Repetitive Patterns Of Behavior Research Articles

Autism: A deep insight.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social communication (social-emotional reciprocity, non verbal interaction and developing and maintaining relationships) and restricted and repetitive behavioral patterns or interests.1 Autism is a multi-factorial, rather than single, disorder of complex etiology. Continuous....

Suriyanamaskar Enhances Physical Fitness of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

In the recent past there is an increasing awareness on care for special needs population in India. Among all the disabilities Autism is gaining lot of attention and is found to be of most mainly due to the behavioral deviations of children. It is very important to identify children with autism as early as possible. This article being a scientific paper is being translated in Tamil to create awareness among the urban and rural families about autism, its identification, screening, diagnosis and intervention programs for children with autism. One among the most important traditional, natural, side effect free intervention is Yoga. Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to a group of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and difficulties with social communication and interaction. The symptoms are present from early childhood and affect daily functioning. Evidence-based treatment options for Autism are limited. The objective of this investigation was to examine the effect of Yoga on selected physical fitness variables of children with autism. 20 high functional autistic children between 6 - 13 years were into yoga intervention for 6 weeks. Initial and final testing on physical fitness variables such as flexibility, coordination and strength were conducted. After of the training period post test was conducted on the dependent variables for both the groups. Based on the results it was concluded that the implication of Yoga practice might have been the source of its dominance on the improvement of physical fitness variables of children with autism.

Paving the Way toward Personalized Medicine: Current Advances and Challenges in Multi-OMICS Approach in Autism Spectrum Disorder for Biomarkers Discovery and Patient Stratification.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in two main areas: social/communication skills and repetitive behavioral patterns. The prevalence of ASD has increased in the past two decades, however, it is not known whether the evident rise in ASD prevalence is due to changes in diagnostic criteria or an actual increase in ASD cases. Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of ASD, symptoms vary in severity and may be accompanied by comorbidities such as epilepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Identifying biomarkers of ASD is not only crucial to understanding the biological characteristics of the disorder, but also as a detection tool for its early screening. Hence, this review gives an insight into the main areas of ASD biomarker research that show promising findings. Finally, it covers success stories that highlight the importance of precision medicine and the current challenges in ASD biomarker discovery studies.

Measuring the Effects of Physical Exercise On Stereotypic Behaviors in Autism:Using Hierarchical Linear Model

Introduction Autism is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition (2013) requires that individuals with autism demonstrate the core symptoms of persistent impairment in reciprocal social communication and social interaction, they must engage in restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities [1]. It is suggested that

Cannabis and cannabinoid use in autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, associated with the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Cannabis has been used to alleviate symptoms associated with ASD. We carried out a systematic review of studies that investigated the clinical effects of cannabis and cannabinoid use on ASD, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA checklist). The search was carried out in four databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Scopus, and Web of Science. No limits were established for language during the selection process. Nine studies were selected and analyzed. Some studies showed that cannabis products reduced the number and/or intensity of different symptoms, including hyperactivity, attacks of self-mutilation and anger, sleep problems, anxiety, restlessness, psychomotor agitation, irritability, aggressiveness perseverance, and depression. Moreover, they found an improvement in cognition, sensory sensitivity, attention, social interaction, and language. The most common adverse effects were sleep disorders, restlessness, nervousness and change in appetite. Cannabis and cannabinoids may have promising effects in the treatment of symptoms related to ASD, and can be used as a therapeutic alternative in the relief of those symptoms. However, randomized, blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials are necessary to clarify findings on the effects of cannabis and its cannabinoids in individuals with ASD. International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), code 164161.

Communication and Language Skills of Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Children and Their Parents' Emotions.

Background:Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability, which is a biologically based neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a child’s social interaction and communication skills. Core deficits are identified in two domains: social communication/interaction and restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior. Children and youth with ASD have service needs in behavioral, educational, health, leisure, family support, and other areas. Autism is a set of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions, characterized by inability to acquire social skills, repetitive behaviors and failure of speech and nonverbal communication development.Objective:To examine frequency, correlation and predictivity of communication and language skills of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) children and their parents’ emotions.Methods:The sample consisted of 80 participants who are parents of children with ASD. The study was performed using a questionnaire made out for this research. Three groups of variables were analyzed: parental emotions variables; child’s communication variables, child’s language variables. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS, and included basic statistical parameters and multiple regression analysis.Results:The most common ways of communicate for children with ASD are: Allowing to cuddle; Recognizes familiar faces; and Makes it known when he needs help or wants an item. The most common language forms of children ASD are: Following simple instructions; Understanding connected words/phrases; Pronouncing single words; and Looking at when called by name. Parents of children with ASD expressed the greatest agreement with the following statements: “My child is more demanding than most other children”; “It seems to me that my child is very sensitive and easily upset”; “My child can’t do much of what he’s expected to know to do”, and “I often lack energy.”Conclusion:Parents of children with ASD proved that their children have significant delays in communication and language. Developed communication and language skills of the child with ASD are valid predictors of parents’ emotions/attitudes. Speech and language therapy work focused on developing the ASD child’s communication and language skills can be expected to improve parents’ emotions/attitudes.

