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Objective Parenting an autistic child can affect a family's well-being. Finding resources is critical. This pilot study looked at respite's impact on parental stress, anxiety, and depression in military families and demographic factors associated with presence of respite care. Method Participants completed three surveys on anonymous basis, including two standardized surveys measuring parental stress and anxiety/depression. Data analysis used Chi-square test and regression analysis. Results Parents receiving respite reported less stress and anxiety/depression. Respite utilization was associated with absence of comorbid conditions in child and other variables. Predictor variables for parental stress and anxiety/depression included presence of comorbid conditions in child. Conclusion Respite care may be linked to lower parental stress, anxiety, and depression, but more study is needed., Author(s): Rebecca A. Christi [sup.1] , Daniel Roy [sup.1] , Raywin Heung [sup.2] , Eric Flake [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) https://ror.org/01sfyq865, grid.416237.5, 0000 0004 0418 9357, Division of Developmental Behavioral [...]

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit challenging behaviors. Existing behavioral parent trainings (BPT) address ASD symptomology, but are lengthy and associated with significant attrition. In the current pilot study, a longitudinal randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate a novel brief BPT targeting caregivers of children with ASD ages 5-9. The 6-session BPT, delivered in a group format, focused on high-frequency challenging behaviors (e.g., problem behaviors, feeding and sleep issues). Caregivers who received BPT (n = 29), relative to an active control (psychoeducation/supportive therapy; n = 9), reported higher treatment satisfaction and acceptability. Challenging behaviors were reduced in the BPT and active control groups. The novel BPT was a feasible and acceptable intervention to target challenging behaviors in youth with ASD., Author(s): Ashley Rohacek [sup.1] , Emily L. Baxter [sup.2] , William E. Sullivan [sup.2] , Henry S. Roane [sup.2] , Kevin M. Antshel [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.264484.8, 0000 0001 [...]

Autistic youth are at risk for internalizing mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Similarly, parents of autistic youth report higher levels of depression than parents of typically developing children. The goal of this study was to examine bidirectional associations between parent depression symptoms and the internalizing problems of autistic youth in 188 families across four time points (T1-T4; spaced 12 months apart). A cross-lagged panel model revealed that mother (T1 and T2) and father (T1) depression symptoms positively predicted the youth's internalizing problems 12 months later. The youth's internalizing problems at T3 positively predicted maternal depression symptoms at T4. Future research should explore genetic and environmental pathways that link parent depression and internalizing problems in autistic youth., Author(s): Brianna Piro-Gambetti [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.4] , Jessica Greenlee [sup.1] [sup.3] , Emily J. Hickey [sup.1] , Jennifer M. Putney [sup.1] [sup.2] , Emily Lorang [sup.1] , Sigan L. Hartley [...]

Evidence of the effectivity of play-based interventions in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was evaluated by PRISMA-based literature study and a Risk of Bias (RoB) assessment. Many of the 32 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCT) reported improved social interaction, communication, daily functioning and play behaviour. They also reported decreased problem behaviour, better parental attunement and parent-child interaction. We assessed 25/32 of the RCTs with high RoB, mainly related to homogeneity of the study population, lack of power, and performance bias. We concluded with due care that the effectivity of play-based interventions differed across RCTs, most reported improvements are found in ASD symptoms, everyday functioning, and parental attunement. In future research, findings should be replicated, taking account of the RoB., Author(s): Leanne Dijkstra-de Neijs [sup.1] [sup.2] , Chanel Tisseur [sup.1] , Laura A. Kluwen [sup.1] , Ina A. van Berckelaer-Onnes [sup.1] [sup.2] , Hanna Swaab [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] , Wietske [...]

The guidance available for tailoring mental health services for autistic people is limited and dispersed. Practitioners attempting to appropriately adapt mental healthcare and therapy provision report low confidence and inconsistency in their approach. This study contributes to the guidance by providing a shortlist of usable and priority adaptations for diagnostic and therapy services as described by multidisciplinary staff members responsible for the design and delivery of a specialist autism service in the UK. Individual freelisting interviews were conducted with 15 staff, who were asked to list the ways that they adapt their practice individually, within therapy, and collectively as a service. Salience and cultural consensus analyses demonstrated the following agreed priority service adaptations: ensuring the suitability of the service environment with consideration of sensory demands, adapting communication, knowing individual gender identity preferences and minimising client uncertainty. Detailed examples are given for flexibly adapting therapy to individual needs to inform general and specialist services. The findings require replication and evaluation., Author(s): Stephanie Petty [sup.1] [sup.2] , Milja-Leea Bergenheim [sup.1] , Georgina Mahoney [sup.1] , Lucy Chamberlain [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.5685.e, 0000 0004 1936 9668, Department of Psychology, University of [...]

