Latest Research

|

Variables Related to Sleep Problems in Children with Autism
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, by Mayes, SD, and Calhoun SL, published in 2009, summarized Sep 2010

Children with autism often have sleep problems, and therapies such as behavior therapy (applied behavior analysis [ABA]) and melatonin may be helpful in treating these sleep problems.

The goals of this study were to see what types of children with autism also have sleep problems and to see how often parents of children with autism reported sleep problems. More than half of children with autism have parents who reported sleep problems. The study showed that many children with autism have sleep problems and that sleep problems are worse in children with more severe autism. Children who were on drugs (melatonin, clonidine, and diphenhydramine) to treat sleep problems had greater sleep problems than children who did not seek treatment. In most cases children with autism slept fewer (not more) hours than children without autism.


Change in Autism Classification with Early Intervention: Predictors and Outcomes
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, by Itzchak, EB, and Zachor DA, published in 2009, summarized Sep 2010

Children with autism who have decent receptive language skills are most likely to improve with early intervention.

This study looked at a wide range of factors that might result in a change in autism diagnosis after intervention. The study focused on groups of children whose autism changed or stayed stable after intervention. They then looked to see what types of children were most likely to change their autism status. They found that the child’s age, level of skills, and parents’ ages were not linked to changes in autism status. The authors found that those children who were improved post-intervention improved in both verbal and visual skills.


Aggression and Tantrums in Children with Autism: A Review of Behavioral Treatments and Maintaining Variables
Journal of Mental Health Research, by Matson, J., published in 2009, summarized Sep 2010

A problem-solving approach that is combined with applied behavior analysis (ABA) may be helpful for children with autism who have tantrums and aggression.

This article reviews research-based treatments for tantrums, and describes the strengths and problems of each intervention approach. The most common treatment approach for problem behavior is ABA therapy that is skill building in nature. It appears that the use of functional assessment makes it more likely that the ABA therapy will work. Many of the treatment studies also taught the child how to communicate. The author notes that brain (antipsychotic) drugs are being used more and more often for younger and younger children.


Enhanced Independence and Quality of Life Through Treatment with Flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique of a Patient with Both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Asperger Syndrome: A Case Report
Cases Journal, by Edebol, H., Kjellgren A., Bood S. - A., and Norlander T., published in 2009, summarized Sep 2010

Flotation tanks may be a useful tool for calming the nervous system and helping with sensory integration in adults with Asperger syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

This case study describes an adult with Asperger syndrome and ADHD who was treated with flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique (flotation-REST). The 36-year old woman from Sweden also had depression. She was given 19 sessions over a year and at the end felt that she was better able to live life on her own. With time she learned to control how alert she was (arousal control). She also learned to control how active she was (activity regulation). Her senses relaxed and she became better at sensory integration.


Showing 17-20 of 1024 results
|