scholarly journals Herbal Medicine Treatment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miran Bang ◽  
Sun Haeng Lee ◽  
Seung-Hun Cho ◽  
Sun-Ae Yu ◽  
Kibong Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Effective Rate ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis

Objective. To summarize and evaluate the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines used for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. Methods. Thirteen electronic databases were searched from their inception to November 2016. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the efficacy of herbal medicines alone or in combination with other Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments for ASD in children were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used and other data analyses were performed using RevMan (Version 5.3). Results. Ten RCTs involving 567 patients with ASD were included for qualitative synthesis. In conjunction with conventional therapy, herbal medicines significantly improved the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score, but the results of effects on total effective rate (TER) were different between the included studies. The use of herbal medicines with integrative therapy improved the CARS score and TER. In the studies that documented adverse events, no serious events were associated with herbal medicines. Conclusions. The efficacy of herbal medicines for the treatment of ASD appears to be encouraging but was inconclusive owing to low methodological quality, herbal medicine diversity, and small sample size of the examined studies.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Equine-Based Therapy in the Treatment of Social and Behavioural Aspects of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney Wiese ◽  
Rebecca Simpson ◽  
Saravana Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Behavioural Aspects

Introduction: Individuals with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with impairments in social interactions, communication, restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. Equine-based therapy is used as a treatment with children with disabilities. There have been no systematic reviews conducted on the effectiveness of equine-based therapy in children with ASD. Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of equine-based therapy on behavioural and social interactions in the treatment of children with ASD. Methods: A systematic search of Cochrane, OT Seeker, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Informit health databases and Proquest central were conducted. Studies of participants, aged 4-16 years, with professional diagnosed ASDs were included if they utilised outcome measures assessing behaviours and social interactions through questionnaire or observation. A critical appraisal, using the McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies, was performed to assess methodological quality. NHMRC body of evidence framework was used to provide the study with an overall grade of recommendation in assessing quality of evidence. Results: Eight studies of varying research designs and methodological quality met the inclusion criteria. The participants in these studies were aged between 4-16 years of age. The duration of the inventions ranged from 6-12 weeks, and each study used varied measures of outcome. Overall, studies showed some improvements in behaviours and social interactions following an equine-based therapy intervention. Conclusions: Few studies have investigated the effect of equine therapy on behaviour and social interactions of children with ASD. The current body of evidence is constrained by small sample size, lack of comparator, crude sampling methods, and the lack of standardised outcome measures. Equine-based therapy shows potential as a treatment method for behaviours and social interactions in children with ASD.

scholarly journals The Roots of Autism and ADHD Twin Study in Sweden (RATSS)

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 164-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sven Bölte ◽  
Charlotte Willfors ◽  
Steve Berggren ◽  
Joakim Norberg ◽  
Lina Poltrago ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Twin Study ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Monozygotic Twins ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Narrow Scope

Neurodevelopmental disorders affect a substantial minority of the general population. Their origins are still largely unknown, but a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors causing disturbances of the central nervous system's maturation and a variety of higher cognitive skills is presumed. Only limited research of rather small sample size and narrow scope has been conducted in neurodevelopmental disorders using a twin-differences design. The Roots of Autism and ADHD Twin Study in Sweden (RATSS) is an ongoing project targeting monozygotic twins discordant for categorical or dimensional autistic and inattentive/hyperactive-impulsive phenotypes as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders, and typically developing twin controls. Included pairs are 9 years of age or older, and comprehensively assessed for psychopathology, medical history, neuropsychology, and dysmorphology, as well as structural, functional, and molecular brain imaging. Specimens are collected for induced pluripotent (iPS) and neuroepithelial stem cells, genetic, gut bacteria, protein-/monoamine, and electron microscopy analyses. RATSS's objective is to generate a launch pad for novel surveys to understand the complexity of genotype-environment-phenotype interactions in autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). By October 2013, RATSS had collected data from 55 twin pairs, among them 10 monozygotic pairs discordant for autism spectrum disorder, seven for ADHD, and four for other neurodevelopmental disorders. This article describes the design, recruitment, data collection, measures, collected pairs’ characteristics, as well as ongoing and planned analyses in RATSS. Potential gains of the study comprise the identification of environmentally mediated biomarkers, the emergence of candidates for drug development, translational modeling, and new leads for prevention of incapacitating outcomes.

