Social Skills Research
http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/news/latest-research-socials-skills-interventions-autism-220392001
This website reviews three articles on social skills interventions.
Behavior
Applied Behavior Analysis
https://www.kennedykrieger.org/patient-care/centers-and-programs/neurobehavioral-unit-nbu/applied-behavior-analysis/scientific-support-for-applied-behavior-analysis
Sensory Issues
Carly Rosenthal, Roseann Schaaf, Rachel Dumont, Judith Ross, Rachel Kim, Margaret Ryan, Lauren Santoro, Taylor Sivori; Sensory Features in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)—Core Characteristic or Comorbid Factor?. Am J Occup Ther 2019;73(4_Supplement_1):7311500047. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.73S1-PO8013
This study explores whether sensory reactivity (hyper and hypo reactivity) may be a distinguishing characteristic of ASD. Understanding these phenotypic characteristics of ASD can help inform personalized OT intervention for sensory features as well as aid in early diagnosis.
Hakami, Mona H; Isa, Zainudin Mohd; Khairani, Ahmad Zamri. Advanced Science Letters. Teaching Students with Disabilities in Mainstream Schools Dealing with Students with ASD and Students with ADHD Challenges Volume 24, Number 1, January 2018, pp. 236-238, Volume 24, Number 1, January 2018, pp. 236-238(3) https://doi.org/10.1166/asl.2018.11970
https://www.autismspeaks.org/science-news/study-finds-sensory-integration-therapy-benefits-children-autism
Avoiding Fad Treatments and Interventions
There are a lot of potential treatments and 'cures' advertised, available on the internet or seen in the media. It is important to understand that these are not all evidence based and have not been researched to determine their effectiveness. Here are some articles which highlight the difficulties in choosing the correct intervention and treatment. The following article provides an extensive list of non proven treatments. The following articles address this issue.
https://autismsciencefoundation.org/what-is-autism/beware-of-non-evidence-based-treatments/
http://www.researchautism.net/autism-interventions/harmful-interventions/scientifically-unfeasible-interventions
Communication and Language Research
Mody, M., Shui, A.M., Nowinski, L.A. et al. Communication Deficits and the Motor System: Exploring Patterns of Associations in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). J Autism Dev Disord 47, 155–162 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2934-y
This study investigated motor skills and speech-language deficits in ASD. It examined data from 1781 children with ASD, 2–17 years of age, enrolled in the Autism Speaks—Autism Treatment Network (AS-ATN) registry, They completed a multidisciplinary evaluation that included diagnostic, physical, cognitive and behavioral assessments as part of a routine standard of care protocol. The results of the study suggest potential differences in the contributions of fine versus gross motor skills to autistic profiles and may provide another lens with which to view communication differences across the autism spectrum for use in treatment interventions.
DiStefano, C., Shih, W., Kaiser, A., Landa, R. and Kasari, C. (2016), Communication growth in minimally verbal children with ASD: The importance of interaction. Autism Research, 9: 1093-1102. doi10.1002/aur.1594
This study examined the interchange use by 55 children with ASD over the course of a 6‐month play and engagement‐based communication intervention. Half of the children received intervention sessions that also incorporated a speech‐generating device (SGD). Interchanges were coded by: frequency, length, function, and initiator (child or adult). Results indicated that children initiated a large proportion of interchanges and this proportion increased over time. The average length and number of interchanges increased over time, with children in the SGD group showing even greater growth. Finally, children's total number of interchanges at baseline was positively associated with their spoken language gains over the course of intervention. This study supports the crucial relationship between social engagement and expressive language development, and highlights the need to include sustained communication interchanges as a target for intervention with this population.
Etiology
Louis, P. (2012). Does the Human Gut Microbiota Contribute to the Etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders? Digestive Diseases & Sciences, 57(8)1987–1989. https://doi-org.libproxy.chapman.edu/10.1007/s10620-012-2286-1
This editorial article identifies that recent studies are beginning to reveal that the actions of the microbiota have much wider effects on host physiology than originally thought, and evidence is emerging that these may include modulation of brain activity and behavior. These studies have identified changes in microbiota composition in individuals with ASD compared to healthy control subjects in focusing on bacteria culture and molecular methods although no clear trend has emerged. It identifies that the role of microbiota has been evidenced in the use of antibiotics were shown to improve behavior and communication in individuals with ASD and the use of probiotic interventions have demonstrated the improvement in neuropsychological symptoms. It also SCFA propionate and butyrate have been identified as likely mechanisms which have found to elicit behavioral changes in rodents similar to those found in individuals with ASD. Recommendations were made for further studies to look at the cause and consequence relationship between probiotic and dietary interventions. This article provides a good overview of an area that may have an impact on ASD symptoms.
