How Simplified Language Affects Comprehension and Learning in Young Autistic Children
Autism Spectrum DisorderThe long-term study goal is to experimentally evaluate the components (and likely active ingredients) of early language interventions for young children with ASD. The overall objective is to determine how single-word and telegraphic simplification affects real-time language processing and word learning in young children with ASD (relative to full, grammatical utterances). The proposed project will investigate three specific aims: 1) Determine how single-word and telegraphic simplification affects language processing. 2) Determine how single-word and telegraphic simplification affects word learning. 3) Evaluate child characteristics that may moderate the effects of linguistic simplification on language processing and word learning. Aim 1 will test the hypothesis that children with ASD will process full, grammatical utterances faster and more accurately than single-word or telegraphic utterances. Aim 2 will test the hypothesis that full, grammatical utterances will support word learning better than telegraphic or single-word utterances. Aim 3 will test the hypothesis that language and cognitive skills significantly moderate the effects of linguistic simplification on language processing and word learning in young children with ASD.
Preliminary Efficacy of Occupational Therapy Integrating Horses on Self-regulation in Youth With...
Autism Spectrum DisorderThe goal of this clinical trial is to learn about occupational therapy integrating horses for autistic youth. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does occupational therapy integrating horses improve self-regulation in autistic youth Does occupational therapy integrating horses affect salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase Participants will receive 10 weeks of occupational therapy, and will be asked to provide saliva samples each week. Researchers will compare occupational therapy integrating horses to occupational therapy in a clinic to see if integrating horses affects self-regulation.
Parent-Mediated Intervention for Families With Children With Autism and Feeding Challenges, Australia...
Parent-Child RelationsMeals1 moreThe goal is to expand a parent-mediated intervention for feeding challenges in children with autism with an Australian cohort, building on recent research and current successful models already being used. A parent-mediated intervention would primarily occur in the home environment, working with the parent to establish goals and implement the intervention based on their child's specific needs.
Establishment of Social Skills Training Group in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Effectiveness...
Autism Spectrum DisorderAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, and the presence of restricted, repetitive behavior and interests, affecting 1 in 68 children. Although atypical social deficits onset in early childhood, their social relationships with peers may remain a challenge or even worsen for individuals with ASD throughout the school years and beyond, as social contexts increase in complexity and pose higher social expectations.
Augmented Reality for Behavior and Executive Function of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder...
Autism Spectrum DisorderThe aim of the study is to determine the effects of usage of augmented reality for Restricted and repetitive behavior and executive function of children with autism spectrum disorder
Pimavanserin for the Treatment of Irritability Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Irritability Associated With Autism Spectrum Disorder6-week, randomized, double-blind, fixed-dose, placebo-controlled, parallel group study in children and adolescents (aged 5 to17 years) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with irritability, agitation, or self-injurious behaviors to study the efficacy and safety of pimavanserin
Pivotal Response Intervention Minimal Responders Study
Autism Spectrum Disorder With Impaired Functional LanguageEarly intervention (EI) using naturalistic behavioural methods have shown benefits for the development of communication and other skills for young children with autism spectrum disorder. The publicly funded autism EI program in Nova Scotia (NS) is based on such a method, Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), and pre-post studies indicate benefits for children and families. However, not all children benefit equally. In this study, the investigators test the efficacy of a brief parent-mediated intervention designed to prime responsivity to PRT in children with a minimal responder profile derived from previous studies of the PRT-based EI program.
Effect of PLAY Project Intervention Program on Children With ASD
Autism Spectrum DisorderThe objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters (PLAY) Project Home Consultation model to improve parent-child interaction, child development, and autism symptomatology in young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in China.
Evaluating a Web Delivered Behavioral Parent Training Intervention for Rural Parents of Children...
Autism Spectrum DisorderParenting1 moreFor parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the severity of the child's behavior negatively correlates with parental well-being. Parental education and support buffers stress and negative effects that some parents experience. Parents living in rural areas face several barriers to obtaining support, psychoeducation, and ASD interventions due to a lack of local resources. This pilot study will test the acceptability, feasibility and preliminary effects of Attend Behavior, a Web-based behavioral parent training (PT) program, for parents of children with ASD in rural areas. The program goals are to decrease child problem behaviors and improve parental mental health. Methods: Parents (N = 40) of young children (2-11 years old) diagnosed with ASD will be recruited. A single group pre/post-intervention design using mixed methods will be used to determine the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy. The effects of Attend Behavior on parent mental health will be measured. The effects of Attend Behavior on child problem behaviors will be measured. Individual interviews with the parents will take place post-intervention to ascertain perspectives on Attend Behavior. Acceptability and feasibility will also be measured using the Acceptability of Intervention, Intervention Appropriateness Measure, and the Feasibility of Intervention Measure. Effect sizes will be calculated to examine the efficacy of the intervention.
Autism Caregiver Coaching in Africa
Autism or Autistic TraitsAround the world there is a growing need to develop early intervention services in local communities that support a better quality of life for all autistic people. The South African study will test an approach where caregivers are coached by non-specialists in early intervention strategies. Caregivers can then use these strategies during everyday activities with their young autistic child.