scholarly journals Evaluation of the Use of Real-time 3D Graphics to Augment Therapeutic Music Sessions for Young People on the Autism Spectrum

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-41
Author(s):  
John J. Mcgowan ◽  
Iain Mcgregor ◽  
Gregory Leplatre
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Visual Modality ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Total Period ◽  
Qualitative Feedback ◽  
Spectrum Condition

The present research evaluates the effectiveness of CymaSense, a real-time 3D visualisation application developed by the authors, as a means of improving the communicative behaviours of autistic participants through the addition of a visual modality within therapeutic music sessions. Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect people in a number of ways, commonly through difficulties in communication. A multi-sensory approach within music sessions encourages people with ASC to engage more with the act of creating music, and with the therapists, increasing their level of communication and social interaction beyond the sessions. This article presents a study evaluating the use of CymaSense within a series of therapeutic music sessions, and a follow-up series of semi-structured interviews. Eight adults with ASC participated in 12 sessions using a single case experimental design approach over a total period of 19 weeks. Using qualitative and quantitative data, the results show an increase in communicative behaviour, for both verbal and non-verbal participants, resulting from the use of CymaSense. Qualitative feedback from interviews provided insight into the factors that contribute to the successful use of the application, as well as aspects that could be improved.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Etiology among Parents of Children with ASD

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 6774
Author(s):  
Wei-Ju Chen ◽  
Zihan Zhang ◽  
Haocen Wang ◽  
Tung-Sung Tseng ◽  
Ping Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Parental Perceptions ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Religious Factors

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits and restricted or repetitive behaviors. Parental perceptions of the etiology of their child’s ASD can affect provider–client relationships, bonding between parents and their children, and the prognosis, treatment, and management of children with ASD. Thus, this study sought to examine the perceptions of ASD etiology of parents of children with ASD. Methods: Forty-two parents of children diagnosed with ASD were recruited across Texas. Semi-structured interviews were conducted individually. All interviews were recorded and later transcribed verbatim for content analysis utilizing NVivo 12.0 (QSR International, Doncaster, Australia). Results: The content analysis identified the following themes regarding parental perceptions of ASD etiology: Genetic factors (40.5%), environmental factors (31.0%), problems that occurred during pregnancy or delivery (23.8%), vaccinations (16.7%), other health problems (7.1%), parental age at the time of pregnancy (4.8%), and spiritual or religious factors (2.4%). Conclusions: The parental perceptions of ASD etiology were diverse, but several views, such as vaccinations and spiritual or religious factors, were not based on scientific evidence. Health professionals and researchers can use these findings to develop and provide targeted education to parents who have children with ASD. Our findings also support policymakers in developing campaigns designed to increase parental ASD awareness and knowledge.

Cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of social skills deficits and social phobia in a man with an autism spectrum disorder: a single-case study

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Turner ◽  
Neil Hammond
Keyword(s):  
Social Skills ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Social Phobia ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural

AbstractAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) including high-functioning types such as Asperger's syndrome (AS) are diagnosed when there is evidence of a triad of qualitative impairments in social interaction, communication, and stereotyped/repetitive behaviours. It is not uncommon for these impairments to be accompanied by social anxiety. The present single-case study investigates the use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to treat a 47-year-old man who was assessed as having difficulties with social skills and social phobia in the context of a late diagnosis of AS. He received 20 h of CBT adapted for his AS in 15 sessions including a 1-month follow-up. Following a highly individualized formulation, treatment included modelling, role-playing, reinforcement, thought challenging, and behavioural experimentation. Results from five self-report measures showed continued improvements from the start of therapy to follow-up in social anxiety, global distress, depression and self-esteem. The client gave positive feedback about his experience of treatment. The case study is discussed with reference to limitations and some reflections for CBT in ASD.

scholarly journals MODIFIKASI PERILAKU UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEPATUHAN PADA ANAK DENGAN HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Theresia Michelle Alessandra ◽  
Sri Hartati R-Suradijono
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Positive Reinforcement ◽  
High Functioning Autism ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Behavioral Momentum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
High Functioning ◽  
Compliance Training

