High-functioning Autism Research Articles

Exploring Perspectives Concerning Future Potential Occupations of Learners with High-Functioning Autism in a South African Special School

Exploring Perspectives Concerning Future Potential Occupations of Learners with High-Functioning Autism in a South African Special School

Obsessive-compulsive disorder in a woman with high-functioning autism

Obsessive-compulsive disorder in a woman with high-functioning autism

The Relationship of Text Inference Abilities and Reading Comprehension in Children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Objectives: Reading comprehension in school-age children is an essential ability facilitates acquisition of information from general education. Yet, even with average or above cognitive and word recognition abilities, children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HF-ASD) demonstrate difficulties with reading comprehension. The purpose of the this study was to investigate that identifying the reading comprehension competence with a focus on text inference abilities (coherence processing, metalinguistic, theory of mind) in children with HF-ASD in the lower grades of elementary school.Methods: 15 HF-ASD and 15 age matched typically developing peers (TD) participated in this study. The participants performed reading comprehension tasks and text inferencing tasks (coherence processing, metalinguistic, theory of mind).Results: First, the reading comprehension accuracy of the HF-ASD group was significantly lower than the TD group. Second, the text inference accuracy of the HF-ASD group was significantly lower compared with the TD group. Third, in the TD group, there was a significant correlation between all text inference abilities (coherence processing, metalinguistic, theory of mind) and reading comprehension competence. In contrast, in the HF-ASD group, there was a positive correlation between coherence processing, metalinguistic and reading comprehension competence; however no significant relationship was found between theory of mind and reading comprehension competence. Finally, the coherence processing task predicted reading comprehension competence of children with HF-ASD by 52.2% and TD children by 42.1%.Conclusion: This study suggests that supporting connecting information within a text, local inferencing, and focusing on the coherence processing intervention is necessary for reading comprehension of children with HF-ASD in the lower grades of elementary school.

Objective assessment of autism spectrum disorder based on performance in structured interpersonal acting-out tasks with prosodic stability and variability.

In this study, we sought to objectively and quantitatively characterize the prosodic features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) via the characteristics of prosody in a newly developed structured speech experiment. Male adults with high-functioning ASD and age/intelligence-matched men with typical development (TD) were asked to read 29 brief scripts aloud in response to preceding auditory stimuli. To investigate whether (1) highly structured acting-out tasks can uncover the prosodic of difference between those with ASD and TD, and (2) the prosodic stableness and flexibleness can be used for objective automatic assessment of ASD, we compared prosodic features such as fundamental frequency, intensity, and mora duration. The results indicate that individuals with ASD exhibit stable pitch registers or volume levels in some affective vocal-expression scenarios, such as those involving anger or sadness, compared with TD and those with TD. However, unstable prosody was observed in some timing control or emphasis tasks in the participants with ASD. Automatic classification of the ASD and TD groups using a support vector machine (SVM) with speech features exhibited an accuracy of 90.4%. A machine learning-based assessment of the degree of ASD core symptoms using support vector regression (SVR) also had good performance. These results may inform the development of a new easy-to-use assessment tool for ASD core symptoms using recorded audio signals.

A targeted long-read sequencing approach questions the association of OXTR methylation with high-functioning autism

BackgroundDNA sequence variation and altered epigenetic regulation of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) have been implicated in autism and autistic-like behaviors. While previous studies have examined subsegments of OXTR, nanopore Cas9-targeted sequencing (nCATS) allows deep characterization of entire genes with simultaneous assessment of epigenetic 5-methylcytosine (5mC) modification and without the need for prior DNA amplification or bisulfite conversion. This pilot study uses an nCATS approach to sequence the entire OXTR gene and its regulatory construct and screen for 5mC modification to compare results between individuals with high-functioning autism (HFA) and neurotypical controls (NC).MethodsUsing DNA extracted from peripheral blood, OXTR (Hg38, chr3: 8750381–8770434, 20,054 base pairs) was analyzed by nCATS. 5mC modification probabilities were calculated and visualized across the gene and differential methylation analysis was performed.ResultsTwenty adults with HFA (10 males, 10 females) and 20 age- and sex-matched NC (± 5 years) were included. There were no apparent group differences in the entire OXTR gene sequence, except for the intron variant rs918316, which was clustered in the HFA group. However, differential methylation analysis did not reveal a single significant group-dependent differentially methylated site among the 412 CpG sites captured.LimitationsLimitations of this study include the small number of samples due to the pilot nature of the study, which particularly limits the relevance of the sequence variants found. It should also be noted that the use of peripheral blood material limits the ability to draw conclusions about central processes.ConclusionsPrevious findings of autism-associated OXTR epigenetic alterations were not reproducible with our method. In our opinion, this may lead to a reconsideration of the relevance of altered methylation at individual OXTR CpG positions in autism research. However, given the pilot nature of the study, these results need to be replicated in independent cohorts and with larger sample sizes.