Employment programmes and interventions targeting adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of the literature

Autism ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 929-941 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darren Hedley ◽  
Mirko Uljarević ◽  
Lauren Cameron ◽  
Santoshi Halder ◽  
Amanda Richdale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Family System ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Impact

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder face significant challenges entering the workforce; yet research in this area is limited and the issues are poorly understood. In this systematic review, empirical peer-reviewed studies on employment programmes, interventions and employment-related outcomes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder over 18 years with and without intellectual disability were identified and evaluated. The review was prefaced by a summary of previous systematic reviews in the area. Web of Science, Medline, PsychINFO, ERIC and Scopus databases were systematically searched through to October 2015. From 32,829 records identified in the initial search, 10 review and 50 empirical articles, comprising N = 58,134 individuals with autism spectrum disorder, were included in the review. Selected articles were organised into the following themes: employment experiences, employment as a primary outcome, development of workplace skills, non-employment-related outcomes, assessment instruments, employer-focused and economic impact. Empirical studies were limited by poor participant characterisation, small sample size and/or a lack of randomisation and use of appropriate controls. Poor conceptualisation and measurement of outcomes significantly limited study quality and interpretation. Future research will require a multidisciplinary and multifaceted approach to explore employment outcomes on the individual, the family system, co-workers and the employer, along with the impact of individual differences on outcome.

scholarly journals Exploratory Study of Fecal Cortisol, Weight, and Behavior as Measures of Stress and Welfare in Shelter Cats During Assimilation Into Families of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gretchen K. Carlisle ◽  
Rebecca A. Johnson ◽  
Colleen S. Koch ◽  
Leslie A. Lyons ◽  
Ze Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Fecal Cortisol ◽  
Children With Asd

Background: Cats are a common companion animal (CA) in US households, and many live in families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The prevalence of ASD is one in 54, and many children have behavior challenges as well as their diagnostic communication disorders.Objective: Benefits of CAs for children with ASD have been identified, but little is known about the welfare of CAs in these homes. This study explored the welfare of cats (N = 10) screened for ideal social and calm temperament using the Feline Temperament Profile (FTP) and adopted by families of children with ASD.Methods: Cat stress was measured using fecal cortisol, weight, and a behavior stress measure (cat stress score). Measures were taken at baseline in the shelter, 2–3 days after adoption, and at weeks 6, 12, and 18.Result: Outcome measures suggested the adopted cats' stress levels did not increase postadoption; however, the small sample size limited analytical power and generalizability.Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence for the success of cat adoption by families of children with ASD, when cats have been temperament screened and cat behavior educational information is provided. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings.

Interactive video-player to improve social smile in individuals with autism spectrum disorder

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-119
Author(s):  
Vikas Khullar ◽  
Manju Bala ◽  
Harjit Pal Singh
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Interactive Video ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Video Player ◽  
Live Interaction

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose and develop a live interaction-based video player system named LIV4Smile for the improvement of the social smile in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Design/methodology/approach The proposed LIV4Smile intervention was a video player that operated by detecting smile using a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based algorithm. To maintain a live interaction, a CNN-based smile detector was configured and used in this system. The statistical test was also conducted to validate the performance of the system. Findings The significant improvement was observed in smile responses of individuals with ASD with the utilization of the proposed LIV4Smile system in a real-time environment. Research limitations/implications A small sample size and clinical utilizing for validation and initial training of ASD individuals for LIV4Smile could be considered under implications. Originality/value The main aim of this study was to address the inclusive practices for children with autism. The proposed CNN algorithm-based LIV4Smile intervention resulted in high accuracy in facial smile detection.

Herbal Medicine as an Alternative Treatment in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 454-459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francielly Mourao Gasparotto ◽  
Francislaine Aparecida dos Reis Lívero ◽  
Sara Emilia Lima Tolouei Menegati ◽  
Arquimedes Gasparotto Junior
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Alternative Treatment ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder

scholarly journals Possible tics diagnosed as stereotypies in patients with severe autism spectrum disorder: a video-based evaluation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristiano Termine ◽  
Enzo Grossi ◽  
Valentina Anelli ◽  
Ledina Derhemi ◽  
Andrea E. Cavanna
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Severe Autism

Abstract Background The association of stereotypies and tics is not rare in children with severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The differential diagnosis between stereotypies and tics in this patient population can be difficult; however, it could be clinically relevant because of treatment implications. Methods A total of 108 video recordings of repetitive behaviors in young patients with stereotypies in the context of ASD were reviewed by a movement disorders expert and a trainee, in order to assess the prevalence of possible co-morbid tics. The Modified Rush Videotape Rating Scale (MRVS) was used to rate tic frequency and severity. Results Out of 27 patients with stereotypies (24 males; mean age 14 years), 18 (67%) reported possible tics. The most frequently observed tics were eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, neck bending, staring, and throat clearing. The mean MRVS score was 5, indicating mild tic severity. The only significant difference between patients with tics and patients without tics was the total number of stereotypies, which was higher in the subgroup of patients without tics (p = 0.01). Conclusions Expert review of video-recordings of repetitive behaviors in young patients with ASD and stereotypies suggests the possibility of a relatively high rate of co-morbid tics. These findings need to be integrated with a comprehensive clinical assessment focusing on the diagnostic re-evaluation of heterogeneous motor manifestations.

scholarly journals Response (minimum clinically relevant change) in ASD symptoms after an intervention according to CARS-2: consensus from an expert elicitation procedure

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucie Jurek ◽  
Matias Balthazar ◽  
Sheffali Gulati ◽  
Neda Novakovic ◽  
María Núñez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Expert Elicitation ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Initial Finding ◽  
Elicitation Process ◽  
Core Symptoms