Anak dengan autism spectrum disorder (ASD) memiliki karakteristik utama yaitu perilaku repetitif dan minat yang terbatas, serta defisit dalam kemampuan berkomunikasi dan berinteraksi sosial sehari-hari. Anak dengan ASD memiliki risiko lebih besar untuk mengembangkan perilaku bermasalah, seperti perilaku tidak patuh yang berdampak buruk pada keberfungsian anak sehari-hari baik dalam aspek akademis maupun dalam lingkungan sosial. Perilaku tidak patuh yang berlebihan dapat dikurangi melalui program modifikasi perilaku. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengukur efektivitas program modifikasi perilaku untuk meningkatkan kepatuhan pada anak dengan High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HF-ASD) melalui single case A-B with follow-up design. Partisipan dalam penelitian ini adalah seorang anak laki-laki dengan kondisi HF-ASD yang berusia 8 tahun dan menunjukkan perilaku tidak patuh. Intervensi dilakukan sebanyak 19 sesi dengan menerapkan prinsip errorless compliance training seperti behavioral momentum, errorless learning, penyampaian instruksi yang efektif, dan positive reinforcement. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa program modifikasi perilaku efektif meningkatkan perilaku kepatuhan pada anak dengan HF-ASD dari 8% menjadi 81% serta terdapat efek generalisasi pada instruksi yang tidak dilatih selama intervensi.  Kata kunci: modifikasi perilaku; kepatuhan; high functioning autism spectrum disorder

Self-reported motivations for offending by autistic sexual offenders

Autism ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katy-Louise Payne ◽  
Katie Maras ◽  
Ailsa J Russell ◽  
Mark J Brosnan
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sexual Offenders ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Central Coherence ◽  
Relationship Education ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sexual Offences ◽  
Effective Interventions

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder estimated to have elevated prevalence in forensic populations (approximately 4.5%). It has been suggested that offenders with autism spectrum disorder engage more frequently in crimes against the person and sexual offences than other types of offences such as property, driving and drug offences. To date little is empirically known about the reasons why autistic individuals engage in sexual offences, yet understanding the motivation(s) for offending are key to developing and implementing effective interventions to help reduce both initial offending and also re-offending. In this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine autistic sexual offenders in prisons and probation services across England and Wales. Thematic analyses revealed five main themes (social difficulties, misunderstanding, sex and relationship deficits, inadequate control and disequilibrium). Analyses indicated that social skills difficulties, lack of perspective/weak central coherence, misunderstanding the seriousness of their behaviours and a lack of appropriate relationships were the main reasons for offending reported by this group of autistic sexual offenders. Findings highlight a need to develop sex and relationship education interventions which are tailored to the needs of autistic individuals, to address both their reported reasons for offending and their reported lack of sexual knowledge and awareness.

scholarly journals ‘I was exhausted trying to figure it out’: The experiences of females receiving an autism diagnosis in middle to late adulthood

Autism ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Leedham ◽  
Andrew R Thompson ◽  
Richard Smith ◽  
Megan Freeth
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
The Self ◽  
Autism Spectrum Condition ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Late Adulthood ◽  
Spectrum Condition ◽  
Fitting In ◽  
The Impact

Females often receive autism spectrum condition diagnoses later than males, leaving needs misunderstood. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of female adults diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition in middle to late adulthood. Eleven autistic females diagnosed over the age of 40 years completed semi-structured interviews, analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four superordinate themes emerged: A hidden condition (pretending to be normal and fitting in; mental health and mislabelling), The process of acceptance (initial reactions and search for understanding; re-living life through a new lens), The impact of others post-diagnosis (initial reactions; stereotyped assumptions), and A new identity on the autism spectrum (negotiating relationships, connections and community; changing well-being and views of the self; the meaning of diagnosis). Findings highlight several factors not previously identified that affect late diagnosis in females, including widespread limited understandings of others. Diagnosis was experienced by several participants as facilitating transition from being self-critical to self-compassionate, coupled with an increased sense of agency. Participants experienced a change in identity that enabled greater acceptance and understanding of the self. However, this was painful to adjust to at such a late stage.

scholarly journals A method of creating personae for children with autism spectrum condition: application and revision

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-122
Author(s):  
Misbahu S. Zubair ◽  
David Brown ◽  
Thomas Hughes-Roberts ◽  
Matthew Bates
Keyword(s):  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Visual Programming ◽  
Autism Spectrum Condition ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Programming Tool ◽  
Qualitative Feedback ◽  
User Data ◽  
Spectrum Condition

