VISUAL SUPPORT REDUCES ANXIETY IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND ENHANCE THEIR VISUAL PERCEPTUAL SKILLS

BACKGROUND Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulties with sensory processing that result in anxiety in certain situations. Aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of visual supports in reduction of anxiety levels and tolerance of transitions or switch over in children with ASD. STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled trial METHODS With a sample size of 57, comparison was made between two groups i.e.; the experimental and the control group to see the efficacy of the visual inputs in reducing anxiety in children with ASD of age bracket 8-12 years old. Experimental group was given visual aids with occupational therapy sessions, while control group was only given conventional Occupational Therapy sessions. Pre and post analysis of visual perceptual ages and the anxiety levels of children were compared by anxiety scale for children-spectrum disorder and motor-free visual perception test. RESULT Significant increase in the visual perceptual ages with reduction in anxiety level was observed in experimental; no significant difference was found in control group. CONCLUSION Reduction in the anxiety levels was achieved after 4 weeks of intervention with improvement in the visual perceptual ages in the experimental group.

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Inclusion Strategies: A Trampoline Program For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

10.21203/rs.3.rs-798851/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Carla Lourenço ◽

Dulce Esteves

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Control Group ◽

Motor Proficiency ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Standing Long Jump ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Long Jump ◽

Experimental Group

Abstract Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that is characterized by deficits in social, communication, and motor function. Trampoline-based interventions reported to promote motor proficiency in children with ASD to foster the development of coordination, balance and muscle strengthen.Methods: This study examined the effects of two trampoline interventions on the motor skill proficiency, muscle strength of the lower limbs, and body mass index (BMI) of 25 children (aged 6.9 ± 2.3 years) with ASD. The 20-weeks intervention participants (n=6) are in the experimental group A, whereas the 32-week intervention participants (n=8) are in experimental group B. The control group consists of 11 participants who did not receive any intervention constituting.The Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2), the Standing long jump, and BMI assessment were conducted three times for each participant at baseline (T1), middle time of the intervention (T2), and post-intervention (T3).Results: The findings suggest that children in both experimental groups exhibited significant improvements in BOT-2 and the standing long jump after the 20-weekand 32-week of trampoline-based physical activity intervention when compared to the children in the control group. No significant difference was found on BMI before and after the interventions in all three groups. Conclusion: The findings provide supporting evidence that a minimum 20-week trampoline training may be a viable therapeutic option for training children with ASD to improve their motor proficiency.

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Case study assessing the feasibility of using a wearable haptic device or humanoid robot to facilitate transitions in occupational therapy sessions for children with autism spectrum disorder

Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering ◽

10.1177/20556683211049041 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 205566832110490

Author(s):

Audrée Jeanne Beaudoin ◽

Frédérique Pedneault ◽

Marina Houle ◽

Cynthia Bilodeau ◽

Marie-Pier Gauvin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Occupational Therapy ◽

Humanoid Robot ◽

Single Case ◽

Children With Autism ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Haptic Device ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Therapy Sessions

Introduction Some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties with transitions that may lead to problem behaviours. Although the use of technologies with children with ASD is receiving increasing attention, no study has looked at their effect on transitions in activities of daily living. This study aimed to document the feasibility of (1) using two intervention technologies (NAO humanoid robot or wearable haptic device) separately to facilitate transitions in occupational therapy sessions for children with ASD and (2) the method used to document changes. Methods Using a single case reversal (ABA) design, two children with ASD were randomly assigned to one of the intervention technologies (humanoid robot or haptic bracelet). Each technology was used as an antecedent to stimulate the start of transitions in eight intervention sessions at a private occupational therapy clinic. Data concerning the time required for transitions, child’s behaviours during transitions at the clinic and mother’s perception of the child’s performance in transitions at home were analysed graphically. Results When using technology, both children’s behaviours were appropriate, quick and relatively stable. Also, both mothers reported improved perceptions of their child’s performance in transitions. Conclusions This exploratory study suggests no detrimental effect of using these technologies.

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The urinary biopterin in autism spectrum disorder

Pteridines ◽

10.1515/pteridines-2020-0023 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 17-22

Author(s):

Aleksandra Waligóra ◽

Aleksandra Damasiewicz-Bodzek ◽

Piotr Gorczyca ◽

Sławomir Waligóra ◽

Krystyna Tyrpień-Golder

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

The Other ◽

Urine Samples ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Healthy Individuals ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to determine whether biopterin is present in significantly lower quantities in urine samples of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to healthy individuals. Methods The concentration of biopterin in urine samples was measured by ELISA using commercially available kit. The study involved 53 children aged 3–16 years with ASD and 60 healthy children aged 2–14 years. Results Significantly lower biopterin concentration was observed in autistic patients compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was observed between mild, moderate, and severe ASD. Conclusion One of the potential causes of decrease in urinary biopterin levels may be tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency, which has extensive and serious health consequences for the nervous system. The results of measuring biopterin as a fully oxidized form of BH4 may suggest that biosynthesis or regeneration of BH4 may be decreased in children with ASD. On the other hand, decreased urinary biopterin levels in children with ASD may be due to BH4 overuse, a good regeneration process, and decreased urinary excretion; and abnormalities in BH4 metabolism appear to be related to the aetiology of ASD or may be due to ASD.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder: Correlation between aberrant behaviors, EEG abnormalities and seizures

