scholarly journals The earlier, the better? Diagnostic experiences of parents in a community-based early intervention system for preschool children with autism

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 239694151984520
Author(s):  
Mitsuaki Iwasa ◽  
Yasuo Shimizu ◽  
Ikuko Hara ◽  
Miho Imai ◽  
Hideo Honda
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Individual Case ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Parental Satisfaction ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Diagnostic Disclosure ◽  
The Individual

Background and aims In many countries, early detection and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is largely dependent on parents’ initial concern with early symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Previous research on parental perceptions of the autism spectrum disorder diagnostic process indicates that parental satisfaction may be due to either the timing of the diagnostic notification or the provision of post-diagnostic support. The objective of this research is to study the diagnostic notification process and its impact on parents who are informed of their young child’s diagnosis before they notice a problem and whose child undergoes early intervention therapy. Methods Eighty parents of preschool children diagnosed and undergoing early intervention for autism were surveyed to examine their experience of the diagnostic disclosure process. Results Of 68 respondents, 39 (58.2%) approved of the timing of diagnostic notification, while 10 of 13 dissatisfied respondents indicated that the diagnosis was communicated too late. However, there was no correlation between a higher degree of parental satisfaction with the diagnostic notification process and earlier timing of notification. Conclusions Although it is preferable to communicate a diagnosis of childhood autism as soon as possible, findings suggest that a highly individualized approach, allowing a degree of latitude in the timing of notification, may be permissible, depending on the individual case and parental readiness to receive the diagnosis. Implications Findings have clinical implications related to the concept of optimality of diagnostic disclosure as related to the diagnostic notification process, though later notification tends to lead to more dissatisfaction.

scholarly journals Parental evaluation of a revised autism spectrum disorder diagnostic process for children under 36 months of age

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-François Lemay ◽  
Shauna Langenberger ◽  
Scott McLeod
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Parent Education ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background The Alberta Children’s Hospital-Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic (ACH-ASDC) was restructured due to long wait times and unsustainable clinic workflow. Major changes included the initiation of pre- and post-ASD parent education sessions and distinct ASD screening appointments before the ASD diagnostic appointment. Methods We conducted a parental program evaluation in summer 2018 of the ACH-ASDC. We used a cross-sectional survey to evaluate key outcomes including parental satisfaction, and the percentage of families obtaining access to government supports and early intervention programs. Results For the 101 eligible patients diagnosed with ASD under 36 months of age 70 (69.3%) parents agreed to participate. The mean diagnostic age of the children diagnosed with ASD was 30.6 months (SD=4.1 months). There were no statistically significant age differences between biological sexes. Ninety-three per cent of parents felt that ASD educational sessions were useful, and 92% of parents were satisfied to very satisfied with the overall ASD diagnostic process. Ninety per cent of parents had access to at least one of the key resources available for ASD early intervention in our province following diagnosis. Parents reported a positive impact on intervention provided to their child in the areas of communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Conclusion Parents of children diagnosed with ASD expressed a high level of satisfaction with the restructured ACH-ASDC process. Implementing parent education sessions was well received and met parents’ needs. Parents were able to access intervention services following diagnosis and reported positive impacts for their child. Re-envisioning program approaches to incorporate novel strategies to support families should be encouraged.

Specialized Diet Therapies: Exploration for Improving Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (40) ◽  
pp. 6771-6786
Author(s):  
Geir Bjørklund ◽  
Nagwa Abdel Meguid ◽  
Maryam Dadar ◽  
Lyudmila Pivina ◽  
Joanna Kałużna-Czaplińska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Caloric Intake ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Nutritional Deficiencies ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Restricted Interests ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
The Individual

As a major neurodevelopmental disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses deficits in communication and repetitive and restricted interests or behaviors in childhood and adolescence. Its etiology may come from either a genetic, epigenetic, neurological, hormonal, or an environmental cause, generating pathways that often altogether play a synergistic role in the development of ASD pathogenesis. Furthermore, the metabolic origin of ASD should be important as well. A balanced diet consisting of the essential and special nutrients, alongside the recommended caloric intake, is highly recommended to promote growth and development that withstand the physiologic and behavioral challenges experienced by ASD children. In this review paper, we evaluated many studies that show a relationship between ASD and diet to develop a better understanding of the specific effects of the overall diet and the individual nutrients required for this population. This review will add a comprehensive update of knowledge in the field and shed light on the possible nutritional deficiencies, metabolic impairments (particularly in the gut microbiome), and malnutrition in individuals with ASD, which should be recognized in order to maintain the improved socio-behavioral habit and physical health.

scholarly journals Parents’ Perceptions of Early Interventions and Related Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Saudi Arabia

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faihan Alotaibi ◽  
Nabil Almalki
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Early Interventions ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
The Government

<p class="apa">The present study sought to examine parents’ perceptions of early interventions and related services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia. In this study a survey was distributed to a sample of 80 parents with children who have ASD. Parents also were asked open-ended questions to enable them to provide suggestions. The findings indicate that parents have varying perceptions of early interventions and related services. However, they seem to agree that these services are important in assisting their children. Accordingly, parents have suggested that the government needs to increase these services by providing more centers for children with ASD in Saudi Arabia, providing more specialists to deal with children with ASD, promoting inclusion in regular schools and providing more information on early intervention.</p>

scholarly journals Diagnosis despite clinical ambiguity: physicians’ perspectives on the rise in Autism Spectrum disorder incidence

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Davidovitch ◽  
Dorit Shmueli ◽  
Ran Shmuel Rotem ◽  
Aviva Mimouni Bloch
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Medical Community ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Child Neurology ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Child Psychiatrists

Abstract Background To provide insight on physicians’ perspectives concerning recent changes in the incidence and diagnostic process of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) compared to other mental and neurodevelopmental disorders. Method A questionnaire was sent to 191 specialists in child neurology and child development, and 200 child psychiatrists in Israel. Information was collected on professional background, as well as on physicians’ opinions concerning the accuracy and rate of ASD diagnosis compared to that of cerebral palsy (CP), mental illness, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For each closed-ended question, a global chi-square test for categorical variables was performed. Results 115 (60.2%) of specialists in child neurology and development, and 59 (29.5%) of child psychiatrists responded. Most physicians (67.2%) indicated that there was a moderate/significant increase in the incidence of ASD, which was higher than similar responses provided for CP (2.9%, p < 0.01) and mental illnesses (14.4%, p < 0.01), and similar to responses provided for ADHD (70.1%, p = 0.56). 52.8% of physicians believed that in more than 10% of clinical assessments, an ASD diagnosis was given despite an inconclusive evaluation (CP: 8.6%, p < 0.01; mental illnesses: 25.8%, p = 0.03; ADHD: 68.4%, p = 0.03). Conclusion The clinicians perceive both ASD and ADHD as over-diagnosed disorders. The shared symptomology between ASD and other disorders, coupled with heightened awareness and public de-stigmatization of ASD and with the availability of ASD-specific services that are not accessible to children diagnosed with other conditions, might lead clinicians to over-diagnose ASD. It is advisable to adopt an approach in which eligibility for treatments is conditional on function, rather than solely on a diagnosis. The medical community should strive for accurate diagnoses and a continuous review of diagnostic criteria.

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