Participatory design in the development of innovative technologies for children and young people on the autism spectrum: the COSPATIAL project

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Parsons ◽  
Laura Millen ◽  
Sara Garib‐Penna ◽  
Sue Cobb
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Innovative Technologies

scholarly journals Autism Spectrum Disorder in Aotearoa New Zealand: Strategies for teachers.

Teachers Work ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-93
Author(s):  
Penelope Baines ◽  
Anne Yates
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Young People ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Educational Experience ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Aotearoa New Zealand

  According to Autism New Zealand (n.d.) there are approximately 65,000 New Zealanders with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Despite this prevalence, Goodall (2014) notes that “…teachers are still on a long journey to full acceptance of students on the autism spectrum as learners with potential” (p. 133).  This is concerning as one of the principles that form the foundation of the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) (Ministry of Education, 2007) is inclusion.  The NZC states these principles “embody the beliefs about the nature of the educational experience and the entitlement of the student” (p. 37) and Te Kete Ipurangi (n.d.) describes inclusive education as all children and young people being engaged and achieving through participating, learning and belonging.  These principles, in addition to the prevalence of people with ASD in New Zealand, mean that teachers must possess an understanding of ASD as well as knowledge of teaching strategies to assist these learners.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Web-Based Interventions Delivered to Children and Young People With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kareem Khan ◽  
Charlotte L Hall ◽  
E Bethan Davies ◽  
Chris Hollis ◽  
Cris Glazebrook
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Small Samples ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Children And Young People

BACKGROUND The prevalence of certain neurodevelopmental disorders, specifically autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has been increasing over the last four decades. Nonpharmacological interventions are available that can improve outcomes and reduce associated symptoms such as anxiety, but these are often difficult to access. Children and young people are using the internet and digital technology at higher rates than any other demographic, but although Web-based interventions have the potential to improve health outcomes in those with long-term conditions, no previous reviews have investigated the effectiveness of Web-based interventions delivered to children and young people with neurodevelopmental disorders. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to review the effectiveness of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Web-based interventions delivered to children and young people with neurodevelopmental disorders. METHODS Six databases and one trial register were searched in August and September 2018. RCTs were included if they were published in a peer-reviewed journal. Interventions were included if they (1) aimed to improve the diagnostic symptomology of the targeted neurodevelopmental disorder or associated psychological symptoms as measured by a valid and reliable outcome measure; (2) were delivered on the Web; (3) targeted a youth population (aged ≤18 years or reported a mean age of ≤18 years) with a diagnosis or suspected diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder. Methodological quality was rated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for RCTs. RESULTS Of 5140 studies retrieved, 10 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Half of the interventions were delivered to children and young people with ASDs with the other five targeting ADHD, tic disorder, dyscalculia, and specific learning disorder. In total, 6 of the 10 trials found that a Web-based intervention was effective in improving condition-specific outcomes or reducing comorbid psychological symptoms in children and young people. The 4 trials that failed to find an effect were all delivered by apps. The meta-analysis was conducted on five of the trials and did not show a significant effect, with a high level of heterogeneity detected (n=182 [33.4%, 182/545], 5 RCTs; pooled standardized mean difference=–0.39; 95% CI –0.98 to 0.20; Z=–1.29; <italic>P</italic>=.19 [I<sup>2</sup>=72%; <italic>P</italic>=.006]). CONCLUSIONS Web-based interventions can be effective in reducing symptoms in children and young people with neurodevelopmental disorders; however, caution should be taken when interpreting these findings owing to methodological limitations, the minimal number of papers retrieved, and small samples of included studies. Overall, the number of studies was small and mainly limited to ASD, thus restricting the generalizability of the findings. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews: CRD42018108824; http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?ID=CRD42018108824

scholarly journals Effects of Cognitive Training Programs on Executive Function in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1280
Author(s):  
Angela Pasqualotto ◽  
Noemi Mazzoni ◽  
Arianna Bentenuto ◽  
Anna Mulè ◽  
Francesco Benso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Skills ◽  
Young People ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Children And Young People