Neurology International ◽

10.4081/ni.2010.e10 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 10 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Michelle Elena Hartley-McAndrew ◽

Arie Weinstock

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Epileptiform Activity ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Control Group ◽

Epileptiform Discharges ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Eeg Abnormalities ◽

Significant Difference

The relationship between epilepsy, epileptiform discharges, cognitive, language and behavioral symptoms is not clearly understood. Since difficulties with socialization and maladaptive behaviors are found in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we inquired whether epileptiform activity and seizures are associated with adverse behavioral manifestations in this population. We reviewed our EEG database between 1999-2006, and identified 123 children with ASD. EEG abnormalities were found in 39 children (31%). A control group of age and gender matched ASD children with normal EEG’s was obtained. Packets of questionnaires including the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale II (VABS), Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) were sent by mail. Out of 21 packets received, 11 had normal and 10 had abnormal EEG’s. There were no statistically significant differences in behavior between the two groups. Statistical analysis of discharge location and frequency did not reveal a significant trend. However, children with ASD and seizures had statistically significant lower scores in VABS daily living (P=0.009) and socialization (P=0.007) as compared to those without seizures. ASD children with seizures had higher ABC levels of hyperactivity and irritability. Differences in irritability scores nearly reached statistical significance (P=0.058). There was no significant difference in the degree of CARS autism rating between the groups. Our study did not reveal statistically significant differences in behaviors between ASD children with and without EEG abnormalities. However, ASD children with seizures revealed significantly worse behaviors as compared to counterparts without seizures.

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Association between the rs1360780 polymorphism in FKBP5 gene and serum cortisol levels in children with autism spectrum disorder

10.21203/rs.3.rs-411548/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hasan Bozkurt ◽

Abdullah Çim ◽

Şeref Şimşek ◽

Serkan Şahin ◽

Salih Coşkun

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Serum Cortisol ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Control Group ◽

Study Group ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Cortisol Levels

Abstract The inconsistent results about cortisol levels in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be suggestive of other factors like gen polymorphisms rather than the disorder itself. So we aimed to investigate the rs1360780 polymorphism in FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) gene and its relation to ASD and cortisol levels comparing with that of healthy participants. We have included two main groups as study and control groups in the present study. Eighty nine children with ASD ranging in age from 2 to 15 years were selected for the study group and age-matched 86 healthy children were selected for the control group. Cortisol levels were found to be significantly higher in the study group. However there was no statistically significant difference in terms of allele and genotype frequencies between the groups. Carrying the C allele of FKBP5 seems to increase the cortisol levels in the study group. This is the first clinical study to evaluate the association between rs1360780 polymorphism in FKBP5 gene and serum cortisol levels in children with ASD. Since the prevalence of ASD is gradually increasing in recent years, several endocrine and related genetic factors should be born in mind while examining this population.

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IMPROVEMENT OF THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER BY EXERCISE

Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte ◽

10.1590/1517-8692202127032021_0081 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 282-285

Author(s):

Weihua Jia ◽

Jinghong Xie

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Motor Skills ◽

Exercise Intervention ◽

Communication Disorders ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Skill Learning ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Control Group ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Experimental Group

ABSTRACT Introduction Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a typical neurological development disorder of the brain, exhibiting social communication and communication disorders, narrow interests, and repetitive, stereotyped behaviors. Movement development is an important evaluation index for the development of early motor function in children, so exercise intervention in children with ASD is of great significance. Objective This article conducts exercise intervention on children with ASD to stimulate their exercise ability and improve their self-care ability. Methods The article randomly grouped 24 children with an autism spectrum disorder. The experimental group received exercise intervention, and the control group had regular classes. After the experiment is completed, the influence of exercise intervention on children with autism is analyzed. Results The motor skills of the two groups of children were different after the intervention. The motor skills of the experimental group improved more significantly. Conclusion Exercise intervention can significantly improve the motor skills of children with an autism spectrum disorder. To evaluate whether the large-muscle motor skill learning of children with ASD and its influence on basic motor skills can be transferred to provide a reference for related motor intervention. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

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INVESTIGATION OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND EMPATHY IN THE SIBLINGS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Különleges Bánásmód - Interdiszciplináris folyóirat ◽

10.18458/kb.2021.1.59 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 59-68

Author(s):

Anna Szabina Szele ◽

Judit Inántsy-Pap

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Emotional Intelligence ◽

Age Groups ◽

Children With Autism ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Control Group ◽

