scholarly journals Short report on research trends during the COVID-19 pandemic and use of telehealth interventions and remote brain research in children with autism spectrum disorder

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132110047
Author(s):  
Wan-Chun Su ◽  
Sudha Srinivasan ◽  
Corina Cleffi ◽  
Anjana Bhat
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Brain Research ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Short Report ◽  
Online Data ◽  
Neuroimaging Data

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the delivery of face-to-face (F2F) therapeutic interventions and neuroimaging assessments for children with autism spectrum disorder has been disrupted. To resume interventions and assessments, many services are now using telehealth-based online platforms. Using the Zoom conferencing platform, our research group has been providing creative play-based interventions to school-age children with autism spectrum disorder. The feedback on this telehealth intervention experience has been generally positive (mean satisfaction score: 4.4 on a 5-point Likert-type scoring range) and our preliminary data from six children with autism spectrum disorder suggest training-related improvements in gross motor, balance, and imitation skills. Despite the positive results, it remains to be explored if the effects of telehealth interventions are similar to those of F2F interventions. Neuroimaging techniques could provide objective measures of intervention effects. However, this will require researchers to resume neuroimaging research while adopting safe public health protocols to control the risk of COVID-19 transmission. In this short report, we summarize existing safety protocols for F2F neuroimaging research, our own experiences of safely conducting alternative, on-site and off-site neuroimaging data collection, as well as the potential opportunities of using online data sharing and low-cost, remote neuroimaging/electrophysiological techniques to continue brain research during the pandemic. Lay abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruption in F2F healthcare delivery and neuroimaging research, especially when involving vulnerable populations such as children with autism spectrum disorder. Given the easy access to multiple video conferencing platforms, many healthcare services have moved to an online delivery format (i.e. telehealth). It is important to monitor the behavioral and neural effects of telehealth interventions and resume neuroimaging research while adopting public health safety protocols to control the risk of COVID-19 transmission. We summarize existing safety protocols and our own experience from in-person functional near-infrared spectroscopy neuroimaging data collection (on-site, at home, and in outdoor settings), as well as potential opportunities of using online data sharing and low-cost, remote neuroimaging/electrophysiological techniques to continue brain research during the pandemic.

Procedures and compliance of a video modeling applied behavior analysis intervention for Brazilian parents of children with autism spectrum disorders

Autism ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 603-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila F Bagaiolo ◽  
Jair de J Mari ◽  
Daniela Bordini ◽  
Tatiane C Ribeiro ◽  
Maria Carolina C Martone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Applied Behavior Analysis ◽  
Joint Attention ◽  
Video Modeling ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Training Intervention ◽  
Parental Training

Video modeling using applied behavior analysis techniques is one of the most promising and cost-effective ways to improve social skills for parents with autism spectrum disorder children. The main objectives were: (1) To elaborate/describe videos to improve eye contact and joint attention, and to decrease disruptive behaviors of autism spectrum disorder children, (2) to describe a low-cost parental training intervention, and (3) to assess participant’s compliance. This is a descriptive study of a clinical trial for autism spectrum disorder children. The parental training intervention was delivered over 22 weeks based on video modeling. Parents with at least 8 years of schooling with an autism spectrum disorder child between 3 and 6 years old with an IQ lower than 70 were invited to participate. A total of 67 parents fulfilled the study criteria and were randomized into two groups: 34 as the intervention and 33 as controls. In all, 14 videos were recorded covering management of disruptive behaviors, prompting hierarchy, preference assessment, and acquisition of better eye contact and joint attention. Compliance varied as follows: good 32.4%, reasonable 38.2%, low 5.9%, and 23.5% with no compliance. Video modeling parental training seems a promising, feasible, and low-cost way to deliver care for children with autism spectrum disorder, particularly for populations with scarce treatment resources.

scholarly journals “Mom Let’s Go to the Dentist!” Preliminary Feasibility of a Tailored Dental Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Italian Public Health Service

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Narzisi ◽  
Mariasole Bondioli ◽  
Francesca Pardossi ◽  
Lucia Billeci ◽  
Maria Claudia Buzzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Public Health Service ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Medical Setting

