scholarly journals Can probiotics benefit young people with autism spectrum disorders?

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S282-S282
Author(s):  
Pooja Ramani ◽  
Regina Sala
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young People ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sample Sizes ◽  
Autism Symptoms ◽  
Children With Asd

AimsThe aims are to evaluate the effectiveness of Probiotics on young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.We hypothesized that there will be an improvement of the comorbid gastrointestinal symptoms that can accompany Autism Spectrum Disorder.We believe that the use of probiotics can exert bidirectional effects on the gut-brain axis which may result in improvements in core Autism symptoms.MethodA literature search was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We used databases including OVID MEDLINE, Pubmed, EMBASE, AMED and the Cochrane register of controlled trials. Studies using Probiotics as a treatment for children with ASD were identified by key search terms; Child*, young person*, adoles*, teenagers, ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autism, Pervasive developmental disorder, PDD, Probiotics, Supplements, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium. Inclusion criteria: Children of age range 2-18 with a diagnosis of ASD and having at least one gastrointestinal symptom were included. Exclusion criteria: The following were excluded: studies looking at Autism with interventions aside from Probiotics; studies where Probiotics were tested in conjunction with other interventions; studies where there were additional neurodevelopmental disorders.ResultTwelve studies identified all utilized probiotics. This included 7 Randomised Control Trials, 2 Open-Label studies, 1 pre and post-intervention design and 1 Case study. All RCTs gave probiotics or placebo to children.Ten studies showed an improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms. Six studies showed improvements in various behavioral measures. Four studies showed improvements in core autism symptoms. However, the sample sizes in these studies were not large enough to prove statistical significance.ConclusionNo studies showed an adverse reaction which indicates probiotics can be considered a safe treatment.The improvements in a variety of parameters imply probiotics a suitable adjunctive intervention that may help improve ASD core symptoms in young people as well as improving physical and behavioural comorbidities which in some cases was noted by parents.However, due to high dropout rates and generally small sample sizes, larger-scale trials are needed to critically confirm the efficacy of probiotics for children with ASD.

scholarly journals A Review of the Efficacy of the Dietary Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (F) ◽  
pp. 88-94
Author(s):  
Zainab Taha ◽  
Khalid A. Abdalhai
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Food Additives ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Dietary Interventions ◽  
Children With Asd

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder with 1 in 68 children prevalence. The key symptoms of ASD include social deficits, verbal and non-verbal communication deficits, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. For unknown reasons, gastrointestinal symptoms are related to ASD. The aim of the current paper is to review the available literature on dietary interventions in children with ASD and provide up-to-date evidence. METHODS: Searches in online databases, using the search terms’ dietary intervention, “autism spectrum disorders,” and “autism” were conducted. The search targeted publications ranging from 2010 to 2020. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies with different study designs which evaluated the effectiveness of specific dietary interventions in children with ASD were included in our review. Several dietary interventions were of popular practice in the management of children with ASD, including elimination (gluten-/casein-free diet and oligoantigenic diet), modification (modified ketogenic diet), supplementation (minerals, vitamins, omega 3, and omega 6), and exclusion (food additives). Studies showed different results with varying degrees of evidence. Overall, data were inadequate to make accurate conclusions. CONCLUSION: There is little evidence to support the use of dietary interventions for children with ASD. Additional high-quality studies and further research are, therefore, needed.

P.1.c.018 Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in young people with autism spectrum disorder

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. S205
Author(s):  
E. Serrano-Drozdowskyj ◽  
M. Penzol ◽  
A. Fernandez-Diaz ◽  
A. Alcon ◽  
D. Fraguas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Young People ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Equine-Based Therapy in the Treatment of Social and Behavioural Aspects of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney Wiese ◽  
Rebecca Simpson ◽  
Saravana Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Behavioural Aspects