Children With Asd ◽

The Mind ◽

Experimental Group

In recent years, more and more researchers have focused on studies of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, studying their siblings has gained less scientific interest. The present study focuses on siblings of children with ASD and assesses their characteristics in terms of emotional intelligence and empathy. Our sample consisted of n = 61 children in two age groups studied: 6-8 and 10-15 years old. Our experimental group consisted of n = 30 siblings of children with ASD, while our control group also consisted of n = 31 children with sibling relationships. Subjects completed two paper-and-pencil tests: the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (Children’s Version), and depending on the age group, the Emotional Intelligence Test (EIT 6-8 / EIT 10-15). We identified higher emotional intelligence and empathy in higher age groups. Among 6-8 years old siblings of children with ASD, higher scores were found to be. At the level of gender differences, girls performed more outstandingly in the tests examined. In our study, the 6-8 years old siblings of children with ASD can be characterized by a higher degree of emotional intelligence and empathy, however, we cannot draw conclusions in a representative way for the entire population.

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The Role of Occupational Therapy in Managing Food Selectivity of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review

Children ◽

10.3390/children8111024 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. 1024

Author(s):

Laura Reche-Olmedo ◽

Laura Torres-Collado ◽

Laura María Compañ-Gabucio ◽

Manuela Garcia-de-la-Hera

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Occupational Therapy ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

Children With Autism ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Food Selectivity ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Journal Citation Reports ◽

Children With Asd

Food selectivity is common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It can be defined as the unwillingness to eat common or new foods, resulting in a lack of variety in the diet or limited food consumption for multiple reasons, such as inflexibility or sensory alterations. We conducted a peer scoping review to describe the interventions that are carried out from occupational therapy (OT) in children with ASD with food selectivity. Two authors independently searched the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE, as well as the OT journals indexed in Journal Citation Reports. Articles exploring OT interventions in children (≤12 years) with ASD and food selectivity, published in Spanish or English, with experimental design, and with full text available were included. Of the 1445 articles identified, 8 articles met the inclusion criteria. Three main intervention categories were identified: sensory–behavioral, family focused, and other interventions. Most of the interventions from OT were aimed at treating sensory–behavioral aspects. Only three articles described interventions led exclusively by occupational therapists, and the rest were led by a multidisciplinary team. Finally, although these interventions are not exclusive to OT, occupational therapists can participate together with other professionals as an essential component in the treatment of food selectivity in children with ASD.

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Investigation of the Relation Between Epithelial Barrier Function and Autism Symptom Severity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

10.21203/rs.3.rs-270289/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kevser Nalbant ◽

Semih Erden ◽

Abdullah Yazar ◽

İbrahim Kılınç

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Barrier Function ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Epithelial Barrier ◽

Control Group ◽

Epithelial Barrier Function ◽

Children With Asd

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by limitations in mutual communication and social interaction as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities. A number of biological abnormalities have been reported in ASD. Therefore the possible role of biological abnormalities in etiopathogenesis arouses research interest in this area. This is a case-control design study evaluating epithelial barrier function by comparing serum concentrations of occludin and zonulin in children with ASD (n = 60) and controls (n = 30). The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was used to evaluate autistic symptom levels of all children. Serum occludin and zonulin levels were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum occludin was significantly lower in children with ASD than in control subjects. In children with ASD, a decrease in occludin level was significantly associated with the disorder symptom levels item mean score (CARS total scores). Our findings showed that children with ASD had alterations in epithelial barrier function compared to the control group. The investigation of the mechanism underlying the different levels of occludin between ASD and controls may be of importance in clarifying the etiopathogenesis of ASD, as well as its follow-up and treatment.

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Print Knowledge in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Do Child and Family Variables Play a Role?

Language Speech and Hearing Services in Schools ◽

10.1044/2020_lshss-20-00025 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (1) ◽

pp. 197-208 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jaclyn M. Dynia ◽

Emily J. Solari

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Children With Autism ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Letter Identification ◽

Full Sample ◽

Print Knowledge ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Name Writing

Purpose This study aimed to examine the print knowledge of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in comparison to children who have developmental language disorder (DLD) and typically developing (TD) children as well as examine the child and family predictors of print knowledge. Method A total of 629 preschool children, including 33 children with ASD, 93 children with DLD, and 503 TD children, were the focus of the current study. Teachers completed direct assessments with the children in the fall and spring of the academic year on print knowledge using the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screener. Results Analyses of covariance were used to compare the print knowledge skills (uppercase and lowercase letter identification, print and word awareness, name writing) in the fall and spring for each of the three groups. The groups were significantly different for the Print and Word Awareness and Name Writing subtests in both the fall and spring. A Tukey's honestly significant difference further indicated that, for these subtests, the children with ASD had significantly lower scores than both the children with DLD and TD children. When examining the child and family predictors of residualized gain in print knowledge for the children with ASD, the only significant predictor for any outcome was fall scores. When examining the predictors for the full sample, fall scores, age, ASD status, and mothers' education level were significant predictors of print and word awareness and name writing scores. Conclusions None of the child and family characteristics seemed to be related to residualized gain in print knowledge for children with ASD. However, when examining predictors of residualized gain in print knowledge for the full sample, ASD status was related to lower scores for both print and word awareness and name writing.

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