Purpose Personae are simple tools for describing users, their characteristics and their goals. They are valuable tools when designing for a specific group of users, such as children with autism spectrum condition (ASC). The purpose of this paper is to propose, validate and revise a methodology for creating accurate, data grounded personae for children with ASC. Design/methodology/approach The proposed method is based mainly on Cooper et al.’s (2007) persona construction method. It proposes gathering and analysing qualitative data from users and experts to either create a new persona or extend an existing one. The method is then applied to create personae for the design of a visual programming tool for children with ASC. Based on the results of the application, observations and lessons learnt, a revised version of the method is proposed. Findings The method’s combined use of user data and expert knowledge produced a set of personae that have been well reviewed by experts so far. The method’s use of a questionnaire to validate personae also produced relevant qualitative feedback. On review, possible downsides of extending existing personae were identified. Therefore, a revised method was introduced, eliminating the need to extend existing personae, and stressing the importance of utilising user data, expert knowledge and feedback. Originality/value This paper addresses the need for a well-defined method for creating data grounded personae that accurately describe the characteristics and goals of children with ASC. Such personae can be used to design and develop more accessible and usable products.

scholarly journals A Person-Centered Approach in Investigating a Mindfulness-Based Program for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Mindfulness ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Ridderinkhof ◽  
Mette Elmose ◽  
Esther I. de Bruin ◽  
René Blom ◽  
Sandra Salem-Guirgis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Personal Goals ◽  
Baseline Phase ◽  
Baseline Design ◽  
Adolescents With Autism ◽  
Evidence Based Treatments ◽  
Person Centered Approach ◽  
Internalizing Disorder

Abstract Objectives Adolescents with autism often experience comorbid internalizing disorders such as anxiety disorders or depression but the available evidence-based treatments to support the mental health of adolescents with autism are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate if and how MYmind, a mindfulness-based program (MBP) for youth with autism, could benefit adolescents with comorbid internalizing disorder(s). Methods A person-centered approach with a multiple baseline design was used to investigate the effects of MYmind. Five adolescents with autism and an internalizing disorder took part in the 9-week MYmind program. The adolescents and their parents completed a daily questionnaire on their personal goals during a baseline phase, the intervention, a 2-month follow-up phase, and a 1-year follow-up phase. We analyzed the effects on their personal goals using visual inspection and statistical analysis for single-case designs. Also, we investigated potential processes of change by analyzing how changes were related over time. Results Findings indicated that most, but not all, adolescents benefitted from the MBP. Four out of five adolescents showed medium-sized improvement in some of their personal goals. However, one adolescent reported a deterioration during the intervention and 2-month follow-up phase. Decreased worry preceded behavioral improvements in two adolescents, whereas other potential mechanisms of change showed inconclusive results. Conclusion The findings indicated that most of the adolescents with autism and a comorbid internalizing disorder partially benefitted from the MBP.

scholarly journals Designing accessible visual programming tools for children with autism spectrum condition

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Misbahu S. Zubair ◽  
David J. Brown ◽  
Thomas Hughes-Roberts ◽  
Matthew Bates
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Interactive Media ◽  
Visual Representations ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Visual Programming ◽  
Autism Spectrum Condition ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Programming Tools ◽  
Spectrum Condition

AbstractVisual programming tools allow users to create interactive media projects such as games and animations using visual representations of programming concepts. Although these tools have been shown to have huge potential for teaching children, research has shown that they may not be accessible for children with cognitive impairments, including those with autism spectrum condition. Therefore, this study proposes a set of recommendations for the design of accessible visual programming tools for children with autism spectrum condition. Semi-structured interviews with experts ($$n=7$$ n = 7 ) were conducted and thematically analysed to identify initial recommendations. A second set of semi-structured interviews with a subset of the initial experts ($$n=3$$ n = 3 ) were then conducted to validate and produce a final set of recommendations.

Use of a Move-on Component to Increase Consumption for a Clinical Paediatric Feeding Case In-Home

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Tessa Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
The United States ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Home Setting ◽  
Procedural Integrity ◽  
Potential Component ◽  
Food Variety ◽  
Treatment Package

Abstract Research from specialised hospital feeding programmes in the United States has shown effectiveness of a variety of treatments for packing (not swallowing food or liquid in the mouth) to increase swallowing and consumption. One potential component used in clinical practice has not been evaluated in the literature to our knowledge. This component is move-on and involves moving on to the next bite presentation rather than waiting for swallowing (i.e., clean mouth). A 5-year-old female with autism spectrum disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder participated in a home setting in Australia. We used a withdrawal/reversal single-case experimental design for a move-on component added to a treatment package. With move-on added, latency to clean mouth decreased and consumption increased to 100%. After the treatment evaluation, additional procedures (interspersal, redistribution) were needed in full plate and portion meals. Food variety was increased to 116 regular texture foods across all food groups. All (100%) of admission goals were met. Parents were trained to high procedural integrity, and the protocol was generalised to the community. Gains maintained to 1-month follow-up.

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