Educational Software as Assistive Technologies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract Nowadays, some developing countries are experiencing many problems regarding children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including Indonesia. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a childhood-onset developmental disorder of the immature brain, which impairs social communication and social interactions in addition to persistent restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior or interests. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder need special treatments, such as therapy by professional and certified therapists. However, there are limitations to the number of therapists and the therapists have difficulty using therapeutic tools that require extra preparation time, also there are only a few applications that help therapists to carry out the therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder children, especially applications that are developed in Indonesian and have complete features. Therefore, in this study, we proposed Squizzy, which is an assistive technology application that specifically designed as educational software for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developed in a tablet environment. During the development of Squizzy, we implemented Scrum methodology that will be explained in detail later. Based on the evaluation and discussion that conducted, Squizzy received many positive feedbacks from users, such as it helps therapists and parents to ease their therapy sessions by reducing the inconvenience of the therapeutic tool. Moreover, Squizzy successfully covered the cognitive part of children’s therapy.

Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Psychopharmacologic Treatment

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a diverse collection of illnesses characterised by a wide variety of impairments ranging from mild to severe. ASDs are diagnosed when three core deficits are present, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition, Text Revised) (DSM-IV-TR)1: (1) impairment of social interactions, (2) impaired communication, and (3) repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests, and activities. Aggression, self-injury, impulsivity, poor concentration, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance are common associated/comorbid symptoms that can become a major cause of additional suffering and impairment in functioning, even though they are not required for a diagnosis. While developments in psychopharmacology have resulted in dramatic improvements in the symptoms and prognosis of many psychiatric disorders, this has not been the case for treating ASD's basic symptoms. Applied behavioural analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and pharmacological, psychopharmacologic therapy are the most effective treatments available today.

Socioeconomic and demographic profile of autism spectrum disorder

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial disorder resulting from genetic and nongenetic risk factors and their interaction. There is a paucity of data on the socioeconomic and demographic factors underlying ASD from India. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the socioeconomic and demographic profile of ASD. Materials and Methods: Six hundred patients with behavioral complaints reporting to either psychiatric or pediatric outpatient departments were screened and validated as per Autism questionnaire (Childhood Autism Rating Scale [CARS]). Included patients were evaluated on socioeconomic and demographic scale the appropriate Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Results: Twenty-eight children out of 600 (4.66%) were found to have ASD. The average age at which parents first noticed symptoms was 16 months (range: 9–24 months). The mean age at first consultation for ASD symptoms was delayed for girls. A highly significant association between intelligence quotient (IQ) and a diagnosis of ASD was seen. The mean IQ of ASD patients (93.2 n = 28) was significantly lesser than either psychiatric diagnoses or no diagnosis. Even though all patients had an IQ >70, there were still 9/28 patients with a level 3 severity of ASD. A highly significant association between ASD diagnosis and CARS scores was seen. Out of the documented 26 presenting complaints, 17 were social impairment related and 9 related to repetitive patterns of behaviors. The clinical findings from the CBCL conform to a previously developed autism profile for CBCL. Conclusion: Children are taking longer than recommended for optimal outcome to receive a diagnosis. Girls were brought for consultation with the pediatrician later than the boys. Male preponderance in ASD with M: F ratio of 6:1 was highly significant. ASD was found higher in MSES and HSES families. Living in urban areas predicted higher severity. IQ was lesser than for other conditions in ASD.

Parental perception of oral health-related quality of life in children with autism. An observational study.

