scholarly journals Efficacy and safety of microbiota transfer therapy for the management of autism spectrum disorder in children: a systematic review

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 48
Author(s):  
Pablo Daniel Estrella Porter ◽  
Luis Eduardo Guzmán Freire ◽  
Joseth Paulina Adatty Molina ◽  
María Verónica Burneo Raza ◽  
Henry Alejandro Carrión Celi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Nervous System Development ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Level Of Evidence

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with an unclear etiologic mechanism. Following suggestions in the literature of a close relation between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system development, neuroimmune and neuroendocrine systems, new theories and strategies of the management of ASD in children focus on the brain-gut axis via microbiota transfer therapy. Despite the regular appearance in the news, the level of evidence supporting this intervention is unclear and to this date, no systematic review on this issue has been published. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review of the efficacy and safety of microbiota transfer therapy for the management of ASD in children. MEDLINE via PubMed, LILACS IBECS via BVS, EMBASE via Ovid, Scopus and Cochrane Library were searched on 19th April 2018. Results: One single study published in 2017 was identified. The intervention group included 18 patients and showed significant clinical improvements in the gastrointestinal and ASD-related symptoms. The clinical procedure was reported as safe and well-tolerated with some transitory adverse effects. Conclusions: The causality and correlation of the intervention and the expected outcomes cannot be assumed with current evidence. In addition, recommendations about the effectiveness or safety of microbiota transfer therapy in children with ASD cannot be currently issued. Randomized controlled trials and clinical protocols for the intervention are needed.

scholarly journals Randomised controlled trials of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications for people with autism spectrum disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shoumitro Deb ◽  
Meera Roy ◽  
Rachel Lee ◽  
Madiha Majid ◽  
Bharati Limbu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background Although widely used, the current evidence for the efficacy of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is limited and conflicting. Aims We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials that assessed the effectiveness of these medications in people with ASD. Method We searched the following databases: Cochrane Library, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC, DARE and ClinicalTrials.gov. Additionally, we hand-searched 11 relevant journals. We used the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and Jadad score to assess the quality of each included study. We carried out a meta-analysis using a random effects model. Results We included 15 randomised controlled trials (13 on antidepressants and two on anti-anxiety medications) for a total of 958 people with ASD. Data showed contradictory findings among the studies, with larger studies mostly showing a non-significant difference in outcomes between the treatment and the placebo groups. Meta-analysis of pooled Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and Clinical Global Impression Scale data from nine studies (60%) did not show any statistically significant inter-group difference on either of the outcome measures. The adverse effects reported were mild and, in most studies, their rates did not show any significant inter-group difference. Conclusions Given the methodological flaws in the most included studies and contradictory findings, it is difficult to draw any definitive conclusion about the effectiveness of either antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications to treat either ASD core symptoms or associated behaviours. Robust, large-scale, randomised controlled trials are needed to address this issue.

Parent Physical Activity: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Norah L. Johnson ◽  
Abir K. Bekhet ◽  
Rachel Sawdy ◽  
Emily Zint ◽  
June Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Barriers To Physical Activity

Background: The aims of this review were to describe exercise interventions, facilitators, and barriers to physical activity for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Methods: A systematic review of the literature, appraising the validity of each article with Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt’s level of evidence, from different databases CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO, PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science between 2000 and 2020 was conducted. As the initial search revealed no articles on exercise interventions and only 2 articles with children with autism spectrum disorder, the aim was widened to all parents of children. Results: Forty-five articles were identified on barriers to physical activity including being the primary caregiving parent, perception of guilt and selfishness, and adhering to exercise programs they do as part of research, once research ends. Facilitators for physical activity including parents being more likely to exercise if they can bring their child with them and parents preferring exercise that is a lifelong habit, such as walking. Conclusions: Due to the lack of research on parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, recommendations include development and testing of interventions for parents of children with this condition including family-based exercise interventions where children and parents have a choice to exercise together.

scholarly journals Parental Competence in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Mohammadi ◽  
Mahnaz Rakhshan ◽  
Zahra Molazem ◽  
Mark Gillespie
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Main Element ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Parenting Competence ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Parental Competence

Objective. This work aimed to define and assess the parental competence of parents with autistic children.Methods. This study was conducted through a systematic review. The search was done in databases, including Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, Science Direct, Wiley Scopus, Pro Quest, Web of Science, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and Ovid by using keywords, like “children, autism, parenting, competence, and scale” from 1974 to 2019. Inclusion criteria were that the article should be quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies in nursing, psychology, and medicine; the full text of the article should be available and the article should be in English or Persian.Results. Competence among these parents was affected by more factors and they reported lower competence compared to other parents. Moreover, only two instruments were available to assess parenting competence, which were not designed for parents of autistic children. Variables and factors affecting parenting competence has not been examined well in parents of children with autism, and no specialized instrument is available to evaluate parenting competence in parents with autistic children either.Conclusion. Although parental competence has been known as the main element to improve the quality of care, it has been studied restrictively from the viewpoints of the parents of children with autism. Therefore, the development of this concept is highly essential for clinical application and investigating its outcomes support.Descriptors: autistic disorder; child; parents; systematic review.How to cite this article: Mohammadi F, Rakhshan M, Molazem Z, Gillespie M. Parental Competence in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Invest. Educ. Enferm. 2019; 37(3):e03. 

scholarly journals AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ABOUT NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTIONS

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Albernaz Monteiro ◽  
Andressa Assumpção Abreu dos Santos ◽  
Lidiane Martins Mendes Gomes ◽  
Rosane Valéria Viana Fonseca Rito
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Nutritional Interventions ◽  
Adolescents With Autism

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify and analyze the scientific evidence of nutritional interventions performed in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Data sources: A systematic review was conducted in the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, LILACS, Google Scholar, PubMed, PsycINFO and Periódicos CAPES databases, using a search strategy to identify studies published between January 2003 and March 2018, in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Were included studies that described nutritional interventions in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and assessed autistic behavior and/or gastrointestinal symptoms. We excluded other review articles and studies that did not include a control group in the research design. The studies were reviewed for descriptive information, and the quality of evidence was assessed through the GRADE system. Data synthesis: 18 studies were included in the review, being 16 randomized clinical trials, 1 case-control study and 1 open-label trial. As a result, the implementation of a gluten-free and casein-free diet was the most used intervention among the studies. Of the total, 10 studies showed a positive association of intervention with the evaluated results, while 8 did not find of a significant association. Conclusions: Although some authors report progress in the symptoms associated with autism in individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder undergoing nutritional interventions, there is little scientific evidence to support the use of nutritional supplements or dietary therapies in children and adolescents with autism.

scholarly journals Effects of Non-Invasive Neurostimulation on Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Protocol for a Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiawei Zhang ◽  
Hao Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Invasive Neurostimulation

Abstract Background Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by characteristic impairments in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive behavior. There is a continued need for exploring effective interventions and evaluating treatment options for ASD. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are non-invasive neurostimulation techniques which have shown clinical benefits in adult psychiatric conditions. While in ASD patients, no guideline has so-far recommended on the application of NIBS due to a lack of high-quality synthetic evidence. Therefore, objective of this study will be to systematically evaluate the evidence on clinical effects of non-invasive neurostimulation in patients with ASD. Methods We designed and registered a study protocol for a systematic review. A comprehensive search from database inception onwards will be conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane library. Randomized and non-randomized sham-controlled studies assessing the effects of noninvasive neurostimulation in patients with ASD will be identified. Eligibility of citations retrieved will be independently screened by two reviewers. The risk of bias and quality of included studies will be appraised using appropriate tools. A narrative synthesis around the features of the evidences will provided. There may be a chance for meta-analysis to pool the estimates of studies included if three studies or more meet the requirements for meta-analysis. If so, a random-effects model maybe applied. And we will evaluate heterogeneity between studies using the I² statistic. Discussion This systematic review will provide a broad and comprehensive evaluation of the evidence on clinical effects of TMS and tDCS in patients with ASD. Our findings will be reported according to the PRISMA guidelines and may add more confidence when healthcare professionals are making informed decisions about the choice of this therapy. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Systematic review registration: Submitted to PROSPERO, 20/11/2021

Mobile device applications and treatment of autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness

2019 ◽  
Vol 105 (5) ◽  
pp. 458-462
Author(s):  
Sun Jae Moon ◽  
Jinseub Hwang ◽  
Harrison Scott Hill ◽  
Ryan Kervin ◽  
Kirstin Brown Birtwell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Mobile Device ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Fine Motor ◽  
Device Applications

ObjectiveThe current study was performed to assess the evidence for effects of therapeutic intervention with mobile device applications (apps) for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).DesignThe main methodology of the current study was systematic review with meta-analysis.SettingOnly randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for mobile device apps for individuals with ASD were considered for review in the current study.PatientsThe target population was individuals clinically diagnosed with ASD.InterventionsApplications that are operable on a smart (mobile) device and interactive with users.Main outcome measuresThe main outcomes were based on standardised mean differences in pretrial and post-trial scales in each control and intervention group.ResultsOut of a total of 1100 studies (after duplicate removal), 7 RCTs were selected for final analysis. Of the seven studies, two RCTs were further analysed for effects based on the visual and fine motor subscales of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, which favoured the intervention groups (standardised mean difference (SMD)=0.41, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.80; SMD=0.41, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.80), without either having any heterogeneity (p>0.1) or publication bias.ConclusionsAlthough it is still early to draw a conclusion, available studies are showing promise for use of mobile device apps for treatment of individuals with ASD. More well-designed and large-scale studies focused on improving behavioural symptoms of ASD are warranted.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019128362.

scholarly journals Maternal excessive gestational weight gain as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder in offspring: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sorayya Kheirouri ◽  
Mohammad Alizadeh
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Gestational Weight Gain ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Gestational Weight ◽  
Excessive Gestational Weight Gain ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Abnormal gestational weight gain (GWG) is a prenatal complication that may contribute to long-term behavioral and neurodevelopmental differences in offspring. This systematic review summarizes research on the association between maternal GWG and risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. Methods Google and electronic databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar, were searched for original human studies published in English through June 2020. Articles that examined the association between GWG and risk of ASD in offspring were included. Duplicate and irrelevant studies were removed; and data were obtained through critical analysis. Results Of 96 articles searched, eight studies were included in the final review. All studies (n = 7) investigating the association of maternal excessive GWG with risk of ASD in offspring indicated that high GWG was independently associated with an increased risk of ASD. Of five studies investigating the association of inadequate GWG with the risk of ASD, four indicated that low GWG was not associated with an increased risk of ASD. Of seven studies examining the association of maternal pre-pregnancy BMI or weight with the risk of ASD, five reported that maternal pre-pregnancy BMI or weight did not appear to be independently associated with risk of ASD. The GWG-ASD association is independent of maternal BMI and child’s intellectual disability, but offspring’s genetic susceptibility connection to the GWG-ASD association remains a topic of debate. Conclusions The findings suggest that maternal excessive GWG may be associated with increased risk of ASD in offspring. However, insufficient GWG does not appear to have such association.

scholarly journals A systematic review and meta-analysis of the benefits of a gluten-free diet and/or casein-free diet for children with autism spectrum disorder

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liuliu Quan ◽  
Xinjie Xu ◽  
Yonghong Cui ◽  
Heze Han ◽  
Robert L Hendren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Standard Mean Difference

Abstract Context It has been suggested that a gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diet may alleviate the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and facilitate neurodevelopment of children with ASD. Studies to date have been inconclusive. Objective This study aimed to evaluate (through quantitative meta-analysis) the efficacy and safety of a GFCF diet for children with ASD. To our knowledge, this is the first time such an analysis has been carried out. Data Sources Eight electronic databases were searched, from the establishment of each database up to March 27, 2020: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases. Data Extraction Two authors independently performed the data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment. Data Analysis A quantitative meta-analysis was performed with standard procedures by using Stata SE 15 software. Within the total of 8 studies, with 297 participants, 5 studies reported significant reductions in stereotypical behaviors [standard mean difference (SMD) = –0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): –0.68 to –0.15], and 3 studies reported improvements in cognition (SMD = –0.46, 95% CI: –0.91 to –0.01) following GFCF dietary intervention. No statistically significant changes were observed in other symptomatic categories (all P > 0.05). Conclusion The current meta-analysis showed that a GFCF diet can reduce stereotypical behaviors and improve the cognition of children with ASD. Though most of the included studies were single-blind, the benefits of a GFCF diet that have been indicated are promising. Additional studies on a larger scale are warranted. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020177619.

A Systematic Review of Caregiver-Implemented Mealtime Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 196-207
Author(s):  
Julie Diaz ◽  
Joanna Cosbey
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Children With Asd

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently have difficult mealtimes. A systematic review analyzed current evidence relevant to occupational therapy (OT) and mealtime interventions (a) for children with ASD, (b) occurring in the natural contexts, and (c) with parents/caregivers as interventionists. Database search identified 13 relevant articles. Each article was reviewed for practicality of implementation through a modified Feasibility, Appropriateness, Meaningfulness and Effectiveness (FAME) scale and for quality of research design using three measures specifically designed for single-case experimental design research. The majority of articles reviewed demonstrated rigorous research design with strong evidence for the effectiveness of caregiver-implemented interventions. Six intervention techniques were identified, with all studies using a reinforcement strategy and at least one other technique. This review identifies evidence-based practices for OTs to support children with ASD and their families within the natural co-occupation of mealtimes. Effective techniques and recommendations for practice are included.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Parent Training Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Hasan Tabatabaei ◽  
Hassan Shahrokhi ◽  
Kamal Gholipour ◽  
Shabnam Izadi ◽  
Ramin Rezapour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Library Science ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Reference List ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Taking Care

Abstract Background: The role of parents in taking care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is critical. This systematic review study aimed to investigate the effect of parents-based training interventions on taking care of children with ASD.Method: All relevant studies were searched through some electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of knowledge, and also via hand searching in relevant journals, checking the reference list of articles, expert contact, and grey literature from 1 January 2000 to 30 February 2020. Result: Eventually, 53 articles were considered. In total, 1758 parents of children with ASD participated in these studies that 49 studies were conducted in high-income countries, 19 studies in the home, 25 studies in the training centers.14 studies carried out only in training way, 39 studies in training along with practices and assignments, 30 individual interventions, 21 interventions in the group. Most studies had a range of 10 to 30 sessions in a 60 to 120-minute period. Also, the effectiveness of interventions was studied in both parents and children groups. Conclusion: According to the included studies, parents-based training interventions have significant impacts on parents and their children's behavior.

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