Relationship of executive functioning and memory to autism symptomology and adaptive functioning: Implications for reducing future underemployment

Understanding the relationship between executive functioning and its connection to working memory and adaptive functioning can inform planning and employment efforts. This study explored the relationship between memory and adaptive functioning with a sample of Autistic youths/young adults. Participant mean age was 21.3 (SD = 3.0). Of the 22 participants, 17 were male, and 19 white, non-Hispanic/Latina/o/x. All but one lived with their parent(s). Participants were administered a full battery assessing cognitive ability (WAIS-IV), memory and executive functioning (WMS-IV and DKEFS), autism symptomatology (ADOS-II), and adaptive functioning (SIB-R). A multivariate lasso regression model was used. Memory, especially as measured on the WMS-IV, was found to be significantly related to adaptive functioning and autism symptomatology. There appears to be continuing evidence that memory is highly related to adaptive functioning and autism symptomatology. Interventions involving auditory and immediate memory could be helpful in promoting more mutually effective social interactions necessary for positive employment outcomes.     

Autism and intersectionality: Considerations for school-based practitioners

The purpose of this article is to explore the intersectionality of autism and sociocultural factors as well as discuss the complexities associated with appropriate assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. Based on a review of the literature, the authors present a brief history of the emergence of the term autism and highlight factors that have contributed to current concerns about failures to appropriately recognize autism within diverse populations. Referencing extant research as well as professional practice standards, this article examines aspects of autism and intersectionality, and explores some of the associated challenges related to assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. Further, the authors reflect on the critical importance of carefully considering all aspects of a child's identity when engaging in autism assessment and intervention within the school setting. School-based practitioners are provided with guidance for addressing the needs of diverse populations of students with autism.     

Transforming engagement: a case study of building intrinsic motivation in a child with autism

This longitudinal case study of a 10‐year‐old girl with autism and severe communication impairment measures the impact of the MORE (Means, Opportunities, Reasons and Expectations) approach to enhancing engagement and communication. Through detailed observation of video data over a period of 28 months, engagement behaviours including interaction with adults and following adult directions increased, while resistant behaviours such as kicking, hitting and pushing adults away decreased. Fluctuation between different ‘states’ demonstrated that the frequency and duration of engagement was influenced by the MORE approach and an emphasis on developing intrinsic motivation. In order to enable further efficacy research, core features of the intervention and the changes in engagement over time are described.     

关键反应训练法干预自闭症儿童主动提问技能的个案研究

为探讨关键反应训练法对自闭症儿童主动提问技能的干预效果,采用单一被试研究中的跨行为多基线实验设计对一名自闭症儿童的物品主动提问、人物主动提问、地点主动提问等三个主动提问技能进行干预。研究结果表明关键反应训练法对自闭症儿童主动提问技能具有立即效果、维持效果和类化效果。为此,可以应用关键反应训练法对自闭症儿童进行训练。     

Autism,Intensive Interaction and the development of non-verbal communication in a teenager diagnosed with PDD-NOS: a case study

In this paper, the authors report on the importance of using Intensive Interaction for the development of non-verbal communication for people with autism. The complexity of learning non-verbal communication means that it cannot be taught in any sense in a traditional, didactic manner. While a person may have the cognitive abilities to follow instructions and be taught the need to behave a certain way in social situations, which will not allow them to properly assimilate and understand social expectations and how to operate in social contexts. This paper suggests that the use of Intensive Interaction creates frequent opportunities for a person to take part in face-to-face interactions and consequently allow for the gradual development of non-verbal communication.     

‘The girls are out there’: professional perspectives on potential changes in the diagnostic process for,and recognition of,autistic females in the UK

There is widely growing recognition of autism in girls, and both researchers and community members have called for improvements in the diagnostic process. What is not yet known is whether these recommendations are being taken up by professionals. In this study, nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with a variety of professionals involved in the autism diagnostic process. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three main themes were identified: gendered differences; lack of services; and informal change. Our study found that diagnostic professionals are aware of gender differences in presentation, and they make a range of informal adaptations to their processes for girls. While this is positive for those girls who interact with knowledgeable professionals, our data highlight the need for more systematic changes to ensure equality of access to diagnosis and post-diagnostic support.     

自闭症幼儿的体育干预实验案例研究

号称“百慕大三角”、“特殊儿童之王”的自闭症是一种由大脑、神经以及基因的病变所引起的综合症,集人际关系隔离、语言困难及行为障碍等于一身。对有关自闭症干预文献进行了系统的整理与分析,发现存在很多不足,试图通过实验对体育干预的效果进行检验。实验研究的设计:采用单因素组间多基线设计,将筛选好的8名被试随机分配到实验组和对照组;自变量:体育干预(体育游戏主要指动作模仿、感觉统合训练、按摩、远足旅行与一定量专项练习等);因变量:幼儿自闭症发展程度。结果表明,体育干预可以作为现行自闭症幼儿早期干预的辅助方法。     

Design and development of VR learning environments for children with ASD

Basic social interaction and executing certain tasks can be difficult for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The symptoms of such behaviour include inappropriate gestures, body language and facial expressions, lack of interest in certain tasks, cognitive disability in coordination of limbs, and a difficulty in comprehending tasks’ requirements. This paper will discuss our efforts to develop virtual learning environments for children with ASD to improve their gestures and their interests in comprehending tasks’ requirements. Virtual environments are ideal for imparting skills necessary for independence before encouraging children with ASD to try these out in the real world and gain real-life experience. A high-end solution and a simplified solution will be presented together with a discussion on their comparison study.     

图片交换沟通系统对自闭症儿童干预有效性研究综述

众多自闭谱系障碍个体在沟通方面面临不同程度的困难,功能性语言的缺失是其中的突出问题,这严重阻碍了自闭症儿童的发展和社会融入。图片交换沟通系统通过逐步递进的六个阶段,改善儿童的沟通能力。随着图片交换沟通系统的广泛使用,众多研究者开始关注该方法的有效性。研究表明,图片交换沟通系统可以作为改善自闭症儿童功能性沟通能力的有效方法,虽然其同言语产生关系的研究尚未取得一致性结论,但它并不会阻碍言语的产生。     

Pre-service teachers’ perceptions of simSchool as preparation for inclusive education: a pilot study

The shift towards the inclusion of students with disabilities in regular schools has meant that general classroom teachers need to be skilled in educating students with a diverse range of needs and abilities. Together with theoretical study and as a supplement to practical experience, teacher educators have begun to explore virtual and simulated classrooms to help prepare pre-service teachers for the complexity of the teaching profession. In this pilot study, we examined the perspective of pre-service teachers on a classroom simulation program called “simSchool.” Two-hour-long tutorial sessions focusing on catering for student diversity and the educational needs of students with autism spectrum disorder were conducted. The pre-service teachers’ responses to an 11-item questionnaire are discussed, highlighting the potential of simSchool as well as some current limitations of this approach in the context of Australian teacher education courses.