scholarly journals Factors Associated with Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Physicians related to Autism spectrum disorder in Romania

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad H Rahbar ◽  
Iuliana Dobrescu ◽  
Shezeen Gillani ◽  
Manouchehr Hessabi ◽  
Sori Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
The Us ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Abstract Background An inadequate level of general knowledge of physicians regarding mental health, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) not only could have adverse effects on affected individuals’ health and quality of life, but also could further delay its diagnosis and initiation of timely interventions. The purpose of this survey was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of physicians regarding ASD in Romania and identify their associated factors. Methods For conducting this cross-sectional survey, investigators in the US collaborated with faculty at “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMF) and developed a questionnaire by modifying similar questionnaires used in Pakistan and Turkey, to assess KAP of physicians and specialists regarding ASD in Romania. The Questionnaire was administered to a convenient sample of 383 practicing physicians or specialists. Exploratory Factor Analysis on 12 variables revealed five composite sub-scores: stigma, potential causes, children’s behavior, misconceptions, and educational needs associated with ASD knowledge. We determined the variables associated additively or interactively with KAP regarding ASD by applying General Linear Models to the five sub-scores as dependent variables. Results Approximately 75% of the responding physicians were female and more than 80% were over the age of 30 years. The majority (73%-94%) of physicians in Romania have correctly responded to some basic questions regarding knowledge about ASD. We also found that younger physicians (age < 35 years) were more knowledgeable about potential causes of ASD than older physicians, age ≥ 35 years, (adjusted mean sub-scores: 2.70 vs. 2.13, P = 0.04, adjusted for the “type of medical school attended” and “city where the clinic is located”), while older physicians knew more about the behavior of children with ASD (P = 0.02). We found a significant interaction between source of ASD knowledge and (city where the clinic is located) in relation to knowledge of the physicians’ regarding stigma related to ASD. There were no significant interactions in relation to the physician’s knowledge of behaviors of children with ASD. Conclusion Though Romanian physicians are knowledgeable about ASD, greater attention is needed on symptoms, causes, and awareness of stigma and misconceptions surrounding ASD.

scholarly journals Knowledge of Special Nutrition for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Parents and Special Educators in Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (01) ◽  
pp. 127-135
Author(s):  
DURRATUL AIN SHOHAIMI ◽  
SITI FARWIZAH IZZATI SAHIDAN ◽  
MUHAMAD AFIQ ZULKIFLY ◽  
NABILAH TAGOR HASIBUAN ◽  
NOOR AKMAL SHAREELA ISMAIL ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Special Educators ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Background: Sufficient intake of macronutrients and micronutrients are essential for child growth. Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) however are reported to be picky eaters which may lead to malnourishment. As diet and behaviour are importantly interconnected, this study aims to determine the level of knowledge on nutrition among parents and special educators of children with ASD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a National Autism Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from May to August 2018. A 37-item questionnaire was self-administered to the respondents who attended a series of training of trainers’ sessions. The data was collected and analysed descriptively. A total of 209 respondents participated with 153 parents and 56 special educators of children with ASD. Results: Only 37.9% of the parents agreed that their children’s diet contains balanced nutrition. Majority of the parents and special educators had the perception that sugar, junk food and gluten are bad for the children, but they were still given due to the accessibility and convenience. Conclusion: The low level of knowledge among parents and special educators about the nutrition of children with ASD indicates that a measure should be taken to increase awareness and to overcome the malnutrition among ASD children.

scholarly journals Implication of the Sensory Environment in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Perspectives from School

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7670
Author(s):  
Ana Gentil-Gutiérrez ◽  
José Luis Cuesta-Gómez ◽  
Paula Rodríguez-Fernández ◽  
Jerónimo Javier González-Bernal
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sensory Profile ◽  
School Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sensory Stimuli ◽  
Children With Asd