AbstractThe lack of consensual measures to monitor core change in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or response to interventions leads to difficulty to prove intervention efficacy on ASD core symptoms. There are no universally accepted outcome measures developed for measuring changes in core symptoms. However, the CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) is one of the outcomes recommended in the EMA Guideline on the clinical development of medicinal products for the treatment of ASD. Unfortunately, there is currently no consensus on the response definition for CARS among individuals with ASD. The aim of this elicitation process was to determine an appropriate definition of a response on the CARS2 scale for interventions in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). An elicitation process was conducted following the Sheffield Elicitation Framework (SHELF). Five experts in the field of ASD and two experts in expert knowledge elicitation participated in an 1-day elicitation workshop. Experts in ASD were previously trained in the SHELF elicitation process and received a dossier of scientific evidence concerning the topic. The response definition was set as the mean clinically relevant improvement averaged over all patients, levels of functioning, age groups ***and clinicians. Based on the scientific evidence and expert judgment, a normal probability distribution was agreed to represent the state of knowledge of this response with expected value 4.03 and standard deviation 0.664. Considering the remaining uncertainty of the estimation and the available literature, a CARS-2 improvement of 4.5 points has been defined as a threshold to conclude to a response after an intervention. A CARS-2 improvement of 4.5 points could be used to evaluate interventions' meaningfulness in indivudals. This initial finding represents an important new benchmark and may aid decision makers in evaluating the efficacy of interventions in ASD.

Dance, functioning and quality of life in children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder dance, functioning and quality of life in Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder

2021 ◽  
pp. 135910452110617
Author(s):  
Evanilza T. Adorno ◽  
Daiany C de J. Dos Santos ◽  
Beatriz M. DeJesus ◽  
Adrielle A. Passos ◽  
Lavínia Teixeira-Machado
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Functional Independence Measure ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Children With Down Syndrome

This study investigated dance practice in psychosocial and functional aspects, and quality of life in children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Children with DS and ASD, between 3 and 12 years old, attended a dance program during 16 sessions/lessons, lasting 60 min, twice a week, in suitable place. Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Childhood Autism Rating Scale SF-36 quality of life survey, and Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Inquiry (KAP Inquiry) were applied before and after dance classes. Eleven participants concluded the study. Functional independence changes were observed in relation to self-care, sphincter control, locomotion, and communication domains. Children’ “quality of life” reported by parents showed changes in functional capacity, vitality, mental health, physical and social aspects, and general state of health domains. These findings suggest that regular dance practice can underlie psychosocial adjustments in children with DS and ASD.

scholarly journals LINE-1 and Alu methylation Signatures in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Function in The Regulation of Autism-Related Genes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thanit Saeliw ◽  
Tiravut Permpoon ◽  
Nutta Iadsee ◽  
Tewin Tencomnao ◽  
Tewarit Sarachana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Global Methylation ◽  
Post Mortem Brain ◽  
Dna Methylation Profiling ◽  
Methylation Profiling

Abstract BackgroundLong interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1) and Alu elements are retrotransposons whose abilities cause abnormal gene expression and genomic instability. Several studies have focused on DNA methylation profiling of gene regions, but the locus-specific methylation of LINE-1 and Alu elements has not been identified in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).MethodsHere, DNA methylation age was predicted using Horvath’s method. We interrogated locus- and family-specific methylation profiles of LINE-1 and Alu elements (22,352 loci) in ASD blood using publicly-available Illumina Infinium 450K methylation datasets from heterogeneous ASD (n = 52), ASD with 16p11.2 del (n = 7), and ASD with Chromodomain Helicase DNA-binding 8 (CHD8) variants (n = 15). The differentially methylated positions of LINE-1 and Alu elements corresponding to genes were combined with transcriptome data from multiple ASD studies. ROC curve was conducted to examine the specificity of target loci.ResultsEpigenetic age acceleration was significantly decelerated in ASD children over the age of 11 years. DNA methylation profiling revealed LINE-1 and Alu methylation signatures in each ASD risk loci by which global methylation were notably hypomethylated exclusively in ASD with CHD8 variants. When LINE-1 and Alu elements were clustered into subfamilies, we found methylation changes in a family-specific manner in L1P, L1H, HAL, AluJ, and AluS families in the heterogeneous ASD and ASD with CHD8 variants. Our results showed that LINE-1 and Alu methylation within target genes is inversely related to the expression level in each ASD variant. Moreover, LINE-1 and Alu methylation signatures can be used to predict ASD individuals from non-ASD.LimitationsIntegration of methylome and transcriptome datasets was performed from different ASD cohorts. The small sample size of the validation cohort used post-mortem brain tissues and necessitates future validation in a larger cohort.ConclusionsThe DNA methylation signatures of the LINE-1 and Alu elements in ASD, as well as their functional impact on ASD-related genes, have been studied. These findings are considered for further research into DNA methylation profiles and the expression of the LINE-1 and Alu elements in post-mortem brain tissue, which has been linked to ASD pathogenesis.

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