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da Silva AP, Bezerra IMP, Antunes TPC, Cavalcanti MPE, de Abreu LC. Applied behavioral analysis for the skill performance of children with autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1093252. [PMID: 37181882 PMCID: PMC10169625 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1093252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has characteristics that have been observed to develop over time, such as the difficulty of affective, sensory, and emotional processing, which trigger some problems during childhood, limiting children's development. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is among the therapeutic approaches for ASD, in which treatment can be tailored according to the patient's objectives. Objective Based on ABA, we aimed to analyze the therapeutic strategy for independence in different skill performance tasks of patients diagnosed with ASD. Method This is a retrospective observational case series study including 16 children diagnosed with ASD who received ABA-based treatment at a therapeutic clinic in Santo Andre city, São Paulo State, Brazil. Individual task performance of different skill domains was registered in the ABA+ affective intelligence® software throughout the 12 months (from January 2021 to January 2022) of routine treatment. Results The evolution of skills was observed between the T0 and T1 intervals, with improved skills over the observed period. Conclusion The strategy based on the ABA methodology improved children's skill performance over the observed period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Patricio da Silva
- Laboratory of Study Design and Scientific Writing, FMABC University Center, Santo André, SP, Brazil
- Postgraduate Department, Master's Program in Public Policy and Local Development, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória-EMESCAM, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Italla Maria Pinheiro Bezerra
- Postgraduate Department, Master's Program in Public Policy and Local Development, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória-EMESCAM, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Thaiany Pedrozo Campos Antunes
- Laboratory of Study Design and Scientific Writing, FMABC University Center, Santo André, SP, Brazil
- Postgraduate Department, Master's Program in Public Policy and Local Development, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória-EMESCAM, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Carlos de Abreu
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Espírito Santo-UFES, Vitória, ES, Brazil
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Al-Beltagi M, Saeed NK, Bediwy AS, Alhawamdeh R, Qaraghuli S. Effects of COVID-19 on children with autism. World J Virol 2022; 11:411-425. [PMID: 36483100 PMCID: PMC9724198 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v11.i6.411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affects all countries and populations worldwide, significantly impacting people with autism with a high risk of morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19. Approximately 25% of children with autism have an asymptomatic or symptomatic immune deficiency or dysfunction. In addition, they frequently have various comorbid conditions that increase the severity of COVID-19. In addition, severe COVID-19 during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism in the offspring. Furthermore, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 could target human nervous system tissues due to its neurotrophic effects. The COVID-19 pandemic intensely impacts many patients and families in the autism community, especially the complex management of autism-associated disorders during the complete lockdown. During the complete lockdown, children with autism had difficulties coping with the change in their routine, lack of access to special education services, limited physical space available, and problems related to food and sleep. Additionally, children with autism or intellectual disabilities are more liable to be abused by others during the pandemic when the standard community supports are no longer functioning to protect them. Early detection and vaccination of children with autism against COVID-19 are highly indicated. They should be prioritized for testing, vaccination, and proper management of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. In this review, we discuss the various effects of COVID-19 on children with autism, the difficulties they face, the increased risk of infection during pregnancy, how to alleviate the impact of COVID-19, and how to correct the inequalities in children with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Beltagi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Alghrabia, Egypt
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center, Arabian Gulf University, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Nermin Kamal Saeed
- Department of Medical Microbiology Section, Pathology Department, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama 12, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Microbiology Section, Pathology Department, Irish Royal College of Surgeon, Busiateen 15503, Muharraq, Bahrain
| | - Adel Salah Bediwy
- Department of Chest Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Alghrabia, Egypt
- Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Rawan Alhawamdeh
- Research and Development Department, Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Neuropsychologist, Genomics Development and Play Center (Genomisc WLL), 0000, Manama, Bahrain
- Research and Development Department, Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Neuropsychologist, Sensory Middle East (SENSORYME DWC-LLC), 282228 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samara Qaraghuli
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad 14022, Baghdad, Iraq
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Dal Pai J, Wolff CG, Aranchipe CS, Kepler CK, dos Santos GA, Canton LAL, de Carvalho AB, Richter SA, Nunes ML. COVID-19 Pandemic and Autism Spectrum Disorder, Consequences to Children and Adolescents - a Systematic Review. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2022:1-26. [PMID: 36189101 PMCID: PMC9510314 DOI: 10.1007/s40489-022-00344-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In this systematic review, we aimed to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children/adolescents with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The protocol was registered on PROSPERO CRD42021255848. Articles were selected from PubMed, Embase, and LILACS according to these characteristics: patients from zero to 18 years old, exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic, impact on social communication/interaction and restricted/repetitive behavior domains. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess methodological quality and the risk of bias. Of the 351 articles initially identified, 26 were finally included with information on 8,610 patients. Although the studies were heterogeneous, they indicated that the pandemic-related issues experienced by patients with ASD were mostly manifested in their behavior and sleep patterns. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40489-022-00344-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janise Dal Pai
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande Do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer/PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Cecília Gatti Wolff
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA/PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carolina Siciliani Aranchipe
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA/PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carolina Knorst Kepler
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA/PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gabriele Alves dos Santos
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA/PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luiz Augusto Leal Canton
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA/PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Antonella Brun de Carvalho
- Extension and Management of Continuing Education Activities Program, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PEGA/PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Samanta Andresa Richter
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande Do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer/PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Magda Lahorgue Nunes
- School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer/PUCRS), Av Ipiranga 6690, building 63, 2nd floor, 90610-000 Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Kreysa H, Schneider D, Kowallik AE, Dastgheib SS, Doğdu C, Kühn G, Ruttloff JM, Schweinberger SR. Psychosocial and Behavioral Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children and Adolescents with Autism and Their Families: Overview of the Literature and Initial Data from a Multinational Online Survey. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10040714. [PMID: 35455891 PMCID: PMC9028372 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10040714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Since COVID-19 has become a pandemic, everyday life has seen dramatic changes affecting individuals, families, and children with and without autism. Among other things, these changes entail more time at home, digital forms of communication, school closures, and reduced support and intervention. Here, we assess the effects of the pandemic on quality of life for school-age autistic and neurotypical children and adolescents. First, we provide a comprehensive review of the current relevant literature. Next, we report original data from a survey conducted in several countries, assessing activities, well-being, and social life in families with autism, and their changes over time. We focus on differences between children with and without autism from within the same families, and on different outcomes for children with high- or low-functioning autism. While individuals with autism scored lower in emotional and social functioning than their neurotypical siblings, both groups of children showed comparable decreases in well-being and increases in anxiety, compared to before the pandemic. By contrast, decreases in adaptability were significantly more pronounced in autistic children and adolescents compared to neurotypical children and adolescents. Overall, although individual families reported some positive effects of pandemic restrictions, our data provide no evidence that these generalize across children and adolescents with autism, or even just to individuals with high-functioning autism. We discuss the increased challenges that need to be addressed to protect children and adolescents’ well-being under pandemic conditions, but also point out potentials in the present situation that could be used towards social participation and success in older children and young adults with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Kreysa
- Social Potential in Autism Research Unit & Department of General Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.E.K.); (S.S.D.); (J.M.R.)
- Correspondence: (H.K.); (S.R.S.)
| | - Dana Schneider
- Social Potential in Autism Research Unit & Department of Social Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (D.S.); (C.D.)
- DFG Scientific Network “Understanding Others”, SCHN 1481/2-1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Erika Kowallik
- Social Potential in Autism Research Unit & Department of General Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.E.K.); (S.S.D.); (J.M.R.)
- Early Support and Counseling Center Jena, Herbert Feuchte Stiftungsverbund, 07743 Jena, Germany;
- Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Samaneh Sadat Dastgheib
- Social Potential in Autism Research Unit & Department of General Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.E.K.); (S.S.D.); (J.M.R.)
| | - Cem Doğdu
- Social Potential in Autism Research Unit & Department of Social Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (D.S.); (C.D.)
| | - Gabriele Kühn
- Early Support and Counseling Center Jena, Herbert Feuchte Stiftungsverbund, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Jenny Marianne Ruttloff
- Social Potential in Autism Research Unit & Department of General Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.E.K.); (S.S.D.); (J.M.R.)
| | - Stefan R. Schweinberger
- Social Potential in Autism Research Unit & Department of General Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; (A.E.K.); (S.S.D.); (J.M.R.)
- Correspondence: (H.K.); (S.R.S.)
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