(1) Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently have difficulties in processing sensory information, which is a limitation when participating in different contexts, such as school. The objective of the present study was to compare the sensory processing characteristics of children with ASD in the natural context of school through the perception of professionals in the field of education, in comparison with neurodevelopmental children (2) Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study as conducted with study population consisting of children between three and ten years old, 36 of whom were diagnosed with ASD and attended the Autismo Burgos association; the remaining 24 had neurotypical development. The degree of response of the children to sensory stimuli at school was evaluated using the Sensory Profile-2 (SP-2) questionnaire in its school version, answered by the teachers. (3) Results: Statistically significant differences were found in sensory processing patterns (p = 0.001), in sensory systems (p = 0.001) and in school factors (p = 0.001). Children with ASD who obtained worse results. (4) Conclusions: Children with ASD are prone to present sensory alterations in different contexts, giving nonadapted behavioral and learning responses.

scholarly journals Parental evaluation of a revised autism spectrum disorder diagnostic process for children under 36 months of age

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-François Lemay ◽  
Shauna Langenberger ◽  
Scott McLeod
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Parent Education ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background The Alberta Children’s Hospital-Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic (ACH-ASDC) was restructured due to long wait times and unsustainable clinic workflow. Major changes included the initiation of pre- and post-ASD parent education sessions and distinct ASD screening appointments before the ASD diagnostic appointment. Methods We conducted a parental program evaluation in summer 2018 of the ACH-ASDC. We used a cross-sectional survey to evaluate key outcomes including parental satisfaction, and the percentage of families obtaining access to government supports and early intervention programs. Results For the 101 eligible patients diagnosed with ASD under 36 months of age 70 (69.3%) parents agreed to participate. The mean diagnostic age of the children diagnosed with ASD was 30.6 months (SD=4.1 months). There were no statistically significant age differences between biological sexes. Ninety-three per cent of parents felt that ASD educational sessions were useful, and 92% of parents were satisfied to very satisfied with the overall ASD diagnostic process. Ninety per cent of parents had access to at least one of the key resources available for ASD early intervention in our province following diagnosis. Parents reported a positive impact on intervention provided to their child in the areas of communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Conclusion Parents of children diagnosed with ASD expressed a high level of satisfaction with the restructured ACH-ASDC process. Implementing parent education sessions was well received and met parents’ needs. Parents were able to access intervention services following diagnosis and reported positive impacts for their child. Re-envisioning program approaches to incorporate novel strategies to support families should be encouraged.

scholarly journals The attitudes of typically developing adolescents towards their sibling with autism spectrum disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Van der Merwe ◽  
Juan Bornman ◽  
Dana Donohue ◽  
Michal Harty
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Sibling Relationship ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Friedman Analysis ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Positive Attitudes

Background: Understanding how the cognitive, emotional and behavioural components of sibling attitudes interact with one another at various stages of a sibling’s lifespan will allow clinicians to provide better support to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. However, no research exists which focusses on describing the attitudes of adolescent siblings of children with ASD within the South African context towards their sibling with an ASD. The primary aim of this study was to investigate how typically developing adolescents recall their past attitudes and describe their present attitudes towards their sibling with an ASD.Methods: Thirty typically developing adolescents who have siblings with ASD were selected to complete the survey instrument, the Lifespan Sibling Relationship Scale, using a cross-sectional design.Results: Results indicate that the measure has internal consistency within this sample. Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests were used to test for significant differences between the mean values for the two self-reported time periods. Friedman analysis of variances (ANOVAs) was used to test for significant differences in the three components of attitudes, namely affect, behaviour and cognition. Results indicate that participants held more positive attitudes towards their siblings with ASD as adolescents compared with when they were younger and that adolescents rated their current emotions towards and beliefs about their sibling with ASD to be more positive than their current interaction experiences.Conclusion: As siblings’ attitudes appear to change over time, clinicians should use a lifespan approach to sibling attitudes when designing and implementing supports for siblings of children with ASD.

scholarly journals Perceptions, attitudes and practices of physicians regarding use of complementary and alternative medicine in autism spectrum disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 151
Author(s):  
Ashwini A. Marathe ◽  
Koyeli S. Sengupta
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cell Transplant ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Background: Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been reported as highly prevalent in literature. Our objective was to assess the perceptions, attitudes and practices of Indian physicians regarding use of CAM in ASD.Methods: An online survey was emailed to pediatricians, developmental pediatricians, pediatric neurologists and psychiatrists. We had 417 respondents, 78% being primary-care pediatricians. Descriptive analysis was conducted. Results: Of 417 respondents, 75% physicians were unaware or minimally aware of the risks and benefits of CAM. 60% of pediatricians rarely or did not ask families about their use of CAM, and 57% felt that families too do not bring up CAM. 67% of pediatricians felt that less than 25% of their patients used CAM, though 50% regularly prescribed nutritional supplements to children with ASD. Pediatricians reported either not offering an opinion or referring to a specialist for questions about GFCF (83%), stem-cell transplant (69%), hyperbaric oxygen (71%) and ayurveda or homeopathic remedies (49%). Lack of ASD-specific intervention services, time, training and practice guidelines were perceived as barriers to care. 97% physicians desired autism training, while 81% also desired CAM training.Conclusions: Most pediatricians perceive use of CAM in ASD to be lower than reported and do not discuss or opine on CAM modalities with families of children with ASD, possibly due to inadequate doctor-patient communication and limited awareness and knowledge about CAM in ASD, underscoring need for capacity building in this area.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG CHILDREN AGED 24-72 MONTHS IN QUANG NGAI PROVINCE

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 218-225
Author(s):  
Duc Nguyen Tan ◽  
Khue Luong Ngoc ◽  
Vu Nguyen Thanh Quang ◽  
Thang Vo Van
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Red Flag

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disability developed in the young age and lasts during the lifetime. Early diagnosis and timely interventions will help improve the situation and reduce consequences caused to persons with ASD, their families and society. Objectives: (1) To describe the prevalence of ASD of the children aged 24 – 72 months Quang Ngai Province; (2) To analyse some factors related to ASD of the children aged 24 – 72 months in Quang Ngai Province. Methodology: Cross sectional research on a total sample size of 74,308 children aged 24 – 72 months in Quang Ngai Province in a period of September to December 2016; doing interview the parents or care givers on the children’s family socio-economic characteristics; all the children were screened to examine ASD signs and standards using red flag signs, Modified-Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Children were finally examined and clinically diagnosed using criteria Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5). Results: 280 children aged 24 – 72 months, account for 3.8‰, were detected as ASD. Among the children with ASD, 63.57% were diagnosed severe, 36.34% diagnosed medium and slight. The boys with ASD is 3.1 times higher than girls (p<0.01). The children with ASD in urban areas is almost two times higher than those in rural areas (p<0.01). No any statistically significant association between factors of ethnicity, religion, ages of pregnant mothers or mother’s smoking habits with the children with ASD. Conclusions: Children aged 24 – 72 months with ASD in Quang Ngai Province accounted for 3.8‰, rather similar to the ASD prevalence in other similar studies over the world. It is a need to more deeply study on some factors related to ASD among children aged 24-72 months in Quang Ngai province. Key words: Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, Red flag signs, M-CHAT, CARS