Introduction: Individuals with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with impairments in social interactions, communication, restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. Equine-based therapy is used as a treatment with children with disabilities. There have been no systematic reviews conducted on the effectiveness of equine-based therapy in children with ASD. Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of equine-based therapy on behavioural and social interactions in the treatment of children with ASD. Methods: A systematic search of Cochrane, OT Seeker, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Informit health databases and Proquest central were conducted. Studies of participants, aged 4-16 years, with professional diagnosed ASDs were included if they utilised outcome measures assessing behaviours and social interactions through questionnaire or observation. A critical appraisal, using the McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies, was performed to assess methodological quality. NHMRC body of evidence framework was used to provide the study with an overall grade of recommendation in assessing quality of evidence. Results: Eight studies of varying research designs and methodological quality met the inclusion criteria. The participants in these studies were aged between 4-16 years of age. The duration of the inventions ranged from 6-12 weeks, and each study used varied measures of outcome. Overall, studies showed some improvements in behaviours and social interactions following an equine-based therapy intervention. Conclusions: Few studies have investigated the effect of equine therapy on behaviour and social interactions of children with ASD. The current body of evidence is constrained by small sample size, lack of comparator, crude sampling methods, and the lack of standardised outcome measures. Equine-based therapy shows potential as a treatment method for behaviours and social interactions in children with ASD.

The Feasibility and Acceptability of Delivering Pivotal Response Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder via Telehealth: A Pilot Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krista Nicole Drapalik ◽  
David Grodberg ◽  
Pamela Ventola
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Parent Training ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Training Condition ◽  
Stepped Care ◽  
Pivotal Response Treatment ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Children With Asd

BACKGROUND Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), an evidence-based and parent-delivered intervention, is designed to improve social communication in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical effects of an online model of PRT delivered via MindNest Health that aims to provide self-directed and engaging online modules, real-time coaching and feedback, and accessible stepped-care to large populations of parents seeking resources for their children with ASD. METHODS Male and female children, ages 2-7 years old with single-word to phrase-level speech, were eligible to participate in the study. Families were randomized to the online parent training condition or control condition. The online component of the intervention consisted of eight 20-minute online courses of content describing parent training principles in PRT. Four 1-hour videoconferences were held after course 1, course 3, course 5, and course 8. Parents were given 1-2 weeks to complete each course. Parents completed the Client Expectancies Questionnaire (CCQ) at Week 2 and endpoint, as well as the Behavioral Intervention Rating Scale (BIRS) at endpoint to assess parental expectancies and treatment acceptability and effectiveness. RESULTS 9 of 14 subjects completed the study curriculum in the online parent training condition, and 6 of 12 subjects completed the control condition. A total of 58% subjects completed study curriculum by study closure. Within the online parent training condition, there was a significant increase in mean CCQ Total Scores from 25.38 ± 3.25 at baseline to 27.5 ± 3.74 at endpoint (P = .04), mean CCQ Confidence Scores from 6.0 ± 1.07 at baseline to 6.75 ± 0.89 at endpoint (P = .02), and mean CCQ Other Improvement Scores 5.25 ± 0.89 at baseline to 6.25 ± 1.28 at endpoint (P = .009). Within the control condition, a modest increase in CCQ scores existed (Confidence △M = +.25; Recommend △M = +.25; Total Score △M = +.50), but no significant results were found (Confidence P = .38; Recommend P = .36; Total Score P = .43). Out of the eleven parents that completed the BIRS at endpoint, 83% parents endorsed they slightly agree or agree with over 93% of the Acceptability factor items on the BIRS. CONCLUSIONS The feasibility of this online treatment is endorsed by the high rate of online module completion and attendance to videoconferences within the online parent training group. Acceptability of treatment is supported by strong ratings on the CCQ and significant improvements in scores as well as strong ratings on the BIRS. This study’s small sample size limits the conclusions that can be drawn, however, the PRT MindNest Health platform holds promise to support parents of children with ASD who are unable to access traditional, in-person parent-mediated intervention for their child.

scholarly journals The association between epilepsy and autism symptoms and maladaptive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder

Autism ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 996-1006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma W Viscidi ◽  
Ashley L Johnson ◽  
Sarah J Spence ◽  
Stephen L Buka ◽  
Eric M Morrow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Maladaptive Behaviors ◽  
Autism Symptoms ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Simons Simplex Collection ◽  
Autism Phenotype

