Applied Behavior Analysis as Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders: Topic Modeling and Linguistic Analysis of Reddit Posts

Background: It is critical for professionals to understand the discourse landscape within various online and social media outlets in order to support families of children with autism in treatment decision-making. This need is heightened when considering treatments that have garnered excitement and controversy, such as applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy.Method: The specific aims of this study were to identify the main themes in Reddit posts about ABA-based interventions for autism using topic modeling, to examine the linguistic aspects of Reddit conversations using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) analysis, and to examine the relationship between linguistic aspects and user category (i.e., pro- vs. anti-ABA vs. undecided, parent vs. professional vs. an individual with autism).Results: The topic modeling resulted in 11 themes that ranged across various elements, such as autism as a condition and its management, stakeholders, and consequences of autism and the support needed. The posts of individuals were focused on personal experiences and opinions as opposed to clinical and research information sharing. Linguistic analysis indicated that the posts reveal an intimate stance rather than an empirical stance.Conclusions: Results provide insight into perspectives of ABA. This type of research may help in developing and distributing appropriate and evidence-based information.

Analysis and Real-Time Implementation of IoT in Autism

The present study comprises the importance and use of IoT, smart home, peer-to-peer, and some other different technologies for the betterment of mankind. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are becoming more and more popular in IoT-based smart homes and other techs. The IoT framework has been used to provide a predictable, concrete, and self-paced learning environment and encourages excellent visual information processing. These techs are also useful for special children with autism. They need smart homes, peer-to-peer networking, robot therapy, and wearable techs. In this paper, the authors presented a unique FLC simulation for the behavior of a child with moderate autism. This simulation shows that how IoT, smart home, peer-to-peer technology, ABA therapy, robot therapy, and wearable techs can bring comforts in the life of a child with autism. All of them have long lasted impacts in producing social skills in an ASD person. The 3D graphical figures presented the graphical analysis of a child’s social behavior. The simulation presented 50% betterment change in the social behavior of children and this can be increased up to 87% by using intensive therapies. It is also verified by Mamdani’s method. A real-time implementation of a boy with autism has shown significant improvements in his social skills.

Long-term ABA Therapy Is Abusive: A Response to Gorycki, Ruppel, and Zane

Objective In a recent response to a review of ABA literature, methodologies, and ethics, the authors of the response attempted to negate the compilation of research presented. The goal of their response was to advocate for the continued use of ABA and attempt to demonstrate that it is in fact effective in treating autism. The research utilized in the response does not pertain to the population discussed, does not present any neuroscientific research, and does not address intrinsic motivation, elevated levels of anxiety, or various other pertinent issues associated with the nonverbal autism population. Methods The current paper helps clarify any misinterpretation of the original research and seeks to advocate for greater protections and ethical compliance within this vulnerable subset of individuals on the autism spectrum. Additionally, more recent research has been included to assist in this clarification. Results Despite decades of usage as the primary method for this population worldwide, ABA has never been shown to be even slightly efficacious for the nonverbal Autism population. Conclusions Research in ABA continues to neglect the structure the autistic brain, the overstimulation of the autistic brain, the trajectory of child development, or the complex nature of human psychology, as all of these factors were ignored in the response and are ignored in ABA practice itself. Providing a treatment that causes pain in exchange for no benefit, even if unknowingly, is tantamount to torture and violates the most basic requirement of any therapy, to do no harm.

Impact of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of CTLA-4, CD80 and CD86 on the Effectiveness of Abatacept in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abatacept (ABA) is used as a first-line treatment in patients diagnosed with moderate and severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The interindividual response to ABA therapy is very variable in these patients. The objective of our study was therefore to investigate the role of polymorphisms of the CTLA-4, CD80 and CD86 genes, as well as that of clinical factors of the disease, in the response to ABA in patients with RA. A retrospective cohort study was carried out in 109 patients receiving treatment with ABA and diagnosed with RA. The genetic variables were analyzed using real-time PCR with TaqMan® probes. The patients were classified according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria at 6 and 12 months from start of treatment. The independent variables associated with higher EULAR response were lower duration of previous biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and lower baseline values of the disease activity score 28 after 6 months of ABA treatment; and lower baseline patient’s visual analogue scale (PVAS) after 12 months. In addition, a significant association was found between duration of ABA treatment, non-administration of concomitant glucocorticoids and lower baseline values of the number of inflamed joints and erythrocyte sedimentation rate clinical variables, with remission of the disease after 6 months’ treatment with ABA. Finally, remission of the disease after 12 months’ treatment with ABA was associated with earlier age at start of ABA therapy and lower number of previous biologic therapies (BTs). The CTLA-4rs5742909-T allele and the CTLA-4rs231775-G allele were found to be associated with satisfactory EULAR response and low disease activity (LDA) after 12 months’ treatment with ABA (CTLA-4rs5742909 T vs. CC; OR = 5.88; CI95% = 1.48–23.29 and OR = 4.75; CI95% = 1.35–17.94, respectively, and CTLA-4rs231775 G vs. AA, OR = 3.48; CI95% = 1.20–10.09 and OR = 4.68; CI95% = 1.49–17.94, respectively). In conclusion, patients with RA treated with ABA showed better EULAR response and LDA rate when they had the CTLA-4 rs5742909-T or CTLA-4 rs231775-G polymorphisms; furthermore, this remission rate increased in patients that began ABA treatment earlier, those with a lower number of previous BTs and those with a lower PVAS value.

