Joint attention training for children with autism using behavior modification procedures

Please click the link in order to read the article.
http://www.thelearninglane.com/documents/jointattention4.pdf

First Do No Harm: Alternative Medicine Can Be Lethal to Kids

First Do No Harm: Alternative Medicine Can Be Lethal to Kids: "'Natural' remedies may seem a lot safer to give a child than some medication with a mysterious, multisyllabic name with a lot of x's and y's. But a just-published study has found that complementary and alternative medicine treatments can be dangerous and even fatal to children."

Children with autism and their friends: a multidim... [J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2008] - PubMed result

Children with autism and their friends: a multidim... [J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2008] - PubMed result: "This study of Israeli and American preadolescent children examined characteristics of friendship in 44 children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) compared to 38 typically developing children (TYP), as they interacted with a close friend Participants were 8-12 years of age (HFASD: Israel, n = 24; USA, n = 20; TYP: Israel, n = 23; USA, n = 15), and were matched on SES, receptive language vocabulary, child age, and gender (each study group included one girl). Multidimensional assessments included: individual behaviors of target children and observed child-friend interactions during construction and drawing scenarios; target child's and friend's self-perceived mutual friendship qualities; and mother-reported characteristics (friendship's duration/frequency; friend's age/gender/disability status). Overall, children with HFASD displayed a number of differences on individual and dyadic friendship measures. Both age and verbal abilities affected friendship behaviors. Children with HFASD and their friends perceived friendship qualities similarly, suggesting that preadolescents with HFASD have capacities for interpersonal awareness. Between-group similarities also emerged on several complex social behaviors, suggesting that friendship follows a developmental trajectory in autism and may enhance social interaction skills in autism."

A social adjustment enhancement intervention for h... [J Autism Dev Disord. 2004] - PubMed result

A social adjustment enhancement intervention for h... [J Autism Dev Disord. 2004] - PubMed result: "This paper reports the findings of a 20-week social adjustment enhancement curriculum for boys aged 8-12. The curriculum was designed to address three areas hypothesized to be deficient in persons with HFA, AS, and PDDNOS: emotion recognition and understanding; theory of mind; and executive functions/real life type problem solving. Parents attended a semi-structured concurrent psychoeducational training meeting during children's sessions. Statistically significant improvements in facial expression recognition, and problem solving were reported for intervention group children compared to waiting list control group children. For the intervention group (the only group for whom data were available), older and less cognitively able boy's scores on a depression inventory decreased significantly more than younger children's. Mother's depression scores tended to decrease and there were significant reductions in child problem behaviors reported. Results are discussed in the context of individual differences in participant cognitive levels and profiles, symptom severity, and affect-related variables."

The effectiveness of parent-child interaction ther... [J Autism Dev Disord. 2008] - PubMed result

The effectiveness of parent-child interaction ther... [J Autism Dev Disord. 2008] - PubMed result: "We report the results of a pilot trial of an evidence-based treatment-Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT; Eyberg et al. Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 31(1), 83-91, 1995) for boys aged 5-12 with high functioning autism spectrum disorders and clinically significant behavioral problems. The study also included an investigation of the role of shared positive affect during the course of therapy on child and parent outcomes. The intervention group showed reductions in parent perceptions of child problem behaviors and child atypicality, as well as an increase in child adaptability. Shared positive affect in parent child dyads and parent positive affect increased between the initial and final phases of the therapy. Parent positive affect after the first phase was related to perceptions of improvement in problem behaviors and adaptive functioning."

Autism Teaching Tools: Play and Language Therapy

Engage With Your Child with Autism

Parent Child Interaction Video Dr. Solomon

Videos By Topic

Videos By Topic: "Videos and audio are now exclusively available in the new UC Davis MIND Institute Media Player. Adobe Flash and Javascript are needed to play back all media on the MIND Institute website. Chances are that Flash and Javascript are already a part of your browser as they are installed on almost all computers connected to the Internet. However, if you are having difficulty playing any media on this site, Adobe Flash can be downloaded from Adobe's website and instructions for enabling Javascript in your browser are available here."


Excellent video presentations regarding research and treatment.

Parent Training for Young Children With Developmental Disabilities: Randomized Controlled Trial

Parent Training for Young Children With Developmental Disabilities: Randomized Controlled Trial: "A randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate a parent training intervention for caregivers with preschool-age children with developmental disabilities. The 21 families in the experimental group received usual care plus the 12-week Incredible Years Parent Training Program with developmental delay modifications. Families in the control group (n = 23) received usual care, including early childhood education and related services. Results suggest that this parent training intervention was superior to usual care for young children with developmental delays or disabilities in reducing negative parent–child interactions and child behavior problems. Participants in the experimental group indicated high satisfaction with treatment. Additional research is necessary to document maintenance and generalization of treatment outcomes."

