scholarly journals A pediatric patient with autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy using cannabinoid extracts as complementary therapy: a case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Andrea Ponton ◽  
Kim Smyth ◽  
Elias Soumbasis ◽  
Sergio Andres Llanos ◽  
Mark Lewis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Complementary Therapy ◽  
Selective Mutism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Symptoms ◽  
Social Deficits ◽  
Clinical Role ◽  
Positive Effects

Abstract Background The pharmacological treatment for autism spectrum disorders is often poorly tolerated and has traditionally targeted associated conditions, with limited benefit for the core social deficits. We describe the novel use of a cannabidiol-based extract that incidentally improved core social deficits and overall functioning in a patient with autism spectrum disorder, at a lower dose than has been previously reported in autism spectrum disorder. Case presentation The parents of a 15-year-old boy, of South African descent, with autism spectrum disorder, selective mutism, anxiety, and controlled epilepsy, consulted a medical cannabis physician to trial cannabis extract to replace seizure medications. Incidentally, at a very low cannabidiol-based extract dose, he experienced unanticipated positive effects on behavioral symptoms and core social deficits. Conclusion This case report provides evidence that a lower than previously reported dose of a phytocannabinoid in the form of a cannabidiol-based extract may be capable of aiding in autism spectrum disorder-related behavioral symptoms, core social communication abilities, and comorbid anxiety, sleep difficulties, and weight control. Further research is needed to elucidate the clinical role and underlying biological mechanisms of action of cannabidiol-based extract in patients with autism spectrum disorder.

Enhancing Sexual Awareness in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
pp. 79-98
Author(s):  
Stefanos Plexousakis ◽  
Maria Georgiadi ◽  
Constantinos Halkiopoulos ◽  
Evgenia Gkintoni ◽  
Elias Kourkoutas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Deficits ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
The Family

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves difficulties in communication, relationships, and social interactions. Social deficits, in conjunction with sensory issues, can provoke several difficulties regarding the capacity of a child to be engaged in a relationship. The present study is a case report that outlines the implementation of a sex educational program, aiming at increasing participant awareness and the ability to improve/establish relationships. Findings also revealed the need for early intervention on issues regarding sex education and the involvement of the family of children with ASD.

Autism spectrum disorder in a patient with genetic mosaicism: case report

2017 ◽  
Vol Ano 7 ◽  
pp. 38-41
Author(s):  
Ana Sofia Pontes Trillo ◽  
Mariana Gianola Arruda ◽  
Camila Fernandes Bonifácio Jubara ◽  
Isabela Mosconi Caldas ◽  
Sonia Maria Motta Palma
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Genetic Mosaicism

O presente relato descreve o caso de um paciente com transtorno do espectro autista (TEA) associado ao mosaicismo genético 46XY, uma condição rara e pouco relatada. Os autores descrevem a evolução do paciente e discutem a literatura sobre anomalias cromossônicas associadas ao TEA. Conclui-se enfatizando que a avaliação clínica de cada caso de TEA deveria contemplar sempre aspectos neurológicos, psiquiátricos e genéticos.

The Dopamine Hypothesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Revisited: Current Status and Future Prospects

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Denis Pavăl ◽  
Ioana Valentina Micluția
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Dopaminergic System ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Social Deficits ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Autistic Behavior ◽  
Stereotyped Behaviors ◽  
Dopamine Hypothesis

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social deficits and stereotyped behaviors. Despite intensive research, its etiopathogenesis remains largely unclear. Although studies consistently reported dopaminergic anomalies, a coherent dopaminergic model of ASD was lacking until recently. In 2017, we provided a theoretical framework for a “dopamine hypothesis of ASD” which proposed that autistic behavior arises from a dysfunctional midbrain dopaminergic system. Namely, we hypothesized that malfunction of 2 critical circuits originating in the midbrain, that is, the mesocorticolimbic and nigrostriatal pathways, generates the core behavioral features of ASD. Moreover, we provided key predictions of our model along with testing means. Since then, a notable number of studies referenced our work and numerous others provided support for our model. To account for these developments, we review all these recent data and discuss their implications. Furthermore, in the light of these new insights, we further refine and reconceptualize our model, debating on the possibility that various etiologies of ASD converge upon a dysfunctional midbrain dopaminergic system. In addition, we discuss future prospects, providing new means of testing our hypothesis, as well as its limitations. Along these lines, we aimed to provide a model which, if confirmed, could provide a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis of ASD along with new therapeutic strategies.

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 Gender Differences in Psychological Symptoms and Psychotherapeutic Processes in Japanese Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (23) ◽  
pp. 9113
Author(s):  
Toshio Kawai ◽  
Yuka Suzuki ◽  
Chihiro Hatanaka ◽  
Hisae Konakawa ◽  
Yasuhiro Tanaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Selective Mutism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Japanese Children ◽  
Epidemiological Surveys

Gender differences have been documented in the prevalence of psychological symptoms. Tic disorders and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more common in male clinical samples, while selective mutism and trichotillomania are more common in female clinical samples. In a review of 84 published case studies of Japanese children, this study explored gender differences in the prevalence of four categories of symptoms and expressions made in therapy for tics, selective mutism, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and trichotillomania. Case studies were evaluated using both qualitative coding and statistical analysis. The findings were mostly consistent with epidemiological surveys and empirical research on adults. The gender differences in symptom prevalence and their expression could be summarized as differences in more direct aggression for boys versus indirect aggression for girls. The objective and progress in the therapy were to control impulsive energy for boys and to express energy for girls.

Assessment and Treatment of Selective Mutism in a Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
pp. 153465012098345
Author(s):  
Mirela Cengher ◽  
Joy C. Clayborne ◽  
Adrianna E. Crouch ◽  
Julia T. O’Connor
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Selective Mutism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Assessment And Treatment

Over 60% of children diagnosed with selective mutism are also diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Previous research established that behavioral interventions are effective at increasing speech in children with both diagnoses. However, few studies conducted assessments to determine environmental variables that inhibit speech, and such assessments are necessary for the development of effective and efficient treatments. This case study describes an assessment that evaluated the function(s) of selective mutism. The results confirmed that the participant did not talk to avoid social interaction and that mutism occurred primarily in the presence of multiple, unfamiliar people. Our first treatment focused on increasing tolerance for social interaction, demonstrated by an increase in speech production in the presence of unfamiliar people. Our second treatment focused on increasing qualitative aspects of the participant’s speech (i.e., both responses and initiations). Finally, we taught the participant’s parents to implement the treatment in naturalistic settings, and the participant demonstrated generalization of treatment effects across people and settings. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

scholarly journals Gut Bacteria Shared by Children and Their Mothers Associate with Developmental Level and Social Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder

mSphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Chen ◽  
Hui Fang ◽  
Chunyan Li ◽  
Guojun Wu ◽  
Ting Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Gut Bacteria ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Developmental Level ◽  
Social Deficits ◽  
Microbial Structure

Gut microbiota may contribute to the pathogenesis and development of autism spectrum disorder. The maternal gut microbiota influences offspring gut microbial structure and composition.

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