Explicit versus implicit social cognition testing in autism spectrum disorder
This study examined explicit (i.e. prompted) and implicit (i.e. spontaneous) variants of social cognition testing in autism spectrum disorder. A sample of 19 adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and 19 carefully matched typically developing controls completed the Dewey Story Test. ‘Explicit’ (multiple-choice answering format) and ‘implicit’ (free interview) measures of social cognition were obtained. Autism spectrum disorder participants did not differ from controls regarding explicit social cognition performance. However, the autism spectrum disorder group performed more poorly than controls o...
Source: Autism - July 16, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Callenmark, B., Kjellin, L., Ronnqvist, L., Bolte, S. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Group cognitive behavioural therapy and group recreational activity for adults with autism spectrum disorders: A preliminary randomized controlled trial
Although adults with autism spectrum disorder are an increasingly identified patient population, few treatment options are available. This preliminary randomized controlled open trial with a parallel design developed two group interventions for adults with autism spectrum disorders and intelligence within the normal range: cognitive behavioural therapy and recreational activity. Both interventions comprised 36 weekly 3-h sessions led by two therapists in groups of 6–8 patients. A total of 68 psychiatric patients with autism spectrum disorders participated in the study. Outcome measures were Quality of Life Inventory,...
Source: Autism - July 16, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Hesselmark, E., Plenty, S., Bejerot, S. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
See what I see, do as I do: Promoting joint attention and imitation in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder
This study shows that it is possible to promote joint attention with a low-intensity treatment programme. The results concerning imitation are more modest. Future replications should involve measures of stability and generalization. (Source: Autism)
Source: Autism - July 16, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Warreyn, P., Roeyers, H. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Parents' views of the National Autistic Society's EarlyBird Plus Programme
This report explores parents’ views of the EarlyBird Plus Programme through data collected routinely in the post-programme questionnaire. Participants’ reported increased understanding of autism and improvements in their communication with their child and their ability to manage their child’s behaviour. Parents appeared to value the opportunity to meet with other parents, and the programme seemed acceptable to the majority of parents who attended. (Source: Autism)
Source: Autism - July 16, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Cutress, A. L., Muncer, S. J. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in performing eye-hand integration tasks: Four preliminary studies with children showing low-functioning autism
This report, based on four studies with children with low-functioning autism, aimed at evaluating the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation delivered on the left and right premotor cortices on eye–hand integration tasks; defining the long-lasting effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation; and investigating the real efficacy of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation by comparing three kinds of treatments (high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, a traditional eye–hand integration training, and both treatments combined). Resul...
Source: Autism - July 16, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Panerai, S., Tasca, D., Lanuzza, B., Trubia, G., Ferri, R., Musso, S., Alagona, G., Di Guardo, G., Barone, C., Gaglione, M. P., Elia, M. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Psychotropic medication trends among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in the Medicaid program
This study characterized psychotropic medication use among Medicaid-enrolled children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders by examining trends over time, including length of treatment and polypharmacy using 4 years of administrative claims data from 41 state Medicaid programs (2000–2003). The data set included nearly 3 million children and adolescents who were 17 years or younger. Approximately, 65% of children with autism spectrum disorder received a psychotropic medication. The results indicate an increasing overall trend in the use of psychotropic drugs among children and adolescents with autism spectrum...
Source: Autism - July 16, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Schubart, J. R., Camacho, F., Leslie, D. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Exposure to bullying among students with autism spectrum conditions: A multi-informant analysis of risk and protective factors
Research has consistently shown that children and young people with autism spectrum conditions are more likely to be bullied than those with other or no special educational needs. The aim of this study was to examine risk and protective factors that could help to explain variation in exposure to bullying within this group. A sample of 722 teachers and 119 parents reported on their child’s experience of being bullied. This response variable was regressed onto a range of explanatory variables representing individual and contextual factors. The teacher- and parent-rated regression models were statistically significant, ...
Source: Autism - July 16, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Hebron, J., Humphrey, N. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Lay Abstracts
(Source: Autism)
Source: Autism - June 10, 2014 Category: Neurology Tags: Lay Abstracts Source Type: research
Pilot clinical application of an adaptive robotic system for young children with autism
It has been argued that clinical applications of advanced technology may hold promise for addressing impairments associated with autism spectrum disorders. This pilot feasibility study evaluated the application of a novel adaptive robot-mediated system capable of both administering and automatically adjusting joint attention prompts to a small group of preschool children with autism spectrum disorders (n = 6) and a control group (n = 6). Children in both groups spent more time looking at the humanoid robot and were able to achieve a high level of accuracy across trials. However, across groups, children required higher leve...
