Journal of autism and developmental disorders
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J Autism Dev Disord · Sep 2021
Use of the TELE-ASD-PEDS for Autism Evaluations in Response to COVID-19: Preliminary Outcomes and Clinician Acceptability.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruptions to healthcare, including direct impacts on service delivery related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Caregiver-mediated tele-assessment offers an opportunity to continue services while adhering to social distancing guidelines. The present study describes a model of tele-assessment for ASD in young children, implemented in direct response to disruptions in care caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We present preliminary data on the outcomes and provider perceptions of tele-assessments, together with several lessons learned during the period of initial implementation.
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J Autism Dev Disord · May 2021
The Association of the Medicaid 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services Waivers with Emergency Department Utilization among Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Using the 2008-2013 Medicaid Analytic eXtract files, this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the effect of Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver programs on emergency department (ED) utilizations among youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our study showed that the annual ED utilization rates were 13.5% and 18.8% for individuals on autism specific and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) waivers respectively, vs. 28.5% for those without a waiver. Multivariable logistic regression showed that, compared to no waiver, autism specific waivers (adjusted odds ratio: 0.62; 95% Confidence Interval: [0.58-0.66]) and IDD waivers (0.65; [0.64-0.66]) were strongly associated with reduced ED. These findings suggest that HCBS waivers are effective in reducing the incidence of ED visits among youth with ASD.
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J Autism Dev Disord · Nov 2020
Randomized Controlled TrialBrief Report: Impact of a Physical Exercise Intervention on Emotion Regulation and Behavioral Functioning in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Problems with emotion regulation and behavior are often reported in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This pilot study examined the effect of physical exercise on emotion regulation and behavioral functioning in children with ASD. Twenty-seven children aged 8-12 years were randomized into either an exercise intervention group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 12). ⋯ Children's parents completed the Emotion Regulation Checklist and the Child Behavior Checklist pre- and post-intervention. The intervention group demonstrated significant improvement in emotion regulation and reduction in behavioral problems (ps < .05). Future studies should explore the mechanisms underlying the effects of physical exercise on emotion regulation and behavior in children with ASD.
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J Autism Dev Disord · Sep 2019
Comparative Study Clinical TrialA Comparison of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine and Dexmedetomidine Plus Buccal Midazolam for Non-painful Procedural Sedation in Children with Autism.
Children with autism often need sedation for diagnostic procedures and they are often difficult to sedate. This prospective randomized double-blind control trial evaluates the efficacy and safety using intranasal dexmedetomidine with and without buccal midazolam for sedation in children with autism undergoing computerized tomography and/or auditory brainstem response test. ⋯ Combination of intranasal dexmedetomidine and buccal midazolam was associated with higher sedation success when compared to intranasal dexmedetomidine. Since intranasal and buccal sedatives required little cooperation this could be especially useful technique for children with autism or other behavioral conditions.
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J Autism Dev Disord · Jul 2019
A Protocol for Sedation Free MRI and PET Imaging in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Imaging technologies such as positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) present unparalleled opportunities to investigate the neural basis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, challenges such as deficits in social interaction, anxiety around new experiences, impaired language abilities, and hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli make participating in neuroimaging studies challenging for individuals with ASD. In this commentary, we describe the existent training protocols for preparing individuals with ASD for PET/MRI scans and our own experience developing a training protocol to facilitate the inclusion of low-functioning adults with ASD in PET-MRI studies. We hope to raise awareness of the need for more information exchange between research groups about lessons learned in this context in order to include the entire disease spectrum in neuroimaging studies.