Bölte, S., Girdler, S. & Marschik, P.B. (2019). The contribution of environmental exposure to the etiology of autism spectrum disorder. Cellular & Molecular Life Sciences, 76 (7), 1275-1297. https://doi-org.libproxy.chapman.edu/10.1007/s00018-018-2988-4
This peer reviewed article reviews current research in the understanding of environmental risk factors of ASD from a biological, psychosocial aspect and also protective factors. The article concluded that valproate intake, toxic chemical exposure, immune activation, and possibly altered zinc–copper cycles, treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, increased offspring vulnerability to ASD through advanced maternal and paternal age, maternal diabetes, and enhanced steroidogenic activity, were possible contributory factors to ASD. In reviewing the literature, an increasing awareness of environmental influences had been indicated following recent twin studies. Recommendations for future research were that studies should focus on the different stages of pregnancy and environmental exposure at each stage. It argued that there more cross discipline research and further research examining environmental protective factors is needed. The article acknowledged that environmental research in relation to ASD is in its infancy and evidence is currently lacking regarding environmental toxins. This article provided an in-depth, comprehensive review of current knowledge and gave clear direction for future research.
Hens, K, Peeters, H, Dierickx, K. 2016. The Ethics of Complexity. Genetics and Autism, a Literature Review. Am J Med Genet Part B 171B: 305– 316. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.b.32432
Neurological
Jeste S. S. (2011). The neurology of autism spectrum disorders. Current opinion in neurology, 24(2), 132–139. doi:10.1097/WCO.0b013e3283446450
This article reviews the most recent literature on three of autism’s most prevalent neurological comorbidities: motor impairment, sleep disorders, and epilepsy. The author considers whether each comorbidity is specific to ASD, whether it lies on the causal pathway to ASD or if it is a secondary effect and finally the timing and developmental trajectory of each domain. Key findings from this article are that neurological comorbidities are common in individuals with ASD, epilepsy occurs in up to 50% of children, sleep disorders occur in up to 83% of children and motor impairment includes incoordination and gait impairments, developmental delays and deficits, and dyspraxia. The author identifies areas for future research should be to integrate the knowledge of genetics and molecular mechanisms to better understand the relationship between ASD and epilepsy. Also more studies of infants identified at risk of ASD.
Nicotera, A. G., Hagerman, R. J., Catania, M. V., Buono, S., Di Nuovo, S., Liprino, E. M., … Musumeci, S. A. (2019). EEG Abnormalities as a Neurophysiological Biomarker of Severity in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Cohort Study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(6), 2337–2347. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.libproxy.chapman.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,uid&db=eric&AN=EJ1217766&site=eds-live
This study comprised of sixty-nine participants who underwent cognitive or developmental testing, language assessment, and adaptive behavior skills evaluation as well as sleep/wake EEG recording. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of a population affected by ASD, the prevalence of EEG abnormalities in the same population and the potential correlations between EEG abnormalities and behavioral and cognitive variables in patients with ASD. The study found that epileptiform abnormalities in 26.08% of participants, and 88.8% of the EEG abnormalities subgroup. It also found a positive and significant correlation between the EEG abnormalities and both the severity of core autistic symptoms and the presence of different comorbid features. A prevalence of severe language impairment was also found to be higher in the group of patients with EEG abnormalities. In conclusion, this study highlights a clear association between epileptiform abnormalities and language disorders, hyperactivity and intellectual disability in subjects with ASD. The article suggests that future research regarding early treatment of epileptiform discharges are needed in ASD to potentially reverse the negative consequences reported here.