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show worse oral health than their peers. Their access to health services is, at present, inadequate: few high-quality interventions have been designed and implemented to improve their care procedures so far. The purpose of this study is to describe an experience of dental care supported by Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), for children with ASD in a public health service. In our study, 59 children (mean age 9.9 years; SD = 5.43) participated in the MyDentist project. It integrates classic dental care techniques with new practices for desensitization and fear control, delivered through an enhanced customized ICT-based intervention aiming at familiarizing the child with ASD with the medical setting and procedures. Two questionnaires were filled out by parents to describe the acceptability of the MyDentist experience for their children. Significant results were shown from T0 (before initiating MyDentist) to T1 (after 6 months of the MyDentist experience) regarding improved oral hygiene and cooperation during dental treatments. Families positively assessed the use of ICT support. In conclusion, the project demonstrated acceptability by parents, suggesting that public health dental care and prevention can be successfully implemented without resorting to costly pharmacological interventions (with potential side effects), taking better care of children’s health.

scholarly journals Autism : The Challengeand Global Autism Public Health (Gaph) Initiative : Bangladesh

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-6
Author(s):  
Basana Rani Muhuri
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Symptoms ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Number Of Children

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental neurological disorder characterized by deficits in social behavior & communication, and a restricted range of activities. ASD transcends social, cultural & geographic boundaries. At least 1 in 150 individuals are affected with autism. In Bangladesh there has been a dramatic increase in the visible number of children with Autism. It is estimated by the Ministry of Social welfare that the total number could be as high as 1.4 million, of whom only a few hundred have been diagnosed. Another estimation is that 1 in every 500 children in Bangladesh has Autism, meaning that the approximate number of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Bangladesh is no less than 280,000. Autism symptoms range from mild to severe. Some individuals have strong intellectual & languagd abilities, whereas others require lifelong care. Many suffers from medical  problems along with autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics (composed of over 60,000 pediatrician) has recommended mandatory autism screening for all children between 18 and 24 months of age because there is compelling evidence that early intervention can result in significant gains in language and cognitive and impact long term outcome. A major barrier to improve the health & wellbeing of children and families touched by autism is the lack of knowledge and expertise. This limits access to care & early intervention and impedes the development of appropriate public health programs that can improve the quality of life for individuals with ASD & their families. These challenges are further complicated by a shortage of experts & trained professionals. JCMCTA 2012; 23(1): 2-6

Randomized pilot study of a special education advocacy program for Latinx/minority parents of children with autism spectrum disorder

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132199856
Author(s):  
Paul Luelmo ◽  
Connie Kasari ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Special Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Parent Advocacy ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Racial Ethnic

This study reports on a randomized controlled pilot intervention study examining the effectiveness and feasibility of a low-intensity (i.e. three sessions), low-cost, parent advocacy intervention. The intervention study employed community-partnered research methods and targeted a low-income community of mostly Latinx, immigrant-origin parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. The study was designed to test a parent-to-parent advocacy mentorship program in order to increase parent’s special education advocacy knowledge and empowerment. The educational intervention was delivered in Spanish to Spanish-speaking parents. Results indicated significantly increased in parent’s knowledge in the immediate intervention group, but this knowledge did not lead to greater sense of parent’s empowerment. Increases in knowledge about special education rights of their children are the first step toward advocating for services for their children. While parents from low-income, racial/ethnic minority backgrounds, particularly Latinx parents, can significantly increase their advocacy skills with a low-intensity, low-cost program, they may need more support in changing their self-perceptions of empowerment and advocacy. Lay abstract Persistent racial and ethnic disparities in obtaining an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and services have been documented for Latinx children and other racial/ethnic minorities. This study reports on an educational intervention examining the effectiveness and feasibility of a low-intensity (i.e. three sessions), low-cost, parent advocacy for Latinx and other minority parents of children with autism. Results indicated significantly increased parental knowledge and in the immediate intervention group, but this knowledge did not lead to greater empowerment. While parents from low-income, racial/ethnic minority backgrounds, particularly Latinx parents, can significantly increase their advocacy skills with a low-intensity, low-cost program, they may need more support in changing their self-perceptions of empowerment and advocacy.