Background:Autism is reportedly the most severe neuropsychiatric disorder affecting children. Autistic subjects can be characterized by impairments in social interactive behavior along with restricted interests and quite frequently, are seen exhibiting repetitive behavior patterns in stereotyped manner. The inability to perform routine tasks can widely impact the oral health and also, the constant care and sense of helplessness might drastically affect quality of life.Aim:The aim of the study was to assess the oral health status and perceptions regarding an autistic child's oral health among parents.Materials and Methods:Parental perception regarding the quality of life among the afflicted autistic children was done using a self-assessment questionnaire that included eight questions which were replied to in an affirmation or negative answer. 300 parents of autism affected children formed the study participants. Recorded responses were evaluated and percentage of each response was derived. Oral health status was measured by determination of dental caries prevalence and OHI-S index using chair light illumination, mouth mirror, diagnostic probe and a standard WHO periodontal probe. For statistical analysis, the calculations were performed by using the paired t test. Statistical significance, which was fixed at P < 0.05, which is statistically significant.Results:Approximately 18.33% of parents showed were aware that oral health can influence general health; 15% did have exhibit awareness. 15% of parents did not consider that primary teeth were important; 59.1% visited any dentist only when suffering from pain; 5% went for an annual dental examination; 15% and 24.6% parents visited dental practitioners at intervals of 3 and 6 months, respectively. 30%, 25% and 51.66% parents considered obtaining consultation and getting treatment from pediatric dentist; general dentist and general physician. 41.6% parents had taken their children for restorations. 52% reported constant stress whereas 48% reported with constant distressed emotions. No significant difference was determined between the parameters. 75% of autistic children suffered from dental caries whereas oral hygiene scores demonstrated high mean value of 4.Conclusion:Autism is a severely distressing condition wherein oral health along with general physical health is affected. Since parents are directly involved in upbringing of these individuals, they also subsequently show a reduction in quality of life.

ATENCIÓN TEMPRANA EN EL TRASTORNO DEL ESPECTRO AUTISTA: ESTADO DE LA CUESTIÓN Y DESAFÍOS PENDIENTES

El trastorno del espectro del autismo (TEA) constituye, actualmente, una de lasalteraciones del desarrollo con mayores tasas de prevalencia. Sus elevadas cifras, unidas a lasdificultades para la comunicación e interacción social, los patrones repetitivos y estereotipadosde comportamiento y el repertorio limitado de intereses que presentan los menores conTEA, lo convierten, en la práctica, en una de las cuestiones más complejas para la sociedady, en consecuencia, para los profesionales educativos. En este trabajo se abordan los principaleshitos respecto a estas cuestiones, así como la consideración de la atención temprana(AT) como un elemento fundamental para hacer frente a este reto. En efecto, las técnicas dedetección precoz e intervención interdisciplinar con el menor, la familia y el entorno, queofrece la AT, representan una estrategia de reconocida eficacia. Sin embargo, los avances enla investigación y los cambios experimentados en la conceptualización del trastorno, juntocon el impulso que supone el nuevo paradigma de AT, plantean la necesidad de avanzar en elconocimiento sobre los desafíos que aún quedan sin resolver en este ámbito.

The effectiveness of sensory integration intervention on the emotional-behavioral problems of children with autism spectrum disorder

PurposeAutism spectrum disorder is a kind of neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction across multiple contexts, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. The purpose of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of sensory integration intervention on emotional-behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder.Design/methodology/approachThis research was conducted in a pretest-posttest design with control group. The participants were 30 children with autism spectrum disorder (6–11 years old) who were selected through convenience sampling from among children with autism spectrum disorder in Zeinab center of Isfahan and were randomly divided into two groups of 15 subjects. The children of the experimental group received 14 sessions of sensory integration intervention while the control group did not receive this intervention. To measure emotional-behavioral problems, the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Second Edition was used. To analyze the data, ANCOVA and MANCOVA tests were used.FindingsThe results showed that sensory integration intervention improves emotional-behavioral problems and its subscales (hyperactivity, aggression, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, somatization, attention problems, learning difficulties, atypicality and withdrawal) in children with autism spectrum disorder.Research limitations/implicationsTherefore, it can be concluded that sensory integration intervention can be a suitable treatment for reducing sensory problems and improving emotional-behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder.Originality/valueThe study of the effect of sensory integration on emotional-behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder is necessary as a simple and non-side-effect educational and therapeutic method, both as a step to fill the research gap in this field, besides being a cheap and affordable way for improving the various skills of children with autism spectrum disorder for professionals, teachers, parents and educators.