New technologies (NT) are increasingly used in Occupational Therapy (OT) interventions in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We conducted a scoping review to describe OT interventions investigated in scientific literature which use NT in children and adolescents with ASD. Two authors independently searched the scientific databases PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science, carried out a peer-review screening of articles and extracted data. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. OT interventions lasted between 1 week and 12 months, consisted of between 1 session per day and 5 sessions per week, were carried out exclusively by an occupational therapist, and the most used NT was the computer (n = 12). The duration of the interventions and assessment measures used varied greatly between studies., Author(s): S. Domínguez-Lucio [sup.1] , L. M. Compañ-Gabucio [sup.1] [sup.2] , L. Torres-Collado [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] , M. García de la Hera [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.26811.3c, 0000 [...]

In this qualitative study, we aimed to explore the challenges of providing services and supports for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families from the perceptions of professionals and parents of children with ASD. We classified the results of the study into three key categories including shortcomings in the management of children with ASD; shortcomings of supportive programs and facilities for children with ASD and their families; and organizational challenges in providing services for these children. We analyzed data using the content analysis method. The results showed that there is a wide range of challenges in providing sufficient and high-quality services for children with ASD and empowerment programs for their parents., Author(s): Kamal Gholipour [sup.1] , Akbar Ghiasi [sup.2] , Hassan Shahrokhi [sup.3] , Zeinab Dadashi [sup.4] , Simin Javanmard [sup.4] , Seyyed Hasan Tabatabaei [sup.5] , Shabnam Iezadi [sup.6] Author [...]

Provider referral is one of the most influential factors in research recruitment. To ease referral burden on providers, we adapted the Best Practice Alert (BPA) in the EPIC Electronic Health Record and assessed its utility in recruiting pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder for the national SPARK study. During a year-long surveillance, 1203 (64.0%) patients were Interested in SPARK and 223 enrolled. Another 754 participants not recruited via the BPA also enrolled; 35.5% of these participants completed their participation compared to 58.3% of BPA-referred participants. Results suggest that (a) a BPA can successfully engage providers in the study-referral process and (b) families who learn about research through their providers may be more engaged and effectively retained., Author(s): Andrea R. Simon [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.6] , Kelli L. Ahmed [sup.2] [sup.3] , Danica L. Limon [sup.2] [sup.4] [sup.7] , Gabrielle F. Duhon [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.8] , Gabriela Marzano [...]

Parental involvement in traditional autism therapy is key to the effective treatment of children with ASD. Little is known about parental involvement in robot-assisted autism therapy (RAAT)-novel therapeutic support for children with ASD. Our study investigates the effect of parental presence on multiple-session RAAT conducted with 16 children with ASD. They interacted with the social robot in the presence or absence of their parents. We measured children's socio-behavioral outcomes and conducted semi-structured interviews with parents. Parents did not necessarily affect the children's outcomes during the interventions. However, children's autism-related symptoms resulted in different socio-behavioral outcomes between sessions with and without parents. Most parents have reported positive changes in their children's behaviors when interacting with the robot., Author(s): Aida Amirova [sup.1] , Nazerke Rakhymbayeva [sup.2] , Aida Zhanatkyzy [sup.2] , Zhansaule Telisheva [sup.2] , Anara Sandygulova [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.428191.7, 0000 0004 0495 7803, Graduate School [...]

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is considered to be an empirically supported parent-mediated treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but research on parental experiences is lacking. This qualitative study examined the perspectives of parents of young children with ASD who participated in a 14-week PRT with parent group training (PRT-PG). Semi-structured interviews (n = 12) were carried out, based on Grounded Theory principles. Results indicated that facilitators and barriers were related to timing and expectations, training setting and characteristics, and participant characteristics. Perceived effects were related to improved child's social-communication skills and well-being, parental insights into their child's needs and own habitual patterns in communication and behavior, and positive changes in family cohesion. The findings indicate that in general parents value PRT-PG as feasible and effective., Author(s): Manon W. P. de Korte [sup.1] [sup.2] , Shireen P. T. Kaijadoe [sup.1] , Jan K. Buitelaar [sup.1] [sup.2] , Wouter G. Staal [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] , Martine van [...]