Neurophysiological mechanisms of exploration and exploitation in high-functioning autism: Magnetoencephalographic study

Intolerance of uncertainty and high sensitivity to the threat of failure are believed to contribute to chronic anxiety in individuals with high-functioning autism. This study examines the influence of these personality traits on the brain processes involved in decision-making in a probabilistic setting among autism patients. Furthermore, we explore the causal relationship between these personality traits and chronic anxiety in individuals with high-functioning autism. Twenty-one high-functioning autistic individuals who are intolerant to uncertainty, aged 19 to 46, and 21 neurotypical volunteers of the same age, carried out a probabilistic choice experiment with two alternatives. One option yielded a monetary profit of 70% of the time, while the other brought only a 30% gain. Following each selection, the subjects received feedback on their decision and gradually learned, through trial and error, to prefer the more advantageous option. From this point forward, we consider frequent selections of a beneficial stimulus to align with the internal utility model, specifically the exploitation strategy. On the other hand, sporadic choices of a detrimental stimulus correspond to an exploration strategy, which may prove disadvantageous in a stable environment but enables adaptation to unforeseen changes in the surroundings. We hypothesized that there are characteristic differences in brain activity reflecting exploration and exploitation strategies between groups, which would emerge during the decision-making period and after internal feedback evaluation regarding advantageous and disadvantageous choices [1]. Beta oscillations (16–30 Hz) were analyzed in the magnetoencephalographic recordings. The decrease in beta oscillation power below baseline during the period between stimulus presentation and subjects’ response indicates activation in brain regions related to decision-making strategy. Conversely, an increase in beta oscillation power following feedback signaling a disadvantageous choice reflects a mechanism that reinforces internal value models in current task conditions [1]. The cortical sources of beta oscillations in 448 cortical areas were estimated using the sLoreta technique at the single-trial level. Mixed linear models (LMM) were used for statistical analysis with correction for multiple comparisons via the FDR method for the number of cortical areas analyzed. The study concentrated on the time interval for decision-making (–900 to –300 ms prior to the motor action of choice) and the post-feedback period (500 to 900 ms after the commencement of the feedback presentation) [1]. Based on questionnaire results, individuals with high-functioning autism exhibited a significantly lower tolerance for uncertainty and a greater intolerance for uncertainty when compared to neurotypical participants. The study generated two primary findings. Initially, the extent of brain activity during decision-making differed in control subjects and subjects with autism based on the type of choice, with exact opposition. Opting for an advantageous vs. disadvantageous choice was linked with reduced activation of the inferior temporal, parietal, and medial frontal cortex regions in control subjects and elevated activation in these regions for subjects with autism spectrum disorder. These findings suggest that neurotypical individuals utilize fewer neural resources and exhibit decreased emotional response while deciding in favor of a known profitable outcome compared to opting for an uncertain choice — one that is more likely to result in a negative outcome based on previous experiences. Individuals with autism allocate disproportionate amounts of attention and emotional resources towards planning actions that are deemed safe and offer only a probable (though not definite) advantage. Conversely, the prospect of failure due to risky behavior induces a comparatively muted response in their brains. Second, our internal evaluation of feedback focused on variations in functional activity within the orbitofrontal and lateral prefrontal cortical areas during exploratory (disadvantageous) choices between individuals with autism and control subjects. As previously reported, neurotypical subjects demonstrated significant beta synchronization following negative feedback after disadvantageous choices [1]. Contrary to control participants, individuals with autism spectrum disorder exhibited a lack of synchronization in frontal beta oscillations following losses incurred from unfavorable selections. This observation may indicate insufficient reinforcement of the internal utility model, which typically strengthens in response to negative outcomes that align with predicted results [1]. Overall, our study found that individuals on the autism spectrum with a high intolerance for uncertainty exhibit significantly increased activation of brain decision-making systems in situations that are perceived to be low-risk and with a high probability of a successful outcome. These findings clarify the reasons behind the puzzling rise in anxiety and autonomic reactivity among individuals in situations where they anticipate rewards, which are not inherently aversive unlike fear of punishment [2].

