


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