Parents of children with ASD (N = 86; mean age 44.8 months; 67 boys) were randomized to either WHO Caregiver Skills Training (CST) delivered in public health settings in Italy or enhanced treatment-as-usual. Primary blinded outcomes were 3-months post-intervention change scores of autism severity and engagement during caregiver-child interaction. CST was highly acceptable to caregivers and feasibly delivered by trained local clinicians. Intention-to-treat analysis showed a large and significant effect on parent skills supporting joint engagement and a smaller significant effect on flow of interaction. Expected changes in child autism severity and joint engagement did not meet statistical significance. Analysis of secondary outcomes showed a significant effect on parenting stress, self-efficacy, and child gestures. Strategies to improve the effectiveness of CST are discussed., Author(s): Erica Salomone [sup.1] [sup.2] , Michele Settanni [sup.3] , Helen McConachie [sup.4] , Katharine Suma [sup.5] , Federica Ferrara [sup.3] , Giulia Foletti [sup.3] , Arianna Salandin [sup.3] , [...]

There is increasing interest in investigating cannabis for behavioral symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The potential role of dysregulated cannabinoid signaling contributing to the pathophysiology of ASD is an area of active investigation. Results from retrospective and uncontrolled trials of cannabis in subjects with ASD have been published, reporting both potential benefits and adverse effects. Here, we describe the clinical course of three young adult males with ASD who developed mania or psychosis after the consistent use of cannabidiol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Caution should be utilized with cannabis use in individuals with ASD until large-scale, replicated randomized controlled trials demonstrating efficacy, safety and tolerability have been published., Author(s): Majd Al-Soleiti [sup.1] [sup.2] , Kayla Balaj [sup.3] [sup.4] , Robyn P. Thom [sup.5] [sup.6] , Christopher J. McDougle [sup.5] [sup.6] , Christopher J. Keary [sup.5] [sup.6] Author Affiliations: [...]

Patient-and family-centered care (PFCC) is a partnership among healthcare professionals, patients, and families that is grounded in mutual respect and is an approach that impacts delivery of care, decision-making, and information sharing. PFCC should be implemented for all, including individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), who experience adverse medical encounters despite increased prevalence and healthcare utilization. Insights into the experiences of families during medical experiences can inform clinical practice by increasing healthcare professionals' understanding of the population. Using a mixed-methods approach, the perspectives of 40 families were analyzed. The themes include barriers and opportunities to improve upon the delivery of PFCC, which help to advance healthcare interactions and inform solution-based initiatives to facilitate medical visits that may benefit all patients., Author(s): Jennifer L. Kouo [sup.1] , Theodore S. Kouo [sup.2] , Jillian Gallogly [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.21107.35, 0000 0001 2171 9311, The Institute for Innovation in Development, Engagement, and [...]

Therapeutic riding (THR) and HeartMath (HM) mindfulness-based interventions have promise for reducing stress in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. In three 10-week periods, this study compared THR, HM, and control on salivary cortisol, self-reported stress, parent-reported social responsiveness, and heart-rate variability. This crossover design included 27 participants (12-21 years) randomly assigned to order of intervention. Findings suggest that HM and THR manualized protocols are equally beneficial in decreasing cortisol levels immediately following a session, but HM sessions had more impact on heart-rate variability. There was no significant effect on follow-up cortisol levels within a week after either intervention, but THR had more impact on decreasing some self-reported stressors., Author(s): Betsy Kemeny [sup.1] , Steffanie Burk [sup.2] , Deborah Hutchins [sup.1] , Courtney Gramlich [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.263717.6, 0000 0001 2150 8792, Department of Recreational Therapy, Slippery Rock [...]

This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a video game-based digital therapeutic combining applied behavior analysis techniques and gaze-contingent eye tracking to target emotion recognition in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children aged 4-14 years with ASD were randomized to complete Lookware[TM] (n = 25) or a control video game (n = 29). Results from a 2 x 2 mixed ANOVA revealed that children in the intervention condition demonstrated significant improvements in emotion recognition from pre- to post-intervention compared to children in the control condition, F(1,52) = 17.48, p < 0.001. Children and staff perceived high feasibility and acceptability of Lookware[TM]. Study results demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of Lookware[TM]., Author(s): David W. Sosnowski [sup.1] , Cathleen Odar Stough [sup.2] , Mary Jane Weiss [sup.3] , Tahra Cessna [sup.4] , Amy Casale [sup.5] , Adrienne Foran [sup.6] , Melanie Erwinski [...]

Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without an intellectual disability have daily living skills (DLS) impairments. An initial feasibility pilot of Surviving and Thriving in the Real World (STRW), a group intervention that targets DLS, demonstrated significant improvements. A pilot RCT of STRW was conducted to extend these findings. Twelve adolescents with ASD were randomized to the treatment or waitlist groups. The treatment group had significant DLS improvements on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 3rd Edition and the DLS goal attainment scale. Four adolescents from the waitlist crossed over and completed STRW. Entire sample analyses with 10 participants demonstrated large DLS gains. Results provide further evidence of the efficacy of STRW for closing the gap between DLS and chronological age., Author(s): Amie Duncan [sup.1] [sup.4] , Jareen Meinzen-Derr [sup.2] [sup.4] , Lisa A. Ruble [sup.3] , Carrie Fassler [sup.1] , Lori J. Stark [sup.1] [sup.4] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.239573.9, 0000 [...]

Little is known about parent preferences regarding delivery methods of early interventions. This research examined, through parent report, the current and preferred delivery methods of seven common educational early interventions accessed by New Zealand children with autism spectrum disorder. Responses from 63 eligible participants were collected via an online questionnaire. Results suggested that four of the seven early intervention services were predominantly delivered through some form of professional advice to parents. Participants who were receiving at least one privately funded service were more likely to have at least one service delivered directly to their child. Parents' most preferred delivery method for all early intervention services, except parent education programs, involved a professional working directly with their child., Author(s): Carla Wallace-Watkin [sup.1] , Andrew J. O. Whitehouse [sup.2] , Hannah Waddington [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.267827.e, 0000 0001 2292 3111, School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, , [...]

This study investigated the effects of a parent-implemented dialogic reading approach-Reading to Engage Children with Autism in Language and Learning (RECALL)-on the engagement in reading and inference-making ability for preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thirty-one preschoolers (mean age = 5.90 years, SD = 0.69; 26 boys, 5 girls) were randomly assigned to a treatment or control group. Six weeks of RECALL significantly enhanced story comprehension, emotion knowledge, and reading engagement among preschoolers in the treatment group. This might be the first randomized controlled trial testing the effects of RECALL on children with ASD. Our findings suggest that additional instructional support such as the application of a prompting hierarchy during dialogic reading might help children with ASD reap greater benefits from shared book reading., Author(s): Jennie Ying Tung Lo [sup.1] , Kathy Kar-Man Shum [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.194645.b, 0000000121742757, Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, , Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China [...]

Although water-based approaches have been shown to be beneficial for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), no study thus far has directly investigated the effects of such intervention programs on language skills. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the Aquatic Speech and Language Therapy (ASLT) program, which is a new, exclusively aquatic intervention program designed especially for children with ASD. The effects of ASLT were compared to the outcome of a similar classroom-based intervention, in two groups of children with ASD matched for age, gender, and expressive/receptive vocabulary. Our findings show that ASLT results in significantly greater improvement of vocabulary measures, thus providing direct evidence of water-based intervention's beneficial effects on language skills in ASD., Author(s): Stamatis Sourvinos [sup.1] , Aris Mavropoulos [sup.2] , Dimitrios S. Kasselimis [sup.3] , Andriani Korasidi [sup.1] , Alexandra-Labrini Voukouni [sup.1] , Panagiotis Papadopoulos [sup.1] , Spyridon Vlaseros [sup.1] , [...]

While youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are psychiatrically hospitalized at high rates, general psychiatric settings are not designed to meet their unique needs. Previous evaluations of an ASD-Care Pathway (ASD-CP) on a general psychiatric unit revealed sustained reductions in crisis interventions (intramuscular medication use, holds/restraints; Cervantes et al. in J Autism Dev Disord 49(8):3173-3180, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04029-6, 2019; Kuriakose et al. in J Autism Dev Disord 48(12):4082-4089, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3666-y, 2018). The current study investigated staff perceptions of the ASD-CP (N = 30), and examined rates of ASD-CP implementation fidelity in relation to patient outcomes (N = 28). Staff identified visual communication aids and reward strategies as most helpful. The number of days of reward identification early in the inpatient stay was associated with fewer crisis interventions later in a patient's stay., Author(s): Lauren J. Donnelly [sup.1] , Paige E. Cervantes [sup.1] , Eugene Okparaeke [sup.1] [sup.2] , Cheryl R. Stein [sup.1] , Beryl Filton [sup.1] [sup.2] , Sarah Kuriakose [sup.1] [sup.3] [...]