Could Cariprazine Be a Possible Choice for High Functioning Autism? A Case Report

This case report was conducted by searching for the following keywords on PubMed: High Functioning Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder, cariprazine, aripiprazole, partial agonist antipsychotic, DRD2/DRD3. High Functioning Autism (HFA) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with average intellectual abilities, behavioral symptoms such as irritability, hyperactivity, aggressiveness and mood symptoms. HFA is not a term used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (DSM), but it is commonly used to identify patients diagnosed with Autistic Disorder (AD) or Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) with average or above average intellectual abilities. Several factors are involved in HFA development, including environmental and genetic factors. In particular, over the last several decades, dopaminergic signaling system dysfunction has been highlighted as being responsible for behavioral patterns. Nowadays, symptoms of ASD lack a specific pharmacological treatment. The only medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for symptoms associated with ASD, in particular the irritability, are risperidone and aripiprazole. According to the hypothesis that dopamine receptor DRD2 and DRD3 might be involved in impulsive behavior, stereotypy, repetitive behaviors and language impairment, cariprazine could be a therapeutic option. This molecule is primarily characterized by DRD3 partial agonism and serotonin 5-HT1A partial agonism, with a lower ability to activate DRD2 than other third-generation antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole. We have reported here a case study of treatment of HFA with cariprazine.

The Illness Trajectory in Marilyn Monroe's Psychological Autopsy: From Autism Spectrum Disorder to Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder with Catatonia.

A mounting body of literature is showing that, in the clinical and general population, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autistic traits (ATs) would appear to be spread along a continuum, reaching the highest levels among individuals affected by other mental disorders, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder (BD). Furthermore, individuals with ASD or ATs appear to be more vulnerable to psychological traumas, with greater likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and BD. Marilyn Monroe was a famous actress, singer and model, as well as one of the most admired stars of American cinema and a timeless icon. The present report debates the possibility to explore Marilyn Monroe's case under a neurodevelopmental perspective according to which a ASD favored, on one hand, her worldwide success and, on the other, her mental illness trajectory. The analysis is based on the review of her four biographies written by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, her complete filmography, interviews, filmed material and personal scripts. The present work reconstructed a hypothetical illness trajectory originating from a ASD and culminating in a BD with unspecified catatonia, followed by premature death whose cause has never been clarified. The description of this illness trajectory also confirms the strong impact of psychological traumas on the substrate of ASD vulnerability and its correlation with the development of BPD and BD. This paper suggests Marilyn Monroe as a possible prototypical case of BPD under a neurodevelopmental perspective that accounts the ASD, as reported in DSM-5-TR (2022), in verbal adult without intellectual impairment, high-functioning autism (HFA), as vulnerability background predisposing to the progression to BPD and BD with unspecified catatonia, triggered by multiple traumas.

Challenges in nurturing HFASD teens: Emotional crises and expectations of mothers in Malaysia

The transition to young adulthood brings distinctive challenges for high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) children and their families, especially post-formal education. This qualitative case study research aims to explore hurdles faced by mothers navigating HFASD adolescents. The result shows that financial strain, stigma, and loneliness loom large, compounded by emotional crises tied to uncertainty and stress about their children's future. Mothers advocate for multiple work opportunities and independence, underscoring a notable gap between HFASD teens' needs, available services, and community resources. The study enlightened mothers and inspired proactive measures, emphasizing the imperative for a collective, interdisciplinary effort to align services comprehensively—addressing residential, employment, and social aspects—to enhance the quality of life for HFASD individuals.

75 Can the Children’s Communication Checklist Differentiate Between Children with High Functioning Autism, ADHD, and Academically-Based Learning Disabilities?

