Research summaries for autism therapy: high-functioning autism

definition of high-functioning autism: Refers to higher skill levels in people who have some kind of special need or impairment. For people with autism, there is a range of severity of autism between individuals. For example, someone who has good communication skills and appropriate behaviors is said to be high functioning.
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The Contributions of Executive Functions to Participation in School Activities of Children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, Summarized May 19, 2009

Occupational therapists (OT) may be able to best help children with autism by addressing problems with executive function as well as sensory processing.

This study was designed to see if the ability to think clearly affects whether or not a child can function well in the school setting. This study was designed with occupational therapists and occupational therapy in mind. The results show that children who cannot think clearly are less likely to be active in school functions. The study also looked at sensory processing issues in the children and found them to also be important for a child to function well at school. Other factors that may be important include motor skills, social skills, and emotional skills. Read more...

Cognitive-Behavioral Group Treatment for Anxiety Symptoms in Children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Study, Summarized Apr 16, 2009

Group cognitive-behavioral therapy may be helpful in reducing symptoms of anxiety in children with autism.

The purpose of this study was to assess whether group (parent and child) cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy could reduce anxiety symptoms in children with high-functioning autism. The study used two measures of anxiety: parent reports, and child reports. Parents noted a decrease in anxiety symptoms after the group therapy intervention. The study had only 33 children with an average age of 12. The authors also note that the study did not have a control group. Read more...

LEGO® Therapy and the Social Use of Language Programme: An Evaluation of Two Social Skills Interventions for Children with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Summarized Dec 31, 2008

LEGO therapy may help with social skills and behavior.

This study was designed to test whether LEGO therapy and the Social Use of Language Programme (SLUP) work in social skill groups for 6-11 year olds with high functioning autism and Asperger syndrome. Social problems were reduced after 18 weeks of LEGO therapy, but did not reduce after SLUP therapy. Both LEGO therapy and SLUP therapy groups showed decreased bad behavior. The group that did not receive treatment did not improve. Each group had 15-16 children. Read more...

Interventions to Improve Communication in Autism, Summarized Nov 27, 2008

Children with autism may be helped by intensive early intervention that increases the frequency, form, and function of language.

The difference between high-functioning autism and low-functioning autism is mostly a difference in the ability to use language. It is because of this that most schools focus on teaching language skills to children with autism. This review article describes interventions designed to help children with autism learn to use language. The author notes that early intervention that teaches the child the building blocks of language before the child can even speak can be quite helpful. Early intervention can also help the child learn to think beyond the meaning of words and understand the social function of words. Read more...

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Synonyms for high-functioning autism include: high functioning, high functioning autism, high-functioning
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