THE USE OF CORRECTIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PROCESS OF PREPARING SENIOR PRESCHOOLERS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER FOR LEARNING ACTIVITIES

The authors of the article have analyzed scientific research on the problem of the formation of cognitive readiness for educational activity in children with autism spectrum disorders of senior preschool age. It is noted that for children with autism spectrum disorders, a special approach should be applied with a focus on world standards and effective methods of correction and training should be developed. It is revealed that today the psychological and pedagogical correction of the development of autism does not have unambiguity and consistency regarding technologies and methods that would help to effectively overcome autism spectrum disorders and contribute to the effective preparation of autistic children for educational activities. The content of the concept of "cognitive readiness" is revealed as a prerequisite for the development of psychological characteristics and preparation of a child with autism spectrum disorders of senior preschool age for learning activities. The features of the use of correctional technologies to increase the level of cognitive readiness for educational activity of children with autism spectrum disorders of senior preschool age have been determined. It was revealed that the main condition for the formation of cognitive readiness for educational activity in children with autism spectrum disorders of senior preschool age is the use of ABA therapy technology, the TEACCH program, (PRT), PECS, sensory integration. It is revealed that the program (TEACCH, PECS) reflects a clear algorithm of actions, encourages mental operations; method (ABA-therapy) improves the stability of concentration, memory development, forms learning behavior; (PRT) promotes the development of motivation in a child with autism spectrum disorder of senior preschool age, self-management. The formation of imagination and perception of the surrounding world is carried out in the process of conducting classes with sensory integration. It is proved that the formation of cognitive readiness for educational activity in senior preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders is an important factor in the realization of personal potential and social adaptation.

AB0282 CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF ABATACEPT MONOTHERAPY OR ABATACEPT CONCOMITANT METHOTREXATE THERAPY IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS PREVIOUSLY TREATED WITH BIOLOGICAL DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTIRHEUMATIC DRUGS (bDMARDs)

Background:Concomitant use of methotrexate (MTX) in abatacept (ABA) therapy is associated with good clinical response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are naïve to biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs)1,2. However, it is unclear when abatacept is used in patients with prior bDMARDs use3.Objectives:We compared the effectiveness of abatacept monotherapy versus abatacept combined with methotrexate therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patients with prior bDMARDs use.Methods:Retrospective cohorts study. Rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with abatacept between 2009 and 2019 (n=86). Socio-demographic, clinical and pharmacological characteristics of patients were collected. We compared clinical effectiveness between ABA monotherapy patients (n=49) and abatacept concomitant methotrexate therapy patients (n=37), prior treated with bDMARDs. The effectiveness was measured according toThe European League Against Rheumatism(EULAR) response withDisease Activity Score(DAS28) like satisfactory (DAS28<3.2) or unsatisfactory (DAS28≥3.2), after 12 months of ABA therapy in RA patients.Results:49 RA patients have been evaluated in ABA monotherapy group; 83.67% (41/49) were women, disease duration was 16 (10-22) years and age of RA diagnosis was 48 (38.25-57.00). Concomitants glucocorticoids were administrated in 81.63% (40/49). Rheumatoid factor (RF) was positive in 75.51% (37/49) patients and cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) in 71.43% (35/49). At 12 months, 40.82% (20/49) of patients had satisfactory EULAR response.In the combination therapy group, the age of RA diagnosis was 42.5 (35.75-53.50), 75.68% (28/37) were women and the disease duration was 12 (7-21) years. 89.19% (33/37) had concomitants glucocorticoids and the RF was positive in 72.97% (27/37) of patients. EULAR response was satisfactory at 12 months in 43.24% (16/37) of patients. No difference in treatment effectiveness was found in patients receiving abatacept in combination therapy with MTX compared with ABA monotherapy (p=0.829; IC95=0.35-2.35).Conclusion:Abatacept plus methotrexate therapy did not improve the effectiveness in rheumatoid arthritis patients with prior bDMARDs use, compared with abatacept monotherapy.References:[1]Genovese M, Schiff M, Luggen M, Becker J, Aranda R, Teng J, et al. Efficacy and safety of the selective co-stimulation modulator abatacept following 2 years of treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy. Annals of the rheumatic diseases. 2008;67(4):547-54.[2]Smolen JS, Landewe RBM, Bijlsma JWJ, Burmester GR, Dougados M, Kerschbaumer A, et al. EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: 2019 update. Ann Rheum Dis. 2020.[3]Walker UA, Jaeger VK, Chatzidionysiou K, Hetland ML, Hauge E-M, Pavelka K, et al. Rituximab done: what’s next in rheumatoid arthritis? A European observational longitudinal study assessing the effectiveness of biologics after rituximab treatment in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology. 2016;55(2):230-6Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Formation of communication skills in individual work with children with an autism spectrum disorder

The article presents the results of correctional work on the program of communication development for children with autism spectrum disorders. The need for initial work on the development of communication skills in children with autism in an individual format, with an adult (defectologist) as the impetus and driver of communication, has been substantiated. The main components of communication, characteristics of the development of these components in children with ASD and their ways of formation and development have been given. The main methods included in the correctional and developmental program are sensory integration methods, music therapy, elements of ABA therapy, and game therapy. The structure of the program and the main principles on which it is based has been described. The results of implementing this program on three children with ASD have been analyzed, and the dynamics of changes in communication skills through the ABLLS-R questionnaire and the RCDI-2000 scale were tracked. It was found that the program for the formation of communication skills of children with ASD with the use of sensory integration methods, music therapy,elements of ABA therapy, and game therapy forms the basic components of communication and takes into account the specific features of the development of children in this category. There are noticeable improvements in the development of the emotional and volitional sphere of children, it has become much easier for them to express their emotions, preferences, desires and attitude to the situation, communicative motivation has begun to form, and basic prerequisites for communication have appeared.