Objective:The Children’s Communication Checklist-Second Edition (CCC-2) is a rating scale designed to assess domains of communication skills with emphasis on pragmatics (Bishop, 2006). The CCC comprises 10 subtests addressing various aspects of oral communication skills: Speech, Syntax, Semantics, Coherence, Initiation, Scripted Language, Context, Nonverbal Communication, Social Relations, and Interests. In a study conducted on the original CCC, Geurts et al. (2004) found that when compared to normal controls, pragmatic difficulties occurred in children with either high functioning autism (HFA) or ADHD. Since the initial version of the CCC, no study has examined whether the revised version can differentiate children with HFA, ADHD, and LD, the purpose of the present study. Focus was on derived factors of the structure/content of language and the pragmatics of language.Participants and Methods:Forty-one participants grouped according to diagnosis were drawn from two archival data pools, one adapted from a previous study conducted by Casey and Scott (2016) and the other from a set of anonymized patients from a neuropsychological clinic. Fourteen participants met clinical criteria for autism (Mage = 11.95), 12 participants met criteria for ADHD without co-morbid disorders (Mage = 9.5), and 15 participants met criteria for a learning disability involving reading, writing, math, or some combination (Mage = 10.13). Group-specific descriptive statistics were computed for the participants’ age, full scale intelligence quotient (IQ), and General Communication Composite (GCC). Two factor scores were computed, one composed of the subtests that constitute the structure/content aspects of language (Speech, Syntax, Semantics, and Coherence) and one composed of the pragmatic aspects of language (Initiation, Nonverbal Communication, Social Relations, and Interests), an area of particular weakness in HFA. Independent samples ANOVAs were conducted on both factor scores to determine whether the CCC-2 could differentiate the three groups. Post-hoc comparisons were planned for the subtests comprising the factor(s) that differentiated the groups.Results:Participants in the ADHD (M = 9.45, SD = 2.45) group were significantly younger than those in the HFA group (M = 11.95, SD = 2.24) and LD group (M = 10.13, SD = 2.58), the latter two not differing significantly. The groups did not differ significantly on IQ, nor on the structure/content factor. On the pragmatic factor, the LD group (M = 10.18, SD = 9.91) had significantly higher scores than the ADHD group (M = 7.79, SD = 6.54), which in turn, had significantly higher scores than the HFA group (M = 5.48, SD = 8.26), F(2, 38) = 17.81, p < .01. Within this composite, the same pattern was shown on Nonverbal Communication, F(2, 38) = 9.29, p < .01, and Interests, F(2, 38) = 17.81, p < .01.Conclusions:Compared to children with an academically-based learning disability, children with ADHD and HFA demonstrated pragmatic difficulties on the CCC-2. Although there was overlap between the pragmatic language characteristics of children with ADHD and children with HFA, the CCC-2 demonstrated utility in distinguishing the two disorders on certain aspects of communication skills, suggesting that it is a useful tool in differential diagnosis.

A Study on Meta-Pragmatic Language Characteristics of Children With High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders

A Study on Meta-Pragmatic Language Characteristics of Children With High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders

Behavioral patterns in robotic collaborative assembly: comparing neurotypical and Autism Spectrum Disorder participants

IntroductionIn Industry 4.0, collaborative tasks often involve operators working with collaborative robots (cobots) in shared workspaces. Many aspects of the operator's well-being within this environment still need in-depth research. Moreover, these aspects are expected to differ between neurotypical (NT) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) operators.MethodsThis study examines behavioral patterns in 16 participants (eight neurotypical, eight with high-functioning ASD) during an assembly task in an industry-like lab-based robotic collaborative cell, enabling the detection of potential risks to their well-being during industrial human-robot collaboration. Each participant worked on the task for five consecutive days, 3.5 h per day. During these sessions, six video clips of 10 min each were recorded for each participant. The videos were used to extract quantitative behavioral data using the NOVA annotation tool and analyzed qualitatively using an ad-hoc observational grid. Also, during the work sessions, the researchers took unstructured notes of the observed behaviors that were analyzed qualitatively.ResultsThe two groups differ mainly regarding behavior (e.g., prioritizing the robot partner, gaze patterns, facial expressions, multi-tasking, and personal space), adaptation to the task over time, and the resulting overall performance.DiscussionThis result confirms that NT and ASD participants in a collaborative shared workspace have different needs and that the working experience should be tailored depending on the end-user's characteristics. The findings of this study represent a starting point for further efforts to promote well-being in the workplace. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work comparing NT and ASD participants in a collaborative industrial scenario.

Characteristic Similarities of Irritability Between Autism and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.