Epilepsy is common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but little is known about how seizures impact the autism phenotype. The association between epilepsy and autism symptoms and associated maladaptive behaviors was examined in 2,645 children with ASD, of whom 139 had epilepsy, from the Simons Simplex Collection. Children with ASD and epilepsy had significantly more autism symptoms and maladaptive behaviors than children without epilepsy. However, after adjusting for IQ, only hyperactivity symptoms remained significantly increased (13% higher) in the epilepsy group. Among children with ASD without co-occurring intellectual disability, children with epilepsy had significantly more irritability (20% higher) and hyperactivity (24% higher) symptoms. This is the largest study to date comparing the autism phenotype in children with ASD with and without epilepsy. Children with ASD and epilepsy showed greater impairment than children without epilepsy, which was mostly explained by the lower IQ of the epilepsy group. These findings have important clinical implications for patients with ASD.

scholarly journals A wearable heart rate measurement device for children with autism spectrum disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Fioriello ◽  
Andrea Maugeri ◽  
Livio D’Alvia ◽  
Erika Pittella ◽  
Emanuele Piuzzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Language Disorder ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Free Play ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Measurement Device ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by early impairment in social and communication domains and autonomic nervous system unbalance. This study evaluated heart rate (HR) as a possible indicator of stress response in children with ASD as compared to children with language disorder (LD). Twenty-four patients [mean age = 42.62 months; SD = 8.14 months,12 with ASD (10 M/2F) and 12 with LD (8 M/4F)] underwent clinical [Leiter International Performance Scale-Revised, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, second edition (ADOS-2)] and physiological evaluation (HR monitoring) during five interactive activities, while wearing an HR measurement device. IQ (ASD:IQ = 103.33 ± 12.85 vs. LD:IQ = 111.00 ± 8.88, p = 0.103) and fluid reasoning on the Leiter-R Scale were within the normal range in all subjects. Increased HR during the third activity (ADOS-2 bubble play) significantly correlated with autistic symptoms (r = 0.415; p = 0.044), while correlations between ADOS-2 total score and HR during the first activity (ADOS-2 free play; r = 0.368; p = 0.077), second activity (Leiter-R figure ground subscale; r = 0.373, p = 0.073), and fifth activity (ADOS-2 anticipation of a routine with objects; r = 0.368; p = 0.076) did not quite reach statistical significance. Applying a linear regression model, we found that the ADOS-2 total score significantly influenced HR variations (p = 0.023). HR monitoring may provide a better understanding of the stress-provoking situations for children with ASD. Furthermore, it could help clinicians detect the impact of the stressful condition on the autistic core and adress treatment strategy.

scholarly journals Characterizing Olfactory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Children with Sensory Processing Dysfunction

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia R. Sweigert ◽  
Tanya St. John ◽  
Kristin Kawena Begay ◽  
Greg E. Davis ◽  
Jeffrey Munson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Odor Identification ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Autism Symptoms ◽  
Odor Detection ◽  
Children With Asd

Abnormalities in olfactory function have been identified in a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. However, little is known about olfactory function in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present study aims to assess the olfactory profiles of children with ASD, compared to an age- and sex-matched comparison group of typically developing children and a second clinical control group consisting of non-ASD children with sensory processing dysfunction (SPD). Participants completed a battery of sensory and behavioral assessments including olfactory tasks (Sniffin’ Sticks Threshold Test and self-reported valence ratings for two target odorants (phenylethyl alcohol and vanillin) and the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test), and an autism evaluation (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2). Children with ASD showed intact odor detection with reduced odor identification ability. Poor odor identification was significantly correlated with autism symptom severity. Children with SPD demonstrated reduced odor detection and identification ability. These findings provide evidence for differential patterns of smell processing among ASD and non-ASD neurodevelopmental disorders. Future studies are needed to determine whether the association of impaired olfaction and increased autism symptoms is due to shared etiology.