Epidemiological, clinical and psychometric aspects of Autism spectrum disorder among children in Zagazig University hospital

Background:Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severe psychiatric disorder of childhood comprised severe troubles in verbal, non verbal communication, language development, repetitive limited patterns of behaviors and obsessive resistance to small changes in familiar surrounding. Aim to assess role of epidemiological, clinical and psychiatric determinants as risk factors of ASD. Methods: A case control study was recruited on 72 ASD children attending psychiatric outpatient clinic and 72 healthy children. Their caregivers completed a questionnaire about risk factors for ASD. Then they underwent complete assessment of mental age using Stanford-Binet intelligence scale, childhood autism rating scale to outline severity of ASD in cases and exclude presence of autistic features in controls.Results:There is a statistically significant difference between both groups regarding mother,and father education, fathers’ age at conception, family history of psychiatric disorders, history of induction of ovulation, hypertension during pregnancy, folic acid supplementation during 1st trimester of pregnancy, use of anti D, history of postnatal hypoxia, admission to NICU and feeding type. A significant difference between them concerning reaction to others and delayed developmental milestones was found. About 63% and 58% had severe autism and mild to severe mental retardation respectivey. Paternal age, positive family history of psychiatric diseases, postnatal hypoxia significantly increased risk of ASD. Folic acid supplementation during 1st trimester of pregnancy significantly decreased risk.Conclusion: Family history of psychiatric disorders, Advanced fathers’ age at conception, postnatal hypoxia were significant risk factors. Folic acid supplementation during 1st trimester is a significant protector

Association study of polymorphisms at A66G (rs1801394) of MTRR gene and autism spectrum disorders in a Kurdish population

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that are distinguished by the inability in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behavior pattern. One of the etiologic factors of the disease is believed to be methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) A66G polymorphism, which participates in homocysteine (Hcy)/folate metabolism. The aim of this study was to explore the link between polymorphism A66G (rs1801394) of MTRR and susceptibility of Kurdish autistic children to develop ASD in Iraq. In this study, 200 samples were included and divided into two equal groups: 100 autistic and 100 control children. After extraction of genomic DNA, the allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) was performed. Our results showed that a significant association between heterozygote and homozygote variants (AG vs. AA: OR = 3.333, 95%CI: 1.723 to 6.449; P = 0.0004) and (GG vs. AA: OR = 2.500, 95%CI: 1.362 to 18.35; P = 0.021) respectively, when compared with wild homozygote. Also, this study demonstrated a statistical difference in the frequencies of the two alleles in MTRR A66G (G vs. A: OR = 1.857, 95%CI: 1.243 to 2.775; P = 0.003). Our study revealed that the polymorphism of MTRR A66G genotypes and alleles could influence the ASD susceptibility among Kurdish children in Erbil, Iraq.

Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diet for Autism Spectrum Disorders: Can It Be Effective in Solving Behavioural and Gastrointestinal Problems?

Autism spectrum disorder [ASD] is characterized by deficits in communication and social interactions combined with repetitive and restricted patterns of behaviors. Bidirectional changes in brain-gut microbiota are known to be responsible for the pathophysiology of many brain-related disorders, such as autism, as well as well-known gastrointestinal diseases, including gut disorders. Imbalance in the composition of gut microbiota is frequently observed in individuals with ASD. It is therefore believed that this imbalance is significant in the frequent occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms. The integrity of the intestinal barrier and the blood-brain barrier [BBB] in individuals with ASD is affected. Incompletely digested peptides, toxins, and proinflammatory cytokines cross the BBB by entering the bloodstream and reach the central nervous system. As a result of the accumulation of these elements, brain function is adversely affected. It is hypothesized that incompletely digested peptides acting as opioid agonists reduce pain sensitivity and increase the severity of autism-specific behaviors. However, it is not known exactly how opioid peptides trigger ASD symptoms after they reach the brain. Diet therapies, especially elimination diets, are considered to be an alternative treatment to prevent this condition. Gluten-free casein-free [GFCF] diet is an elimination diet that involves the removal of certain proteins from the normal diet, such as gluten and casein. However, studies that demonstrate the beneficial effects of the GFCF diet on ASD patients and explain its mechanism is limited, which supports the opioid theory. This review aims to investigate the gastrointestinal and behavioral problems that are frequently observed in ASD, the possible action mechanisms of GFCF diets, and the efficacy of these elimination diets.

An initial examination of the psychometric properties of the Diagnostic Instrument for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO-11) in a clinical sample of children with a diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder.

The diagnostic interview for social and communication disorders (DISCO - 11; Wing 2006), is a semi-structured, interview-based instrument used in the diagnosis of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This paper explores the psychometric properties of the DISCO-11 used in a specialist Paediatric clinical setting. Two key research questions were examined; (1) Does the factor structure of the DISCO-11 reflect the diagnostic and statistical manual 5th edition (DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013) dyad of impairment in ASD? (2) Is there evidence of diagnostic stability over time using the DISCO? Review assessments of 65 children with ASD were carried out using standardised measures including the DISCO-11 and the autism diagnostic observation schedule. The results revealed two factors resembling the DSM-5 algorithms, as used in DISCO-11, which were named as social-communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviours. The reliability, for the overall DISCO score was good (Cronbach's alpha = 0.78). The social communication and social interaction subscale showed good reliability (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.77) as did the restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities subscale (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.74). Acceptable internal reliability was found for the overall DISCO score and the subscales of social communication and social interaction and the restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. Test-retest showed good stability of diagnosis over time. This study supports that the DISCO-11 shows potential as a valid and reliable instrument that can be used both for clinical and research purposes.