Source: Autism - June 10, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Bekele, E., Crittendon, J. A., Swanson, A., Sarkar, N., Warren, Z. E. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Explaining differences in age at autism spectrum disorder diagnosis: A critical review
This study reviews studies that assessed factors associated with age at autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and provides recommendations on future research, programs, and policies to improve early detection. A search for all peer-reviewed articles containing the words autism, age, and diagnosis in either the title or abstract was performed. A total of 42 studies published from January 1990 through March 2012 were identified. Mean age at diagnosis for all autism spectrum disorders ranged from 38 to 120 months and has decreased over time. Factors associated with earlier diagnosis included greater symptom severity, high socioe...
Source: Autism - June 10, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Daniels, A. M., Mandell, D. S. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Demographic and clinical correlates of autism symptom domains and autism spectrum diagnosis
This study evaluated these correlates and also examined whether social communication and interaction and restricted/repetitive behavior provided unique prediction of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. We analyzed data from 7352 siblings included in the Interactive Autism Network registry. Social communication and interaction and restricted/repetitive behavior symptoms were obtained using caregiver-reports on the Social Responsiveness Scale. Demographic and clinical correlates were covariates in regression models predicting social communication and interaction and restricted/repetitive behavior symptoms. Logistic regressio...
Source: Autism - June 10, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Frazier, T. W., Youngstrom, E. A., Embacher, R., Hardan, A. Y., Constantino, J. N., Law, P., Findling, R. L., Eng, C. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Prevalence and correlates of postsecondary residential status among young adults with an autism spectrum disorder
This study examined the prevalence and correlates of three living arrangements (with a parent or guardian, independently or with a roommate, or in a supervised setting) among a nationally representative sample of postsecondary young adults with an autism spectrum disorder. We assessed living arrangements since leaving high school. Compared with young adults with other disability types (learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or emotional disturbances), those with an autism spectrum disorder were more likely to have lived with a parent or guardian and least likely ever to have lived independently since leaving hig...
Source: Autism - June 10, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Anderson, K. A., Shattuck, P. T., Cooper, B. P., Roux, A. M., Wagner, M. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
The diagnosis of autism in community pediatric settings: Does advanced training facilitate practice change?
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a training program designed to enhance autism spectrum disorder identification and assessment within community pediatric settings across the state. Twenty-seven pediatric providers participated in regional trainings across a 3.5-year period. Trainings provided clinicians with strategies for conducting relatively brief within-practice interactive assessments following positive autism spectrum disorder screenings. Program evaluation was measured approximately 1.5 years following training through (a) clinician self-reports of practice change and (b) blind diagnostic verification of a ...
Source: Autism - June 10, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Swanson, A. R., Warren, Z. E., Stone, W. L., Vehorn, A. C., Dohrmann, E., Humberd, Q. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Enhancing work outcomes of employees with autism spectrum disorder through leadership: Leadership for employees with autism spectrum disorder
The focus of this study was to identify leader behaviors that elicit successful engagement of employees with autism spectrum disorder, a population that is powerfully emerging into the workplace. The ultimate goal was to improve the quality of life of employees with autism spectrum disorder by facilitating an environment leading to their success. Through a series of interviews with 54 employees with autism spectrum disorder, results indicated that leadership has a great effect on employee attitudes and performance, and that the notion of leadership preferences is quite complex culminating in several important behaviors rat...
Source: Autism - June 10, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Parr, A. D., Hunter, S. T. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Pathological demand avoidance: Exploring the behavioural profile
We present the first systematic comparison of the behavioural profile of children receiving the term pathological demand avoidance (N = 25) to children with autism spectrum disorders (N = 39) or conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits (N = 28), using parent-report indices of psychopathology. The pathological demand avoidance group displayed comparable levels of autistic traits and peer problems to the autism spectrum disorders group and anti-social traits approaching those seen in the conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits group. Emotional symptoms in pathological demand avoidance exceeded both comparison ...
Source: Autism - June 10, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: O'Nions, E., Viding, E., Greven, C. U., Ronald, A., Happe, F. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