Beyond Sentences: Using the Expression, Reception, and Recall of Narratives Instrument to Assess Communication in School-Aged Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 60 (8) ◽  
pp. 2228-2240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Volden ◽  
Erin Dodd ◽  
Kathleen Engel ◽  
Isabel M. Smith ◽  
Peter Szatmari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adaptive Functioning ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Symptoms ◽  
Standardized Measures ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Sentence Level ◽  
Social Use

PurposeImpairments in the social use of language are universal in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but few standardized measures evaluate communication skills above the level of individual words or sentences. This study evaluated the Expression, Reception, and Recall of Narrative Instrument (ERRNI; Bishop, 2004) to determine its contribution to assessing language and communicative impairment beyond the sentence level in children with ASD.MethodA battery of assessments, including measures of cognition, language, pragmatics, severity of autism symptoms, and adaptive functioning, was administered to 74 8- to 9-year-old intellectually able children with ASD.ResultsAverage performance on the ERRNI was significantly poorer than on the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals–Fourth Edition (CELF-4). In addition, ERRNI scores reflecting the number and quality of relevant story components included in the participants' narratives were significantly positively related to scores on measures of nonverbal cognitive skill, language, and everyday adaptive communication, and significantly negatively correlated with the severity of affective autism symptoms.ConclusionResults suggest that the ERRNI reveals discourse impairments that may not be identified by measures that focus on individual words and sentences. Overall, the ERRNI provides a useful measure of communicative skill beyond the sentence level in school-aged children with ASD.

scholarly journals EXCESS WEIGHT AND GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS IN A GROUP OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dayane Verissimo da Silva ◽  
Poliana Novais Moreira Santos ◽  
Danielle Alice Vieira da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
World Health ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
High Prevalence

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the nutritional status and gastrointestinal changes in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive analysis of 39 children with ASD aged between three and ten years old, registered in the participating association. Nutritional status was evaluated by body mass index/age and weight/age, according to the guidelines from the World Health Organization. In order to investigate whether gastrointestinal alterations occurred, the interviewees answered a questionnaire about the presence of these symptoms within the last 30 days. In order to evaluate food consumption, a 24-hour recall questionnaire was applied and the food reported were grouped as: gluten sources, casein and ultra-processed sources. For the statistical analysis, Epi-Info software version 7.2 was used. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the variables associated with gastrointestinal alterations. Results: There was a high prevalence of overweight children with autism spectrum disorder (64.1%). No child was underweight. Thirty-four children (84.2%) had gastrointestinal symptoms. Consumption of gluten was associated with gastrointestinal symptoms (β=0.38; 95%CI 0.07-0.75; p=0.02). Conclusions: The high prevalence of being overweight should be considered during the follow-up visits of children with ASD. The influence of gluten consumption on the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms was observed in this study, and the causes involved in these alterations need to be further investigated.

scholarly journals Behavior management-based applied behaviour analysis within dental examination of children with autism spectrum disorder

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Taufiqi Hidayatullah ◽  
Hendriati Agustiani ◽  
Arlette Suzy Setiawan
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Behavior Management ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Oral Examination ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
P Value ◽  
Analytical Methodology ◽  
Children With Asd

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder with three main characteristics: communication disorders, social interaction disorders and repetitive behavior. The main problem faced when treating child patients with this disorder is the difficulty of establishing communication with the result that they are unable to understand instructions. One form of therapy frequently applied in cases of autism is that of applied behavior analysis (ABA). It is easier for children with ASD to absorb information visually. Purpose: The purpose of this study was  to evaluate the effectiveness of ABA-based behavior management using visual media in the form of picture cards for oral examination of children with ASD. Methods: The study design was observational descriptive in nature and the sample selection was based on purposive sampling. The study was conducted by observing changes in childrens’ behavior during treatment administered four times a month. The subjects were 13 children with ASD who met the study criteria and were receiving treatment for autism at Prananda special school in Bandung. The collated data related to changes in subjects’ behavior observed during four meetings assessed on the basis of score 1 confirming compliance with instructions and 0 indicating non-compliance. A Kruskal-Wallis statistical analisysis test was used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed a general increase in the former over the latter initial behavior during treatment. Statistical analysis showed that the coefficient of Kruskal-Wallis was meaningful in terms of statistical significance with a p-value of 26.947 (<0.05). The multiple comparison value for average ranks was 15.68 (SD 18.69). Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that the application of a behavior management-based analytical methodology is effective in supporting the oral examination of children with ASD.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document