Effects of a Multicomponent Peer Mediated Intervention on Social Communication of Preschoolers With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
pp. 001440292095376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana D. Dueñas ◽  
Joshua B. Plavnick ◽  
Howard Goldstein
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Probe Design ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Social Initiations ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Peer Mediated Intervention

The absence of direct intervention and peer and staff training can contribute to social isolation in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Effective interventions are needed to realize the benefits of inclusive education. This study examines the effects of a multicomponent, peer-mediated intervention on the social communication behaviors of children with ASD and their typical peers in inclusive preschool classrooms. A multiple-probe design across three dyads was used to examine the effects of the multicomponent intervention on social initiations and social communication exchanges. Improved social communication exchanges between children with ASD and their peers resulted for each dyad. In contrast to previous research, children with ASD demonstrated increased social initiations but less positive effects for social responses. The study contributes to an emerging body of literature that examines the effects of multicomponent peer-mediated interventions on social communication among preschool children with ASD.

Can pictorial narration offer a solution to teacher training on the effective inclusion of students with autism spectrum disorder in low-resource settings? Investigation on knowledge and stigma change

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132098489
Author(s):  
Hui Min Low ◽  
Tze Peng Wong ◽  
Lay Wah Lee ◽  
Somchay Makesavanh ◽  
Bountheing Vongsouangtham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Teacher Training ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Students With Autism ◽  
Effective Inclusion

The main aim of this article is to explore whether pictorial narration could offer a solution to teacher training on the effective inclusion of students with autism spectrum disorder in a low-resource context in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. For this purpose, pre- and post-training knowledge data were collected from 87 Laotian teachers who participated in teacher training using a pictorial narrative e-module called The Story of KhamdyTM. The teacher training included a half-day orientation workshop, followed by 4 weeks of online learning. Statistically significant improvement in autism spectrum disorder knowledge and reduction in autism spectrum disorder stigma was recorded for the teachers after completing the teacher training. The findings on social validity pointed to high acceptance toward the pictorial narrative method and the content designed for the purpose of this training. The teachers’ acceptance of the training method was found to have positive effects on their knowledge changes in the diagnosis and etiology aspects of autism spectrum disorder knowledge. The findings supported the use of a pictorial narration approach in imparting knowledge about inclusive education and autism spectrum disorder to teachers in a least developed country. The findings offered insights to explain the knowledge change and stigma reduction recorded. Lay abstract In this study, we explored whether pictorial narration could offer a solution to teacher training on effective inclusion of students with autism spectrum disorder in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. For this purpose, pre- and post-training knowledge data were collected from 87 Laotian teachers who participated in teacher training using a pictorial narrative e-module called The Story of KhamdyTM. The teachers’ knowledge test results and feedback were analyzed. The findings indicated that teachers’ acceptance toward the training method had positive effects on their knowledge changes and supported the use of a pictorial narration approach in imparting knowledge about inclusive education and autism spectrum disorder to teachers in a least developed country.

scholarly journals Fostering Emotion Recognition in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (10) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Vinícius Silva ◽  
Filomena Soares ◽  
João Sena Esteves ◽  
Cristina P. Santos ◽  
Ana Paula Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Emotion Recognition ◽  
Facial Expressions ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
Robotic Platform ◽  
Children With Asd

Facial expressions are of utmost importance in social interactions, allowing communicative prompts for a speaking turn and feedback. Nevertheless, not all have the ability to express themselves socially and emotionally in verbal and non-verbal communication. In particular, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are characterized by impairments in social communication, repetitive patterns of behaviour, and restricted activities or interests. In the literature, the use of robotic tools is reported to promote social interaction with children with ASD. The main goal of this work is to develop a system capable of automatic detecting emotions through facial expressions and interfacing them with a robotic platform (Zeno R50 Robokind® robotic platform, named ZECA) in order to allow social interaction with children with ASD. ZECA was used as a mediator in social communication activities. The experimental setup and methodology for a real-time facial expression (happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and neutral) recognition system was based on the Intel® RealSense™ 3D sensor and on facial features extraction and multiclass Support Vector Machine classifier. The results obtained allowed to infer that the proposed system is adequate in support sessions with children with ASD, giving a strong indication that it may be used in fostering emotion recognition and imitation skills.

scholarly journals Incorporating a Peer-Mediated Approach Into Speech-Generating Device Intervention: Effects on Communication of Preschoolers With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (8) ◽  
pp. 2045-2061 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathy Thiemann-Bourque ◽  
Sarah Feldmiller ◽  
Lesa Hoffman ◽  
Stacy Johner
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Experimental Treatment ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomized Control Trial Design ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Speech Generating Device ◽  
Business As Usual

PurposeThis study examined the effects of incorporating a peer-mediated approach into a speech-generating device (SGD) intervention on communication of 45 nonverbal and minimally verbal preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 95 peers without disabilities. The SGD was an iPad 2 (Apple) with voice output app.MethodEffects were evaluated using a multivariate randomized control trial design with repeated measures for 4 cohorts across baseline, intervention, generalization, and maintenance phases. Children were randomly assigned to an experimental treatment that trained peers on use of the SGD or a business-as-usual comparison condition with untrained peers. Communication outcomes were measured for both children with ASD and peers.ResultsChildren receiving the treatment demonstrated significant increases in rates of communication and more balanced responses and initiations (a measure of reciprocity) than children in the comparison group. They were able to generalize improvements and maintain communication gains. Treatment fidelity was high for school staff and peer implementation.ConclusionsResults support positive effects on communication of teaching young children with ASD and peers without disabilities to use the same SGD system in typical preschool activities. SGD interventions that utilize peer-mediated approaches may improve core deficits in communication and reciprocity and allow for greater classroom social participation and interactions with peers.

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 Including Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Regular Schools: A Mother’s Perspective

2020 ◽  
pp. 137-142
Author(s):  
Low Hui Min ◽  
Lee Lay Wah
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Learning Aids ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Students With Autism

Since the implementation of 'Educational Blueprint 2013-2025' and 'Zero Reject Policy' in Malaysia, there are increasingly efforts from the Malaysian Ministry of Education to include students with Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) into regular mainstream education. A case study investigation was conducted with a mother with two children with different severity levels of ASD. In a semi-structured interview, the mother described her experiences and aspirations of education arrangements for both her children. Through the eyes of a mother, we find a strong belief that children with ASD could learn like others when given adequate opportunities and learning aids. This unique case study offers an archetypical representation of issues and challenges faced by parents of children with ASD in Malaysia, in advocating for inclusive education for their children.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of Play-Based Interventions Targeting the Social Communication Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Educational Contexts

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina O’Keeffe ◽  
Sinéad McNally
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Communication Skills ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
The Social

AbstractChildren with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience social communication difficulties which can be compounded by increased social demands and expectations of the school environment. Play offers a unique context for social communication development in educational settings. This systematic review aimed to synthesize play-based interventions for the social communication skills of children with ASD in educational contexts and identified nine studies. Overall, studies in this review provided a promising evidence base for supporting social communication skills through play in education for children with ASD. The review also highlighted gaps in research on play-based interventions for the social communication skills of children with ASD within naturalistic educational settings.

scholarly journals Health care providers’ awareness on medical management of children with autism spectrum disorder: cross-sectional study in Russia

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. O. Mukhamedshina ◽  
R. A. Fayzullina ◽  
I. A. Nigmatullina ◽  
C. S. Rutland ◽  
V. V. Vasina
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Medical Management ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Children With Asd