Autism Speaks, Press Updates, Early Intervention For Toddlers With Autism Highly Effective, Study Finds

Autism Speaks, Press Updates, Early Intervention For Toddlers With Autism Highly Effective, Study Finds: "'This is the first controlled study of an intensive early intervention that is appropriate for children with autism who are less than 2½ years of age. Given that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all 18- and 24-month-old children be screened for autism, it is crucial that we can offer parents effective therapies for children in this age range,' said Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D., chief science officer of Autism Speaks and the study's lead author. 'By starting as soon as the toddler is diagnosed, we hope to maximize the positive impact of the intervention.'"

Parent implemented early intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review - McConachie - 2006 - Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice - Wiley Online Library

Parent implemented early intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review - McConachie - 2006 - Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice - Wiley Online Library: "The review found very few studies that had adequate research design from which to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of parent-implemented early intervention. Both randomized and controlled studies tended to suggest that parent training leads to improved child communicative behaviour, increased maternal knowledge of autism, enhanced maternal communication style and parent child interaction, and reduced maternal depression."

Study finds link between autism, air pollutants - San Jose Mercury News

Study finds link between autism, air pollutants - San Jose Mercury News: "Researchers have found that children who live near freeways at birth have twice the risk of autism, suggesting that environmental factors may play a role in the disorder's growing incidence.
A study by researchers at the Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that babies who lived within 1,000 feet of a freeway, but not a major road, were at risk.
Lead researcher Helen Volk says that may be due to the type and high level of pollutants on a freeway.
The study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, looked at 304 children with autism and 259 normally developing children."

How a gene mutation leads to autism

How a gene mutation leads to autism: "Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine have developed a mouse model to find how a gene mutation leads to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
They found that when one copy of the SHANK3 gene in mice is missing, nerve cells do not effectively communicate and do not show cellular properties associated with normal learning."

Clinical Trial For Rett Syndrome Launched -- BOSTON, Dec. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

Clinical Trial For Rett Syndrome Launched -- BOSTON, Dec. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --: "Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have begun a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to test a potential drug treatment for Rett syndrome, the leading known genetic cause of autism in girls. The drug, mecasermin, a synthetic form of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), is already FDA-approved for children with short stature due to IGF-1 deficiency.
The trial, now enrolling patients, marks the beginning of a trend toward drug treatments seeking to modify the underlying causes of autism spectrum disorders, rather than just behavioral symptoms such as anxiety or aggression. It follows research in animal models, published in 2009(1), which suggested that raising IGF-1 levels can reverse features of Rett syndrome by enhancing maturation of synapses —the points of communication between brain cells."

Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders -- Myers et al. 120 (5): 1162 -- AAP Policy

Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders -- Myers et al. 120 (5): 1162 -- AAP Policy: "Pediatricians have an important role not only in early recognition and evaluation of autism spectrum disorders but also in chronic management of these disorders. The primary goals of treatment are to maximize the child's ultimate functional independence and quality of life by minimizing the core autism spectrum disorder features, facilitating development and learning, promoting socialization, reducing maladaptive behaviors, and educating and supporting families. To assist pediatricians in educating families and guiding them toward empirically supported interventions for their children, this report reviews the educational strategies and associated therapies that are the primary treatments for children with autism spectrum disorders. Optimization of health care is likely to have a positive effect on habilitative progress, functional outcome, and quality of life; therefore, important issues, such as management of associated medical problems, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic intervention for challenging behaviors or coexisting mental health conditions, and use of complementary and alternative medical treatments, are also addressed."

SpringerLink - Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Volume 40, Number 1

SpringerLink - Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Volume 40, Number 1: "The authors analyzed the results of a social validation survey to determine if autism service providers including special education teachers, parents, and administrators demonstrate a preference for the intervention components of Applied Behavior Analysis or Training and Education of Autistic and other Communication Handicapped Children. They also investigated the comprehensiveness of these treatment models for use in public school programs. The findings indicate no clear preference for either model, but a significantly higher level of social validity for components inherent in both approaches. The authors discuss the need for research to define what is meant by comprehensive programming in autism."