Short report: Evaluating the safety and usability of head-mounted virtual reality compared to monitor-displayed video for children with autism spectrum disorder

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1924-1929 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahan Malihi ◽  
Jenny Nguyen ◽  
Robyn E Cardy ◽  
Salina Eldon ◽  
Catharine Petta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Short Report ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Head Mounted Display ◽  
The Impact

Virtual reality provides a relatively inexpensive way to learn and repeatedly practice skills in personalized, controlled, and safe computer-generated settings. These systems are increasingly receiving attention as an innovative medium for delivering interventions to children with autism spectrum disorder. Although many virtual reality systems are commercially available and their use is increasing, little is known about the safety and usability of these systems for children with autism spectrum disorder. The aim of this study was a first step in addressing this gap. A convenience sample of 35 children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder participated in an immersive head-mounted display virtual reality experience and a control condition (monitor-displayed video). Levels of anxiety and negative effects experienced were not significantly different between the two conditions. Participants reported significantly enhanced spatial presence (p = 0.003; d = 0.3) and naturalness (p = 0.002; d = 0.47) for the head-mounted display–virtual reality condition, and 74% of participants preferred using head-mounted display–virtual reality over monitor-displayed video. These findings provide preliminary evidence to support the safety and usability of head-mounted display–virtual reality for children with autism spectrum disorder. Future studies are needed to replicate the results in a larger sample, a range of virtual reality experiences, and in the context of long-term exposure. Lay abstract This study investigated the safety and usability of a virtual reality experience for children with autism spectrum disorder in a laboratory setting. In our study, the negative effects of head-mounted display–virtual reality were similar to monitor-displayed video watching. At the same time, the participants indicated that the head-mounted display–virtual reality experience provided improved realism and sense of presence. This study is a first step in understanding the impact of head-mounted display on children with autism spectrum disorder.

Short report: Development and utility of the Family-Centered Autism Navigation interview

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 136236132097289
Author(s):  
Kris Pizur-Barnekow ◽  
Amy C Lang ◽  
Brian Barger
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Systems Of Care ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Short Report ◽  
The Family ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
Family Centered

Navigating various systems, resources, and supports available for families of children with autism spectrum disorder is challenging. Family navigation is a potentially important support system for families of children with autism spectrum disorder. Family navigators are professionals who engage with families to enhance access to early identification and intervention services via shared navigation plans that help meet the family’s priorities and goals when navigating systems of support. Systematic processes and tools facilitating the development of a shared navigation plan with families following diagnosis are currently limited. This short report describes product development of the Family-Centered Autism Navigation using quality improvement methods including Lean Launch and qualitative methodology. Lay abstract When a parent learns of their child’s autism diagnosis, they may be overwhelmed, confused, and frustrated. Family navigation services are designed to improve access to care. While these services are a promising intervention to enhance well-being and developmental outcomes, there are limited tools that can systematically facilitate the development of a shared navigation plan that prioritizes the concerns of the family. The Family-Centered Autism Navigation semi-structured interview guide is designed for family navigators to triage and prioritize caregiver’s needs to coordinate and navigate systems of care after learning of their child’s autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. The goals of the Family-Centered Autism Navigation interview are to (1) identify family and child strengths; (2) identify family/caregiver concerns regarding navigation of services and systems following their child’s diagnosis of autism; (3) measure change in caregiver knowledge, ability and skill as it relates to understanding, remembering, and evaluating information they receive; and (4) assist with the development of a shared navigation plan. When using the Family-Centered Autism Navigation guide, family navigators and caregivers co-create a family-centered, prioritized action plan that supports and prepares caregivers as they navigate systems of care. This short report describes the development process of the Family-Centered Autism Navigation semi-structured interview guide. We utilized brief interviews ( n = 42), expert feedback ( n = 13), and quality improvement strategies ( n = 2 family navigators) to develop the questions and determine the usability of the Family-Centered Autism Navigation interview in practice.

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