scholarly journals Internalization of stigma among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in Nigeria: a mixed method study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aminat Y. Oduyemi ◽  
Ifeoma P. Okafor ◽  
Ugochukwu T. Eze ◽  
Babatunde A. Akodu ◽  
Alero A. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Internalized Stigma ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Experience ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Enacted Stigma ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Background Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) has uniquely stigmatizing aspects because children with ASD have no physical markers of their condition. Parents are usually blamed and judgment from others is often internalized (felt stigma). Aim This study was conducted to determine knowledge about ASD, negative experiences (enacted stigma), internalization of stigma (felt or self stigma) and its correlates among parents of children with ASD in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 230 parents in Lagos, Nigeria employing mixed-method data collection methods. Quantitative data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed with Epi- Info™ version 7.0 statistical package. Data were summarized with proportions, mean and standard deviation. Chi square and Spearman’s correlation tests were done, and the level of significance was pre-determined at 5% (p < 0.05). In-depth interviews were also conducted among six parents to further explore the topic. The interviews were analyzed narratively. Results The proportion of mothers and fathers were 175 (76.1%) and 55 (23.9%) respectively. The mean age of respondents was 42 ± 8.5 years. Overall knowledge of ASD was very poor as only 3(1.3%) had good knowledge. Overall, 122(53%) usually had negative experience of parenting a child with ASD (enacted stigma), mothers (17.1%) more than fathers (9.1%). Majority 192(83.5%) internalized stigma. There was a low–moderate correlation between ‘enacted’ stigma and ‘internalized’ stigma (ρ- 0.400, p < 0.001). From in-depth interviews, many parents revealed that their child’s condition had negative effects on the family. Many also recounted negative experience of stigma. Conclusion Overall, parents of children with ASD had poor knowledge of the condition. Majority internalized stigma and this increases with negative treatment from others. Parents should be properly educated about ASD. Community-based education to increase awareness about ASD in addition to encouraging people to show empathy and reduce stigmatizing behaviour towards parents of children with ASD are recommended.

scholarly journals Bibliometric analysis of the literature on postural balance in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Revista CEFAC ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Suenya Gomes Cordeiro ◽  
Cíntia Alves Salgado Azoni ◽  
Eliza Mikaele Tavares da Silva ◽  
Fernando Henrique Fernandes ◽  
Carolina Daniel de Lima-Alvarez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Postural Balance ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Body Balance ◽  
Children With Asd

ABSTRACT Purpose: to identify the state-of-the-art research on postural balance in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in both Brazilian and international literature. Methods: a bibliometric review, developed through bibliographical search in databases using the following descriptors: "postural balance" OR "vestibular diseases" OR "postural equilibrium" AND "autism". The eligibility criteria for sample selection were articles published in Brazilian and international journals, in either English or Portuguese. There was no restriction regarding the year of publication. The selection was based on reading the title, abstract, and lastly the full text of the articles potentially relevant for this review. Results: 62 articles were found based on the eligibility criteria. The number of publications related to the study’s theme peaked in 2015 and 2016, the first publication being from 1974. There was a predominance of studies published in the USA (37%), in English, with a quantitative, cross-sectional approach. Most of the authors compared the performance in body balance tasks of children with ASD with that of children with typical development. Conclusion: it was observed that body balance and postural control in children with ASD are growing trends in scientific publications.

scholarly journals A Comparative Study of Corneal Topography in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vision ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Maha A. ALGarzaie ◽  
Ali M. Alsaqr
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Corneal Topography ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Corneal Asphericity

Purpose: To investigate the corneal characteristics in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and age-matched typical development (TD) participants. Methods: This cross-sectional, clinically based study compared children with ASD to age-matched TD participants. Corneal topography was measured with a portable EyeSys Vista system. The distance visual acuity (VA) and the contrast sensitivity (CS) were determined. The refractive error (RE) was assessed using a 2WIN autorefractometer. Results: A total of 31 children with ASD (mean age: 12.78 ± 4.49 years), and 60 participants with TD (mean age: 13.65 ± 3.56 years) were recruited. The two groups were similar in age (t = −2.084, p = 0.075) and VA (t = −0.35, p = 0.32). Most of the children with ASD had a significant amount of refractive errors (REs; range: +5.25 to −5.50 DS), and astigmatism was dominant (range: −0.25 to −4.50 DC). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups in terms of average corneal power (t = 1.12, p = 0.39). The children with ASD and participants with TD also did not differ significantly in terms of corneal shape descriptors (p > 0.05), such as corneal asphericity, inferior superior index, opposite sector index, and differential sector index. The spherical equivalent did not differ significantly between the ASD participants and participants with TD (t = 1.15, p = 0.15). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the astigmatism component between the ASD participants and the participants with TD.

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