‘Early childhood autism, Asperger type’, by H. Asperger (1982)

Introduction   The world of autism research has been abuzz with excitement following the publication of a fascinating paper in the journal History of Psychiatry (April 2024). Titled “Early childhood autism, Asperger type’, by H. Asperger (1982),” this research delves into a previously untranslated text by Hans Asperger, offering a fresh perspective on autism from … Read more

The Impact of Caregiver Pressure to Eat on Food Neophobia in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction   Mealtimes can be a battleground for many families, but for caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the struggle can be even more pronounced. New research published in April 2024 sheds light on a potential contributing factor to picky eating in autistic children: pressure from caregivers to eat. This blog post delves … Read more

Occupational Therapy Outcome Measures in Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Scoping Review

Introduction   Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. It can manifest in a wide range of ways, and children with ASD may experience challenges in areas like self-care, play, and social interaction. Thankfully, occupational therapy (OT) has emerged as a valuable intervention … Read more

Assessing Language Abilities in School-age Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Practices of Speech-Language Pathologists

Introduction   Effective communication is a fundamental skill for navigating the world, and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can face significant challenges in this area. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) play a vital role in identifying these challenges and providing targeted interventions to support language development. A recent study published in April 2024 by McKayla M. … Read more

Autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children with Dravet syndrome: A population-based study

Introduction   Dravet syndrome is a complex and challenging condition for both children diagnosed with it and their families. This severe form of epilepsy, typically starting in the first year of life, brings with it frequent seizures, developmental delays, and cognitive impairments. However, the impact of Dravet syndrome can extend even further. A recent study … Read more

Expressive language variation, growth and predictors in Mandarin-exposed young children with autism spectrum disorder

Introduction   The ability to communicate effectively is a fundamental human need. For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), however, language development can present a significant challenge. Researchers are constantly striving to understand how this process unfolds in children with ASD and how to best support their communication needs. A recent study published in April … Read more

Comparison of dental disease testing methods and results in children with autism

Introduction   Ensuring good oral health is crucial for everyone, but it can be a significant challenge for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, and potential anxieties around unfamiliar environments can make traditional dental examinations stressful and unpleasant experiences. This can lead to a cycle of avoidance, missed appointments, and ultimately, … Read more

Real-time coded measures in natural language samples capture change over time in minimally verbal autistic children

Introduction   For parents and caregivers of minimally verbal autistic children, witnessing and nurturing communication development is an area of paramount concern. Traditionally, assessing progress in this area has relied on methods like full transcription of natural language samples (NLS). This can be a time-consuming process, often hindering the ability to effectively monitor progress and … Read more

Aflatoxin B1 exposure exacerbates chemokine receptor expression in the BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J Mouse Model, unveiling insights into autism spectrum disorder: A focus on brain and spleen

Introduction   Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. While the exact causes of ASD remain under investigation, researchers believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role. A recent study published in April 2024 sheds light on a potential environmental … Read more

Finding Stability—A Case Report on the Benefits of Adapted Kata Training for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Introduction   Maintaining balance is a fundamental skill that underpins many aspects of our lives. It allows us to navigate our environment with confidence, engage in physical activities, and perform daily tasks seemingly effortlessly. However, for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), challenges with balance can be quite common. These difficulties can impact their ability … Read more