Intervention Approaches for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Review of Research between 2013 and 2017

Abstract

This review focusing on studies on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which consists of assessment and intervention on three main domains; neuropsychological (cognitive), social interaction and behavioral problems. Majority of the studies reviewed used non-randomized control studies which involves mostly children, some adolescence and few adults, who are diagnosed as either ASD, ADHD or ASD +ADHD. The outcome of these studies mostly shows positive results in improving autism symptom such as cognitive skills impairment, social interaction dysfunctions between child and parents and behavioral problem. Children with ASD that undergone occupational therapy using sensory integration needed less caregiver assistance during selfcare and social activities. Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) challenges the child to improve communication and increased parental self-efficacy. Social skills training (SST) promote social competence and friendship and decreasing feelings of loneliness. Animal companionship increases alertness and attention in human, which might promote enhance concentration and task persistence and promote calming effect in children suffering from ADHD. Mind-Body Therapies showed positive results in mental and emotional health and decreased in behavioral problems in children with ASD. In parent -mediated early intervention for children with ASD, children’s language, adaptive skills and parents stress showed no significance change. Despite of small to medium improvement, there were little scientific evidence of effectiveness of each type of intervention that could be suggested as best suited therapy for children with ASD and ADHD. Therefore, it was suggested to have standardized training technique as a promising area for future research along with continuous monitoring is needed in the long term to see the results in these children.