Objective: Irritability in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is prominent and often leads to distress to both autistic children and their families. However, the nature of irritability in autism and the difference from nonautistic children have rarely been examined. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of irritability in autism, and to compare the symptom profiles with those of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) in nonautistic children. Methods: Fifty-six children aged 7-17 years (mean age 10.36 ± 3.05) were recruited into this study (21 with DMDD, 21 with high-functioning autism [hfASD], and 14 healthy volunteers [HV]). Their parents completed the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Irritability (ABC-I) subscale and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) parent report form. The ABC-I subscale was analyzed as a whole and broken into subsets (ABC-I-Irritability, ABC-I-Agitation, and ABC-I-Crying). The symptom profiles of irritability and the association with psychosocial difficulties were compared between groups. Results: The ABC-I-Irritability scores of children with hfASD closely matched to those of children with DMDD. In addition, both DMDD and hfASD groups could be differentiated from HV group in five of the six items except "depressed mood." However, in the ABC-I-Agitation scale, children with DMDD, but not hfASD, had higher scores in "Aggressive to other patients and staff" and "Stamps feet while banging objects or slamming doors" than HV. Regarding psychosocial outcomes, irritability in children with DMDD and hfASD were associated with emotional problems as measured by the SDQ. Moreover, irritability in DMDD was associated with conduct problems, and the hfASD group exhibited the similar trend. Conclusions: Symptom profiles of irritability and the associated emotional and conduct problems in children with hfASD were similar to those of DMDD in the nonautistic population. Future studies are warranted to explore the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of irritability between autistic and nonautistic children for further insight into the nature of irritability in autism.

How neurotypical listeners recognize emotions expressed through vocal cues by speakers with high-functioning autism.

We conducted an investigation to explore how neurotypical (NT) listeners perceive the emotional tone of voice in sentences spoken by individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and NT speakers. The investigation included both male and female speakers from both groups. In Study 1, NT listeners were asked to identify the emotional prosody (anger, fear, happiness, surprise or neutral) conveyed by the speakers. Results revealed that emotional expressions produced by male ASD speakers were generally less accurately recognized compared to male NT speakers. In contrast, emotions expressed by female ASD speakers were more accurately categorized compared to female NT speakers, except when expressing fear. This suggests that female ASD speakers may not express emotional prosody in the same way as their male counterparts. In Study 2, a subset of produced materials was rated for valence, voice modulation, and voice control to supplement Study 1 results: Female ASD speakers sounded less negative when expressing fear compared to female NT speakers. Male ASD speakers were perceived as less positive than NT speakers when expressing happiness. Voice modulation also differed between groups, showing a tendency for ASD speakers to follow different display rules for both positive emotions (happiness and surprise) tested. Finally, male ASD speakers were rated to use voice cues less appropriately compared to NT male speakers, an effect less pronounced for female ASD speakers. Together, the results imply that difficulties in social interactions among individuals with high-functioning ASD could be due to non-prototypical voice use of male ASD speakers and emphasize that female individuals do not show the same effects.

Characteristics of Facial Emotion Recognition in Children Aged 7-8 with High-Functioning ASD Using an Eye-Tracker

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate characteristics of peer’s facial emotion recognition (FER) in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HF-ASD) through gaze patterns; and to suggest implications through comparison with typically developing (TD children). Methods: The participants were 10 children with HF-ASD aged 7-8 years and 10 children with TD matched on chronological age. Children performed FER tasks consisting of two types of stimuli (static, dynamic) for four basic emotions (happy, sad, anger, surprise) and their eye movement were measured while they performed the task using an eye-tracker. The emotion recognition accuracy, proportion of fixation, and heatmap were analyzed, and correlation analysis was conducted. Results: The HF-ASD group performed significantly poorer than the TD group in overall emotion recognition and made significantly more errors only in anger. There was no statistically significant difference in emotion recognition between static and dynamic stimuli in both groups. There was no interaction effect between group and emotion type and areas of interest (AOI). Only the interaction effect between emotion type and AOI was significant in the TD group. The HF-ASD group tended to look more at the mouth than the eyes and look relatively more at non-feature area of the faces compared to the TD group. These gaze patterns seem to affect the accuracy depending on emotion types. Conclusion: Children with HF-ASD have deficits in FER and show gaze patterns different with TD peers. The results of this study suggest that a deficit in FER of children with HF-ASD is related to gaze pattern.