Early Intervention Improves Autism Symptoms

Early Intervention Improves Autism Symptoms: "Dec. 8, 2010 -- A six-month, group-based early intervention program with a special emphasis on social development can improve some of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in children as young as 2, according to a study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
“This and other autism studies suggest that the ‘wait and see’ method, which is often recommended to concerned parents, could lead to missed opportunities for early intervention,” Rebecca Landa, PhD, director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders and the REACH research program at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, says in a news release. “By acting early, we are providing toddlers tools and skills to increase social opportunities throughout their lifetime and positioning them to have the best possible outcomes.”"

Targeted intervention improves social skills in toddlers with autism

Targeted intervention improves social skills in toddlers with autism: "In a new study, researchers found that targeting the core social deficits of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in early intervention programs yielded sustained improvements in social and communication skills even in very young children who have ASD.
Although some research suggests that ASD may be reliably diagnosed earlier than the current average age of 3 years, few interventions have been tested in children younger than 3."

Cell Energy Dysfunction Seen in Autism | Psych Central News

Cell Energy Dysfunction Seen in Autism Psych Central News: "Autism in children is strongly associated with defects in the mitochondria, the cell’s energy producer, according to a UC Davis study. Researchers believe that built-up damage and oxidative stress in mitochondria may perpetuate the development of autism as well as the severity of the disorder"

VOA | US Scientists Developing Autism Test | Health | English

VOA US Scientists Developing Autism Test Health English: "American scientists think they have developed a test – using MRI brain scans – that can determine whether someone has autism.

Up until now, there has been no clear biological test to objectively conclude if someone has autism. Doctors currently diagnose autism, usually in children, by observing behavior and interactions with others."

Now, a simple test to detect autism in minutes!

Now, a simple test to detect autism in minutes!: "Now, a simple test that can detect autism in just 10 minutes, say scientists.
A team from the Harvard University-affiliated McLean Hospital and University of Utah has devised the revolutionary test which it claims not only takes just 10 minutes but also costs 100 pounds.
According to the scientists, using MRI scans to measure deviations in brain circuits, the test can detect high-functioning autism with 94 per cent accuracy.
The test could be available in hospitals in five years, replacing a series of checks carried out by psychologists and psychiatrists, which rely on subjective opinions only, the 'Daily Express' reported."

Children With Autism Appear More Likely To Have Cell Irregularity

Children With Autism Appear More Likely To Have Cell Irregularity: "Preliminary research has found that children with autism are more likely to have impaired mitochondrial function (structures within cells responsible for energy production) and mitochondrial DNA abnormalities than typically developing children, according to a study in the December 1 issue of JAMA"

Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med -- Abstract: Maternal and Paternal Age and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders, April 2007, Croen et al. 161 (4): 334

Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med -- Abstract: Maternal and Paternal Age and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders, April 2007, Croen et al. 161 (4): 334: "Risk of ASDs increased significantly with each 10-year increase in maternal age (adjusted RR, 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.62) and paternal age (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.09-1.51). Adjusted RRs for both maternal and paternal age were elevated for children with autistic disorder (maternal age: RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.87-1.60; paternal age: RR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.06-1.69) and children with Asperger disorder or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (maternal age: RR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.09-1.93; paternal age: RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.99-1.55). Associations with parental age were somewhat stronger for girls than for boys, although sex differences were not statistically significant."

Arch Gen Psychiatry -- Abstract: Advancing Paternal Age and Autism, September 2006, Reichenberg et al. 63 (9): 1026

Arch Gen Psychiatry -- Abstract: Advancing Paternal Age and Autism, September 2006, Reichenberg et al. 63 (9): 1026: "There was a significant monotonic association between advancing paternal age and risk of ASD. Offspring of men 40 years or older were 5.75 times (95% confidence interval, 2.65-12.46; P<.001) more likely to have ASD compared with offspring of men younger than 30 years, after controlling for year of birth, socioeconomic status, and maternal age. Advancing maternal age showed no association with ASD after adjusting for paternal age. Sensitivity analyses indicated that these findings were not the result of bias due to missing data on maternal age."

PINNACLE - Behavior Problems of Children With Autism, Parental Self-Efficacy, and Mental Health

PINNACLE - Behavior Problems of Children With Autism, Parental Self-Efficacy, and Mental Health: "Self-efficacy has been identified in the general parenting literature as an important variable affecting parent outcomes. In the present study, 26 mothers and 20 fathers of children with autism reported on their self-efficacy, anxiety, and depression. Teachers rated the behavior problems of the children. Regression analyses showed that self-efficacy mediated the effect of child behavior problems on mothers' anxiety and depression, but there was no evidence that it functioned as a mediator for fathers. However, there was evidence that self-efficacy moderated the effect of child behavior problems on fathers' anxiety. No evidence for the moderating effect of self-efficacy was apparent for mothers. Methodological issues and the theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed."