摘要:

Over the past 15 years, empirical studies have described how the psychological aspects of autism differ from other developmental disorders. Studies of general development describe a pattern of specific relative strengths and weaknesses involving cognitive, emotional, linguistic, and motoric capacities. Because much of the syndrome-specific pattern of autism is present at the preschool period, this has implications for the development of curriculum and educational strategies early on. Early intervention programs that specifically target autism include a variety of educational strategies that address the unique learning profile of autism. As community preschool programs offer enhanced services for this group of young children, they can draw on a body of work generated both from the scientific work in autism and the effective educational practices developed by model preschool programs.

ISSN:0896-3746    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

State early intervention and preschool special education staff, local service providers, and parents are increasingly concerned about the appropriateness and effectiveness of programs for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This article describes a study conducted to ascertain commonalties and differences in critical program practices among nationally known, validated educational programs for young children with ASD. Areas of agreement among programs included early intervention, individualization, specialized curriculum, family involvement, systematic instruction, and intensity of engagement. Program elements considered important by some but not all programs included structured environment, developmentally appropriate practices, and interventions in settings with typical peers.

ISSN:0896-3746    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) can be viewed as an autistic learning disability (ALD) syndrome consisting of difficulties in social understanding, communicative competence, and ability to relate to environment. Resulting autistic learning disability profiles (symptom profiles that specify deficits in learning style associated with autism) can be matched to features of early intervention approaches. Three examples—applied behavior analysis, TEAACH, and relationship therapy/“floor time”—are reviewed to illustrate which aspects of each approach complement individual learning style and developmental status.

ISSN:0896-3746    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Parents of children and adults with autism face a number of problems and decisions. Progress in research has brought significant gains and increased hope for the future but has added to the complexity of decision making in the present. The need to have society recognize the individuality of persons with autism; the importance for parents of maintaining balance in their own lives; and the role of families, advocates, and advocacy organizations in advancing research in autism, are emphasized.

ISSN:0896-3746    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Despite an increasing orientation toward family-centered services in the field of early intervention, relatively little emphasis in the literature has been placed on the importance of providing comprehensive support for families of young children with autism. In this article, we draw on our experiences in early intervention to identify and discuss some distinctive circumstances and challenges that are encountered by families that include young children with autism. We describe three issues that warrant special consideration by professionals as they seek to develop improved programs for supporting children and families affected by autism. It is anticipated that effective family support efforts should result in improved longitudinal outcomes for the child and the family.

ISSN:0896-3746    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Evidence for the hypothesis that genetic factors play a significant role in the susceptibility for autism is reviewed. This evidence comes from three sources: (1) chromosomal abnormalities associated with autism; (2) single gene disorders associated with autism; and (3) twin and family studies of autism. The rationale for and the design of genetics studies of autism currently underway are described. Results from these recent genetic investigations that include candidate gene studies, association studies, and full genome screen studies are reviewed. To date, these investigations have failed to locate any genes having a major effect on the susceptibility for autism. Continuing research efforts, using a variety of approaches, will be needed to further our understanding of the role of genetic factors in autism.

ISSN:0896-3746    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

This study of autism and other disorders in the autism spectrum over time aimed to ascertain whether there has been an increase in the prevalence of these disorders in recent years. All English language papers on the prevalence of autism were reviewed, and 20 saidies, published in 1966 through 1997, were located and subdivided into U.S. studies (n=2) and non-U.S. studies (n=18). The latter group was subdivided into four 8-year periods. The studies relating to other disorders on the autism spectrum using acceptable methodology were few and far between. The early studies yielded autism prevalence rates of under 0.5 in 1,000 children, whereas the later showed a mean rate of about 1 in 1,000. There was a marked difference in prevalence rates between those studies that included some children born before 1970 (low) and those that included only children born in 1970 and after (high rates). This could be due to lower rates obtained by use of criteria strictly based on Kanner's description of his syndrome. The U.S. studies reported atypically low rates. There was a highly significant estimated change with calendar year in the non-U.S. studies (3.8% per year). Asperger syndrome appears to be much more common than autistic disorder, whereas the syndrome described by Heller (disintegrative disorder) is much rarer. The prevalence of other autism spectrum disorders remains uncertain. Autism is considerably more common than previously believed. There are several possible reasons for the higher rates, including change in diagnostic criteria and increasing autism awareness in society generally. Asperger syndrome is possibly much more common than autism, and the population rate of autism spectrum disorders (including the syndromes delineated by Kanner, Asperger, and Heller) appears to be at least half a per cent of the general population of school age children.

ISSN:0896-3746    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Surveillance of the prevalence of autism and other serious developmental disabilities in children is needed to understand the magnitude of these health problems and to identify subgroups of the population at increased risk. Ongoing surveillance would also provide a mechanism for addressing public concerns about possible increases in the rate of autism in specific communities. At present, there are scant data on autism prevalence available for the United States. This article describes CDC's autism surveillance activities, including the challenges and limitations of these activities.

ISSN:0896-3746    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

ZERO TO THREE'S Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DCO-3) is designed to foster the development of a common vocabulary that will enhance communication among professionals, an agreed-upon set of diagnostic categories, and a well-defined process for organizing observations and other information from assessments in order to create a coherent and individualized intervention plan. Regulator)' Disorders, a unique contribution of DCO-3, are described, and a case report illustrates the assessment process and diagnostic thinking leading to a diagnosis of regulatory disorder in a 32-month-old boy, as well as collaborative intervention planning and implementation.

ISSN:0896-3746    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The Checklist for Autism in Young Children, comprising 30 symptoms related to autism, was administered to 143 children with autism. The children had an average of 23 (77%) of the checklist symptoms (range 50%—97%). Percentages of children exhibiting each checklist symptom and other data were compared with diagnostic criteria and associated features reported in the DSM-IV. Two DSM-IV diagnostic criteria were not supported by study findings, and four checklist symptoms occurred at high frequencies (89%—100%) but were not included as DSM-IV diagnostic criteria.

ISSN:0896-3746    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1999

数据来源: OVID