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have problem behaviors that interfere with learning and social interaction. This randomized controlled trial compared treatment with functional communication training (FCT) to 'treatment as usual' for young children with ASD (n = 38, ages 21-84 months). FCT was conducted by parents with training and real-time coaching provided by behavioral consultants using telehealth. FCT treatment via telehealth achieved a mean reduction in problem behavior of 98% compared to limited behavioral improvement in children receiving 'treatment as usual' during a 12-week period. Social communication and task completion also improved. For children with ASD and moderate to severe behavior problems, parent-implemented FCT using telehealth significantly reduced problem behavior while ongoing interventions typically did not., Author(s): Scott Lindgren [sup.1] , David Wacker [sup.1] , Kelly Schieltz [sup.1] , Alyssa Suess [sup.2] , Kelly Pelzel [sup.3] , Todd Kopelman [sup.3] , John Lee [sup.4] , Patrick [...]

Despite advances in evidence-based treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), disparities in service access remain a serious concern. Current treatment models may not be feasible for families who live in remote geographical regions or have limited resources. To address this, studies have begun to explore parent-implemented interventions via an online format. The current study examined a new online course designed to help parents implement Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) for their toddler with ASD. Parents submitted videos of parent-child interactions which were coded for fidelity of implementation (FOI) and social communicative behaviors. The data indicate that PRT fidelity and child behaviors significantly improved following course participation. This suggests that an online intervention may be a feasible approach to disseminating PRT strategies., Author(s): Elizabeth McGarry [sup.1] , Ty Vernon [sup.1] , Anisha Baktha [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.133342.4, 0000 0004 1936 9676, Koegel Autism Center, Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, [...]

Although there has been growing interest in utilizing robots for intervention in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there have been very few controlled trials to assess the actual impacts of such systems on social communication vulnerabilities. This study reports a randomized controlled trial to investigate a robot-mediated response to joint attention intervention in a small (23 recruited; 20 completed) group of young children (average age = 2.54 years) with ASD. Small and nonsignificant group differences were observed regarding improvements in response to joint attention skills within and beyond the intervention. The sample showed tremendous individual variability in response to the system. Results highlight the current challenges related to developing pragmatic, beneficial, and generalizable robotic intervention systems for the targeted population., Author(s): Zhi Zheng [sup.1] [sup.2] , Guangtao Nie [sup.2] , Amy Swanson [sup.3] , Amy Weitlauf [sup.3] [sup.4] , Zachary Warren [sup.3] [sup.4] , Nilanjan Sarkar [sup.2] [sup.5] Author Affiliations: [...]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with or without intellectual disability (ID), is common in children with congenital blindness. This complex combination of disabilities often involves many challenges for the family. This study explored parents' experiences of having a child with blindness and ASD (with or without ID), their support needs and experiences of the support provided. Interviews with eight parents, representing six families, were performed. The parents emphasized that assessment and diagnostic procedures must be performed by professionals with expertise in blind children's development, and ASD. The support was often perceived as fragmented and did not correspond to the families' needs. The results suggest that national guidelines should be produced, to ensure a more coordinated and tailored support to these families., Author(s): Kim de Verdier [sup.1] [sup.2] , Elisabeth Fernell [sup.3] , Ulla Ek [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.10548.38, 0000 0004 1936 9377, Department of Special Education, Stockholm University, , 106 [...]

Objective To estimate the prevalence of health care transition components among youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged 12-17 using the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), compared to youth with other mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders (MBDDs) or youth without MBDDs. Methods The 2016 NSCH is a nationally and state representative survey that explores issues of health and well-being among children ages 0-17. Within the NSCH, parents of a subset of youth, ages 12-17, are asked a series of questions about their youth's eventual transition into the adult health care system. The current study explores components of this transition, comparing youth diagnosed with ASD, youth with other mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders (MBDDs), and youth without MBDDs. Results Approximately 1-in-4 youth with ASD had actively worked with their doctor to understand future changes to their health care, significantly less than youth with other MBDDs and youth without MBDDs. Fewer than 2-in-5 youth with ASD had met with their doctor privately or had a parent who knew how their youth would be insured when they reached adulthood. Conclusions The current analysis of a nationally representative sample of youth reveals discrepancies in the proportion of youth with ASD receiving appropriate health care transition planning compared to youth with other MBDDs and youth without MBDDs. These findings suggest the potential for barriers among youth with ASD to effectively transitioning into the adult health care system., Author(s): Benjamin Zablotsky [sup.1] , Jessica Rast [sup.2] , Matthew D. Bramlett [sup.1] , Paul T. Shattuck [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.416789.5, 0000 0001 1958 5959, Centers for Disease Control [...]

To examine the preliminary efficacy of an 8-week judo program to promote moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and reduce sedentary behavior (SB) in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Fourteen children diagnosed with ASD participated in a weekly judo program over a period of 8 weeks. Participants wore an Actigraph accelerometer to measure activity levels at baseline and post-judo. All 14 children attended at least 75% of the 8 judo classes. Percentage of time spent in daily MVPA (8% vs 4%, p = .05) increased following the intervention. A high rate of participation and an increase in time spent in MVPA was observed following the 8-week program. Further research to examine causal mechanisms is warranted., Author(s): Jeanette M. Garcia [sup.1] , Nicholas Leahy [sup.2] , Paola Rivera [sup.2] , Justine Renziehausen [sup.2] , Judith Samuels [sup.3] , David H. Fukuda [sup.2] , Jeffrey R. Stout [...]

Children with autism typically have a limited repertoire of activities they engage in during their free time and are often observed to engage in inappropriate or non-functional play. Previous research has suggested that deficits in leisure skills are not only a factor of the diagnosis, but also influenced by structural constraints such as lack of resources, support, and opportunity. This study used a multiple probe across participants design to assess the effects of video prompting and error correction on the acquisition of a leisure activity and social initiation for three children with autism. Results indicate that video prompting may be effective in increasing appropriate engagement in a leisure activity. However, findings are mixed concerning the use of video prompting to teach a social initiation. This study expands on previous research by systematically selecting a leisure activity to teach and by including a social component., Author(s): Valeria Armendariz [sup.1] , Adam D. Hahs [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.215654.1, 0000 0001 2151 2636, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, , 950 S. McAllister Ave, 85287, Tempe, [...]

Self-management interventions have been shown to improve behavioral, social, and academic outcomes across age-groups and settings; yet, a dearth of research exists on the impact of self-management interventions on academic engagement of high school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present study uses an ABAB withdrawal design to examine the effects of a self-management with peer trainer (SM + PT) intervention on the academic engagement of two high school students with ASD. The peer trainer in this study also had ASD. Additionally, the study examines the extent to which the peer trainer with ASD implemented a peer training session with fidelity and the social validity of the SM + PT intervention. Based on the What Works Clearinghouse Procedures and Standards Handbook guidelines (Institute of Education Sciences 2017 (See CR17)), this study found moderate evidence for a causal relationship of the SM + PT intervention and academic engagement for both students. Data suggest that the peer trainer implemented the peer training component with fidelity. Social validity results suggest that the intervention was feasible, acceptable, and effective. Limitations include the presence of naturally occurring variations in the teacher-assigned tasks, school-imposed time constraints, and data outliers in both students' second baseline phases. Future research is needed to investigate the extent to which SM + PT interventions can be effectively implemented and generalized to more inclusive high school settings., Author(s): Garrett J. Roberts [sup.1] , Min Mize [sup.2] , Colleen K. Reutebuch [sup.3] , Terry Falcomata [sup.4] , Philip Capin [sup.3] , Briana L. Steelman [sup.5] Author Affiliations: (1) [...]

Knowledge about the quality of care delivered to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in relation to that recommended by clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) is limited. ASD care quality indicators were developed from CPGs and validated by experts, then used to assess the quality of care delivered by general practitioners (GPs) and pediatricians in Australia. Data were retrospectively collected from the medical records of 228 children ([less than or equal to] 15 years) with ASD for 2012-2013. Overall quality of care was high, but with considerable variation among indicators, and between GPs and pediatricians-e.g., GPs were less likely to complete the assessment care bundle (61%; 95% CI 21-92). Findings highlight potential areas for improvement in the need for standardized criteria for diagnosis., Author(s): K. Churruca [sup.1] , L. A. Ellis [sup.1] , J. C. Long [sup.1] , C. Pomare [sup.1] , L. K. Wiles [sup.1] [sup.2] , G. Arnolda [sup.1] , H. [...]