Special Education Master’s Students’ Metaphorical Perceptions of Children Having High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

In the current study, aimed to determine the metaphorical perceptions of students receiving graduate education in the field of special education about high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. The study employed the phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research techniques, as the research method. The study group consists of 75 students pursuing a master’s degree in the Department of Special Education in the Faculty of Education at five different state universities during the spring term of the 2022-2023 academic year. The participants of the study were selected by using the convenience sampling method. The participants’ perceptions regarding children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder were determined using a data collection tool that included the phrase “Children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder are like... to me; because...” and questions to elicit demographic information of the participants. The data collected from the participants were analyzed using the content analysis method. In this study, the participants, who were master’s students in the Special Education Department, generated 75 metaphors regarding children with a high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. The metaphors derived from the data obtained from the participants were grouped and categorized into 6 categories based on their common characteristics as a result of the review of experts. When the generated metaphors were examined, it was seen that the participating students mostly liken children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder to concepts such as flowers, rainbows, stars, boxes and computers. The study results indicate that the metaphors generated by the participants regarding children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder are generally expressed through positive and concrete concepts

Neuro Diverse Christian Couples: Autism. Religion. Marriage an Exploratory Qualitative Study

With changing diagnostic criteria and autism terminology from 1994 to 2013, those who would have been diagnosed with what was previously termed Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) or High Functioning Autism (HFA) have been entering into dating and longterm relationships and marriages. Meanwhile many on the autism spectrum slipped through the diagnostic cracks and were missed for decades as autism diagnosis rates continue to rise. Many adults on the autism spectrum who are not diagnosed or identified are showing up in marriage therapy with their spouse with complex marital dynamics and unresolved issues producing confusion in the person, their spouse and even many marriage therapists or pastoral counselors. This type of couple where at least one spouse is on the autism spectrum is now referred to as a Neurodiverse Couple (NDC). Further marginalized in research are people of faith who are in a neurodiverse relationship, referred to as Neurodiverse Christian Couples (NDCC), and pastors, chaplains, marriage coaches and Christian and Biblical counselors remain unaware, unequipped, and unprepared to help these couples with their complex relationships which is adding to the challenges of trauma the couple is experiencing.

Effect of Sensory Integration-based Training on the Sensory Profile of Male Children with High-Performance Autism

Background and Aims Psychological disorders such as autism spectrum in children can cause decreased awareness and performance in different areas. The present study aims to investigate the effect of sensory integration-based training on the sensory profile of male children with high-functioning autism. Methods This is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest/posttest design. The study population consists of all male children with high-functioning autism referred to Kahrizak Rehabilitation Center in Mohammad Shahr, Karaj, Iran, in 2019-2020, from whom 30 were selected using a purposive sampling method and equally divided into training and control groups. The training group received twelve 90-minute sessions of sensory integration-based training, while the control group did not receive any training. the Gilliam autism rating scale and short-form sensory profile (Dunn, 1999) were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using ANCOVA in SPSS software, version 23. Results The sensory integration-based training had a significant effect on the improvement of the sensory profile of children with high-spectrum autism spectrum. Conclusion Sensory integration-based training is effective in improving the sensory profile of male children with high-performance autism and can be used for this purpose.

자폐 범주성 장애 아동의 실행기능 중재 연구의 동향 및 과제

Executive function, a cognitive ability closely related to the core deficit areas of autism spectrum disorders, necessitates a thorough understanding of every child’s profile and provision of appropriate support. This study aimed to review the latest research trends and analyze the interventions targeting the enhancement of executive function in children with autism spectrum disorders. In accordance with the criteria, a total of 29 experimental studies were selected. An overview of general characteristics and a detailed analysis of specific intervention attributes were conducted. Executive function intervention studies among children with autism spectrum disorders have been underway since 2004, mostly in the fields of psychology and psychiatry, targeting primary school-aged children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders. The most used interventions were cognitive behavioral/instructional strategies (CBIS) and exercise and movement (EXM). Notably, a high proportion of interventions were used to facilitate flexibility and inhibition subcategories of the executive function. Based on the findings, the future directions and educational implications regarding intervention aimed at enhancing executive function in children with autism spectrum disorders were discussed.

학령기 고기능 자폐범주성장애 아동의 발화유형 분석

This study investigated the types of utterances and analyzed the final functioning ending among Korean school-age children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by using the story retelling task. A total of fifteen children with ASD and fifteen vocabulary ability–matched typically developing (TD) children participated in the study. The utterances according to final and connective ending, fragment utterance, and incompletion for grammar were analyzed. The ASD group exhibited lower performances than the TD group on the utterance type analysis, however, there were no significant differences between the two groups. The results reveal that the ASD group produce similar utterance types in story retelling task with the language age-matched TD children. Furthermore, the results indicate that the utterance type analysis can be useful in assessing the language ability of school-age children with ASD.