Relations between Sensory Responsiveness and Features of Autism in Children.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition defined by differences in social communication and by the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities (RRBs). Individuals with autism also commonly present with atypical patterns of sensory responsiveness (i.e., hyporesponsiveness, hyperresponsiveness, and sensory seeking), which are theorized to produce cascading effects across other domains of development. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in sensory responsiveness in children with and without autism (ages 8–18 years), as well as relations between patterns of sensory responsiveness and core and related features of autism. Participants were 50 children with autism and 50 non-autistic peers matched on age and sex. A comprehensive clinical battery included multiple measures of sensory responsiveness, core features of autism, adaptive behavior, internalizing behaviors, cognitive ability, and language ability. Groups significantly differed on all three patterns of sensory responsiveness. Some indices of core and related autism features were robustly associated with all three patterns of sensory responsiveness (e.g., RRBs), while others were more strongly associated with discrete patterns of sensory responsiveness (i.e., internalizing problem behaviors and hyperresponsiveness, language and sensory seeking). This study extends prior work to show that differences in sensory responsiveness that are linked with core and related features of autism persist in older children and adolescents on the spectrum.

Evaluation of Serum Oxytocin Hormone Level in Children with Autism

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a gathering of complex neuro-improvement issueportrayed by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and difficulties with social correspondenceand cooperation.Aim: to study oxytocin levels in the serum of children with autism and its relation with disorder..Patients and Methods: Across-section study was carried out at Pediatric Hospital- Kirkuk-Iraq in a periodbetween the 10th of Jan 2019 30th July 2019. 55 children with autism and 25 healthy children, with thesame age group, were subjected to this study. Biochemical tests were done for estimation of serum Oxytocinhormone levels in children with autism and comparing them with serum OT hormone levels in controlgroup.Results: The results showed that there was a significant (P< 0.05) decrease in the levels of serum Oxytocinhormone in children with autism which declined to 69.67 ± 10.122 Pg/ml as mean values among childrenwith autism when compared with same parameters in control children which was 108.44 ± 4.33 Pg/ml.Conclusion: It was concluded that children with autism disorder have lower serum level of oxytocinhormone than normal healthy children.

First Parental Concerns and Age at Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Review from Malaysia.

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. This is the first study to examine first parental concerns in ASD in Malaysia. We examined: i) age and type of first parental concerns (AOC); ii) association between AOC and severity; iii) time lag between AOC and diagnosis; and iv) factors associated with diagnostic delay.MethodsMedical records of 366 patients (aged 1–18 years) with ASD, at the Developmental Paediatrics Clinic of University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, were reviewed for this 16-month retrospective cohort study. A validated coding system was used for initial parent concerns. Severity was classified via the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th edition (DSM-5) criteria. Time lag between AOC and age at diagnosis (AOD) was calculated. Potential predictors of delayed diagnosis were extracted.ResultsThree-quarters (75.1%) of parents had concerns by 36 months. Speech/language/communication concerns were most frequent (60.1%). Number of first concerns was significantly correlated with severity (social communication/interaction, SCI [P = 0.019] and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviours and/or interests/activities, RRB [P < 0.001]). AOC and AOD were significantly negatively correlated with SCI and RRB (P < 0.001). Medians; AOC: 24 months, AOD: 46 months and time lag: 17 months. Higher initial screen time was associated with diagnostic delay (P = 0.031).ConclusionFirst parental concerns and AOD were comparable to studies across countries. Speech/communication delays may represent universal first parental recognition of ASD.

6.16 REVIEW OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS STUDYING THE BENEFITS OF EQUINE-ASSISTED ACTIVITIES AND THERAPY IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as defined by the DSM-5, is having persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction in multiple contexts as well as displaying restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Presently, there are no effective medications to treat the core symptoms of ASD. There are multiple proposed alternative interventions, including Equine-Assisted Activity and Therapy (EAAT), which involves utilizing a horse to provide the therapy. Equine-assisted activities can provide both occupational therapy such as therapeutic horseback riding, vaulting, carriage driving, and hippotherapy, as well as social and communication benefits such as grooming, stable management, and interaction with the horse.