Jeste S. S. (2011). The neurology of autism spectrum disorders. Current opinion in neurology, 24(2), 132–139. https://doi:10.1097/WCO.0b013e3283446450
This article reviews the most recent literature on three of autism’s most prevalent neurological comorbidities: motor impairment, sleep disorders, and epilepsy. The author considers whether each comorbidity is specific to ASD, whether it lies on the causal pathway to ASD or if it is a secondary effect and finally the timing and developmental trajectory of each domain. Key findings from this article are that neurological comorbidities are common in individuals with ASD, epilepsy occurs in up to 50% of children, sleep disorders occur in up to 83% of children and motor impairment includes incoordination and gait impairments, developmental delays and deficits, and dyspraxia. The author identifies areas for future research should be to integrate the knowledge of genetics and molecular mechanisms to better understand the relationship between ASD and epilepsy. Also more studies of infants identified at risk of ASD.
Cognitive
Brunsdon, V. E. A., Colvert, E., Ames, C., Garnett, T., Gillan, N., Hallett, V., Happé, F. (2015). Exploring the Cognitive Features in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Their Co-Twins, and Typically Developing Children within a Population-Based Sample. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 56(8), 893–902. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.libproxy.chapman.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,uid&db=eric&AN=EJ1067450&site=eds-live
This large scale research study’s aim was to investigate the prevalence of multiple cognitive atypicalities in ASD and to address the mixed findings in the literature regarding the cognitive features of ASD. It’s population based sample consisted of sets of twins where one or both children were diagnosed with ASD, born in the United Kingdom between 1994 and 1996. It comprised one hundred and eighty adolescents with a diagnosis of ASD and 73 unaffected co-twins, alongside 160 comparison control participants. An extensive cognitive battery was administered including IQ tests, central coherence, theory of mind and executive function was measured on all participants.
The ASD group performed below the typically developing control group in all three cognitive tasks tapping global processing, In support of the executive dysfunction account, the ASD group performed below the control group in two tasks measuring executive functioning. The study results support the theory of mind deficit in individuals with ASD, with higher level executive functioning were directly related to the severity of communication symptoms in ASD, but not to the reciprocal social interaction and repetitive and restrictive behavior interests. The study found that one third of the ASD group shared multiple cognitive atypicalities but these were not a universal feature of ASD.
http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/news/latest-research-socials-skills-interventions-autism-220392001
This website reviews three articles on social skills interventions.
Behavior
Applied Behavior Analysis
https://www.kennedykrieger.org/patient-care/centers-and-programs/neurobehavioral-unit-nbu/applied-behavior-analysis/scientific-support-for-applied-behavior-analysis
Sensory Issues
Carly Rosenthal, Roseann Schaaf, Rachel Dumont, Judith Ross, Rachel Kim, Margaret Ryan, Lauren Santoro, Taylor Sivori; Sensory Features in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)—Core Characteristic or Comorbid Factor?. Am J Occup Ther 2019;73(4_Supplement_1):7311500047. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.73S1-PO8013
This study explores whether sensory reactivity (hyper and hypo reactivity) may be a distinguishing characteristic of ASD. Understanding these phenotypic characteristics of ASD can help inform personalized OT intervention for sensory features as well as aid in early diagnosis.
Hakami, Mona H; Isa, Zainudin Mohd; Khairani, Ahmad Zamri. Advanced Science Letters. Teaching Students with Disabilities in Mainstream Schools Dealing with Students with ASD and Students with ADHD Challenges Volume 24, Number 1, January 2018, pp. 236-238, Volume 24, Number 1, January 2018, pp. 236-238(3) https://doi.org/10.1166/asl.2018.11970
https://www.autismspeaks.org/science-news/study-finds-sensory-integration-therapy-benefits-children-autism
Avoiding Fad Treatments and Interventions
There are a lot of potential treatments and 'cures' advertised, available on the internet or seen in the media. It is important to understand that these are not all evidence based and have not been researched to determine their effectiveness. Here are some articles which highlight the difficulties in choosing the correct intervention and treatment. The following article provides an extensive list of non proven treatments. The following articles address this issue.