Background. Autism Spectrum Disorder is often associated with deficits in executive functions (EFs), which is contributing significantly to individuals with ASD’s difficulties in conducting an independent life, particularly considering social skills. Technologies offer promising opportunities to structure EF intervention programs for children on the autistic spectrum. Methods. This study aimed to review the effectiveness of randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies of EF interventions delivered to children and young people (up to 23 years old) with a diagnosis of ASD. A special focus was dedicated to document the effectiveness of computerized and non-computerized cognitive training on (1) EFs and on (2) ASD symptomatology and social skills. Of 2601 studies retrieved, 19 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results. Most of the interventions identified were effective in enhancing EFs and reducing symptoms in children and young people with ASD. Limited evidence is available on their generalization to untrained skills (i.e., social abilities) as well as long-term effects. Conclusions. There is growing evidence for overall effectiveness of EF training, particularly when computerized. However, caution should be taken when interpreting these findings owing to methodological limitations, the minimal number of papers retrieved, and a small samples of included studies.

scholarly journals Development and Psychometric Properties of a New Questionnaire to Assess Mental Health and Concerning Behaviors in Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): The Assessment of Concerning Behavior (ACB) Scale

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Tarver ◽  
Silia Vitoratou ◽  
Mathilde Mastroianni ◽  
Natalie Heaney ◽  
Eleanor Bennett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Risky Behaviors ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Abstract Although 70% of autistic children and young people meet criteria for co-occurring psychiatric conditions, there are few screening measures specifically for autistic individuals. We describe the development and validation of the Assessment of Concerning Behavior (ACB), an instrument co-developed with the autistic community to assess mental health and problematic/risky behaviors. Items include descriptions to facilitate symptom recognition by autistic people, and carers/professionals. The ACB was completed by 255 parents, 149 autistic children and young people and 30 teachers. Internal consistency, stability and validity was assessed. The ACB parent-version fit a two-factor model (internalizing and externalizing problems) and showed adequate test–retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity. The ACB is a promising new measure for research and clinical use in autism.

scholarly journals Autism spectrum disorder/Takiwātanga: An Integrated Data Infrastructure-based approach to autism spectrum disorder research in New Zealand

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 2213-2227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Bowden ◽  
Hiran Thabrew ◽  
Jesse Kokaua ◽  
Richard Audas ◽  
Barry Milne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Young People ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
National Registry ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Data Infrastructure

New Zealand has few estimates of the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and no national registry. The use of administrative data sources is expanding and could be useful in autism spectrum disorder research. However, the extent to which autism spectrum disorder can be captured in these data sources is unknown. In this study, we utilised three linked administrative health data sources from the Integrated Data Infrastructure to identify cases of autism spectrum disorder among New Zealand children and young people. We then investigated the extent to which a range of mental health, neurodevelopmental and related problems co-occur with autism spectrum disorder. In total, 9555 unique individuals aged 0–24 with autism spectrum disorder were identified. The identification rate for 8-year-olds was 1 in 102. Co-occurring mental health or related problems were noted in 68% of the autism spectrum disorder group. The most common co-occurring conditions were intellectual disability, disruptive behaviours and emotional problems. Although data from the Integrated Data Infrastructure may currently undercount cases of autism spectrum disorder, they could be useful for monitoring service and treatment-related trends, types of co-occurring conditions and for examining social outcomes. With further refinement, the Integrated Data Infrastructure could prove valuable for informing the national incidence and prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and the long-term effectiveness of clinical guidelines and interventions for this group. Lay abstract New Zealand has few estimates of the prevalence autism spectrum disorder and no national registry or data set to identify and track cases. This hinders the ability to make informed, evidence-based decisions relating to autism spectrum disorder. In this study, we utilised linked health and non-health data to develop a method for identifying cases of autism spectrum disorder among children and young people in New Zealand. In addition, we examined rates of co-occurring mental health, neurodevelopmental and related conditions among this cohort and compared these to the general population. The method identified almost 10,000 children and young people with autism spectrum disorder in New Zealand. Co-occurring mental health or related problems were found in over 68% of this group (nearly seven times higher than the general population), and around half were identified with multiple co-occurring conditions. The most frequently identified conditions were intellectual disability, disruptive behaviours and emotional problems. We have developed a useful method for monitoring service and treatment-related trends, number and types of co-occurring conditions and examining social outcomes among individuals with autism spectrum disorder. While the method may underestimate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in New Zealand, it provides a significant step towards establishing a more comprehensive evidence base to inform autism spectrum disorder–related policy.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document