Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders最新文献

Adverse life events and mental health conditions are unfortunately common amongst autistic adults and children; this may present a vulnerability to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This systematic review provides an update of Rumball’s (Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 6, 294–324, 2019) systematic review of PTSD in autistic individuals and identifies 18 new studies published from 2017 to 2022, reflecting increased research interest in PTSD in autistic populations. Included literature suggests that autistic adults and children experience more severe PTSD symptoms compared to their non-autistic peers, with at least comparable rates of occurrence. We provide a comprehensive overview of this emerging field and identify the need for future research to validate PTSD symptom assessment tools and treatment strategies and investigate unique manifestations of trauma-related symptoms in autistic individuals.

Abstract

A growing body of evidence has accumulated in support of caregiver-mediated interventions in the service of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. However, few reviews of the literature have been conducted to examine the efficacy of caregiver-mediated behavioral interventions with adolescents (ages 10–18) with ASD and no known reviews of the literature have been conducted to assess the presence and quality of social validity measures in this area of research. The present study sought to review the current existing literature to evaluate the common treatment components, social validity, and overall quality of caregiver-mediated behavioral interventions with adolescents with ASD. Findings indicate a need for evaluation of reliable and valid measures of social validity as well as expanding the use of these measures to include feedback from adolescent clients.

Abstract

School-based interventions for socially including autistic pupils in mainstream schools were systematically reviewed. Included interventions targeted at least one level of the school environment: the autistic children, the peers, the staff, and/or the physical environment, and assessed autistic pupils’ quantity and/or quality of social participation as outcome measures. Findings from 56 studies showed increased accessibility of school activities to autistic pupils, but the reciprocity and friendship between the autistic pupils and the peers were not necessarily improved. Moreover, limited interventions were available for modifying the physical environment. A more holistic strategy that moves the focus from individual children’s social skills to the larger context surrounding children, should be considered for a better inclusion of autistic children in school routine.

Abstract

The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) has been identified as a potential therapeutic intervention for ASD due to its involvement in social bonding and affiliative behaviors. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of intranasal administration of OXT in preclinical and clinical investigations related to ASD. The random-effects meta-analysis method evaluated the combined effect sizes, heterogeneity, and publication bias. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate potential moderators. We confirmed 54 preclinical, animal model, and clinical trials on 2593 cases with ASD through systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Scopus, and Cochrane library databases from 1980 to 2023. The least-squares mean change of ABC-mSW was significantly lower in the OXT group than in Placebo (SMD, −1.45; 95% CI, −2.24, −0.66; P = 0.0003; I2 = 93%). The analysis showed significantly low OXT plasma concentration after intranasal OXT compared with placebo (SMD, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.48, 1.40; P < 0.0001; I2 = 82%). Our analysis showed only CGI improvement was significantly seen in patients with ASD receiving intranasal OXT compared with placebo (SMD, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.00, 0.14; P = 0.04; I2 = 0%). The meta-analysis suggests that the administration of intranasal OXT may have a positive impact on the behavior of individuals with ASD, particularly in terms of enhancing social and communicative abilities. Nevertheless, turning preclinical research discoveries into clinical applications poses a significant hurdle. Additional research is necessary to ascertain the most effective dose, delivery techniques, and long-term consequences to optimize the treatment efficacy and safety for individuals with ASD. Future research endeavors should aim to investigate the heterogeneity of ASD and the variability in responsiveness to interventions involving intranasal OXT.

Background

Sleep disturbances are common for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and can have detrimental effects. Sleep disturbances may negatively impact the general well-being and quality of life of children.

Objectives

The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effect of physical activity (PA) interventions and massage therapy (MT) on sleep disturbances in children with ASD.

Methods

We reviewed empirical research focusing on the effect of PA and MT on sleep-related variables published from inception to January 2023. Five electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, PsycInfo, and Web of Science) were included in the search. Outcomes included sleep efficiency, sleep-onset latency, sleep duration, sleep behavior, and sleep quality. PEDro and McMaster’s scales were used to assess the quality of included studies.

Results

The search yielded a total of 20 studies meeting all inclusion criteria. Fifteen studies related to the effects of PA and five studies related to the effects of MT on sleep disorders in children with ASD. The total number of participants was 511.

Conclusion

PA and MT have beneficial effects on sleep efficiency, sleep-onset latency, wake after sleep onset, and sleep quality. In addition, aquatic exercise and swimming were found to be particularly effective in improving sleep in children with ASD.

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) play a significant role in determining their children’s service choices. Recent studies have identified both explicit and implicit factors that influence their service decisions. However, in these studies, recruitment efforts did not particularly target culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) minority parents. Hence, the purpose of this systematic review was to assess factors related to service choices among CALD minority parents of children with ASD. Guided by the PRISMA protocol, the present study reviewed 31 studies on factors associated with CALD minority parents’ service selection, and 20 factors were identified. This study provides valuable insights into the service choices and obstacles encountered by CALD minority parents who have children diagnosed with ASD. By comprehending these challenges, future researchers might strive toward mitigating discrepancies in the availability of resources and assistance for children with ASD and their families from various backgrounds.

The Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) is being applied to non infant sibling populations. Assessment of the tool’s utility across increased likelihood (IL) populations is therefore needed. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on 17 studies identified from six databases. The AOSI has been used in four IL contexts: infant siblings, infants with Fragile X Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, and Down Syndrome. There were three main findings: (1) five studies report classification data though no consistent approach was used; (2) group differences between IL-ASD, IL non-ASD, and controls started at 12-months; and (3) large effect sizes between IL-ASD and control samples was identified. Utility of the AOSI to identify early signs of ASD in IL populations was demonstrated.

Research on the prevalence of anxiety in children and adolescents with autism remains fragmented due to a reliance on help-seeking populations and differences in anxiety assessment. We present the pooled findings from 15 community studies (N = 4459) sourced from the Embase, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases (1970–2023). Equally high rates of anxiety symptoms and disorders were identified via self-report (33%, CI = 25 to 40%) and diagnostic interview (19%, CI = 7 to 40%). Higher IQ and male gender were identified as significant covariates, although these results may reflect sampling biases. The findings highlight the need for routine screening, with multiple informants, and improved sampling methods. Protocol was registered on Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/7mtca/).

Abstract

This article provides a systematic review of the prevalence and risk factors associated with interpersonal violence reported by autistic adults. A systematic search of electronic data bases for peer-reviewed journal articles in English was conducted. The search identified 16 studies that addressed rates and/or risk factors for interpersonal violence. There was wide variation in prevalence rates which was attributed to differences in types of violence being investigated, definitions and measures used, age range and gender of participants and time-frame covered. Overall results indicated that rates may be higher than in the general population. Twelve studies reported on possible risk factors with both individual and broader social factors identified. Further research utilising longitudinal design and validated measures is needed.

Background

Individuals with autism are more likely to suffer from various physical and mental health problems and experience disparities in effectively accessing healthcare services. This review aims to identify studies that report on the experiences of autistic children, their parents/carers, and the healthcare professionals treating them; to develop an understanding of the facilitators and barriers to healthcare access in order to inform policies and practice to improve access to healthcare for autistic children in the UK.

Methods

A total of 3069 records were screened, and 24 studies were included; six quantitative, four qualitative, and fourteen mixed-methodology studies.

Results

Professional and parental knowledge about autism, sensory issues, challenging behaviour, system-level barriers, patient-provider-parent communication issues, lack of person-centred care, stigma, and culture emerged as significant barriers to accessing healthcare for autistic children.

Conclusions

Families of autistic children experience several barriers to accessing healthcare. Recommendations for those planning services and clinicians are discussed.