The pediatric developmental passport was created to aid service navigation for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A pilot-randomized-control trial was conducted at two developmental clinics. The intervention group received the Passport card versus the control group who received the placebo card. Primary outcome was the proportion of families who contacted ASD services 1-year following diagnosis. Of 40 families, 95% in the intervention group contacted services versus 70% in the control (p = 0.04). All families at the academic site contacted services; at the community site 90% in the intervention group contacted versus 40% in the control (p = 0.02). The Passport shows promise aiding families of children with ASD in service navigation, particularly at community clinics where specialist follow-up is not readily available., Author(s): Elizabeth Young [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.4] [sup.11] , Ramanan Aiyadurai [sup.2] [sup.12] , Thivia Jegathesan [sup.2] [sup.3] [sup.5] , Catherine Brown [sup.1] [sup.8] , Nicole Bechard [sup.1] [sup.6] , Ripudaman [...]

Evidence-based weight-loss treatments for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are lacking. Therefore, a parent-based weight-loss treatment for children with ASD (PBT-ASD) was developed. A pilot study was conducted to test the initial efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of this intervention. Parents of 20 children with ASD and overweight/obesity (mean age = 9.90 (SD = 2.31) years; 90% male; 40% Hispanic) participated in a 16-session PBT-ASD. The PBT-ASD program was found to be feasible and acceptable. Both children and parents lost weight from pre- to post-treatment (p's < .05). Parent-reported child physical activity and vegetable consumption increased at post-treatment (p's < .05). This pilot study provides a proof-of-concept for PBT-ASD. Randomized controlled trials with larger samples and follow-up are needed., Author(s): Brittany E. Matheson [sup.1] , Amy Drahota [sup.2] [sup.3] , Kerri N. Boutelle [sup.4] [sup.5] Author Affiliations: (Aff1) grid.168010.e, 0000000419368956, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School [...]

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often meet criteria for at least one additional psychiatric disorder. The present study evaluated the utility of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) in assessing co-occurring psychiatric disorders in children, adolescents, and young adults with ASD. Ninety-one percent of children/adolescents and thirty-one percent of young adults were diagnosed with one or more co-occurring diagnoses using the MINI. MINI diagnostic rates were comparable to those found in the literature on children/adolescents with ASD; however, in young adults, MINI diagnostic rates were lower relative to rates found in the literature on young adults with ASD. Implications for treatment, transitioning to adulthood, and the need for instruments developed specifically to diagnose co-occurring disorders in ASD are discussed., Author(s): Maya G. Mosner [sup.1] , Jessica L. Kinard [sup.2] , Jasmine S. Shah [sup.1] , Sean McWeeny [sup.1] , Rachel K. Greene [sup.1] , Sarah C. Lowery [sup.1] , [...]

In two studies, we investigated the effectiveness of parent education in Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) on parent-created opportunities and spontaneous child initiations in two community-based treatment facilities for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Changes in parental stress and self-efficacy were explored. Participants were 26 parents and their children who participated in group (Study 1) or individual (Study 2) parent education in PRT. Results indicated that group-based parent education resulted in moderate increases in opportunities, functional initiations, and empathic social initiations. Furthermore, parental stress reduced and self-efficacy increased. Individual parent education resulted in large increases in opportunities and functional initiations, but parental stress and self-efficacy did not change. Implications for clinical practice and directions for future research are discussed., Author(s): Rianne Verschuur [sup.1] [sup.2] , Bibi Huskens [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] , Robert Didden [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (Aff1) 0000000122931605, grid.5590.9, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, , Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR, [...]

Error correction is a ubiquitous instructional component for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the context of alternating treatment with repeated acquisition design, we taught four young Chinese children with ASD three sets of a match-to-sample task using multiple response repetition error correction with and without reinforcement. We assessed the participants' preferences of the procedures. Results showed that the acquisition rates were similar under both conditions. However, participant's preferences varied, with three participants preferring error correction with reinforcement and one preferring the without-reinforcement procedure. The discussion addresses the results from our comparison in light of prior studies and learner preferences of error-correction procedures, as well as the research and practical implications of our findings., Author(s): Chengan Yuan [sup.1] , Youjia Hua [sup.2] , Jing Zhu [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (Aff1) 0000 0001 2151 2636, grid.215654.1, Division of Educational Leadership and Innovation, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers [...]