https://autismsciencefoundation.org/what-is-autism/beware-of-non-evidence-based-treatments/
http://www.researchautism.net/autism-interventions/harmful-interventions/scientifically-unfeasible-interventions
Communication and Language Research
Mody, M., Shui, A.M., Nowinski, L.A. et al. Communication Deficits and the Motor System: Exploring Patterns of Associations in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). J Autism Dev Disord 47, 155–162 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2934-y
This study investigated motor skills and speech-language deficits in ASD. It examined data from 1781 children with ASD, 2–17 years of age, enrolled in the Autism Speaks—Autism Treatment Network (AS-ATN) registry, They completed a multidisciplinary evaluation that included diagnostic, physical, cognitive and behavioral assessments as part of a routine standard of care protocol. The results of the study suggest potential differences in the contributions of fine versus gross motor skills to autistic profiles and may provide another lens with which to view communication differences across the autism spectrum for use in treatment interventions.
DiStefano, C., Shih, W., Kaiser, A., Landa, R. and Kasari, C. (2016), Communication growth in minimally verbal children with ASD: The importance of interaction. Autism Research, 9: 1093-1102. doi10.1002/aur.1594
This study examined the interchange use by 55 children with ASD over the course of a 6‐month play and engagement‐based communication intervention. Half of the children received intervention sessions that also incorporated a speech‐generating device (SGD). Interchanges were coded by: frequency, length, function, and initiator (child or adult). Results indicated that children initiated a large proportion of interchanges and this proportion increased over time. The average length and number of interchanges increased over time, with children in the SGD group showing even greater growth. Finally, children's total number of interchanges at baseline was positively associated with their spoken language gains over the course of intervention. This study supports the crucial relationship between social engagement and expressive language development, and highlights the need to include sustained communication interchanges as a target for intervention with this population.
Etiology
Louis, P. (2012). Does the Human Gut Microbiota Contribute to the Etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders? Digestive Diseases & Sciences, 57(8)1987–1989. https://doi-org.libproxy.chapman.edu/10.1007/s10620-012-2286-1
This editorial article identifies that recent studies are beginning to reveal that the actions of the microbiota have much wider effects on host physiology than originally thought, and evidence is emerging that these may include modulation of brain activity and behavior. These studies have identified changes in microbiota composition in individuals with ASD compared to healthy control subjects in focusing on bacteria culture and molecular methods although no clear trend has emerged. It identifies that the role of microbiota has been evidenced in the use of antibiotics were shown to improve behavior and communication in individuals with ASD and the use of probiotic interventions have demonstrated the improvement in neuropsychological symptoms. It also SCFA propionate and butyrate have been identified as likely mechanisms which have found to elicit behavioral changes in rodents similar to those found in individuals with ASD. Recommendations were made for further studies to look at the cause and consequence relationship between probiotic and dietary interventions. This article provides a good overview of an area that may have an impact on ASD symptoms.
Bölte, S., Girdler, S. & Marschik, P.B. (2019). The contribution of environmental exposure to the etiology of autism spectrum disorder. Cellular & Molecular Life Sciences, 76 (7), 1275-1297. https://doi-org.libproxy.chapman.edu/10.1007/s00018-018-2988-4
This peer reviewed article reviews current research in the understanding of environmental risk factors of ASD from a biological, psychosocial aspect and also protective factors. The article concluded that valproate intake, toxic chemical exposure, immune activation, and possibly altered zinc–copper cycles, treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, increased offspring vulnerability to ASD through advanced maternal and paternal age, maternal diabetes, and enhanced steroidogenic activity, were possible contributory factors to ASD. In reviewing the literature, an increasing awareness of environmental influences had been indicated following recent twin studies. Recommendations for future research were that studies should focus on the different stages of pregnancy and environmental exposure at each stage. It argued that there more cross discipline research and further research examining environmental protective factors is needed. The article acknowledged that environmental research in relation to ASD is in its infancy and evidence is currently lacking regarding environmental toxins. This article provided an in-depth, comprehensive review of current knowledge and gave clear direction for future research.
