School-Aged

Preschool Based JASPER Intervention in Minimally Verbal Children with Autism: Pilot RCT

Submitted by djohnson on May 9, 2013 - 10:33
Source: 
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Link: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22965298
Date Published: 
May 1, 2013
Abstract: 

A recent pilot study linked the JASPER intervention (Joint Attention Symbolic Play Engagement and Regulation) to core deficit improvement in minimally verbal 3 to 5 year olds with autism.

Familiarity Breeds Support: Speech-language Pathologists’ Perceptions of Bullying of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Submitted by djohnson on April 25, 2013 - 14:24
Source: 
Journal of Communication Disorders
Link: 
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021992413000038
Date Published: 
January 31, 2013
Abstract: 

According to this study, school-based speech language pathologists may be an untapped resource in the fight against bullying of children with ASD.

Developmental Meta-Analysis of the Functional Neural Correlates of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Submitted by djohnson on March 18, 2013 - 12:24
Source: 
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Link: 
http://www.jaacap.com/article/S0890-8567(12)00998-7/abstract
Date Published: 
December 26, 2012
Abstract: 

According to this recent meta-analysis of fMRI studies, autism-related changes in brain activity may continue to develop with age.

Psychiatric-related Emergency Department Visits Among Children With an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Submitted by cgold on March 15, 2013 - 14:22
Source: 
Pediatric Emergency Care
Link: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23187983
Date Published: 
December 28, 2012
Abstract: 

Emergency room visits for children with ASD are more likely to be for psychiatric reasons than visits from typically developing children. Having private insurance increases the risk of a psychiatric ER visit for children with ASD, possibly due to the exclusion of ASD as a coverable diagnosis among many private insurance plans.

Predictors of Phrase and Fluent Speech in Children With Autism and Severe Language Delay

Submitted by djohnson on March 7, 2013 - 09:58
Source: 
Pediatrics
Link: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23460690
Date Published: 
March 4, 2013
Abstract: 

Researchers at Kennedy Krieger examined prevalence and predictors of language attainment in severely language-delayed children with ASD. 70% of the sample attained phrase speech and 47% attained fluent speech at or after age 4, indicating that later gains in language are likely in toddlers with severely delayed language. Children with high nonverbal intelligence and high levels of social interest and engagement were most likely to attain language. ASD-related features such as repetitive and sensory behaviors were not associated with language attainment.

Oxytocin and Vasopressin in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Sex Differences and Associations With Symptoms

Submitted by cgold on March 4, 2013 - 14:19
Source: 
Autism Research and Treatment
Link: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23413037
Date Published: 
February 14, 2013
Abstract: 

Following positive results of treatment studies using oxytocin (OT) and evidence of genetic variations in the OT-arginine vasopressin (AVP) pathway in individuals with ASD, a new study from UC Berkeley further examines the involvement of OT and AVP in ASD. Results suggest levels of OT in individuals with ASD may not be as low as previously believed. Moreover, the researchers found significant gender differences, including higher levels of OT in girls and higher levels of AVP in boys.

Social Behaviors Increase in Children with Autism in the Presence of Animals Compared to Toys

Submitted by djohnson on March 1, 2013 - 15:11
Source: 
PLOS One
Link: 
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0057010
Date Published: 
February 27, 2013
Abstract: 

Children with ASD showed increased positive social behaviors in the presence of guinea pigs compared to toys in this new PLOS One study. Specifically, they showed more social approach behaviors (e.g. talking, looking at faces and making tactile contact) and positive affect (e.g. laughing and smiling), and less self-focused behaviors in the presence of animals.

Parent-child Interactions in Autism: Characteristics of Play

Submitted by cgold on February 13, 2013 - 10:19
Source: 
Autism
Link: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23382513
Date Published: 
February 4, 2013
Abstract: 

Researchers examine parent-child dyads during structured and free play and find that that joint engagement lasts longer when parents engage their child at or slightly above the child's current level of play. Parents of children with autism often find it difficult to estimate their child's level, which can result in parents engaging at too high of a level and shortening the interaction.

Feeding Problems and Nutrient Intake in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Meta-analysis and Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Submitted by cgold on February 7, 2013 - 15:26
Source: 
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Link: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23371510
Date Published: 
February 1, 2013
Abstract: 

Children with ASD experience more feeding problems compared to their typical peers, such as unusual eating patterns, food rituals and or/refusals, but are not at a greater risk for compromised growth. Researchers attribute this finding to the fact that while children with ASD tend to consume enough food to meet their gross energy needs, their diet often suffers from nutritional deficits.