The study assesses the acceptability and feasibility of a brief parent-mediated home-based intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), deliverable in resource-limited settings, with an emphasis on addressing parental stress from a socio-cultural perspective. 50 children (2-6 years), with a DSM 5 diagnosis of ASD were randomized to intervention (n = 26) or active control group (n = 24). The intervention based on naturalistic developmental behavioral approach, focusing on joint attention, imitation, social and adaptive skills was structured to be delivered in five outpatient sessions over 12 weeks. All children were followed up at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Parents of children randomized to the intervention group reported more improvements across parental stress and child outcome measures compared to those in the control group. The intervention was found to be acceptable and feasible, with high fidelity measures and retention rates., Author(s): Harshini Manohar [sup.1] , Preeti Kandasamy [sup.1] , Venkatesh Chandrasekaran [sup.2] , Ravi Philip Rajkumar [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (Aff1) grid.414953.e, 0000000417678301, Department of Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical [...]

Olfactory adaptation is an important process that allows the individual to adjust to changes in the environment. This process has been proposed to be aberrant in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, few studies have examined olfactory adaptation in children with ASD. We examined olfactory adaptation in children with ASD and typically developing (TD) children using a pulse ejection system, which resolved problems associated with previous laboratory-based olfactory psychophysical studies. Nine children with ASD and nine TD children participated in this study and all participants completed the entire experiment. Using this system, we found that the TD group showed greater adaptation than the ASD group. Our results provide a better understanding of olfactory adaptation in children with ASD., Author(s): Hirokazu Kumazaki [sup.1] , Taro Muramatsu [sup.2] , Masutomo Miyao [sup.3] , Ken-ichi Okada [sup.4] , Masaru Mimura [sup.2] , Mitsuru Kikuchi [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (Aff1) grid.9707.9, 0000 0001 [...]

The aim of this novel review and meta-analysis was to clarify the effects of group-based organised physical activity (OPA) for social and communicative outcomes in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Searches yielded 4347 articles. Eleven were identified for review and seven for meta-analysis. Pooled statistical results revealed a non-significant effect for communication (k = 4; g = 0.13, CI [- 0.12, 0.38], p = .13) and a significant small-medium improvement in overall social functioning (k = 6; g = 0.45, CI [0.19, 0.72], p = .001). Despite acknowledged limitations, these findings are important in the context of a growing clinical and consumer-driven demand for research that determines the role of OPA as a non-medical and inclusive treatment for children with ASD., Author(s): Katherine Howells [sup.1] , Carmel Sivaratnam [sup.1] , Tamara May [sup.1] , Ebony Lindor [sup.1] , Jane McGillivray [sup.1] , Nicole Rinehart [sup.1] [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (Aff1) grid.1021.2, 0000 [...]

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display social-communication deficits and present with rigid and repetitive patterns of behavior and/or interests (RRBIs). Compared to interventions for social-communication skills, less attention has been given to RRBIs, especially with regard to interventions for young children. We surveyed 128 behavior analysts who implemented interventions for young children with ASD on their use of 16 practices and one assessment for the treatment of RRBIs. The majority of our sample perceived the practices to be effective in producing sustainable behavior change. Behavior analysts generally responded in the same way to items about reinforcement-based practices, punishment-based practices, and a group of commonly packaged antecedent and consequence-based package components. Implications and future directions are discussed., Author(s): Tracy J. Raulston [sup.1] [sup.3] , Sarah G. Hansen [sup.2] [sup.3] , Wendy Machalicek [sup.3] , Laura Lee McIntyre [sup.3] , Amarie Carnett [sup.4] Author Affiliations: (Aff1) grid.29857.31, 0000 [...]

Little research has examined family emotional climate in the context of having a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The goal of the current study was to determine how the emotional quality of family subsystems (parent-child and parent couple relationships, for both mothers and fathers) combine to create various classes of family emotional climate and to identify predictors of class membership in 148 families of children with ASD. The emotional quality of family subsystems was assessed using Five Minute Speech Samples from mothers and fathers. In total, 148 families of children with ASD (86% male) aged 6-13 years were included in analyses. About one-third of parents did not have a college degree and more than two-thirds were of non-Hispanic White origin. Latent class analysis revealed that 43% of the sample was characterized by high levels of warmth and low levels of criticism in both the parent-child and parent couple relationships; 12% of the sample was characterized by low warmth and high criticism in both sets of relationships; and the rest of the sample was divided among three additional classes of emotional climate characterized by different configurations of warmth and criticism across both sets of relationships. Parent level of broader autism phenotype and child emotional and behavioral problems were associated with emotional climate class membership. Implications for interventions are discussed., Author(s): Emily J. Hickey [sup.1] [sup.2] , Robert L. Nix [sup.1] , Sigan L. Hartley [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (Aff1) grid.14003.36, 0000 0001 2167 3675, Human Development and Family Studies Department, [...]