Hens, K, Peeters, H, Dierickx, K. 2016. The Ethics of Complexity. Genetics and Autism, a Literature Review. Am J Med Genet Part B 171B: 305– 316. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.b.32432
Neurological
Jeste S. S. (2011). The neurology of autism spectrum disorders. Current opinion in neurology, 24(2), 132–139. doi:10.1097/WCO.0b013e3283446450
This article reviews the most recent literature on three of autism’s most prevalent neurological comorbidities: motor impairment, sleep disorders, and epilepsy. The author considers whether each comorbidity is specific to ASD, whether it lies on the causal pathway to ASD or if it is a secondary effect and finally the timing and developmental trajectory of each domain. Key findings from this article are that neurological comorbidities are common in individuals with ASD, epilepsy occurs in up to 50% of children, sleep disorders occur in up to 83% of children and motor impairment includes incoordination and gait impairments, developmental delays and deficits, and dyspraxia. The author identifies areas for future research should be to integrate the knowledge of genetics and molecular mechanisms to better understand the relationship between ASD and epilepsy. Also more studies of infants identified at risk of ASD.
Nicotera, A. G., Hagerman, R. J., Catania, M. V., Buono, S., Di Nuovo, S., Liprino, E. M., … Musumeci, S. A. (2019). EEG Abnormalities as a Neurophysiological Biomarker of Severity in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Cohort Study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(6), 2337–2347. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.libproxy.chapman.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,uid&db=eric&AN=EJ1217766&site=eds-live
This study comprised of sixty-nine participants who underwent cognitive or developmental testing, language assessment, and adaptive behavior skills evaluation as well as sleep/wake EEG recording. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of a population affected by ASD, the prevalence of EEG abnormalities in the same population and the potential correlations between EEG abnormalities and behavioral and cognitive variables in patients with ASD. The study found that epileptiform abnormalities in 26.08% of participants, and 88.8% of the EEG abnormalities subgroup. It also found a positive and significant correlation between the EEG abnormalities and both the severity of core autistic symptoms and the presence of different comorbid features. A prevalence of severe language impairment was also found to be higher in the group of patients with EEG abnormalities. In conclusion, this study highlights a clear association between epileptiform abnormalities and language disorders, hyperactivity and intellectual disability in subjects with ASD. The article suggests that future research regarding early treatment of epileptiform discharges are needed in ASD to potentially reverse the negative consequences reported here.
Jeste S. S. (2011). The neurology of autism spectrum disorders. Current opinion in neurology, 24(2), 132–139. https://doi:10.1097/WCO.0b013e3283446450
This article reviews the most recent literature on three of autism’s most prevalent neurological comorbidities: motor impairment, sleep disorders, and epilepsy. The author considers whether each comorbidity is specific to ASD, whether it lies on the causal pathway to ASD or if it is a secondary effect and finally the timing and developmental trajectory of each domain. Key findings from this article are that neurological comorbidities are common in individuals with ASD, epilepsy occurs in up to 50% of children, sleep disorders occur in up to 83% of children and motor impairment includes incoordination and gait impairments, developmental delays and deficits, and dyspraxia. The author identifies areas for future research should be to integrate the knowledge of genetics and molecular mechanisms to better understand the relationship between ASD and epilepsy. Also more studies of infants identified at risk of ASD.
Cognitive
Brunsdon, V. E. A., Colvert, E., Ames, C., Garnett, T., Gillan, N., Hallett, V., Happé, F. (2015). Exploring the Cognitive Features in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Their Co-Twins, and Typically Developing Children within a Population-Based Sample. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 56(8), 893–902. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.libproxy.chapman.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,uid&db=eric&AN=EJ1067450&site=eds-live
This large scale research study’s aim was to investigate the prevalence of multiple cognitive atypicalities in ASD and to address the mixed findings in the literature regarding the cognitive features of ASD. It’s population based sample consisted of sets of twins where one or both children were diagnosed with ASD, born in the United Kingdom between 1994 and 1996. It comprised one hundred and eighty adolescents with a diagnosis of ASD and 73 unaffected co-twins, alongside 160 comparison control participants. An extensive cognitive battery was administered including IQ tests, central coherence, theory of mind and executive function was measured on all participants.
The ASD group performed below the typically developing control group in all three cognitive tasks tapping global processing, In support of the executive dysfunction account, the ASD group performed below the control group in two tasks measuring executive functioning. The study results support the theory of mind deficit in individuals with ASD, with higher level executive functioning were directly related to the severity of communication symptoms in ASD, but not to the reciprocal social interaction and repetitive and restrictive behavior interests. The study found that one third of the ASD group shared multiple cognitive atypicalities but these were not a universal feature of ASD.