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental range of conditions that involves difficulties with social interaction and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Unfortunately, health care providers often experience difficulties in diagnosis and management of individuals with ASD, and may have no knowledge about possible ways to overcome barriers in ASD patient interactions in healthcare settings. At the same time, the provision of appropriate medical services can have positive effects on habilitative progress, functional outcome, life expectancy and quality of life for individuals with ASD. Methods This online survey research study evaluated the awareness and experience of students/residents (n = 247) and physicians (n = 100) in the medical management of children with ASD. It also gathered the views and experiences of caregivers to children with ASD (n = 158), all based in Russia. Results We have established that the Russian medical community has limited ASD knowledge among providers, and have suggested possible reasons for this. Based on results from online surveys completed by students/residents, non-psychiatric physicians, and caregivers of children diagnosed with ASD, the main problems pertaining to medical management of individuals with ASD were identified. Possible problem solving solutions within medical practice were proposed. Conclusions The results from this study should be considered when implementing measures to improve healthcare practices, and when developing models for effective medical management, due to start not only in Russia but also in a number of other countries.

scholarly journals Priming the Pathway: Combining Oxytocin and Behavioral Intervention to Improve Outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Kuhl Meltzoff Stavropoulos ◽  
Elizabeth Baker
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Intervention ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Restricted Interests ◽  
Children With Asd

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social-communication deficits and the presence of restricted interests and/or repetitive behaviors. There are currently no psychopharmacological agents approved to treat core symptoms of ASD. As such, behavioral interventions are the most effective method for improving symptoms. In the current chapter, we propose that administering the neuropeptide oxytocin in conjunction with evidence-based behavioral interventions may lead to improved outcomes in social-communication for children with ASD. From a mechanistic perspective, we hypothesize that oxytocin may “prime” social reward circuitry in the brain, thereby allowing behavioral interventions designed to increase social motivation/initiation to be more effective. Extant literature related to theories of ASD, oxytocin administration in children with ASD, and behavioral intervention outcomes are reviewed, and considerations for individual characteristics (e.g., genetics, oxytocin availability, age, behavioral profile, etc.) that may affect efficacy are discussed.

scholarly journals Social Communication and pragmatic skills of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Language Disorder

CoDAS ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Vasconcelos Rocha Hage ◽  
Lidiane Yumi Sawasaki ◽  
Yvette Hyter ◽  
Fernanda Dreux Miranda Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Language Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Pragmatic Language ◽  
Developmental Language Disorder ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Social Communicative

ABSTRACT Purpose to assess the pragmatic and social communicative abilities of children with Typical Language Development (TLD), Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Methods Participants were 40 parents and 29 teachers of 40 children ages between 3 and 6 years. Ten children had DLD, ten had ASD and 20 had typical development. All participants answered to the questionnaire of the “Assessment of Pragmatic Language and Social Communication – APLSC – parent and professional reports – beta research version. Data were submitted to statistical analysis. Results The assessment tool was useful in identifying the difference in performance of children with different social communicative profiles. Conclusion Children with ASD presented social and pragmatic impairments that were more significant than those presented by children with DLD. However, both children with ASD and with DLD presented more social pragmatic difficulties than children with TLD.

scholarly journals “They Just Want Us to Exist as a Trash Can”: Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Perspectives to School-Based Bullying Victimization

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Zhang ◽  
Chun Chen
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Bullying Prevention ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Bullying Victimization ◽  
School Based ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Inclusive Education Policy

AbstractLittle is known about parents’ perspectives on school-based bullying victimization of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in China. This study began by interviewing 16 parents about their experiences with their children (7 to 15 years old) at school in China under the inclusive education policy. Most of the parents’ responses indicated the existence and the severity of school-based bullying victimization of their children with ASD. Our findings indicated that bullying victimization at school was a concern for children with ASD and their parents were frequently victimized. Parents reported that they dealt with bullying victims at school independently and tended to hold a pessimistic view about their bullying victimization. The study highlights the importance of incorporating parents’ voices in understanding bullying victimization of students with ASD and proposing potential implications in bullying prevention and advocacy with this group of students in mainstream schools in China.

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